"P" tire designation vs. "LT"

As long as you are not running over there design parameters they should be fine.

Great advice everyone. That's why I love this site. Thanks!

Before you look at LT tires, look at the newer XL rated P Metric tires. I came across this rating awhile back and looked into what the difference was, between the 3 ratings.......Amazing, the P Metric XL is basically the same as an LT load range C/D at a much better price. It has a stiffer sidewall than a basic P metric, will carry the same or close to the same weight as an equivalent LT and can be aired up to 55#.

Federal LAW requires that the tires on your truck (at time of sale) MUST be capable of handling the GVWR of your truck. You might get added stability from having truck tires instead of passenger car tires but that's all. If you're not having any stability issues you have nothing to gain except the privelege of spending more money on tires.

Not all P rated tires are equal!! My stock tires on my TV, Goodyear Wrangler ST 225/75R16, feel like I am towing on Jello. They are made light for fuel mileage and road comfort. I towed my trailer home this winter with my Firestone Winterforce 245/70R16 and what a world of difference. I am currently looking to buy 5 new tires for the TV this month, as I am sick of switching to my Winter Tires when I want to tow.

The Texan wrote:
Before you look at LT tires, look at the newer XL rated P Metric tires. I came across this rating awhile back and looked into what the difference was, between the 3 ratings.......Amazing, the P Metric XL is basically the same as an LT load range C/D at a much better price. It has a stiffer sidewall than a basic P metric, will carry the same or close to the same weight as an equivalent LT and can be aired up to 55#.

Just put a set of Hankook Dynapros on my TV and I wanted a P rated tire for ride comfort. LT tires ride harsh. They can Handel the load and the ride is smooth. They are an XL rated tire with a 108 weight rating.

JKaz

To help the OP place some of these opinions into context...

There is more to it than just the differing classes of tires

Ditto wheels and their weight class & PSI ratings...their rim width in reference
to the tire going to mount on them also plays huge...as does the aspect ratio

Going up in class from 'P' class to the next higher class 'LT' requires a review
of the wheel spec. Weight carry rating, PSI rating and rim width to the tire
OEM's recommendation for 'that' tire

Going larger dia wheels does have the need for lower profile (lower aspect ratio)
tires. Mainly to keep the effective diff ratio the same or 'close'

A rim width on the narrow end of the tire OEM's recommended for 'that' tire will
increase the 'ride quality' attributes. Going wider will increase the performance
(mainly slip angle), reduce roll resistance (give PSI) and reduce ride quality

Personally not a fan of the extra rating for 'P' class tires. Still have to DE-RATE
the sidewall listed max weight rating by 9% when using any 'P' class on a pickup
or SUV. The OEM has done that with the tires they provided from the factory

Going up in tire class will NOT solve TV ratings problems. Just help with handling
and safety, but at a cost (wheel spec)

I towed a fairly light trailer (4400lb loaded at the scales, + maybe another 500 lb on hitch) with my older dodge 1500 with 20inch P tires. I also had an ATV in the back. According to the numbers, I was at capacity for the truck. This worked well enough on smooth paved roads. As soon as I hit gravel, those factory GY HP's started picking up rocks (new tires, maybe 5000km on them) and leaking. I had one sidewall blow out in a small pothole. (1 trip, $600 for 2 new tires, replacing new tires)
In my case, I was at capacity of the truck. Without the ATV I'd of been fine.
What I am saying is, you can run those P rated if you aren't loading up the truck with lots of gear. My ATV is about 600lbs, with the trailer hooked up, my wife and some gear (gas cans, tools etc) I only had 1-200 lbs left on the tires and the truck payload.
I'd reccomend a tire upgrade in the future if you plan on being on gravel and dirtroads any amount... those GY HP's don't do well there loaded or not. Definitely a pavement tire.

I would not change the tires until they are worn out. Then, there are no LT tires in your stock size. I would stick with lighter, P tires in your stock size going forward, until you can replace the whole truck.

APT wrote:
I would stick with lighter, P tires in your stock size going forward, until you can replace the whole truck.

Spoken like a true diehard GM guy. :B