XL vs LT tires?

Photobucket messed up my image files...so did a quick search and found the below (there are many more, but this should get it across)

There is also a PSI rating and again my picture files in disarray for now






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Comparing two different classes of tire....

The lower class tire, even though 'XL...extra load', till has to be de-rated a min of 9% of it's sidewall weight carry rating

The higher class tire does NOT need to be de-rated as the "P" class tires used on pickups/SUVs/etc

It is NOT all about weight carrying either. There are other attributes to tires...

Wheels has ratings too...both weight carry and PSI

My wheels never had a pressure limit. If I were you, I would only look at e rated tires no matter what pressure you ultimately run.

Go for the LT tire. Handling while towing will be much improved.

Go to the "E" and air the same as before. Same pressures same load carrying.

95jersey wrote:
So thinking about getting some new tires this spring and moving up to either XL or LT tires. Not sure which is the better option for me? I have a 2018 F150 with OEM P tires now. Towing 6500lb (dry) (8000lb loaded) toy hauler with approx 1200lb hitch.

I only tow a handful of times (6-8) each year, so 90% is daily driving. I don't want a bone jarring ride 90% of the time, so is the XL tire a good compromise or should I just go LT?

First you have to find the max pressure rating of your wheels. Xl tires are typically up to 41PSI and you can get LT tires in C,D,and E ratings (50, 65, 80 PSI). you'll need to match a tire to the max pressure your wheels can handle.

Tire Rack rating and pressure chart.

If you're current rig is within specs but you want to get rid of P-tire squish then XL's might do it. LT tires will give you a stiffer side wall and harsher ride to go along with the higher load capacity.