So Im due for new boots on the truck. My thought was to go just a size larger without compromising my gearing. Has anyone regretted going to a 10 ply from their P-metric tires and/or regretted putting on a lager tire and towing?Here's what I'm looking at:

Just be aware that most 10 ply tires are a rated 10 ply not actual 10 ply.I'm not sure if it matters, but just be aware.

I went from P-metric passenger size tires on my Ranger, to slightly larger LT truck tires, with a higher load rating. The truck rides firmer, handles weight better and generally handles driving better, even when empty. The truck has 3.73 gears and the small change in tire size didn't make much difference in power or operation. The change was well worth it, to me.I am going to do the same thing with my Toyota Tacoma, which has passenger tires on it too. Except, because the Tacoma only has 3.58 gearing and a less powerful engine than the Ranger and even smaller passenger tires on it than the Ranger had, I will have to change the gearing in the Tacoma, likely to 4.56. I know I won't be happy at all with the larger tires and the puny 3.58 gears, since I'm not happy with it as it is.I went from a smaller size and lower rated LT-E truck tire on my F350SRW, to a larger size, similarly rated LT-D tire, then to a larger size, higher rated LT-E truck tire, because of high loaded rear axle weight. On that truck, I had already changed the gearing from 3.55 to 4.56 before the final tire size change, because the truck was originally underpowered and undergeared, even with the stock tires. Switching tires to the first larger size with the original gearing made the problem worse. Changing the gears fixed the problem.You're only talking about a 1" difference in tire height, according to the page you posted. Unless your truck is already taxed on power and gearing, the small change in tire size likely won't make a noticeable difference.In my opinion, towing or hauling any significant weight with a truck or SUV should always be done with at least an LT-D or E truck tire. Passenger tires have no business on a truck, especially one that is actually used to haul/tow something heavy. Manufacturers put passenger car tires on trucks, to make them ride like passenger cars. Trucks are trucks. Let them do their job and ride like trucks.

I just bought 5 wheels and tires (5th is on backorder :M ) for my Ram 1500. They just came in last night, so I have not had a chance to put them on. But, I actually went to a smaller tire by about 3/4 of an inch. I went from P275/60R20 to LT275/65R18 LR-E. I figure with my 3.55 gears, the smaller tire will give me a little more RPM. Also, hoping that the smaller tire will offset going with a much heavier than OEM tire.I am surprised you don't want to stay in the 65 aspect ratio tire. I was so surprised with the amount of choices in that size. Seems like most major brands had both a P rated and LT rated in that size, with one having P, LR-C, and LR-E in the same tire. That is one of the main reasons why I went from the 20" with 2 LT choices in my size to the 18" with over 2 dozen choices.

I can't speak for your F-150, but when I changed from 265/75R16 to 285/75R16 on my V-10 F-250 with a 3.73 axle I could feel the difference immediately. MUCH more downshifting required to maintain speed. I couldn't hardly wait for the 285's to wear out so I could go back to 265's.

Didn't change tire dimensions, but did got to an LT-E from the OEM P rated tire.Crisper ride, but not harsh or jarring once the pressure is set appropriately for the weights. Much better when towing.Your TPMS may gag on the new LT tire pressure requirements.

10 ply LTs | Good Sam Community

Dill_TPMS
Explorer
Jul 12, 2016
CDN SuperCrew,

Just wanted to let you know that when you make the change in tires, you can have your ECU reset to the proper tire inflation for the load carrying capacity and handling that would be OE the heavier tires.
This will make sure your TPMS is working accurately and within the standard 25% drop in pressure that illuminates a dashboard light for safety.
One of the common tools found in automotive shops across the U.S. and Canada that is fully capable of this is the Bartec TPMS Scan Tool.
I am not from or affiliated with Bartec but own one due to my profession.
It is a quick OBD II hook-up that allows you to make this change with a few short tool clicks. It has very defined rules within it so you are unable to make it what you want, rather to the tire designation based upon your year/make/model (as decoded by the VIN). 10 minutes is all it should take.
Also suggest having that service facility update the placard on the driver door as well with an approved sticker which they likely have.
Good luck!
ChooChooMan74
Explorer
Jul 11, 2016
Well, as a little review on my upgrade from P to LT on my 1500, I LOVE IT! Little Firmer on the tires. Short test, getting nearly identical mileage with my Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 Low Rolling Resistance tires. I would look into them.
CND_SuperCrew
Explorer
Jul 09, 2016
SoCalDesertRider wrote:
If you can fit 18's over your truck's brakes, you'll likely have more tire choices in 18's versus 20's.

Not sure what you mean, Ive never indicated anything about 20" :h
SoCalDesertRid1
Explorer
Jul 09, 2016
If you can fit 18's over your truck's brakes, you'll likely have more tire choices in 18's versus 20's.
CND_SuperCrew
Explorer
Jul 09, 2016
Right now its not my first choice to go to a 10 ply E tire. The LT C actually have a lower weight rating then my P metric by about 80#, and only come in a GY or Cooper, yes I know they will have stiffer side wall. Tires are exceedingly expensive here in Canada also, $1200 bare brand to $1600+ for name brand in my sizing
Another option I was thinking about again only available in P or 10ply 265/70/18
CND_SuperCrew
Explorer
Jul 09, 2016
JW2 wrote:
CND SuperCrew: Interesting information. Would you please share with us the specific web site that your information came from so we can also use it? Thanks

Tire Size
JW2
Explorer
Jul 09, 2016
CND SuperCrew: Interesting information. Would you please share with us the specific web site that your information came from so we can also use it? Thanks
mtofell1
Explorer
Jul 09, 2016
I've gone with slightly larger tires on various trucks over the years and have been happy. Just be sure the rims are rated for the higher PSI with the stronger tires.
brulaz
Explorer
Jul 09, 2016
Didn't change tire dimensions, but did got to an LT-E from the OEM P rated tire.

Crisper ride, but not harsh or jarring once the pressure is set appropriately for the weights. Much better when towing.

Your TPMS may gag on the new LT tire pressure requirements.
Sport45
Explorer II
Jul 09, 2016
I can't speak for your F-150, but when I changed from 265/75R16 to 285/75R16 on my V-10 F-250 with a 3.73 axle I could feel the difference immediately. MUCH more downshifting required to maintain speed. I couldn't hardly wait for the 285's to wear out so I could go back to 265's.