Changing ps tires to LT tires? Which ones?
We have a 2008 Tahoe. I need to change out the ps tires to LT for towing. Am I right in that I just need the LT tires on the back? Can I keep my ps tires on the front? Also which Lt tires would yo...
Forum Discussion
Anyone change from the same tire in p-metric to LT on a light truck or SUV? For example, the p-metric Michelin MS/2 for my 08 Sierra 1500 (265/70-17) weighs in at 42 lbs each, and are rated at 2535 lbs @ 44 psi. The same tire in an LT/E weighs 48 lbs each, and are rated at 3195 lbs @ 80 psi. I'm pretty sure you're supposed to derate p-metrics by 10% when put on a truck, which drops the p-tire to ~2280 lbs each.
I would never run 80 lbs in a LT tire on a 1500 truck, but I do put up to the max of 44 psi in my current tires while towing (usually ~40). If the E tires are run at 50 psi, then the load rating drops to 2205 lbs. They go to 2460 lbs at 60 psi. So, the p-metric has about the same rating at full pressure as a LT tire at 55 to 60 psi.
Another issue would be the TPMS system, since the pressure monitor is set to flag pressures out of range for the stock tire. I guess that the dealer could change that (?), but it's something to be aware of.
I'm about due for tires, and would be interested to hear from folks that have swapped from a p-metric to the same tire in LT, and if towing improved enough to offset the negative aspects.
I would never run 80 lbs in a LT tire on a 1500 truck, but I do put up to the max of 44 psi in my current tires while towing (usually ~40). If the E tires are run at 50 psi, then the load rating drops to 2205 lbs. They go to 2460 lbs at 60 psi. So, the p-metric has about the same rating at full pressure as a LT tire at 55 to 60 psi.
Another issue would be the TPMS system, since the pressure monitor is set to flag pressures out of range for the stock tire. I guess that the dealer could change that (?), but it's something to be aware of.
I'm about due for tires, and would be interested to hear from folks that have swapped from a p-metric to the same tire in LT, and if towing improved enough to offset the negative aspects.
