Changing ps tires to LT tires? Which ones?

Well,, I was told it would be better and the sway would not be as bad if I had LT tires. Although I just got Brand new tires on the back. Hate to change them but I will if it affects the sway.

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.

It is a good idea to change to better tires for towing.

Why do you think you need to change to LT tires?

If you decide to change them, I highly recommend highly rated ones and light ones. I have had 3 vehicles and 5 sets of tires in that size. 15 pounds of additional rotation weight has am impact on performance and fuel economy.

excellent service from the Michelin LTX M/S 2's

but you may not be happy, happy, happy with the difference in the tires.

your current tires are nice and soft, smooth, etc:

my Michelin LTX M/S tires at 65 psi are a bit rough, but the stiff sidewall keeps the tow vehicle from swaying around so much.

before you buy, ask to look at a Michelin LTX M/S or A/S tire and feel the sidewall for stiffness, then ask to look at a tire like you have on your vehicle.

at least you can see the difference before you lay money down and are dis- satisfied.
a lot of money to be out and then unhappy,
these tires cost me about $250 each, but I live in no-where's-ville, KY so the tires are shipped in by mule train.

You really don't need to change your tires. The 265/70R17's already have a higher load rating than you need.
I use p-metrics on my Chevy 1/2-ton and I have a slide-in camper AND pull a 18' boat. No problems and the tires are nowhere close to max rating (I drove to the scales to verify).

I have BF Goodrich All Terrain K/O in range E and they are GREAT. Should be able to find them for less than $250 per tire. I have 43K miles on them and they still have at least another 1/3rd of life left. I've been very happy with them.

Desert Captain wrote:
I have had excellent service from the Michelin LTX M/S 2's. I put a set (they are E rated), on my truck when we towed our 22' TT and the improvement over the P's was nothing short of amazing. Recently I got a full set of 6 for free from Michelin as our 2012 Class C came with the old M/S's that were/are the subject of a recall.

The LTX M/S 2 is a new design that replaced the old M/S. The ride and handling of our C noticeably improved with the new tires, even lost a couple of annoying rattles. They have a street tread which gives a smooth and quiet ride and yet are rated for use in mud or snow. Just air them up to the load they will be carrying and you will be good to go. They come with a 70,000 mile tread life warranty and can be had, out the door, for around $250 a piece.

As always.... Opinions and YMMV.

:C

X-2 that what we run on the yukon XL

I have had excellent service from the Michelin LTX M/S 2's. I put a set (they are E rated), on my truck when we towed our 22' TT and the improvement over the P's was nothing short of amazing. Recently I got a full set of 6 for free from Michelin as our 2012 Class C came with the old M/S's that were/are the subject of a recall.

The LTX M/S 2 is a new design that replaced the old M/S. The ride and handling of our C noticeably improved with the new tires, even lost a couple of annoying rattles. They have a street tread which gives a smooth and quiet ride and yet are rated for use in mud or snow. Just air them up to the load they will be carrying and you will be good to go. They come with a 70,000 mile tread life warranty and can be had, out the door, for around $250 a piece.

As always.... Opinions and YMMV.

:C

sheripoms wrote:
Well the tires we have on now are p265/70r17 so I guess we should stay with that size except LT ones Right?

I currently have 265 70R 17 E rated Nitto Crosstecs on my pickup. At 5,000 miles and happy with them.