Forum Discussion

HuckFinn410's avatar
HuckFinn410
Explorer
Sep 07, 2012

E, LT or P Rated Tires for my 1/2 Ton?

The amount of information and details in purchasing new tires for my TV is almost overwhelming. I, like many people, research the******out of this type of larger purchase. Tires are one of the unique items that once you bought it, you own it regardless of how they work for your needs.

Anyway, I anticipate towing only a few thousand miles annually for the next couple of years, between camper and small boat. Other than the poor longevity (42k and done) of my current P rated LTX Michelins they have performed well as far as towing and everyday driving. Decent handling in weather and fairly solid in towing. However, as I mentioned in another post, I do not want to buy another set of Michelins (even though Costco is starting their $70 off deal next week).

My question is this…..I am considering putting LT or E rated tires on my truck. In your experience, will I notice a much firmer, bumpier ride for everyday driving? With two kids in High school I tend to do a lot of running around town playing taxi, but I also get out the highway for an occasional road trip.

Would putting E rated (or LT..since most of those seem to be E’s…with a few being C rated) be a huge mistake? Will it ruin the smoothish ride of my truck? Would it give me more longevity / miles?

The tires I’m looking at are..

Hankook Dynapro RF 10 P265/70/17 …$149
Hankook Dynapro Rf 10 LT265/70/17 E….$210
Hankook Dynapro RF12 P 265/70/17…$175
Hankook Dynapro RF12 LT 265/70/17 E …$196

All from DiscountTiresDirect.com
Free shipping, no tax. The local NTB will install for $60.

What do you think? E vs. P vs. LT ?
Tow Vehicles

39 Replies

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  • BenK's avatar
    BenK
    Explorer
    Sep 07, 2012
    Mishmash of info....

    Here is clarification

    There are classes of tires

    P, class are for passenger car and need to be de-reared a min of 9 % when used on trucks. The OEM has already done on half ton...not fake half tons...regulate half tons


    Next higher class is LT and no de-rating needed

    Their weight ratings are numeric for P class. For LT, letter designators. C represents 6 ply, D = 8ply, E = 10 ply

    P class has a very small edge for better ride quality over the same metric sized LT

    Noise is more a function of tread type. M/S or AT treads noiser

    Via SmartPhone...excuse the fat finger typos!
  • TurnThePage's avatar
    TurnThePage
    Explorer
    Sep 07, 2012
    If you go with E rated, you don't have to air them up to 80 PSI, even to tow. Especially if you're within your half ton towing limits.
  • skipnchar's avatar
    skipnchar
    Explorer
    Sep 07, 2012
    A load range C, LT tire would be what your truck needs to handle it's GVWR but if you WANT to put Es on it the only down side is a harsher ride. E is the load range of the LT tire, not something separate from it. E is a 10 ply rated radial tire and usually required on one ton trucks and many 3/4 ton models. Load range D would be a good option from a weight carrying standpoint but the selection and available sizes is not very large so MOST who need a D (like my Ford) move up to an E to they have more choices of tire brands and sizes.

    Good luck / Skip
  • WellShooter2's avatar
    WellShooter2
    Explorer
    Sep 07, 2012
    Francesca Knowles wrote:
    The "E" tire IS an "LT"- E is the weight rating.

    "P" is of course for "passenger car", and most folks don't run them on light trucks.


    I would, and have, run P tires on half ton trucks. A 'P' tire provides a significantly better ride and handling. Just don't go off pavement much and don't pull or haul anything.
  • HuckFinn410's avatar
    HuckFinn410
    Explorer
    Sep 07, 2012
    popupcamping wrote:
    increased road noise and harsher ride but yes they will last longer. simply because there is more tread to start with. But with the increased price I dont think longevity will be a benefit.

    If you are performing well towing I would stay with OEM tires. are you really towing 3000 miles a year cause that sounds like a lot.


    Most years we tow 5-6k, I anticipate a bit less in the next couple of year.
    Use it or lose it!

    WOW!!! Popupcamping. You've been a forum member for about a week or so and are already a senior member (200+ posts). You are posting at a rate of more than 23 a day! You truly are an active participant of this forum. I am about 7 years in and am only a couple of posts aways from senior status (for whatever that will buy me!) :)
  • popupcamping's avatar
    popupcamping
    Explorer
    Sep 07, 2012
    increased road noise and harsher ride but yes they will last longer. simply because there is more tread to start with. But with the increased price I dont think longevity will be a benefit.

    If you are performing well towing I would stay with OEM tires. are you really towing 3000 miles a year cause that sounds like a lot.
  • Francesca_Knowl's avatar
    Francesca_Knowl
    Explorer
    Sep 07, 2012
    The "E" tire IS an "LT"- E is the weight rating.

    "P" is of course for "passenger car", and most folks don't run them on light trucks.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Sep 07, 2012
    There is the option of LT "D" rated tires, without looking they should be right between the P rated and the LT D rated tires in load carrying capacity.

    They will ride better than the E's and a little harsher then the P's.

    That said are your rims rated for LT E rated tires, 80 psi Max air.

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