LT vs P Tires???
At what weight trailer is it a prudent decision to swap P tires to LTs? I tow a reasonably light trailer that is 5k pounds dry. Is this light enough that P tires will be okay for me? Certai...
Forum Discussion
All OEM's have engineered the components for their offerings sized for
the 'ratings', which includes performance...which has regulatory agency
requirements backed in that needs to be certified
That is how the ratings/limits/specifications systems work here and
even over there
There is no 'weight' per say, but the vehicles limits that going higher
class will help. That weight of the trailer point really also dictates
the TV's class/sizing...which brings along the higher class components
like tires, drive train, frame, etc, etc. Folks see that the higher
class TV's comes with higher class tires...think that just by putting
on higher class tires will make their limits better...nope...just helps
manhandle the setup at the limits better
The RMA recommended 9% de-rating of 'P' class tires on trucks and SUVs
has already been accounted for by the OEM offerings (stock).
'Some' half ton's come from the factory with the next higher class tire, 'LT'
Serious off roading package generally will have 'LT' class tires from
the factory.
Fake half ton's will have 'LT' class tires
Those who push their limits/ratings/spec/etc will benefit more going
to 'LT' class, but not necessary. Their performance will improve by
going to the next higher class, but their ratings will NOT change
The biggest and best change in 'P' class tires for towing has been
going to larger dia wheels and the then required lower aspect ratio
That has less sidewall, therefore less sidewall flexing. Even less
sidewall bendback to roll over even more during maneuvering
If ride quality high on your 'have to have' list, get or stick to 'P'
class of the min size your door label says.
If increasing the manhandling of your setup is high on your 'have to
have' list, then consider going up to 'LT' class, but then understand
that you are re-engineering your suspension and need to account for
those changes and/or requirements of that tire
IMHO, PSI is mainly to keep the tire's shape during it's duties at
or near the limits of spec and is an oxymoron to 'ride quality'
the 'ratings', which includes performance...which has regulatory agency
requirements backed in that needs to be certified
That is how the ratings/limits/specifications systems work here and
even over there
There is no 'weight' per say, but the vehicles limits that going higher
class will help. That weight of the trailer point really also dictates
the TV's class/sizing...which brings along the higher class components
like tires, drive train, frame, etc, etc. Folks see that the higher
class TV's comes with higher class tires...think that just by putting
on higher class tires will make their limits better...nope...just helps
manhandle the setup at the limits better
The RMA recommended 9% de-rating of 'P' class tires on trucks and SUVs
has already been accounted for by the OEM offerings (stock).
'Some' half ton's come from the factory with the next higher class tire, 'LT'
Serious off roading package generally will have 'LT' class tires from
the factory.
Fake half ton's will have 'LT' class tires
Those who push their limits/ratings/spec/etc will benefit more going
to 'LT' class, but not necessary. Their performance will improve by
going to the next higher class, but their ratings will NOT change
The biggest and best change in 'P' class tires for towing has been
going to larger dia wheels and the then required lower aspect ratio
That has less sidewall, therefore less sidewall flexing. Even less
sidewall bendback to roll over even more during maneuvering
If ride quality high on your 'have to have' list, get or stick to 'P'
class of the min size your door label says.
If increasing the manhandling of your setup is high on your 'have to
have' list, then consider going up to 'LT' class, but then understand
that you are re-engineering your suspension and need to account for
those changes and/or requirements of that tire
IMHO, PSI is mainly to keep the tire's shape during it's duties at
or near the limits of spec and is an oxymoron to 'ride quality'
