LT or P Tires ?

[jsdad]

My old stock Wrangler AT "P" rated 265 70R 17 tires are up for replacement.

I know the "LT" are optimum for towing, but was wondering if I really need them? Cost is not a factor between the P and LT.

I'm not crazy about the hit you take on gas mileage with the heavier "LT" tires. I'm going to go with a lot more aggressive tread for a lot of Wisconsin winter highway driving than I have now, so that alone is going to be a hit on gas mileage.

I drive a 2008 Silverado 1500 4x4 with tow package, I pull a 26-1/2', 2014 keystone trailer 4636# unloaded. (I'm guessing I don't exceed the rough estimate of 1500# loaded, haven't weighed everything yet) Just got everything last season.

I only use our trailer about 3-4 times a year, so 95% of the time the truck is my daily driver to work 25 miles total, mostly highway each day.

I'm looking at either General Grabber AT/2 "P" rated tire 2679# @ 44#
or the Hankook Dynapro ATM RF 10 rated at around 2400# Both tires are available in "LT" versions.

The trailer seemed to pull OK with the old Wrangler "P" tires, only slightly squishy up front a couple of times, (Road?) but than I have never owned a full size pick-up and full size camper, so not too much I can compare to. I previously had just a 2WD Ranger and a pop-up camper.

Thoughts and advice from the more experienced? Please help and advise?

Thanks

Hal

[BarneyS]

Please do not double post. See any new replies to your question here.

[jsdad]

donn0128 wrote:
Mileage hit? Never heard of that excuse against LT tires. IMHO there is one and only one thing against a LT tire. They will ride a bit stiffer.

Most things I've read, state because the LT tire is a good 10# heavier than their equivalent "P" rated tire, that you will loose roughly 2 MPG. (It takes more effort to move a heavier mass tire from stop).

[wannavolunteerF]

I am in a similar situation and will be going to LT tires. I get that squishy/squirrelly feeling on certain highways. I can't imagine taking the chance on the "well maintained" Wisconsin highways. I can definitely tell if I air my current P series tires up higher than the recommendation for best ride. That is what helped me make my decision.

[donn0128]

Mileage hit? Never heard of that excuse against LT tires. IMHO there is one and only one thing against a LT tire. They will ride a bit stiffer.