Need new tires......

[niksagkram]

Hi all. Looks like it's time for new tires on my TV, 2003 Chev Silverado 1500. My current tires, which were on the truck when we bought it 2 years ago, are P255/60R16 with a load rating of 109 and a speed rating of 'S'. I actually had one blow out on me on the week-end (luckily no TT) and the tire shop I went to said my tires are "too light-weight for towing" (his words).
My TT is a 2003 Kustom Koach KT251, 494LB hitch weight, and a GVWR of 7200LBS. What should I be looking for when I go tire shopping? What are your favorites?

Thanks, Mark

[HuckleberryHunt]

I have a 2003 Silverado 1500 with a 5500lb TT. Shortly after we got the trailer, 8 years ago, I replaced the stock P265/75 R16 Bridgestone Dueler's, which would squat under load, with LT 265/75 R16 Toyo Open Country A/T, Load Range D tires and had them siped at installation. The tire's weight ratings exceed the axel limit on the truck, so no need to go to the Load Range E tires in my opinion. They've been fantastic. I've got 76K miles on them and are just now approaching the need for replacement. I run them at 60psi when the trailer is attached or if I'm loading the truck with firewood or something heavy. For standard day to day driving I keep them around 43-48 psi for even tread ware and ride comfort. They're a heavier tire with a slightly more aggressive tread than the stock P tires, so they provide a slightly stiffer ride and my gas milage dropped about 1 mpg (which might be better if I'd gone with the highway tread instead of the all terrain), but I've never regretted that decision. I'd recommend them in a heartbeat.
FWIW.

[rbpru]

Most people will exceed their gross axle weight before their max tire weight.

Switching to LTs will improve the tire durability and stiffen the ride and you can also get a selection of numerous tread designs.

However, LTs do not make a half ton into a three quarter ton.

In my case my axle load is within the ratings of my "P" tire and rig pulls well.

Also, the DW considers the ride of 4x4 F-150 too stiff already, so "LTs" are not in our future.

[Prowler_guy]

I changed from P rated tires on the Tahoe to 8ply LTs, Toyo Open Country AT2 and the difference in towing was amazing (no more wiggle/sway). Have had them on there 3 years now and still lots of life left in them. They are a little loud but I would definitely buy them again.

[LinkedXJ]

Definitely need to get rid of those "P" tires.
Dont buy another set.

[niksagkram]

Need-A-Vacation wrote:
Is the 500lb hitch weight the "brochure weight"? Or did you actually weigh the tongue? On average, TW is 12-15% of the total trailer weight. So a 6500lb trailer (for example) could have a TW of 780lbs-975lbs.

Yes, that is "brochure weight" I've never actually weighed it myself.

The truck is 2WD.

Thanks for all the input, guys.

[Tequila]

I swapped my worn Michelin XPS ribs out for Coopers, and regreted it, the Coopers were wearing about 3 times as fast as the Michelins did, but I just sold the truck anyway. Both were E class tires. pay the extra for the Michelins, its worth it.

It's the cheapskate that ends up paying the most.

[JIMNLIN]

I keep LT265/70-17 C load range tires on the wifes 1500 crew cab 4x4 pickup. I've used load E tires on a couple of std duty 1/2 ton trucks before but always dropped them and went back to a P or load C tire.

Most 1/2 ton wheels aren't load or pressure rated for 80 psi or 3042 lbs capacity anyway and was a waste of money for my use even at max axle loads.
Half ton trucks like the OP's truck have a 3800-4000 lb RAWR rating which includes the rear spring pack/tires and wheels. A 2200-2500 lb rated tire would give a nice reserve capacity.

[ZeeLet50]

I second the Cooper A/T3s had them for over a year now. Good in snow and rain, quiet and wear well on my Sierra 1500.

[2012Coleman]

I have been very happy with Michelin's.

[Need-A-Vacation]

Is the 500lb hitch weight the "brochure weight"? Or did you actually weigh the tongue? On average, TW is 12-15% of the total trailer weight. So a 6500lb trailer (for example) could have a TW of 780lbs-975lbs.

LT tires yes, but chances are you will be fine with a LR C. I put a set of Cooper A/T3's on our '10 Sikverado 1500 275/65/18 LR C and never had any issues towing a ~7200lb, ~920lb TW (TW may have been a little more, was 900lbs last time weighed, and rearranged some things for more TW) loaded trailer, with items in the bed and a cab high fiberglass topper.

2 or 4wd? I was very happy with the Cooper A/T3's, in all conditions except never tried them in mud. They got me safely to Northern Michigan and back snowmobiling, as well as the Sault Ste Marie, Ontario area for snowmobiling. No issues in rain or wet roads. Plus a 55k mi tread warranty. Road noise wasn't any more than the stock Bridgestone Duehlers that were on the truck.

It has been since before the BFG A/T KO's came out that I owned a set. Was always happy with them except the price. Main reason I gave the Coopers a try. Save about $300, plus the mileage warranty the BFG's don't have.

Buddy has been happy with a set of Toyo Open Country A/T II Extremes.

Good luck!

[Dannyabear1]

You need LT (light truck) tires, not 'P', and a 10 ply tire; there are plenty of them to choose from