Spey_Rod
May 01, 2014Explorer
Tire Talk...
Since I am running right up against my GVWR on the truck I have decided to upgrade to 10 ply tires. My choices at this point are Cooper ST Maxx and AT3 and the Nokian Rotiiva AT. I am looking for size...
BenK wrote:
It is NOT just weight carry rating, but the rest of a tire/wheel.
Design, manufacturing, materials, etc. There are major similarities
and differences between 'P' class and 'LT' class tires, wheels and
even valve stems.
Here is a picture of the alloy wheels on my 1980 Silverado C10.
The wheel ratings are mandated by DOT to be on all wheels sold for
road use (not off road). Too many has the info on the rim covered by
the tire and have to remove the tire to see it
While working my way through college...I've personally eyeballed and
replaced a steel wheel that had LT tires and the PSI was over the
wheel rating. The rim cracked for about 4 inches and rusty. Telling
that it was cracking for a while till it finally cracked clean
through at that spot.
The posts only touch on tire technology and if you wish to really learn
get some books and read up.
This link is to one of the best tire/wheel/suspension info sites I've
found to date
http://www.4crawler.com/Diesel/Tires.shtml
'P' class (aka...passenger car tire) is what is found on most 7.2K GVWR
pickups (aka...half ton), SUVs, CUVs andCARS
.
'LT' class (aka...light truck tire) is what is found on most +8.6K GVWR
pickups, SUVs and CUVs.
If you take the exact same brand, model and size tire of 'P' class
and 'LT' class and weigh them. The 'LT' class tire will weigh more
and will also cost more.
They both may have the same/similar weight carry rating, but as noted
before, 'P' class tires used on trucks must have their sidewall rating
reduced by a min of 9%
Over at my Suburban forum a guy in Finland had his wife take their
8.6K GVWR Suburban in for new tires. The dealer put on 'P' class.
After we explained that over there, they actually have better enforcement
of the equipment and component laws (same over here, but we don't
enforce).
That dealer took them back and mounted 'LT' class tires at no additional
cost.
Dealer was facing: suspension or revoke of his license, fines and even
jail time. The driver was facing impound of the vehicle spot on and
not allowed to proceed on public roads...even if the LEO stop was for
something other than tires.