I need to upgrade the tires on my TV (2011 Expedition EL) due to some recommendation from other knowledgeable folks. I’m towing 7500 lbs travel trailer and recommendations that I upgrade my tires to load range D or E tires. There are not a lot of options in my tire size (275/55/20). The only tire I was able to find that is load range D rated is BF Goodrich All-Terrain TA KO2 LT275/55R20/D which is about $237 per. The other tire I’m considering is Nitto Terra Grappler AT which is XL rated that is about $190.I need some recommendation. Should I spend additional $200 for D rated tires or will XL would be a safe choice? I currently have Pirelli Scorpion STR with less than 2000 mi on them.

I just bought a set of 4 Goodrich T/A in 18 inch and are LR E for my truck. And they were $200 apiece. You may want to check around for price. Otherwise look at the vehicle axle weight rating on the door post sticker. Having a set of tires that exceeds this won't do you any good since you are still limited by the axle capacity. An exception to this would be if you wanted more puncture resistance for offroad travel, but I doubt that's what you have in mind.

Look at Cooper Discoverer Plus. They are stronger than a P tire, and rated to 2601LB each. All the tire you will ever need. and around $130. each.

I just put on a set of ko2 in 275/55/20. Personally, go with them over the "xl" p rated tires The ko2 are d rated 8 ply Lt tires. I haven't towed with them, but the reviews say they are a strong tire.

I changed the 7 year old tires on my motorhome to polyester sidewall tires and found that they have much more "Wiggle" in them than the steel sidewall tires that I removed. So I ended up having to replace the rear tires a second time to all steel sidewall tire. That was a expensive lesson, not to be learned twice.I agree that your current set of tires can be sold or traded in on the replacement ones. You should be able to sell them on Craigslist if noplace else. I would be looking at the $237 load range D tires. They are only nominally more than the $190 tire. Less than a tank of gas price difference. Another thought if you don't have 4 wheel drive is to buy rear tires, and keep the front ones. Change the removed tires to the front in about 3 years (regardless of mileage) to get the most use out of those tires, before they turn 7 years old. It is more the rear tires that need the higher weight rating, and the stiffer sidewalls to prevent side to side shift in the corners while going down a hill. The trailer can be pushing the back of the tow vehicle into the curves, and you will not really notice it until you have stiffer tires that are 'normal'. Good luck!Fred.

My Load Range E tires were over $200 each but I dont worry about the weight even though we bought a bigger TT. The last thing I want to think about going down the road is my tires. Buy the best you can get.

Tow Vehicle Tires upgrade | Good Sam Community

Caryite
Explorer
Jun 16, 2015
One last question. My dealer installed them at about 36-37 psi. What are folks setting your psi to when you tow? How about when you don't, do you deflate them?

Thanks
Caryite
Explorer
Jun 14, 2015
Got the K02s installed and couldn't be happier for how it handles. Noise is not really noticable at all I've found it smoother than what I would have thought. Looking forward to towing this week with much greater control on my TV.
Caryite
Explorer
Jun 10, 2015
Thanks for the feedback. Definitely looking forward to not having to adjust the PSI and having a better towing ride overall. Much appreciated!
alex800
Explorer
Jun 10, 2015
Caryite wrote:
alex800 wrote:
Broke the bank yesterday and installed new KO2 tires....

Wow, those look great. Considering the same KO2s for my 2011 Expy to tow my 6.5K lb TT. How have you found the KO2s to perform when both towing (for handling) and without (noise)?

Do you have to adjust the inflation as I've been doing for my P tires between towing and not towing?

Thanks, hope they are working out well for you this camping season!

Love the new tires. Completely different towing experience with them VS old P tires. They are handling pretty good with and without TT. Did not notice any additional noise. The only difference I noticed my truck became a little stiff but maybe because I do not bother deflating the tires when I’m not towing. I keep them around 55psi. I'm not sure if I can deflate them to Ford recomended 35psi. In other words I don’t know what the minimum psi is for KO2.
Caryite
Explorer
Jun 10, 2015
alex800 wrote:
Broke the bank yesterday and installed new KO2 tires....

Wow, those look great. Considering the same KO2s for my 2011 Expy to tow my 6.5K lb TT. How have you found the KO2s to perform when both towing (for handling) and without (noise)?

Do you have to adjust the inflation as I've been doing for my P tires between towing and not towing?

Thanks, hope they are working out well for you this camping season!
APT
Explorer
Nov 19, 2014
Sweet! They look fantastic! I bought my prior TV new, 2003 F-150 Supercrew 4WD. I traded in the OEM tires at 250 miles for the BFG AT KO, slightly larger than stock. I loved the look, just like the KO2 on your Expy.

The stock tires on our Suburban look pretty good too, kind of aggressive AT tire. I plan to replace them in the next couple weeks, probably with a lot more humble looking tire. It's hard to argue with the performance and tire life of the Michelin LTX M/S2.
alex800
Explorer
Nov 19, 2014
Broke the bank yesterday and installed new KO2 tires....
alex800
Explorer
Nov 12, 2014
I decided to get BF Goodrich All-Terrain TA KO2 tires but will wait few weeks until Black Friday. Maybe there will be some kind of a deal. Thanks everyone for your feedback.
4x4ord
Explorer III
Nov 11, 2014
alex800 wrote:
Another silly question. Should I be focusing on load range rating only or should I look at Max Load rating? For example my current Pirelli rated for 2403 lbs max load. Goodrich All-Terrain TA KO2 are 2680 lbs and Nitto Terra Grappler are 2833.

I’m not looking to increase my towing capacity instead I’m after more stable and safest ride while towing.

Generally speaking for truck tires the following is true (p rated tires especially vary by load index):
Max load is determined by a function of the tire size and the tires inflation pressure. Load is always stated @ a certain inflation pressure. A tire designed to carry more weight will be constucted to handle a higher inflation pressure or be a larger tire. Load range or ply rating are synomous terms. The load range tells you only part of the story. Tires with a D range are designed for 60 psi....E range - 80 psi .....G rated tires have a 100 psi max inflation value.
alex800
Explorer
Nov 11, 2014
Grit dog wrote:
Look at 275-60 or 285-55 LT tires. There are plenty of E load in those sizes only nominally taller than your tires.

I just checked tirerack.com. Nothing in D or E other then BFG tire.

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