Tow Vehicle Tires upgrade

[alex800]

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.

[alex800]

Thank you Scott for your input. I guess I will go with BFG tires. It sucks that I’m not able to find any other tire with load range D rating in my size.

[ScottG]

When it comes to the handling while towing, the load range (D, E, etc.) is more important than the overall capacity in pounds. I learned this one the hard way when I let some idiot at a tire store trick me (didn't say they were D's) into putting LR D's with a higher weight capacity on my old 3/4 ton. Handling was terrible after that.

[alex800]

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.

[Crabbypatty]

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.

[Golden_HVAC]

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.

[snarkee]

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.

[Terryallan]

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.

[agesilaus]

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.