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What should I do with these tires?

harper223
Explorer
Explorer
Just purchased a new Nissan Armada with some really nice Michelin radial X P275/60 R20 tires. Max cold is 51psi.

My question is, should I run these until they need to be replaced or should I switch out to an LT. I've had Michelin LTs before and let loved them, if I remember correctly those were max 80psi cold.

It's the softer sidewall I'm sure I'll notice, but I doubt I'll get much credit on these even though they're new. Any thoughts?
"Whatever is good to know, is difficult to to learn."
13 REPLIES 13

MO_Trout_Bum
Explorer
Explorer
What do you intend to tow? If it's a lightweight rig, you probably won't notice much difference and it won't be worth the investment for LT's. Really, you should base your decision on the rig you will be towing, its loaded tongue weight and other parameters.
2004 Silverado 2500HD Ext, Duramax LLY, 4WD, 3.73
2012 Keystone Cougar 327RES

Campfire_Time
Explorer
Explorer
I also say you should tow at least one trip with them. Run them close to or at max PSI. You might be surprised at how well they do. My issue is that my stock wheels are an odd size and no one makes an LT to fit. So either replace the wheels or live with P rated tires. I just run them at a higher PSI and they are fine.
Chuck D.
“Adventure is just bad planning.” - Roald Amundsen
2013 Jayco X20E Hybrid
2016 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab Z71 LTZ2
2008 GMC Sierra SLE1 Crew Cab Z71 (traded)

BurbMan
Explorer II
Explorer II
Oh, the straight lines you see on this forum, if only it wasn't a family forum LOL....

They are already used....why not tow with them once and see how you like it before you decide? If you want to sell on the dredge list after one trip, they will be worth the same as they are today. Who knows, the difference may not be as big as you think. Not sure what size you had before but a 60 series tire on a 20" rim will not have as much sidewall flex as a taller 70 or 75 series tire.

Plus, the "wiggle" you feel is not all tire, some that has to do with the vehicle's suspension and handling characteristics.

Since the vehicle is new-to-you also, try them first then you'll know for sure that you are making the right decision, whether that means keeping them or not.

pronstar
Explorer
Explorer
I would sell them for at least $400 on Craigslist...put them up for $600 and leave $400 as your minimum. They'll sell.
'07 Ram 5.9 QC/LB SRW
Full Carli Suspension
35" Toyo's | 4.56 | PacBrake


2009 Cyclone 3950 | B&W Turnover Ball & Companion | TrailAire | Duravis R250s

harper223
Explorer
Explorer
They have 100 miles on them. I wouldn't even know what to ask for them. I'll check around for comparable prices.
"Whatever is good to know, is difficult to to learn."

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Explorer III
nickthehunter wrote:
To late now but next time - put it in the deal with the dealer to swap out the tires. The dealer will be able to sell those P tires at full price and get the LT's at a better price to begin with. So in the end you'll get a better deal over all.


That is good advice, also it works well when buying a RV and telling them they have a deal if they up grade the tires.
2015 RAM LongHorn 3500 Dually CrewCab 4X4 CUMMINS/AISIN RearAir 385HP/865TQ 4:10's
37,800# GCVWR "Towing Beast"

"HeavyWeight" B&W RVK3600

2016 MobileSuites 39TKSB3 highly "Elited" In the stable

2007.5 Mobile Suites 36 SB3 29,000# Combined SOLD

BUFFALODAN
Explorer
Explorer
Tow with them and see how they feel. If they do OK keep them. If not buy a set of LTs and put the other ones on CL....someone will buy them up fast
2006 KZ Frontier 2505
2006 GMC Yukon XL Denali AWD
2014 Chevy Silverado Double Cab 4WD
[purple]1 DW
3DD's[/purple]

nickthehunter
Nomad II
Nomad II
To late now but next time - put it in the deal with the dealer to swap out the tires. The dealer will be able to sell those P tires at full price and get the LT's at a better price to begin with. So in the end you'll get a better deal over all.

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Explorer III
I would sell them while they are new and go with D or E Michelins. Too soft of a tire makes towing a TT no fun at all.
2015 RAM LongHorn 3500 Dually CrewCab 4X4 CUMMINS/AISIN RearAir 385HP/865TQ 4:10's
37,800# GCVWR "Towing Beast"

"HeavyWeight" B&W RVK3600

2016 MobileSuites 39TKSB3 highly "Elited" In the stable

2007.5 Mobile Suites 36 SB3 29,000# Combined SOLD

enblethen
Nomad
Nomad
See if they are on the recall.
Michelin recall
I would keep an eye on them. I would not run them down too far and also check their dates.

Bud
USAF Retired
Pace Arrow


2003 Chev Ice Road Tracker

pronstar
Explorer
Explorer
I would run them and not think twice about it.

However...I've had great luck getting good money for used tires - some near new, others nearly worn-out - on Craiglist.
'07 Ram 5.9 QC/LB SRW
Full Carli Suspension
35" Toyo's | 4.56 | PacBrake


2009 Cyclone 3950 | B&W Turnover Ball & Companion | TrailAire | Duravis R250s

abc40kids
Explorer
Explorer
Run them till they wear out.... There rated to hold whatever your truck will handle.
Jeff,Julie,Amber,Brandon,and Casey and Winston ( our 5 year old Golden ) and Bruno the Pug. We now have an English Cream, white Golden Retriever as well.
2015 Keystone Montana Mountaineer 356TBF
2005 Chevy duramax dually

nohurry
Explorer
Explorer
My thought is it depends on what your weights are. If the axle and tire weights are within specs, I would air them to max PSI while towing and wear them out. If you're over the ratings well, that decides it for you. You could sell them on Craigslist rather than trade them in. You should get more for them that way. Good luck.
Carl
2007 National RV, Sea Breeze