2007Rockwood2601
IL
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Joined: 09/11/2007
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It's getting time to replace my OEM tires. I have P235/75/16XL's on their now and it tows fine. The OEM tires are rated at 2,271@41 PSI and the tuck fully loaded towing is 4K on the real axle. I am thinking of getting a LT225/75/16D rated at 2335@65 PSI or a LT245/75/16E rated at 3042@80PSI both are a BFG Radial Long Trail T/A's. I looked at the rim and their are no markings on max PSI or weight. Witch tire's you think I should go with. I think the 245's will kill the 3.73 gear some. The 225's will help the gearing some. They don't make a 235 in a LT tire. Another question is what presser would I run with the LT tires
Thanks
Jim
* This post was
edited 07/20/08 01:56pm by 2007Rockwood2601 *
2003 Chevy 1500 Express AWD 5.3 3.73's
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2007 Rockwood 2601SS
12K loaded
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SoCalDesertRider
SanDiego, CA, USA
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In order to use the increased weight rating of the LT tires, you'll likely have to upgrade to stronger wheels as well. You don't want to go exceeding the pressure and load limit of the wheels. If you're happy with the tires you have now and under the load weight limits, I would replace with the same type tire. If you're overloading them, then yes, get the higher rated LT-E's and stronger wheels to go with them.
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2007Rockwood2601
IL
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I am happy with the way it tows. I am nowhere near the limit of the stock P235/75/16XL tires. I am 500 lbs under that limit. I have just read that a lot of people switch to LT's tires for towing.
Pictures of the rim
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SoCalDesertRider
SanDiego, CA, USA
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The reason for switching to LT-D or -E tires over P tires for towing/hauling is the side wall strength. Stronger sidewalls = less squirming and swaying and a more solid feel on the road, which helps when there is a heavy box pushing and pulling around on the back of the tow vehicle in the case of a trailer, or a heavy box riding in the bed of the truck leaning on every curve, in the case of a truck camper.
If you're happy with how it tows, I would leave them alone and just replace with the same type tires or go up one load range letter (from C to D for example) for a little more strength.
The stamping in the pic of your wheel doesn't show the weight or pressure rating. I have found them on the inside of the rim (can only see with tire dismounted from wheel) but there's no gaurantee it will be there if you take the tire off the wheel. I would assume the wheels are rated for whatever the original tires are rated for and no less and probly not much more either.
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8.1 Van
Millstone NJ
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LT215/85R16E's would give you better mpg and they have 2,680 lb capacity each so you don't need to put the maximum 80psi in them.
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JIMNLIN
Big Cabin, OK
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Joined: 09/14/2003
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just to add to socal posts is a D or E will be overkill for towing with P tire on your truck pulling your small TT. The LT C load range at 50 psi is a better upgrade for your size truck.
I'll upgrade my wifes 1500 Chev 5.3 4x4 crew cab truck from P to LT C before winter.
Jim
* This post was
edited 07/20/08 07:12pm by JIMNLIN *
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fishfinder
Colorado, USA
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Been there, done that, won't do it again. Just replace with the same P-metric tire.
You will regret the degraded ride quality with LT tires. If you really want a LT-metric, then load range C will be OK, but be prepared to run a little higher pressure.
fishfinder, Colorado
'08 Chevy 1/2T 4x4 Ext.Cab 5.3L/3.73 stock P265/70R17 tires
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spike99
North America
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My previous Tow Vehicle had LT tires. I loved them. Tigher on the corners, less roll and less squash feeling when towing. However, my wife felt that LT tires ran a little too rough. Especially across the little bumps.
Our same design (but newer year) replacement vehicle has "P" tires. My wife loves their smoother ride. For me, I find they have some roll in the tight corners. Especially when pulling a trailer.
With this in mind, use the majority rules thing. If you tow our haul most of the time, go with LT tires. If you haul passengers or ride empty most of the time, go with "P" tires. As mentioned above, go with great quality "P" tires - to meet both needs in the middle. My father has "P" tires on his large Chev 250 4x4 and it "works for him". Then again, he's yet to pull even near his truck's max towing or onboard cargo weight.
Hope this helps as well...
.
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colochoclab
Arvada, Colorado
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Going from P to LT tires in my Titan was one of the best things I have done! The overall "feel" of the LT tires when towing is much, much better than the stock P's. Stability, cornering, and overall handling way improved!
When not towing, the ride quality did suffer a small amount. A bit louder, and a bit more "harsh". Would I do it again? Absolutely!!
-Lab
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mecreature
Indianapolis, IN
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I like LTs over Ps for towing..
I let some air out when not towing... much smoother
I have the front at 40 and rear at 44 right now. when towing I take them up to 60 all around..
I get yelled at round here though.. some say It is over kill with the Es and some say my tires are running too hot.
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