BigSur2
Hampton, VA
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I noticed that when I went from a standard P rated tire to a LT Load E range tire that my ride suffered, which of course is expected. Since the change, any time I go over any obstacle in the road such as a pothole, pavement joint, patch, etc.......my TV feels really rough, i.e. the tires feel really "hard". There are some sections of road around here that are nothing short of brutal....feels like it's shaking the truck apart. This sensation of course multiplies when I'm towing my TT.
Basic question is, would a new set of shocks help me? If so, any recommendations? I drive a 2006 F150 with approx. 60k miles and am still running my OEM shocks.
BigSur2
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Sinterior
Kamloops BC
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New shocks may help a little, but the real problem is your E rated tires, especially if you have them at max psi.
When I'm not towing, I air mine down to 50psi front and 40psi rear (I'm still within pressure specs) which makes a huge difference.
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F-TROUP
VISALIA, CALIF
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No doubt new shocks would help. On my F250 the oem shocks were done at 26,000 replaced with Monroes and are still good 70,000 miles later. The air pressure in the tires have a lot to do with the ride on E rated tires, I run 70 psi towing and drop back to 60 when I get back home.
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skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
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A load range E tire is FAR more tire than your truck needs so why not just reduce the pressure down to what the door post recommends for OEM tires and see how it rides. Just be sure you fill them back up when towing. IF your current shocks are worn out then replacing them may help but if there is nothing wrong with them you won't notice much difference. I still had the OEM shocks on my 04 model F 150 after nearly 100,000 towing miles and 140,000 total miles.
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shakyjay
California
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If bounce is a problem then shocks will help. If it is just the harshness of the ride then tire inflation could be causing some of it. There is also the possiblity that there is some other suspension related problem.
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APT
SE Michigan
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Your OEM shock sucked when new, so replace them. Not sure it will have much impact on the issue you are having though. What air pressure do you run at when not towing? 35-40psi should be good and up to 50 when loaded/towing.
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BigSur2
Hampton, VA
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As far as pressure, Nitto (tire manufacturer) specifically calls for 50 psi when used on a 1/2 ton vehicle. These tires can take up to 80 psi. I run them at 50 during AND not during towing. I talked to a rep at NITTO and he said they do not recommend to air up past 50 on my truck as long as I'm within the load range on hitch capacity. They also recommended to not air them down below 50 psi while daily driving, as that could cause excessive wear of the tire. SO, I've been doing basically what was recommended.
I know the E range tire is more than I need, but unfortunately, I can find anything less in a LT tire at the size I need. I might replace the shocks and maybe that will help a bit but it's a hard decision considering the cost.
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goducks10
Keizer OR
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I run my E rated michelins @35psi F/R. 50psi when towing. Anything over 40psi when not towing does make for a rougher ride. 2010 F150 maxtow.
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BigSur2
Hampton, VA
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goducks10 wrote:I run my E rated michelins @35psi F/R. 50psi when towing. Anything over 40psi when not towing does make for a rougher ride. 2010 F150 maxtow.
How many miles have you been doing that? How are your tires wearing running them at that pressure?
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lbrjet
Liberty, IN
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If Nitto told you not less than 50 then that is the advice I would take. Under inflation causes excessive heat and can lead to pre-mature tire failure. Listen to Nitto.
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