I know this topic has been discussed before and I have even searched some with no luck finding answers. I'm going to buy Michelin AT2s or BFG KOs in either 275s or 285s. The AT2s are available in p-rated 275s but my other three choices between these brands and sizes are load range E.

It's obvious the E rated tires will be firmer, per posts around this forum, but how "firmer" vs passenger tires? Does "firm" mean harsh? Does it make it ride like an '85 F-350? Or is it a slight change? The ride on the current Rugged Trails seem harsh enough, but I could see where a quality E rated tire may ride better than a bad quality p-rated tire (I hate the Rugged Trails).

Who's made the switch?

 

OK the E range tires are firmer much its nothing you would notice when compared to a D range tire. Plus if you ever load or pull anything the E's will last longer for you.

The tires that were on my truck where 275 Goodyear Wrangler ATS and I switched to Nitto Terra Grapplers and I have to say I can see a difference. The Nittos are a much nicer riding tire then the Goodyears in my opinion. Now no I didn't have passenger tires but I can tell you will notice a difference between a quality E range tire and whatever you had before.

 

How do those Nitto's handle the cracks and potholes found around most American cities? My only fear is going with an E rated tire and feeling like the truck is going to shake apart anytime I run over a crack.

 

I live right outside a city that has some of the worst streets I have seen and I have had no issues. We took the truck to DC a few weeks ago right after having the Nitto's put on and it did very well there to.

I run my Nittos at 45psi but if you want it to be just a bit smoother run it at 35-40psi. I have had no complaints what so ever. I only wish I had installed the 295's instead of the 285's.

 

My current F150 had new P's on it when I bought it. We have a 4200 lb pop-up camper and will be going with LT's when these wear down. I haven't felt bad with these tire on this truck (they are 20's), but experiences with my old Expedition convinced me that LT's were the way to go on these heavier trucks, especially if you do any towing.

On my Expy, it had P rated Wranglers when I got it, and they weren't bad, but were weather cracking, and wouldn't pass the next safety inspection. I put on a set of Uniroyals in the same size, and constantly felt like I had a flat, even with pressures pumped up to the max on the sidewall. I swapped them a year later for a set of LT Firestones and the truck drove great again. it really like the stiffer sidewalls and 45 psi!

 

This is one of those super subjective topics. One mans firm ride just might be anothers harsh ride.

I for one only use E range tires on my F150's. Have been doing this for years. But I prefer a firmer ride over that of the out the door factory ride. I swap out the factory shocks and tires within the first 500 miles of ownership. But that's what I prefer.

Any chance you've got a buddy with a truck like yours with LT tires that you can take for a ride? Or maybe someone here lives close by who could meet up with you so you could check it out? Seat of the pants testing is the only real way to determine what's right for you.

FWIW, my 07 running Goodyear Silent Armors 275/70-18 E range with tire pressure in the 40 - 45 psi range. Has a very smooth ride, even over the rougher roads of central NH. But all LT tires are not the same. I've had 3 different sets of E range tires on my truck so far. Wranger ATS, Cooper Discoverer ATR's and the Silent Armors. They were all smooth, but the Coopers were firmer then the Goodyears.

To the OP, of the 2 tires you listed. The Michelin's will give you a smoother ride over the BFG's. Michelin's are known for ride quality, amongst (sp?) other things.

Good luck on your tire quest.