Tires for towing
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Yakima
Tires for towing
I've currently got P235/70/16's on my '97 F-150 SC. I need new tires and currently tow a 6000 pound travel trailer behind the truck. Ford lists tire sizes as 235/70/16 or 255/70/16's for the SC. I think it would be better to get the larger tires (255's). I can only get the 235's in p-metrics (AKA car tires). I can get LT255/70/16's in a load range D. Also, the tire guys says I need to use load range E tires which are 245/75/16's (he's got these in stock, everthing else has to be ordered). Here's the questions:
1. Should I stay with the size tires Ford says?
2. Do I need load range E, D, or just plain LT or p-metric tires?
3. Which tire is best?
Thanks,
Phil
1. Should I stay with the size tires Ford says?
2. Do I need load range E, D, or just plain LT or p-metric tires?
3. Which tire is best?
Thanks,
Phil
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: Barrington USA
1) go for what ever size you want has longer has it fits the rim and doesn't rub. that being said the taller the tire the the higher the final gearing will be i.e. if you have a 235/70/* and go to a 255/70/* you go from a gear of something like 3.73 to something like 3.55 (numbers aren't actual) that being said, with a 4X2 you can go to a 265/70/16 no problem. that's what I have with 4.10 gearing and it'd tow your 6000lbs easily, I also have a 4.6L
2)for towning I'd suggest going with an LT tire it has a stiffer side wall going higher will give you a rough ride but won't be too bad
3) the tire you want to most but diffenatly a radial since your be towing everything else is your preference.
2)for towning I'd suggest going with an LT tire it has a stiffer side wall going higher will give you a rough ride but won't be too bad
3) the tire you want to most but diffenatly a radial since your be towing everything else is your preference.
New User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Newfoundland
I just bought a new 2004 ;4x4; ford f150 with factory equipted towing package and it
has P type (passenger) and when I questioned that it should have LT"S they insured
me that p tires are ok for towing and will handle the weight.
PS this was Ford of Canada I don't know if the US regulations are different.
I'm towing a 27' 11" 5th wheel trailer ( ultralite ) weighs around 6500LBS
has P type (passenger) and when I questioned that it should have LT"S they insured
me that p tires are ok for towing and will handle the weight.
PS this was Ford of Canada I don't know if the US regulations are different.
I'm towing a 27' 11" 5th wheel trailer ( ultralite ) weighs around 6500LBS
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,959
Likes: 9
From: USA
I would go with the LT with the E rating in a size as close to stock height as possible.
As for the tire sizes you listed:
a 235/70-16 is 29" x 9.25",
a 255/70-16 is 30" x 10",
a 245/75-16 is 30.5" x 9.6"
a 225/75-16 is 29.3" x 8.9".
Whatever the load range letter of the tires, check the tire sidewall to see that the 2 rear tires' load carrying capacities (in lbs) added together is greater than the actual loaded rear axle weight of the truck. A 5th wheel trailer will put alot of pin weight on the truck and *can* overload the stock tires and/or axle weight rating.
As for the tire sizes you listed:
a 235/70-16 is 29" x 9.25",
a 255/70-16 is 30" x 10",
a 245/75-16 is 30.5" x 9.6"
a 225/75-16 is 29.3" x 8.9".
Whatever the load range letter of the tires, check the tire sidewall to see that the 2 rear tires' load carrying capacities (in lbs) added together is greater than the actual loaded rear axle weight of the truck. A 5th wheel trailer will put alot of pin weight on the truck and *can* overload the stock tires and/or axle weight rating.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Yakima
Have deceided to stay with the P-metrics. The load range E tires need 90 PSI inflation, too much for my stock alloy wheels. The LT load range D tires run at 65 PSI, right on the edge of the wheels limit. Given the P-metrics have the load capacity, we're sticking with them for a while longer since they are still good and have a lot of tread life left.
Thanks for your inputs.
Thanks for your inputs.
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Just a side note as I was shopping for before I decided to upgrade the truck is the local tire dealers tell me LT tires have no warranty but P tires do!
Just be sure you have adequate load ratings. I have C rated tires at 1998 lbs which isn't enough if I load my truck to the GVWR. Lots to take into consideration.
Good luck
Ric
Just be sure you have adequate load ratings. I have C rated tires at 1998 lbs which isn't enough if I load my truck to the GVWR. Lots to take into consideration.
Good luck
Ric
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: Barrington USA
Trending Topics
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Yes that is correct, that is the load rating on the side wall of the tire those specific tires.
Some P tires with a C rating I was looking (Michelin LT XT P/235/75 R15 Load C) at are only rated at 920 lbs per tire for a total load distribution of less than 4000 lbs yet in my case the truck alone weighs 4300 lbs and has a GVWR of 6050. The LT tires weren't rated for the truck never mind any load. The tire dealer was surprised, so they came off the truck and the same tire but rated at 1998 were put on but not a P tire they are true LT XT LT/235/75 R 15 Load C tire with no warranty because they are on P tires. Strange! More money of course.
Some P tires with a C rating I was looking (Michelin LT XT P/235/75 R15 Load C) at are only rated at 920 lbs per tire for a total load distribution of less than 4000 lbs yet in my case the truck alone weighs 4300 lbs and has a GVWR of 6050. The LT tires weren't rated for the truck never mind any load. The tire dealer was surprised, so they came off the truck and the same tire but rated at 1998 were put on but not a P tire they are true LT XT LT/235/75 R 15 Load C tire with no warranty because they are on P tires. Strange! More money of course.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
For what it is worth
P = Passenger
LT = Light Truck
Metric is the system used for measure replacing the 6.75, 7.00, 7.25, 7.50 sizes of old.
I would go with the LT D range tire. IMHO
John
P = Passenger
LT = Light Truck
Metric is the system used for measure replacing the 6.75, 7.00, 7.25, 7.50 sizes of old.
I would go with the LT D range tire. IMHO
John
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by jowilker
For what it is worth
P = Passenger
LT = Light Truck
Metric is the system used for measure replacing the 6.75, 7.00, 7.25, 7.50 sizes of old.
I would go with the LT D range tire. IMHO
John
P = Passenger
LT = Light Truck
Metric is the system used for measure replacing the 6.75, 7.00, 7.25, 7.50 sizes of old.
I would go with the LT D range tire. IMHO
John
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bf204
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
9
Dec 1, 2009 04:09 PM
timo1
1997 - 2003 F150
2
May 3, 2007 10:30 PM
