LT or P Tires?
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: NY
LT or P Tires?
Currently I have P265/70-17's on my 99 Expy. I will need to buy a new set soon and was wondering if there was any advantage to switching to a LT tire rather than a passenger. Is the ride quality that different? I only tow a 4000lb boat and thats the extent of my towing. Any opinions from people would be appreciated.
Mark
Mark
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Birmingham, AL
I'd like to know this too. I have a 99 with P tires and it rides pretty nice, but looks kind of wimpy for a 4x4. Is there anyone out there that switched from a P to LT on a 4x4 that can give a ride description difference? BTW - after doing searches on this forum, it looks like people are please with the LT Revo tires. How do those ride on the pavement?
thanks
thanks
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
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From: Wichita, Kansas
LT series tires handle a heavier load with more rigid sidewalls and usually better tread depth. You won't be sorry you purchased LT's. P-series are completely worthless for any truck. As far as ride is concerned, there really isn't much of a difference. My God, these are trucks we are talking about.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: All over Texas
Originally Posted by npearman
I'd like to know this too. I have a 99 with P tires and it rides pretty nice, but looks kind of wimpy for a 4x4. Is there anyone out there that switched from a P to LT on a 4x4 that can give a ride description difference? BTW - after doing searches on this forum, it looks like people are please with the LT Revo tires. How do those ride on the pavement?
thanks
thanks
It's been so long since I had stock "P" rated bicycle sized tires, I don't really recall how much differently they rode. One thing's for sure, I wouldn't put any "P" tires on my 4x4's.
I can tell you I've had Bridgestone AT LTs and now have BFGoodrich AT LTs and the Bridgestones are much more like a car tire than the Goodrich's in that the Bridgestones handle much better and are a smoother riding tire....the Goodrichs win the kewl contest hands down though.
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I just bought my '97 Expedition, and the tires that were on it were shot from not having an alignment along with bad lower ball joints. After doing alot of looking and research on the internet, I decided to go with the BRIDGESTONE DUELER A/T REVO, becuase they handle as good as a passenger tire dry, better on wet, (supposedly) great on snow-hasn't snowed yet in MI, and great on mud. MOST IMPORTANTLY THE TRUCK DOES NOT HUMMMM DOWN THE HIGHWAY LIKE MANY MUD OR ALL TERRAIN TIRES DO.
I'm pumped for the snow with these on my 4x4!
They cost a pretty penny, but hey these vehicles are for the most part lame at handling because of their size+weight, so make the most of your rubber to help compensate, right? I managed to hit a buy 3 get 1 free sale. Final cost was like $565.00 including lifetime warranty at Budget Tire (in MI)--they matched the Firestone dealer's sale I mentioned.
I'm pumped for the snow with these on my 4x4!
They cost a pretty penny, but hey these vehicles are for the most part lame at handling because of their size+weight, so make the most of your rubber to help compensate, right? I managed to hit a buy 3 get 1 free sale. Final cost was like $565.00 including lifetime warranty at Budget Tire (in MI)--they matched the Firestone dealer's sale I mentioned.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Bogota, Colombia
P vs. LT
I've been using "P" (265-70, 275-60 and 235-75-15) tires ever since I own my Bronco with good results. I wouldn't recommend them for offroading though (something which I don't do since I have a 2WD...), but they definitely provide a better ride and highway manners.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: IN
I had Goodyear RT/S P265/70 17. I now have Goodyear AT/S LT265/70 17. The LT's have a much stiffer ride than the P's but that is what I was looking for. Bottom line is this, if you are looking for a good ride go with the P metric's. If you are looking for a stiffer ride or you haul a lot than you might want to go with the LT's. I like my LT's and will never go back to the P's.
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From: Wichita, Kansas
The Goodyear AT/S's are really pricey. I couldn't believe my local man wanted $200 a piece. I bought my D-range Nitto's for $115 a piece. Sam's Club mounted and balanced them for $3.87 a tire. They make an E-range Nitto in my size but I did want a decent ride.
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From: IN
Originally Posted by WillieWildcat
The Goodyear AT/S's are really pricey. I couldn't believe my local man wanted $200 a piece.
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From: South Fork
I would suggest you use the P series if you only drive on paved roads for the most part. Definitely LT series if you drive off road allot or pull heavy loads.
From my experience in driving on country roads and off-road with pulling livestock trailers from time to time, I always wanted LT tires for safety and durability. My Dad always went with the cheaper P series and continually was having to repair flats and replace his tires. I rarely had any flats with the LTs.
Since I now live in Houston and rarely go off paved roads, I now run P series Bridgestone HLs on my Expy. They are extremely quite and have a great ride.
From my experience in driving on country roads and off-road with pulling livestock trailers from time to time, I always wanted LT tires for safety and durability. My Dad always went with the cheaper P series and continually was having to repair flats and replace his tires. I rarely had any flats with the LTs.
Since I now live in Houston and rarely go off paved roads, I now run P series Bridgestone HLs on my Expy. They are extremely quite and have a great ride.
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From: Wichita, Kansas
Originally Posted by willica1
Better tell that to Ford since many come from the factory with P tires.
Um, in case you haven't noticed, most automotive manufacturers try to put the cheapest parts on that they can find. That's called "helping the bottom line". Tires are one area that they can skimp on.
P-series tires are much cheaper than LT's to begin with. Only when you spend more money on the expensive SUV's and trucks do you get LT tires (Excursion and F250-F350). Mind you, these are heavier vehicles, but even Expeditions and F150's are full size trucks.
P-series tires do provide a "softer" ride but that is due to the lack of belts on the sidewalls (the tires flex a lot more and absorb impacts). But the reverse side is that if you have a full load whether that is cargo or people, the tires "squat" and you then get a harsh ride. Too heavy of a load and you can blow a tire out.
LT tires provide a deeper tread pattern and stiffer sidewalls. I have had my share of problems with P-series tires like belts separating and treadwear issues. Invest in a good set of LT tires and you will never regret it.
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