Tire service codes ??
I'm about to buy my second set of tires on my 1995 F-150.
I bought my first set, a set of Michilen LTX M/S, from Sam's Club. Made my decision on that model using tire review data over at TireRack.com.
So, I've gone back there once again to see if I could find a model or two that handled the snow and ice a bit better. It seems that there are two models that fit those requirements: Goodyear Fortera TripleTred... and Avon Ranger TSE.
However, what I'm confused about is this "service code" value. Online guides say to always get tires with a service code value "at or higher than what you're currently running with". I checked the Owner's Manual and it said to check the sticker on the inside of my door.
I checked there and it just says "P235/75R15XL". I don't THINK that the "XL" is a service code of any sort, is it?? Those are the only numbers I'm seeing.
If I look at what I'm running with, my Michelins are rated "108S".
If I switched to the Goodyear TripleTreds, I'd be looking at a "105T". The Avons are a "105S".
So, if I understand this right, I'd be "losing" a few hundred pounds in weight / carrying capacity if I switched to these tires? I get the feeling that probably isn't that big a deal. The only hauling I do is I go a couple times of year to a nearby garden center and load up with dirt or wood chips. Every now and then, somebody wants to haul a bit of furniture in my truck, but usually not anything very heavy.
Should I be concerned about going with a "105" service code on my next set of tires?
Thanks!
-= Dave =-
P.S. Normally, I would have asked my Dad about this, as he was an "old Ford man". He worked for Ford for several years, first as a parts counter man and then as a parts manager. Then he worked for a Ford Authorized remanufacturer, then that company went under, so he ended up working for *gasp* a GM dealer (among other employers). Anyways, he died this past August, just ONE YEAR TO THE DAY from the day he retired. (Moral = don't put off a lot of stuff "until you retire".) He was my "auto guru" and his favor for Ford trucks certainly rubbed off on me.






