Flotation tires - good or bad for towing?
#1
07-28-2005, 09:59 AM
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Flotation tires - good or bad for towing?
Our 95 F-150 has "Goodyear Wrangler APT" in 31x10.5R15 LT / Load Range C on it. OEM says 235-75R15 XL, which I think is actually a lower load rating. So it seems that they're ok by the numbers, they're just wider.
But are they acceptable for towing heavy loads? (as in 5-6000lb trailer where the max rating is 7300lb). Sometimes we will tow the rig in/out of soft grass/mud pastures, but 99% will be highway. Since the rig is horses, which tend to be a very unstable load, I wonder if a less-gushy tire is worth the investment.
Dave
But are they acceptable for towing heavy loads? (as in 5-6000lb trailer where the max rating is 7300lb). Sometimes we will tow the rig in/out of soft grass/mud pastures, but 99% will be highway. Since the rig is horses, which tend to be a very unstable load, I wonder if a less-gushy tire is worth the investment.
Dave
Last edited by dgeesaman; 07-28-2005 at 10:06 AM.
#2
07-28-2005, 01:21 PM
Well, I would not call 31x10.5R15 "Flotation" tires as such....
Sure, they have a bit more sidewall then the stock size... "Floation tires" to me are those huge 38"-44" Gumbo Monster jobs with the huge chunks of rubber for tread and are good for about 10,000 miles of highway use!
The tires you have now would depend mostly on what gear ratio you have in the truck and what engine it has..... If it's got 3.08 gears and a 302, then I'd say you will have a rough time with a 5-6000 lb trailer to say the least! Even 3.55's would be pushing it IMO.. (with the 302)
I've got 31" tires (LT265/75/16) from the stock P235/70/16 and 3.55 gears and tow a #4500 travel trailer with no problems.... Sure, I know it's there. I'm in second gear and pulling 3500 rpms going 55 mph up the long grades, but it's an 'easy' pull, as I'm not even close to having to 'mat' the pedal to do that. I just cruise up the hill at a nice easy pace....
The LT tires have stiffer sidewalls, so that will help with keep it all lined up and not feel all 'spongy' as such with the same size tires with a P rating....
Give up some more info on the rest of your drive train and more "advice" can be given....
Mitch
Sure, they have a bit more sidewall then the stock size... "Floation tires" to me are those huge 38"-44" Gumbo Monster jobs with the huge chunks of rubber for tread and are good for about 10,000 miles of highway use!The tires you have now would depend mostly on what gear ratio you have in the truck and what engine it has..... If it's got 3.08 gears and a 302, then I'd say you will have a rough time with a 5-6000 lb trailer to say the least! Even 3.55's would be pushing it IMO.. (with the 302)
I've got 31" tires (LT265/75/16) from the stock P235/70/16 and 3.55 gears and tow a #4500 travel trailer with no problems.... Sure, I know it's there. I'm in second gear and pulling 3500 rpms going 55 mph up the long grades, but it's an 'easy' pull, as I'm not even close to having to 'mat' the pedal to do that. I just cruise up the hill at a nice easy pace....
The LT tires have stiffer sidewalls, so that will help with keep it all lined up and not feel all 'spongy' as such with the same size tires with a P rating....
Give up some more info on the rest of your drive train and more "advice" can be given....
Mitch
#3
07-28-2005, 01:28 PM
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It's got a 351 4x4 with locking front hubs and the 3.55 LSD (H9) axle in back.
The tires have plenty of tread and look good for the occasional slippery grass field and winter snow, but I'm concerned I'll be all over the lane with a slightly wavy or unstable trailer. (Although the trailer we're looking at now has a load distributing hitch).
Dave
The tires have plenty of tread and look good for the occasional slippery grass field and winter snow, but I'm concerned I'll be all over the lane with a slightly wavy or unstable trailer. (Although the trailer we're looking at now has a load distributing hitch).
Dave
#4
07-28-2005, 02:43 PM
#5
07-28-2005, 09:22 PM
It'll be fine, I tow over 7000 lbs with 33x12.50's on my 2004 F150, Ive swapped back and forth between these tires/wheels and the stock P series tires and its no comparison, even with the taller tires hurtin the gear ratio the 33's are better,the stock tires get too squirrely when loaded.