What's the basic difference between a Light Truck and a Passenger tire?

I'm planning to replace my stock passenger tires on the truck and not sure what the difference is between a 31" LT and a 31" P tire.

Thanks

 

I was told that LT tires have heavier sidewalls, can carry more weight, and, therefore can stand higher inflation pressures. I also suspect that they would ride more like a truck and less like a car and are better suited to off-road pursuits.

P-metric tires are limited to 35psi Max Cold inflation and give more of a car ride, though they can also have good winter traction (my reason for the 4 wheel drive).

I just put Michelin Cross Terrian SUV tires on my 2000 F150 SuperCab Flareside. I'll have to report later on the success of the tires in the winter, but I really like the ride.

John

 

P = passenger, as in passenger car, max air pressure 35 psi
LT = Light Truck, max pressure 50 psi

LTs have stiffer sidewalls and are capable of carrying heavier loads

 

I replaced P265/70-17 (Goodyear RTS) with LT265/70-17 (Goodyear ATs) and as was stated above... the difference in ride was very noticable with the LT tires giving a much rougher ride.

 

Do you run the LT's at the 50 psi when empty?? You don't have to run them at max psi unless you are loaded down.

I run 40 in the rear and 44 up front for everyday empty running. I pump 'em up to 50 when I tow or load up the bed.

They ride firmer then the P tires and handle much better too on my truck. A top heavy, #5000 'brick' is a bit 'mushy' running car tires IMO.......

 

Not all LT tires are rates for higher loads at the same tire size. When I put Coopers on my 2000 the P rated tires were rated for 50 pounts more than the same sized LT tires.

Might want to look at each manufacturers ratings if that is a deciding factor.

-jeff b.

 

The P tires ride more like a car, and the LT tires give you that real 4x4 truck ride. I also went with the Michelin Cross Terrain tires P265 for the ride and handling on the road. They are rated 2,535# per tire (35 psi) which at 5,000# per axle is plenty for our truck. However, I took off the RTSs where also a P265, but rode like an LT, so brand makes a difference.

I moved my General Grabbers P255s from my 4x2 to my 4x4 expecting a better ride, but the lack of sidewall strength resulted in a slushy cornering feeling.

There are a lot of good tire experiences and suggestions here depending on what you out of the tire. For example, my research indicated that the Michelin Cross Terrain is the best tire made for rolling down the highway, but I expect to be dissapointed three day a year when we get heavy snow, and that tire may not even be considered by those who get opportunities to go off road.

 

One caution on the P series maximum capacity ratings. When used in a Light Truck Application, our F150's and most medium sized SUV's (Explorer, etc) and up qualify for this category, the maximum capccity must be downrated by 9%. This is to account for the greater stresses placed on a tire by a top heavy Light Truck, the likelyhood of seeing a more severe service (ie: more tough gravel and off road conditions), and the likelyhood of seeing an overload condition (either by overloading the vehicle or by underinflating the tires).

LT tires do not need to be downrated.

Even with this discussion, it is worth pointing out that the tires generally are not the limiting factor in determining the load capacity of our rigs.

My original tire size was P235/70R16. Capacity at 35 psi = 1984 lbs/tire.

Downrate 9%: 1805 lbs/tire

Overall tire load capacity: 4*1805 = 7222 lbs.

Gross Weight of my Truck was listed as 6200lbs or so. Thus the tires are rated at higher than the weight my truck is rated for. Of course this doesn't account for weight distribtuion etc... But as general illustration.

I just replaced with LT 245/45R16 Load Range "C" tires. Slightly stiffer ride, but much less wallow in the corners than my old tires. According to the inflation tables, these tires at 45 psi have the same load capacity as the old P235/70R16 at 35 psi. 45 psi is what I run them at. (Door sticker called for 35 psi on the old tires). Of course, I can still fill them to 50 psi an gain capacity (to 2205 lbs /tire.

 

I’m finally getting new tires for my 2001 F-150 Supercab, and have pretty much decided to go with the BFG Radial Long Trail T/A. And I’ve decided to move up from the 235 to 255/70/R16, which for me is, like, the most daring and outrageous thing (I’m a shy girl ).

I drive mostly in town and lots of freeway, but our family has a mountain cabin we visit fairly often, so I’m on winding mountain roads sometimes, maintained dirt roads occasionally, and poorly maintained dirt road for the 200 yards from paved road to cabin. (Hardly ever drive up there in winter.)

My question: would it make any sense for me to pay the extra $ for light truck tires? I like a comfortable ride, but I guess I could drop the psi as Mitch suggests… I don’t haul really heavy stuff, don’t even have a shell (yet), but I’ve been told the LT tires are safer, corner better etc.

 

I'm thinking it best for you to stick with the Ps. I think you have to prefer the rough ride, or drive loaded to have a need for the LTs. The LT will still ride rough at lower psi, but lowering it will take the bounce out of it.

I'm not so convinced an LT will corner better than a P. I would say a P would corner better than an LT, with the exception of a lifted truck combined with a tire with too weak of a sidewall. More so, a good set of shocks will have a bigger impact on cornering.

 

greencrew,

If you check the Michelin Cross Terrain SUV tire ratings, they are rated BEST in snow and rain - their downfall is in mud, which I don't plan to ever do anyway...then I'd would have to scrub the truck

I live is West Michigan and plan to see a LOT of snow with my 2000 F150 SuperCab Flareside 4x4

John

 

I am a truck guy and have owned one auto other than my F-150 and that was of course a '94 Ranger. I am reading this thread and wondering why truck people are talkingf about ride quality. We have trucks and unless you have a Lightning you if you bought your truck for the plush ride then you might have a screw loose. I just kind of feel that LT tires are designed and tested to be best equipted to handle the type of conditions that trucks apply to their tires. Go with LT tires and call it a day. Not trying to be an A$$ but we have trucks people.

 

Thanks for clearing that point up. I've driven mine on dry road and in the rain, and the traction is strong. I'll get my chance in the snow this winter.

heck, even if I take it hunting in South Dakota this year we won't wonder very far off the road. The main objectives for me to have a 4x4 is for ground clearance in those deep ruts, and the ability to go to four wheels when two get you into trouble.

I'm sure those who run the BFG AT KOs will tell a different story. BTW, I often thought of getting some mud colored paing, pouring it into a puddle and driving through it at 25. Then let the paint dry where it lands.

 

Crazy4Fords,

that is one great comment, you made my point clearer than I ever could have. Some people realy appreciate the way an LT tire rides. Confessing the truth, I have no way to use the full capacity of this truck. At 6'5" I want to drive a truck because it has a big comfortable seat with a lot of head room. I always get a kick out of it when the salesman asks: "What are you looking for in a truck so we can pick one to best suit your needs."

 

It’s all my fault…! [bursts into tears]

Greencrew, if it turns out we weren’t separated at birth, will you marry me?

Anyhow, I decided to go with the P’s because I drive so many loooong hours on the freeway. The flesh is weak Thanks for all comments and advice