I am going to be ordering a new 2011 F-150 FX4 and have the option of two different tire selections. It is either a P275/65R/18 or LT275/65R/18C. I believe the P tire is a Goodyear Wrangler while the LT is a Goodyear Wrangler AT/S. I live in MN so tire tread for snow and ice is important. The truck will be a daily driver so I'm not concerned about needing an agressive tread for off roading. Snow and ice and occassional gravel road is about the only non-pavement driving I will be encountering. I've read that the LT tires require higher PSI ratings (50 vs 35) and that they are more sensitive to temperature and PSI. It's also my understanding that LT tires will fail much quicker than P tire if air pressure is not proper (can be expected on ALL tires, but LTs more so). What would you get any why? I'm thinking that P will be adequate for my use but for a no cost upgrade, should I get the LTs? I also suspect I will get more life out of the P tire if all things are equal. Please offer any comments or recommendations on this topic. Thank you.

 

Do you tow/haul at all? The tire pressure depends on the load rating of the tire "C" in this case. Between the two I doubt you will notice a big difference in ride, the LTs may be a little stiffer. I personally would get the LT.

 

I tow a two place snowmobile trailer in the winter and I don't haul anything of significance.

I can probably get the AT/S upgrade for $225. Is it worth the upgrade price?

 

I dont know, if you do not plan on upgrading to something bigger anytime soon I say get the LT. If you plan on doing like a lot of people here and tossing the factory tires for something else, save your 225 or 3.50 a month LOL.

 

In my opinion, the LT tire is worth it. The vehicle will handle better in turns as the sidewall does not have a tendency to tuck under like a P series. All tires are susceptible to problems if not properly maintained with the proper pressure. Too low a pressure can be dangerous, whether a P or LT tire. The LT will last longer in harsh conditions. The pressures you mentioned are basically the max. The P series will need to be kept at it's max in use with the F150. The LT recommended pressure will be in the range of 40-45. Not close to it's max.

 

Between those 2 tires, they are almost identical anyways. When ordering, the tire usually goes with a certain package, like the LT's may be part of the FX-4 only vs just 4x4, or a tow package difference. Order what you want there first and get the tire that corresponds to the given package. Like I said, do that then the tire comparo is virtually dead even. If it were LT's vs the General A/T's or Hankook's, I'd definitely be going the LT's!!!!! Why they put anything narrower than 265's on the 4x4's is beyond me so watch sizes too when ordering.

 

I would stick with the P rated tires. You will get a much better ride from the P rated tires over the LT tires.

 

Too many flat's with P rated tires for me. The LT's are a lot tougher and help prevent getting flat's. I'd rather put up with a little harsher ride.

 

i agree

 

The P tire will give you better gas mileage. If you don't plan on loading heavy get the P.