Tires for SUV - P or LT?

thatguy · Nov 7, 2011

Just curious thoughts/comments on tires for a 4x4 small/mid size SUV

What are the advantages/disadvantages of using P (passenger) tire over a LT (light truck) tire? Assuming there will not be hardly any heavy hauling (like you would in a pickup truck bed) since it has smaller cargo area but there could be some towing..

I can see how the heavier sidewalls on the LT may resist sidewall tears/holes off roading - BUT would they be too stuff for when you need lower air pressure in the tire for better traction..

thoughts??

Brian

Verticaltrx · Nov 7, 2011

Just for reference, I have a 3rd gen Toyota 4runner that originally came with P265/70R16 tires. Since I do use it off road as well as for towing and hauling gear, I went with an LT 235/85R16 tire. Much better load capacity, sturdier tire, and actually better fuel economy. You can air them down just like any other tire and they will flex well. I'll air these down to 15psi or so off-road and they do great.

Diamondpilot · Nov 7, 2011

I can see no benefits other than a quieter ride with a P tire. No way I would put them on any of my rigs but thats me. You living where you do I would thank traction in snow and wet is very important and to me that means a LT M/S tire.

Chris

thatguy · Nov 8, 2011

any other comments/thoughts?

clemsonfor · Nov 8, 2011

The price is higher on LT they are stiffer, a good thing, they have more weight capacity. But Look at your tires on it there prolly P tires. Look at the weight rating per tire on the back. Then find the back axle weight and then add the most you think you will put in it or from a hitch weight. That will really tell you if your tires are decent enough in the P form. I would run a P tire if it were me to save money. You can get all terrain P tires.

tcartwri · Nov 8, 2011

Yokahama makes a SUV tire that comes in two pressure ranges, Geolandar A/T S, which has a substantial load capacity boost and only a few pounds difference in weight. I run them on my 05 explorer. That is the one negative with an LT tire is that they are heavy, sometimes twice the weight of a P tire.

B7510HSD · Nov 8, 2011

tcartwri said:
Yokahama makes a SUV tire that comes in two pressure ranges, Geolandar A/T S, which has a substantial load capacity boost and only a few pounds difference in weight. I run them on my 05 explorer. That is the one negative with an LT tire is that they are heavy, sometimes twice the weight of a P tire.

I also just installed the Yokohama ATS on my truck WOW what a difference over the stock Goodyears!!!!

Fixemall · Nov 8, 2011

The only tires you should run will be specified on the sticker in your door jamb, anything else is not designed to work properly with your suspension and braking system and could result in an unsafe condition, things like sidewall flex and weight can result in increased chance of rollover and increased braking distance.

thatguy · Nov 8, 2011

I went to look up the Geolander A/T S tire on tire rack and it wasnt showing up..

I had entered my vehicle make which uses 265/75/16 tires.. They listed 40 some tires ranging from P to LT - BUT did not show all the tires in that size..

any idea why tirerack would hide applicable sized tires?

Brian

thatguy · Nov 8, 2011

The P tires have a UTQG rating from 100 to 800ish - which typically means higher the number the longer the tire will last..

IF a mfg has the same tire available as a P and LT tire - Can the P rating be used as a reference on how the LT tire will hold up?

Brian