3rd Gen - P vs E Rated tires

So I'm looking at AT Tires for my new '23 Tundra (summer only), and I'm having a hard time deciding if I want to go with P rated or E rated tires. Size I was going for are 275-60-20 (slightly bigger than OEM). I have no plans to lift my truck at this time (maybe a leveling kit).

That being said, I plan on pulling a travel trailer every other weekend next summer, and no intention at this time to do any off-roading, so are E rated really needed? I do have a set of dedicated winter tires in P rated 275-60-20.

The bigger size 275-60-20 have a higher load index at 115 vs stock tires which are at 112, which I'm wondering if a 10 ply tire (LT275-60-20) is really needed at 120/123.

Thoughts? Input?

 

There are alot of people (myself included) who run E-rated tires that really do not need a 10 ply tire, I run E-rated tires because in the spring, summer and fall I tow about every other weekend and I do not want to change tires on an interstate hwy if I have a flat. E-rated tires are heavy and they weigh alot but they are much stronger than a P-rated tire. How heavy is your trailer? If it is over 6000lb it might not be a bad idea, you will have more control and your rig will be more stable with an E-rated tire. I do not put alot of miles on my Tundra so the extra weight is not much of a factor for me.

 

Trailer is around 5.5-6k lbs, so just around the sweet spot, again, I may upsize in the next year or 2, so more weight.

The tires I'm looking at arent the heaviest in 10 ply ratings (Nokian Outpost AT) at 49lbs, vs other LT tires in the same size that come in at 55-57lbs. P Rated tires in same size are around 42-44lbs, so the Nokian's I'm looking at are an in between for an LT tire.

I may just be convincing myself!

 

It is a balance, heaver tire, worse gas milage, rougher ride. I have towed with the original P-rated tires that came with my truck (Brigestone) and I was not impressed, truck and trailer rode like a boat, I prefer a tigher more precise driving experience when towing or just driving around town even it is a rougher ride. Those Nokian Outpost AT tires just might fit the bill considering you may go with a heaver trailer in the future.

 

E load tires are overkill on half ton trucks. I run them, only because there are few options for larger tires that work on Tundras that are not E load. I would move away from E load tires in a heartbeat if I could. C load would be perfect blend of comfort and tuffness but no ones makes anything in C load unless you drop back to 17inch wheels.

They are tuff, but they also ride harder, are heavier so impact MPG, acceleration. Tundras come with SL (standard load tires) and SL tires are plenty for hauling, towing, etc. They fully meet the load and handling need for a Tundra. So, as with anything, there are tradeoffs. If you like the ride of the truck now and dont plan on oversize tires, stick with SL load. If you want larger tires, you are probably looking at E load, because there are few SL tires in the common 18 and 20 inch wheel tire sizes that work well on our trucks.

 

In the same boat, looking at 275/65/20’s. I pull a 7k camper on some long trips during the summer. Alaska is my destination this summer, so I don’t mind the “E” rated tires for that trip.
Just debating whether to match the spare or role the dice.

 

I'm currently wondering about the same thing right now as we are looking at doing some winter RVing.
I have a set of 20in BFG AT)"D" rated tires that came with the truck. They are larger and heavier than I consider necessary.
I was able to pick up a set of 18" tires and rims, with P rated tires. They ride much smoother, are lighter and give better mileage.

Looking at new tires with the newer style load ratings, I find there are SL, XL, D and E tires.
The XL may be the ticket...IF I had 17" rims....but that's another issue in itself...
My Econoline 350 had E rated 16" tires. As with the 17" tires on my Ram 1T, they were plenty of tire, and I don't recall ever having a flat.