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Light Truck tires for stability (pulling a camper)?

Discussion in 'Wheels & Tires' started by Ksatter, Nov 4, 2017.

  1. Nov 4, 2017 at 7:43 AM
    #1
    Ksatter

    Ksatter [OP] New Member

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    I have Bridgestone OEM's currently. I have 35k on them and they are already wearing down quickly.
    I pull a camper (travel trailer) and have noticed that with the "P" tire I have some side to side movement.

    Question - should I consider a Light Truck tire for replacement for stability? If so, what tires should I consider? I have the 20" wheels and have noticed a very limited selection on the tire web sites for this size.

    Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide.
     
  2. Nov 4, 2017 at 8:15 AM
    #2
    MatthewPTguy

    MatthewPTguy Not a new member

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    I put light truck tires on a rig I owned years ago as I was constantly hauling a lot of weight in the bed. The LT tires made a big difference in how the truck rode and handled when loaded. My lifestyle has changed since then, and I've kept P rated tires on my more recent rigs so I don't know anything about today's LT tire options... lots of guys on this forum are really into the tires... someone will get you the info you need.
     
  3. Nov 4, 2017 at 8:39 AM
    #3
    Ksatter

    Ksatter [OP] New Member

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    Thank you for your response. I'm just the opposite. I've always had P type tires. The older I get the more I'm concerned about safety when towing. So, I thought this might be worth looking into.

    Thanks again.
     
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  4. Nov 4, 2017 at 9:07 AM
    #4
    JMB

    JMB Not new, just a little old.

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    I don't tow often, but did notice a big difference when I got rid of the stock tires and went to an E rated LT tire. When towing I inflate the tires to 60 psi, run them at 35 when not towing. Check out the Michelin Defender thread on here, great tires depending on your needs.
     
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  5. Nov 4, 2017 at 9:10 AM
    #5
    Ksatter

    Ksatter [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for the response. Is it okay to run them at the same pressure even when you are not towing?
     
  6. Nov 4, 2017 at 9:16 AM
    #6
    JMB

    JMB Not new, just a little old.

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    I did that for a few days, ride was way too rough. And the VSC would activate sometimes, like on an expansion joint in a curve. That didn't happen at 35. I didn't chalk test at 60, but I suspect that unloaded there would have been an issue with tire wear.
     
  7. Nov 4, 2017 at 9:22 AM
    #7
    Ksatter

    Ksatter [OP] New Member

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    Thanks again. I understand and appreciate the insight on your findings. I found the thread on the Michelin Defender M/S2 tires. I will look at those some more before making any decision. I orginally went to some of the tire web sites and didn't have any previous experience with some of the brands. I want to be sure before making that kind of an investment. I called my local Discount Tire and they quoted me $1,300 out the door on a set of Michelins. I had a little price shock when I heard the price. Thanks again.
     
  8. Nov 4, 2017 at 9:44 AM
    #8
    JMB

    JMB Not new, just a little old.

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    They are pricey, but I had the previous version on two vehicles before my Tundra. They consistently lasted longer than the warranty. $1300 mounted and balanced isn't out of line, $300 per tire and $25 per to install is average around here. Shop around though, when I put them on my wife's car Sears had them installed for less than I could buy just the tires anywhere else.
     
  9. Nov 4, 2017 at 9:52 AM
    #9
    Ksatter

    Ksatter [OP] New Member

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    Will do! I have several places within 20 minutes to check. Thanks again for your help.
     
  10. Nov 8, 2017 at 12:50 PM
    #10
    Ksatter

    Ksatter [OP] New Member

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    Does anyone have any other suggestions on a LT tire besides the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2? Thanks
     
  11. Nov 8, 2017 at 1:55 PM
    #11
    blizz86

    blizz86 New Member

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    I used E rated toyo at2 extremes (285/75-17) on my truck and dont tow at all.. ill randomly have a full bed of manure/gravel/soil conditioner etc.. i run them at 37-42 psi all the time. No mushy feeling and nice and planted on road..
     
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  12. Nov 8, 2017 at 2:19 PM
    #12
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    DITTO ^^^^^
     
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  13. Nov 8, 2017 at 2:26 PM
    #13
    Tundraboomer

    Tundraboomer New Member

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    At one time I had LT285/65R18 E-rated Falken Wildpeak A/T2 tires on my truck, and towed a travel trailer thousands of miles through everything you can imagine with them. Best A/T tires I've ever had, and I've had a lot of them. Until I had these Wildpeaks, Yokohama Geolandar A/Ts were my "gold standard". Falken changed all that.

    The Falken's were super stable when towing and excellent traction in dry/wet/snow/ice. When it came time to replace them I couldn't get them where I was so I opted for Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 2s. Even though they too are E-load rated, huge mistake. Pretty lousy tires, nowhere near as good as the Falkens whether towing or not. I'm about due for new tires and even though I don't tow as often now, I'm going to opt for the new Falken Wildpeak A/T3s. http://falkentire.com/tires/light-truck-suv-cuv-tires/wildpeak/t3w-tire

    DSC_3812_wildpeak.jpg DSC_8624_snow_canada.jpg
     
  14. Nov 8, 2017 at 6:35 PM
    #14
    Ksatter

    Ksatter [OP] New Member

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    Tundraboomer,

    Did you see any difference in MPG going from the previous tires to the Falken's? Thanks
     
  15. Nov 8, 2017 at 6:58 PM
    #15
    Tundraboomer

    Tundraboomer New Member

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    Yeah, but they were quite a bit bigger than the original tires though so my city mileage decreased and my highway mileage (when not towing) increased. Not an apples to apples comparison though because I changed the size, thus the circumference. I only had the original tires on there for about the first 5,000 miles I owned the truck so I don't remember the specifics.
     
  16. Nov 11, 2017 at 7:02 AM
    #16
    Ksatter

    Ksatter [OP] New Member

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    Tundraboomer,

    How is the highway ride on the Falken Wildpeaks? Those look like they are more aggressive than what I had in mine! But I like the way they look. Have you had any issues with them picking up screws or nails. The Bridgestone OEM I have currently have been terrible since the tread is getting down about picking up items. I have had two flats in the last three months. Thanks in advance for your response.
     
  17. Nov 11, 2017 at 7:45 AM
    #17
    Tundraboomer

    Tundraboomer New Member

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    I'm not a good judge of ride quality because it's low on my list of priorities when it comes to tires. I prefer a firm ride and responsive handling over what most people describe as a "quality ride". The OE Bridgestones were too soft for me, and had terrible cornering response from low sidewall rigidity. The Falkens were grippy in just about everything and provided a firm but smooth ride. I never had any cupping or uneven wear.

    They were responsive in turns, and predictable. I usually ran them at a slightly higher than normal pressure too (normally about 40 psi). They had amazing grip in the rain and snow as well. I've got thousands of miles in snow, both towing and not, and never had to bust out my chains. They just work, the tread stays clear, and I always felt secure with them, even towing up steep hills.

    Most important on the highway, the Falkens tracked straight as an arrow. No wandering or picking up the grooves in some highways. They were very easy to drive on.

    I never sustained a puncture, unlike the OE Bridgestones, and the Bridgestone A/Ts I have on there now, both of which have had numerous minor punctures. I did pick up a screw with the Falkens once, but it didn't penetrate. I drove it to the tire store and pulled the screw out in the parking lot in case it started spewing air. The screw turned out to be quite a bit longer than I expected, and very deep. But no leak. Those tires were tough. If the A/T3s are even better, they should be amazing. We'll see.
     
  18. Nov 11, 2017 at 7:58 AM
    #18
    Ksatter

    Ksatter [OP] New Member

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    Tundraboomer,

    Thanks for all the details on your experience with the Falken. Definitely going to check them out.
     
  19. Nov 11, 2017 at 9:05 AM
    #19
    mphatrik

    mphatrik New Member

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    IMG_20171013_124655718.jpg Cooper ST Maxx and they do great.
     
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  20. Nov 11, 2017 at 11:32 AM
    #20
    Ksatter

    Ksatter [OP] New Member

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    How do they ride on the highway? Thanks for the information.
     
  21. Nov 11, 2017 at 11:39 AM
    #21
    mphatrik

    mphatrik New Member

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    They are great. Zero complaints. I like them so much that I put a set on my wife's Tacoma.
     
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  22. Nov 12, 2017 at 5:30 AM
    #22
    Ksatter

    Ksatter [OP] New Member

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    So, let's see if I can summarize accurately what I am hearing.

    1) Most of you prefer a tire that has a more aggressive tread
    2) Michelin, Falken and Cooper are popular brands
    3) Tire pressure must be controlled when towing or not towing to improve ride

    Clarification points -
    1) I do not get off the road except at campgrounds
    2) I like a tire that will have a great ride for normal conditions and towing characteristics
    3) I want something that will have good traction in wet conditions and snow
    4) I will probably use Discount Tire for the purchase (convenient)

    I wish I had thought about these points more before the OP. I apologize for not doing that.
     
  23. Nov 12, 2017 at 7:02 AM
    #23
    classic17

    classic17 New Member

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    I just installed a set of BFG All-Terrain KO2 LT305/55R20 load range E. I had a set on my Tacoma that I traded in. I liked the way they rode, wore, looked and handled in the snow. And since I had experience with these tires, that's why I went with them on the Tundra. I tow a small 22' travel trailer and could tell a big difference between the stock P tires and the LT's. I got the wheels and tires at Discount and was very surprised and happy with the service and price.
    20171029_173313a.jpg
     
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  24. Nov 12, 2017 at 7:34 AM
    #24
    Pr4sno

    Pr4sno New Member

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    I had the Falken Wildpeak AT3s in only a small step up in size from factory and they are fantastic.

    Good wear, super durable off road, great grip. Handled well and were quiet.

    Heavy, like any LT will be. You'll take a small mpg hit but probably inconsequential.

    The word has obviously gotten around as the price since I got my first set has gone up 30%.
     
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  25. Nov 12, 2017 at 7:50 AM
    #25
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    Look at what your buying. The tire is designed for a 1 Ton truck that can tow 30000 lbs. The load range E is over your tow rating by double, and might be triple.

    Now you have even a bigger problem...20’s. There isn’t a lot of sizing in what will fit. Even 18’s are a PITA unless you have 265/70/18 (that is what is on my one ton) and those are a lot cheaper (938.00 is what I was quoted).

    Personally, I would be looking into some XL P Metric rating or a LT Load Range C. Either tire exceeds the tow rating in your truck.
     
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  26. Nov 12, 2017 at 10:21 AM
    #26
    mgh-pa

    mgh-pa Perpetually a New Member.

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    So you don't recommend an E range tire on our trucks even if towing?
     
  27. Nov 12, 2017 at 10:39 AM
    #27
    gdiep

    gdiep I like cookies

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    I tow a travel trailer that weighs 4500 lbs loaded. I use p metric with a 116 load rating. I air it up about 5 psi higher while towing. With a well set up weight distribution hitch it tows fine. I’m not sure an e rated tire will make a difference in my situation since I don’t tow anything heavier.
     
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  28. Nov 12, 2017 at 12:11 PM
    #28
    Tundraboomer

    Tundraboomer New Member

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    Although I personally prefer the handling and ride characteristics E-load rated tires bring to my truck, I think ColoradoTJ makes some valid points in relation to the OP's list of preferences, especially "great ride for normal conditions". You aren't going to get a "great ride" from any E-rated tire. Of course, ride quality is highly subjective, but if that is high on your list of priorities, an E-load rated tire might not be for you. The problem though is that you also "want something that will have good traction in wet conditions and snow". I don't know of any H/T tread designs that do particularly well in snow, which nudges you back in the direction of A/T tires and your choices of A/T Load range C tires in the size you want may be very, very limited. I don't know all the options out there but you may have to compromise on either ride quality or traction here. Falken only has two Wildpeak 20-in A/T3s in less than E10 load ratings, a 275/55R20 Load range XL and a 275/60R20 Load range SL. Neither of these is a LT tire. Personally, I would never put these on a truck or tow anything with them but hey, that's just me.
     
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  29. Nov 12, 2017 at 1:19 PM
    #29
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    The craptastic P Metric tires have more load rating than what your truck can handle (load rating wise), however the added stability of an LT tire is very nice even in a Load Range C tire. Now here is the really craptastic part...sizing on LT tires for the Tundra almost make you go with a LR E tire.
     
  30. Nov 12, 2017 at 5:37 PM
    #30
    JMB

    JMB Not new, just a little old.

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    Yep. So that's why you gather information and then make the best decision for you. And provide your experience to the next guy that asks. We all learn from each other.
     
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