Hello everyone, I have a 2020 F150 XLT with the Max Tow package and a 3.5 EcoBoost engine. My truck is rated to tow 13,500 pounds, and I’m nearing the time to replace my tires at 44K miles. It currently has Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventures with Kevlar in a 275/55 R20 size. I’ve been very satisfied with their wear, road noise, and ride comfort.
My question is whether I should stick with the same tires or consider switching. I tow a 2023 Forest River Wildwood FSX260RTKX toy hauler camper, which is about 6,000 pounds empty and around 8,500 pounds fully loaded. Only about 10% of the current mileage on my tires involves towing, but I expect that to increase to about 20% moving forward. Most of my driving is in Florida, so I don’t really need off-road or snow tires.
Should I upgrade to a more robust tire, or stick with what I’ve had? I’d appreciate any recommendations or suggestions from those who tow similar trailers and weights. Thanks in advance!
I have oversized LT tires on my truck and I’m happy with them. I’m pretty particular about things, and everyone’s needs, habits, and driving conditions are different. So, if you’re satisfied, I’d stick with what works for you until you’re not, haha.
I spent a lot of time and money switching tire brands and sizes when I was actually content with what I had, just for the sake of change.
/\ /\ /\ X2!! I should have heeded that advice when I needed new tires. I bought LT tires because the “internet hype” claimed they would improve towing performance. However, my old P tires provided a good towing experience, but I went ahead with LTs anyway. Honestly, I haven’t noticed much difference, just a decrease in MPG and a rougher ride. Next time I replace tires, I’m going back to the OEM P tires. For reference, my odometer shows I’ve towed this trailer for 23,000 miles, so I have a fair amount of real-world experience with both types of tires.
It’s possible that towing heavy loads becomes easier, more comfortable, or even safer with LT tires. However, what often gets overlooked, especially with various options or upgrades for half-ton pickups, is that almost everything involves a compromise. As others have mentioned, ride quality and fuel economy will always be worse when you’re not towing a heavy load. In most cases, I’d argue that LT tires don’t make sense for a half-ton truck.
The main benefit of LT tires is if you frequently drive off-road or on unpaved dirt/gravel roads. LT tires are more durable and less likely to be damaged by rocks, sticks, or other debris.
I’ve used both types of tires on my trucks since the 1970s. I’ve had several P-rated tires damaged beyond repair, but I’ve never lost an LT tire. This durability can make LT tires more cost-effective in the long run if you need to replace a damaged P-rated tire.
For towing, most P or standard load tires can handle more weight than a half-ton truck requires. I’d suggest using standard tires with slightly higher air pressure when heavily loaded; there likely won’t be much difference otherwise, unless you push the payload to or beyond the truck’s limits.
I’ve just put my fourth set of tires on my 2014 truck. Two sets were P-rated (three if you include the factory tires), and the new ones mounted on Monday are E-rated. I haven’t noticed any change in fuel mileage or ride quality on smooth roads. They are a bit stiffer on rough roads, but it’s not problematic.
My truck accelerates a bit slower from a stop with the LT tires, but once up to speed, they use no more power or fuel than lighter tires. Fuel mileage drops more with wider tires and aggressive treads, many of which are only available in E-rating and tend to ride poorly due to higher rolling resistance.
As long as you use narrow tires with moderately aggressive tread, fuel mileage should remain unaffected. I currently have LT265/70/18s on my truck, which are about ½ inch narrower and ½ inch taller than stock. They ride well, and while I haven’t had them long enough to check fuel mileage, based on previous experience, I don’t expect any significant changes.
Just so you know, those tires come with a prorated 6-year, 60k-mile treadwear warranty down to 2/32".
From the information available, they are SL-rated tires with a maximum load of 2535 lbs and a maximum pressure of 51 psi. SL-rated tires have their maximum load rating at 36 psi. So, at normal inflation, the total capacity for the four tires is 10,000 lbs, with 5,000 lbs on the rear.
For reference, I towed a 4,940 lb total tritoon/trailer and weighed it at the scales after adjusting the front stop for tongue weight before modifying the hitch. My truck, a 2019 XLT Supercrew 4x4, has the following axle weights with a topper, a full 36-gallon tank, some additional weight in the bed, and myself in the cab:
Without the trailer: 3,160 lbs front, 2,660 lbs rear
With the trailer: 2,960 lbs front, 3,300 lbs rear
So, the truck’s total weight increased by 440 lbs, which is the tongue weight, but the rear weight went up by 640 lbs because it lacks a weight distribution hitch (WDH). My tongue weight is slightly light by about 60 lbs from hitting 10% due to the outboard and fuel tank being at the back. Even with a tongue weight twice as much as mine, you should still have plenty of capacity on those tires, especially if you use a WDH.
You might want to find a set of CAT scales nearby to check your own weights for confirmation.
I upgraded to Michelin Defender LRE tires from the poor-performing Primacy tires, and it made a huge difference when towing my 6,500-pound trailer. However, even with a weight distribution hitch, 800 pounds of tongue weight, and a camper shell, I’m still overloading my rear axle according to a CAT scale measurement. I’m upgrading to a 3/4-ton truck to handle the load better.
Measure both the front and rear fenders from the ground with the trailer both hooked and unhooked. Knowing these measurements will help you determine what adjustments are needed. Sometimes leveling the truck can be more about appearance than functionality. The actual before-and-after measurements on the scales will give you a precise idea. The fender measurements are only an indication of weight transfer, not the exact amount.
