I have a 2020 F150 XLT with the Max Tow package and a 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The truck can tow up to 13,500 pounds. I am due for new tires at 44,000 miles. Currently, I have Goodyear Wrangler All Terrain Adventure tires with Kevlar in size 275/55 R20. I’m pleased with their durability, low road noise, and comfort.
I am considering whether to stick with the same tires or switch to something else. I tow a 2023 Forest River Wildwood FSX260RTKX toy hauler camper, which weighs about 6,000 pounds empty and up to 8,500 pounds fully loaded. Only about 10% of my tire mileage is with the trailer, but I will be towing about 20% from now on. Most of my driving is in Florida, so I don’t need off-road or snow tires. Should I upgrade to a stronger tire or stick with what I have? I know all tires involve trade-offs. I’d appreciate recommendations or advice from those who tow similar trailers and weights. Thanks!
Using LT (Light Truck) tires might indeed make towing heavy weights easier or safer. However, what often gets overlooked, as with many options or upgrades for half-ton pickups, is that almost everything involves trade-offs. As others have pointed out, LT tires typically result in a rougher ride and lower fuel efficiency whenever you’re not towing heavy loads. In my opinion, for most situations, they don’t make practical sense on a half-ton truck.
I do not tow up to 8,000 pounds often, but I have come close. I swapped out my tires for standard Michelin LTX MS2s. They are well-suited to the truck, tow well, and haven’t noticeably affected my fuel efficiency, unlike many tires that replace the factory ones after they wear out.
The main benefit of using LT tires is their durability, especially for off-road or rough terrain driving. They are tougher and less likely to get damaged by rocks, sticks, or other debris you encounter.
I’ve used both P rated and LT tires on my trucks since the 1970s. P rated tires have been damaged beyond repair several times, but I’ve never lost an LT tire. This durability makes LT tires more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you have to replace a damaged P rated tire.
For towing, most P or standard load tires can handle more weight than a half-ton truck. When I load heavy, I run standard tires with a bit more air, which minimizes differences between them and LT tires. Unless you consistently push the truck’s payload limits, there is not much difference.
On my 2014 truck, I have used two sets of P rated tires (three including the factory tires) and two sets of E rated tires, including the new ones I got recently. I haven’t noticed any change in fuel mileage. Ride quality on smooth roads is identical, and on rough roads, the E rated tires are slightly stiffer but not uncomfortable.
LT tires may affect acceleration slightly due to their weight, but once at speed, they do not require more power or fuel than lighter tires. Wide tires with aggressive tread can reduce MPG due to increased rolling resistance, but narrow LT tires with moderate tread like my LT265/70/18s ride well and shouldn’t affect fuel mileage significantly.
I used to struggle with overthinking tire choices because of the abundance of information and opinions online.
I have come to prefer Michelin LTX MS2 tires. They are just as fuel-efficient as the original Hankooks I replaced after 25,000 miles, mainly to avoid another winter with them. Interestingly, we did not experience any snow that year. I have been a fan of the LTX series for a long time; I even had two sets on a Honda SUV and got 70,000 miles from each set.
I currently have the original Goodyear tires on my truck, and they perform smoothly without issues when towing my boat or enclosed trailer. When it is time to replace them, I am considering tires with a slightly more aggressive tread pattern for better traction on sand, as I enjoy surf fishing. I usually opt for LT tires, a habit from when they were more necessary. Based on your feedback, I believe the Goodyears will suit your needs well.
