LT vs P-metric Tires

[AussieDan]

Forgive me if this is a dumb question.

I'm shopping around for a set of new tires for our 05 V8 Sport. I intend to install a 2/1 lift and upsize to 265/70R17 on all 5 rims. This is all pretty straightforward.

However, I see that many of the tires this size come in both an LT and P-metric fitment. From what I've read they are 2 different tires, with the LT tires having much heavier construction and costing around $100 more for the set ($20/tire).

Tires I'm considering that come in the 2 different versions are the Pirelli Scorpion ATR and Michelin LTX A/T2.

With the Goodyear Wrangler SA the plot thickens even further as they offer 3 different 265/70R17 tires:

265/70TR17 113T
265/70RR17 112/109R Load Range C
265/70R17 121/118R Load Range E (Pro Grade)

I see a lot of good things about the Wranglers here, but I'm not sure which version people are talking about?

I assume that the heavier construction of the LT tires will hurt gas mileage a little but the stiffer sidewalls would help with on-road handling at the expense of some ride smoothness.

Any input appreciated!

 

[brad6841]

Your partially correct.....the LT will provide a stronger tire and will decrease the ride comfort, but won't decrease the MPG too much.....unless you get an aggressive tread pattern. With the Pirelli and the Michelin you will not lose too much MPG because they're tread patterns are not that aggressive.

Here's an article on Tire Rack that explains load range.....

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=55&currentpage=35

Depending on what you do with your 4Runner your probably going to want to go with a tire that has a "C" load range or below. The recommended load range for my Chevy 2500HD is a load range "E", just to use as a comparison. The load range "E" is going to be over kill, and will probably exceed the cargo limit of the 4Runner anyway.

Seeing as you are installing a lift, I'm going to assume you want to go off road. In that case I would go with the load range "C" tire for the added strength the "C" rating will give you.....

Hope this helps...... :bigok:

 

[sharp4runr]

Another thing to consider is that with the LT tires, the sidewalls will be stronger and when offroading this may preven punctures on the sidewalls when climbing over rocks etc. The extra weight of the tires too should affect MPG somewhat, how much I'm not sure.

 

[AussieDan]

Thanks guys, I guess I should have given a bit more info about the expected use.

Right now the worst the 4runner is likely to see will be deep snow in the upstate NY winter. Unfortunately my wife has put her foot down regarding off-roading, at least until the truck is 'worn in' a little :

I am planning to tow a car trailer, though the total weight will most likely be between 4500 and 5000lbs.

It seems like the E load rated tires may be overkill for my use, so I guess that leaves the decision between the Wrangler P, the C range Wrangler ATs or the P versions of the Michelin & Pirelli.

So, has anyone used either the P or non-pro LT Wrangler SAs?

 

[brad6841]

If your going to tow......I would get nothing less than a load range "C". I might even try to find a load range "D" just for the added strength for towing.

I would seriously not recommend towing with a "P" rated tire......:awais:

 

[Thai]

If your going to tow......I would get nothing less than a load range "C". I might even try to find a load range "D" just for the added strength for towing.

I would seriously not recommend towing with a "P" rated tire......:awais:

x2