Tire Load and Speed Rating

[LodeRunner]

I've been eyeing some Firestone Destination AT tires in 265/75R16, and see on Tirerack that they offer that size in two different versions. One has a C Load Range with a Service Description of 112/109R. The other simply says Service Description is 114S and UTQC of 460 A B. The first is listed at $154/tire, the latter at $129/tire. What's the difference here, and which should I really be considering?

Thanks!

 

[SCRunner12]

The load range C is a LT tire. The other is a passenger rated tire. The LT is what you want to get because it has a stronger sidewall and will ride better with the weight of your 4runner.

 

[NickF]

I always recommend spending the extra mony on the higher load range tire

 

[JB.]

The first is listed at $154/tire, the latter at $129/tire. What's the difference here, and which should I really be considering?

Totally depends on whether you off-road significantly or not. If you do, you may want the LT but should be prepared to run more street pressure in it than a passenger tire.

If not, the passenger (P) tire is preferable in nearly every respect. It's what came on your vehicle, it carries more load at the same psi, handles better, costs less, robs less power, carries a higher speed rating, and is generally safer.

 

[JohnsD90]

Make sure the speed rating is high enough, i know my tires can sustain 105 for a good amount of time.

 

[LodeRunner]

Thanks to all for the insight so far. At this point, I'm not off-roading much at all, and what is off-road isn't too major. I've had Michelin Cross Terrain SUV tires in 265/70R16 for the past 60k miles and have been pleased overall with those. They don't make them in that size any more to my knowledge, and I believe that's a passenger tire.

So, given that I'm not off-road much and like the idea of "robbing less power," I'm inclined to lean towards the passenger tire. However, I also like the idea of a stronger sidewall with the LT tire.

Any more thoughts given the above?

 

[JB.]

The stronger sidewall is only a net benefit off-road. On road, it accompanies the LT platform and contributes to the tire running hotter, which is why an LT needs more pressure to carry the same load.