Meeker
Full Access Members
I haven't seen this mentioned on any threads in the last few years, so I thought I'd share my experiences towing with 2 different type of tires.
2018 XLT came with the Michelin Primacy tires. Towing my 2016 Cougar 21RBS I have to be very careful to keep the tongue weight and cargo in check to meet the RAWR limit. But with my WD hitch adjusted properly and everything I could think of to compensate I still had some sway in cross-winds and when semis pass.
Swapped the tires for Michelin LT AT/2 (the actual LT version, not the P version of the same name).
The dealer did the swap and inflated them to 44 psi saying that's the appropriate number. Well, my first tow I had even more sway than before! I finally used my portable compressor to pump them up to 55 psi (warm) and it was a night and day difference. Nearly rock solid - as good as we can get with Independent rear suspension.
I'm now running at 55 psi cold, and I cannot say there's a difference in ride quality (but my covid butt may be absorbing the extra jolts).
I think the 44 psi came from the Michelin load rating table - it matches the dry weight of the Expy. But, at the RAWR it should have been over 50 psi. So, if you're in this same position, look at your tire pressures!
Just to round out the story, I noticed a drop of about 1 L/100km fuel efficiency with the LTs at 44 psi, and not sure if that improved at 55 psi (I'm assuming it will). The winter traction is definitely much better (although not up to winter tire levels on ice). As always, YMMV.
2018 XLT came with the Michelin Primacy tires. Towing my 2016 Cougar 21RBS I have to be very careful to keep the tongue weight and cargo in check to meet the RAWR limit. But with my WD hitch adjusted properly and everything I could think of to compensate I still had some sway in cross-winds and when semis pass.
Swapped the tires for Michelin LT AT/2 (the actual LT version, not the P version of the same name).
The dealer did the swap and inflated them to 44 psi saying that's the appropriate number. Well, my first tow I had even more sway than before! I finally used my portable compressor to pump them up to 55 psi (warm) and it was a night and day difference. Nearly rock solid - as good as we can get with Independent rear suspension.
I'm now running at 55 psi cold, and I cannot say there's a difference in ride quality (but my covid butt may be absorbing the extra jolts).
I think the 44 psi came from the Michelin load rating table - it matches the dry weight of the Expy. But, at the RAWR it should have been over 50 psi. So, if you're in this same position, look at your tire pressures!
Just to round out the story, I noticed a drop of about 1 L/100km fuel efficiency with the LTs at 44 psi, and not sure if that improved at 55 psi (I'm assuming it will). The winter traction is definitely much better (although not up to winter tire levels on ice). As always, YMMV.
