Has Anyone With 20” Wheels Moved To LT Tires?

[GlennSullivan]

Just thinking, now that Im going to be doing more towing, might want to have a tire with stronger sidewalls and more resilliant to punctures. I do realize there would be an unsprung weight gain and fuel mileage reduction.

For those that have done this, what has been your experiences

 

[GlennSullivan]

Maybe my first question should be, do any of the top line tire manufacturers make LT 275/55/20 tires.

 

[JacobMcL]

I have a 2015 limited with 20” wheels and switched over to LT tires for my third set on this car. I wanted them for towing stability. I chose BFG KO2s in stock size. Following the recommendation of the tire shop I went with the 8 ply or D rating as a compromise. I have run them a year definitely a mpg drop and ride change. I am happy with them however. Also note the inflation pressure will be different the the door listed 35 psi. I run 48 empty and increase when towing. I used an online inflation calculator.

 

[Steve H]

I have had both BFG KO2 and Michelin LTX AT2 in 275/55/20 on my 2014 King Ranch. Both are great tires and I have towed with them. The BFG have better traction in snow and off-road, but they make more noise on the highway and seem to to get about 1 MPG less. I like the LTX better all around, just not in situations requiring 4WD.

 

[Johnathan M]

I have a 2015 limited with 20” wheels and switched over to LT tires for my third set on this car. I wanted them for towing stability. I chose BFG KO2s in stock size. Following the recommendation of the tire shop I went with the 8 ply or D rating as a compromise. I have run them a year definitely a mpg drop and ride change. I am happy with them however. Also note the inflation pressure will be different the the door listed 35 psi. I run 48 empty and increase when towing. I used an online inflation calculator.
Where did you find that calculator? I’ve always wondered how to know what psi to run when using a non standard tire. I would be very interested in having that link! Thanks!

 

[rollinstone]

I’ve got the Michelin LTXs for towing and everyday driving. Very happy with them.

 

[GlennSullivan]

Thank you all for your answers. My current tires are the Michelin Defender LTX M/S 113T in standard 275/55/20 size and have no real complaints when towing, just looking for something less suceptable to punctures and damage.

To those of you that are running the Michelins, are you using the "standard" 113T or are you running LT? If LT what is the part number?

 

[Timo2824]

I'm running Discount Tire's house brand Pathfinder HT's in the stock 275/55R20. The load index on them is 117T and the load range is XL. I tow a 5000lbs cargo trailer and don't have any complaints. They're quiet on the highway and do well in all weather driving. I didn't notice any drop in mileage, I think they spec the weight at 41lbs per tire. I believe they're made by hankook.

 

[mkbruin]

Load range F.

The ride is…. stiff.

 

[GlennSullivan]

They are some serious tires! I don't think I'd want to be towing at 75mpg with them, but I sure would want them during or after a serious storm.

 

[Johnathan M]

Just curious why you wouldn't want to tow at 75 mph with them? I would think they would be more stable than a squishy P rated tire.

 

[mkbruin]

It towed just fine at 65-70 though…

 

[GlennSullivan]

Just curious why you wouldn't want to tow at 75 mph with them? I would think they would be more stable than a squishy P rated tire.

I should qualify that statement by saying I wouldn't want to tow long distances with them…. unless Im wrong about the tread noise they would generate at 70/75 mph.

 

[GlennSullivan]

It towed just fine at 65-70 though…

Nice old Studie, are you planning on restoring it?

 

[Johnathan M]

I should qualify that statement by saying I wouldn't want to tow long distances with them…. unless Im wrong about the tread noise they would generate at 70/75 mph.

Ahhh… That makes sense.

 

[mkbruin]

Nice old Studie, are you planning on restoring it?

Bingo. Former California car so it’s solid, great base for a restomod.