What tires and wheels for towing

[jumpstart]

I am looking to replace my stock tires and wheels with something that is good for towing. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Lou Hamilton]

I use Nitto Ridge Grappler LT tires (LT285/70 R18). As far as wheels, that is a personal choice. I have Black Rhino Chambers (+12mm offset) on mine.

 

[LG_123]

I haven't swapped the factory summer tires yet but I'm eying the Michelin Defenders when I do. A small sidewall (so 20" or 22" wheels) is ideal for stability.

 

[LazSlate]

Aside from traction depending on what terrain you will be towing on, tires are not as critical as people seem to think.
Un-like a pickup truck loading items in the back OR possibly your Expedition loaded inside and on top, where side wall and load rating come into play, towing requirements stipulate that the tow vehicle should only receive lateral load from the trailer and the downward loads must be little to none in comparison. That is why most all hitches on average have a max tongue load of 600 lbs.

 

[Gumby]

Love my Michelin Premier LTX's.

 

[Beachums]

Be sure to get load range E tires. Max pressure 80psi.... When you're not towing, leave factory recommended air pressure in the tires. If you're towing something heavy, bump all 4 tires up to 70-80 psi. That will give you the stiff sidewall you're gonna want.
I used to be in the Goodyear silent armor bandwagon. Now I rock Michelin Defender LTX mud and show rated.

 

[NukeLife]

This.

I ran normal 40 psi in my load range E Nitto’s when not towing and pumped up to 70 when towing the travel trailer. Towed like a dream. The EB 3.5 is a freaking tow beast. Very impressive.

 

[Zig10]

If you're towing something heavy, the tires make a huge difference. I tow a 7000+ lb boat over 1000 miles each summer and the rear end was a bit squirrelly even with the sway bar upgrade until I put better tires on. Switched up to XL rated tires on factory 20" rims and it is as planted as towing with my pickup now. I probably could have gone up to the E rated tires for the trailer weight, but the XLs give a little softer ride when unloaded.

 

[jayliu]

This.

I ran normal 40 psi in my load range E Nitto’s when not towing and pumped up to 70 when towing the travel trailer. Towed like a dream. The EB 3.5 is a freaking tow beast. Very impressive.

what psi would you recommended towing something in the 4000lb range. (factory recommened is 39 psi on a 22 inch wheel.) Thanks.

 

[Deadman]

With an independent rear suspension vehicle, there is no way you need load range E tires. Thats complete overkill. Sure it will help, but the sway is coming from the suspension more than the tires. Get the rear sway bar swapped for Hellwig to start with.

 

[Pawpaw]

Running 275x70x18 BFG KO's on stock FX4 wheels. 65 psi cold front and rear when towing...45 psi for daily driving. Stock suspension.

 

[Overtow]

I went with the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 275/55/R20 specifically because they have the 117H load rating (2833lbs per tire at 51psi). I pulled a 7000# boat 1000 miles with the tires at 44psi and they are fantastic. Fuel mileage is also up from high 17's to 20.8 over the factory Hankooks.

 

[techdude99]

what psi would you recommended towing something in the 4000lb range. (factory recommened is 39 psi on a 22 inch wheel.) Thanks.

I tow a car hauler that's 5000lbs loaded with OEM 22" wheels and OEM Hankook tires set at the factory rated 39Psi. The tongue weight is set to ~600lbs. Smooth as silk to drive.