truck tires

[shovel]

When considering the flotation of tires, comparing skinny vs. wide, always remember what the letters "PSI" mean and that the "P" is fixed by the weight of your vehicle.

[IsaacCarlson]

But you also have to remember that flotation and traction are two different animals.

[slowmover]

On a half-ton truck I'd avoid high load index tires (Load Range E). Stick with original size range as well, but in an LT designation.

The trade-off between LRR truck tires -- let's designate closed shoulder "highway rib" tires as such in the interim -- and traction tires needs to be cleared up by the OP as to whether low-traction but high miles/high mpg tires are a good choice.

With so few miles to accummulate over seven years (projected tire life) I don't think this is going to matter in any significant way.

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[IsaacCarlson]

I have done a bit of driving this week with my new tires and they make the truck work harder all the time.

I did the math and I should only be losing ~6% of my rear wheel power. It does not sound like much, but it is noticeable. Climbing hills is harder and I often have to downshift, but level ground is not too bad. Getting up to speed takes more effort and time. I had a hard time going 60 mph with a load of wood on Saturday.

I had 235-80/16 on there before and it felt fine. The new ones should only be a hair bigger, but they stand 2+ inches taller. I think it is the deep tread that makes them a good inch taller alone.

I think this whole problem will get better as the tires wear, but I will be getting smaller tires when these are gone.

[Miller88]

Originally Posted by slowmover

On a half-ton truck I'd avoid high load index tires (Load Range E). Stick with original size range as well, but in an LT designation.



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Want a bouncy ride? Run load range E truck tires on a 3200 pound Jeep.