I'm about to pull the trigger on some new tires. However, I'm going back and forth between a couple of options. The issue that I'm stuck on is ride quality vs load rating.

I'm aiming toward LT tires, but I've got one type that is Load Range C, the other is Load Range D. These load ranges indicate the number of plies in the tire, plus a maximum load at a maximum inflation. I have to think that a load range D tire inflated to 65 psi would ride like a rock.

What happens if I take either a load range C or load range D tire and only inflate them to the standard 31 psi or so, as indicated on the door jamb? Will this make my ride more like my current "P" rated tires at this inflation pressure? Will it screw up the tread wear? Does having one of these load ranges mean I must inflate to a significantly higher pressure, or just that I have the option to inflate to a higher pressure to handle higher loads?

I'm paranoid about this issue as I have to drive on pretty rough roads - we get a lot of frost heaving and pot holes on our city streets and highways. The 4Runner is my daily driver and I'm getting soft in my old age. Off-road it's not that big a deal, but I'd like the added security of an extra ply or two that load range C or D would offer. Based on some of the potholes I'm dealing with, that extra ply could be important even on city streets.

Am I making a mountain out of a molehill?

Thanks much,
MadCityRich
'02 4Runner Ltd.

 

get a good 6ply tire and call it a day.. ask the tire guy what psi to set it too.. shouldnt be too hard to figure out.. tip, most 265/70/r16's do NOT come in 6ply or higher, just 4 ply (also a P rating i beleive) now 265/75/r16's do come in 6 ply or higher. i am not sure which size tire you want but that is a little something to go by. anything higher than 6ply the tire ride starts to get rough.

 

I *believe* mine are "D" rated. I use 30 psi for the street, 10-15 for offroad. Wear is fine.

If they aren't "D", I'm talking out my azz. I'll check.

 

Id stick with an LT tire if your paranoid about the potholes and such. I don't think the difference will be noticeable with a P and LT on a 4runner. Apparently the Revo's are the best all around tire on the market right now, may want to look into those.

Tire pressure, I use 35-38psi, because I *think* it gives me a little bit better mileage. (and I'm doing everything I can to get more mileage!

 

When I go for tires, I go to the same shop always. They give me a great discount, free tire rotation and balancing.

They walk me through the back of the store where where all the tires are of my size, and I look through them. Sine my 4runner is my DD, I pick a tread good for street, but also good enough for the dirt too Their tires have warranty, and I have never had a problem with any of them. These tires I have had for about 4 years now (forget the brand name) and they are fine. Paid about $575 out the door with the warranty.

My tires on them say inflate to around 50PSI! I was pretty amazed at that figure. But, I keep mine about 45. Gets better gas mpg too.

 

Two points
1. My 96 4runner came with LT tires from original owner, ride was so much rougher. I do not think pot holes will put P rated tires at risk, multiply is more for carrying capacity and puncture resistance.
2. Gas milage- LT will impact, extra plies increase rolling resistance.

Just my experiance.

 

higher load rating = rougher ride go w/ a lt c rated

 

the higher pressure rating on these d and e rated tires are to compensate for the increased weight of the vehicles that run them...like my dad's f250 running 285 bfg a/ts are d rated and his ride weighs right at 9300 lbs, so he runs them high pressure for towing and what not...however, i had the same tires on my 4runner, and the ride wasn't that much difference over my buckshots, which are c rated...either choice and you'll be fine...good luck with your purchase

 

"P" tires: less plys = Lighter/better gas milage
less plys = Softer ride
less plys = more sway under load or towing
Less tread depth = Lighter/better gas milage (Almost half as much tread)
Less tread depth = less life

"LT" tires: More Plys = Heavier/worse gas milage
More Plys =Harder ride
More Plys = handle loads and towing better
More Plys = handle trail use/abuse better
More tread depth = worse gas milage
More tread depth = Longer life

I have been running a BFG AT Load "D" for ever on my 4runner. I do not run them at max pressure. I run 35 psi on road and 15 psi offroad. My last set lasted 70,000 miles. I do bump the pressure up to 40F and 45R when doing long highway towing. I forgot to drop the pressure after my last trip and ehr ride was harsh and I was bouncing around rough corners. Back down to 35 and all is good. If you inflate the tire to max pressure then the rated load rating is acheived. At a lower pressure the load capacity is also decreased.

If you are looking for a lightly loaded road tire with the best gas milage then go with a skinny road tread P tire.

 

So, just hard to make a comparison of P to LT tires.
But, I am willing to bet, you do not carry the weight that justifies putting up with the less gas milage and rougher rider a LT tire gives. If you are used to a P rated tire going to a LT will feel rougher. But tire makes may impact the amount of difference.
Are you a hard core user, or mostly a daily driver with some off road exursions?
My Revos get the job done, for limited off-roading (I use dirtbikes to get my kind of off road joys) and beach driving at the outer banks for surf fishing.
Good luck

 

I can definitely tell the difference between a P rated and LT rated on my Tacoma. Ride got a little too harsh. I am hoping that an OME lift will take care of that.