Looking for some help and advice on new tires - specifically in regard to tire size.

I have a 2007 F150. I currently have the stock Hankook 235/70R17s that came with the truck when I bought it. They are ready to be replaced.

I routinely tow a 6400lb trailer (short distances only) and will be towing a 5000lb Travel Trailer (longer distances).

I was looking at the Michelin LTX M/S2 tire, and was considering getting the larger size 255/65, but don't want to spend the extra money if I don't have to.

Can anyone tell me whether upgrading to the 255 is worth the added expense - or is the 235 adequate (and safe) for my purposes?

Thanks!

 

What is the "Load Range" of the 255's?

I'm pretty sure your OEM tires were "P" rated tires...

I tow a #5000 TT and I went from the stock P255/70/16 tires to LT265/75/16 tires Load Range "C" tires, even before I started to tow the trailer, simply because the "P" rated tires sucked not towing or hauling anything...

I did have to recal the speedo gear for the 2" taller tires and it did reduce my final rear end gear ratio a bit, (I have 3.55 gears), but towing a #5000 TT is not an issue either way.

I got the LT rated tires because they have stiffer sidewalls and have higher 'cold psi' ratings compared to the "P" rated tires.. "P" stands for Passenger... "LT" stands for Light Truck.. I drive a truck, so there you go!

While I'm sure the load rating on the P tires are sufficient for the loads you are carrying, I'll bet you will notice a better handling and overall towing performance better with an LT rated tire...

What size you go to is up to you.. But, if what a nice cushy ride, stick with the P tires.. If you want a firmer, more stable and better handling tire, go with an LT tire.

JMHO on it of course.. I like a firm ride for a truck.. If I want a cushy ride, I'll drive a Buick..

Mitch

 

The 235 is adequate, but I would look into an LT tire rather than a P series tire if I were you. They LT will handle the towing far better, especially with sidewall flex and load carrying ability.

 

Mitch, Kingfish -- thanks for the replies.

The load range is the same on both (2205lbs); the 235 LTX M/S2 is an XL tire, which as I understand it is somewhat of a "happy medium" between the standard P and an LT. If I'm wrong on that, please correct me.

On the 255, is it the wider footprint that gives it more towing stability than the 235?

If it wasn't for the fact that I would have to buy 5 of the 255s (spare) instead of just 4, it probably wouldn't be an issue.

 

The additional width might help a bit when compared side by side, but it's the sidewall that really makes the difference.. A skinny LT tire compared to a wide P tire will still have more stability IMO..

I didn't buy 5 new tires when I went to the LT265's.. I bought a USED LT265 tire for the spare.. It still has about 75% tread left and only cost me about $40. I have only used it once in the 10 years I've owned the truck... I do check it and make sure it's pumped up and not dry rotted.. So far, so good!

Mitch

 

Here's the data on those Michelins:

The 235/70/17 XL's and the 255/65/17's are the same height and have the same max load, but the XL's are rated at 50 psi and the 65's are rated at 44 psi. The 65's are about 3/4 inch wider. The 235's require a 6 to 8 inch wide rim, the 255's require a 7 to 9 inch wide rim. With the same height as stock, you won't have to buy a new spare.

 

Ps, that 2205 is not 2205 when used on a light truck. It is actually around 2020. You need to take off at least 9% when used on the truck. This is due to constant heavier weight and higher center of gravity. Believe me, an LT LR C will do far better towing, and will not be at it's limit as far as load carrying ability.

I just checked the specs of the LTX M/S2. Neither the 235 or 255 is adequate for your vehicle when you subtract the 9%. They would both be under 2000lbs. Your 07 is rated at around 4000lbs per axle. They do have a LR E tire that will easily handle your truck. It's max is 2755 @ 80 psi, but ideal pressure for your truck would be around 50-55psi. If you do not want to go to a LR E, then you will have to pick another brand/tire.

 

I researched the tires at samsclub.com and they show the max load on both as 2005#. I don't see a problem with them with a 5000# trailer, that's not really close to the max tow on the truck (GVWR/payload limit) unless you are heavily loading the cab and bed too.

You would be better off with either one of those tires than with the stock garbage Hankooks.

 

Thanks again guys - this has been an education.

Mitch - that's a great idea about the used spare.

kingfish (or others) - any tire recommendations?

 

If you get a taller tire, you will probably have to get a programmer to recalibrate your speedometer and vehicle speed sensors - and you will lose some performance and gas mileage.

 

2005# is on a regular vehicle. On a light truck, 9% or 180# needs to be subtracted. The GAWR of the 07 F150 with the 7200 #GVWR will have a rear GAWR of 3950#. Well above the 1825 X 2 of those tires.
The Hankooks at least had a 2205# load rating. I am quite surprised the Michelins are that low, especially with a XL p series tire.

ptt87, as far as tires, a lot depends upon what type of tire you want.
You might take a look at tirerack and put in the tire size you are looking for. These tires are also rated by those who have purchased them.
As far as going larger, I would have to ask what rear you have 3.55, 3.73, or something else. 4x2 or 4x4. With the 4x4, you can go with a more aggressive tread which will do better in snow. Just remember, the larger you go, the lower the tow rating of the truck. I would not go larger than 275/70R17 if you have a 3.73 and probably 265/70R17 if a 3.55.
Also in general, the larger, the more expensive. Same holds true of the load rating. Higher is more expensive.

 

kingfish - I have a 4x2, 3.55.

Size isn't my top priority; towing safety is. So I'm OK sticking with a 235-sized tire as long as I can safely tow with them.

However, if increasing size is safer, then I am OK with that too. A comfortable ride would be nice too since most of my driving time is without something in tow.

Know of any tires that fill that bill?

I checked out tirerack, but they don't seem to have any LR E tires for my truck, in the 235 or 255 size, though a few did have a higher load index.

 

Sam's is wrong - according to the specs at Tire Rack, both Michelins (235/70/17 XL and 255/65/17 standard) have a load rating of 2205 (same as the stock Hankooks), subtract 10% and you are at 1979, which is adequate - just above the rear GAWR. I'd get the 255/65/17's, both for the extra width and a better ride at 44# instead of the 50# needed for max load on the XL's. The UTQG on the Michelins is awesome too - 720 AA as opposed to the 440 BA on the Hankooks.

I can't find *ANY* LT-rated tires in EITHER size.

 

I got the 2005# direct from the Michelin web site.

There are LT tires in the 235-245-255/70R17, but most are a LR E. Nothing wrong with a LR E, although ride will be a bit harsher and MPG may go down slightly (more rolling resistance). Handling will be far better with an LT tire, especially in cornering and towing over any P series. Also the LTs will be far better as far as toughness and handling harsh conditions.
I thought I saw at least 7 tires that are LR E for the 235/70. Will take another look.

Edit - My mistake, none for 235, however there are 29 tires in either LR C, D, or E in the 245/70R17. That includes a LR E in the Michelin tires you had looked at. Also found quite a few other brands and models, from highway to AT tires.

Also try looking at Discount Tires for those sizes. Sometimes they have sizes and brands that Tire Rack does not carry or list.

 

Still at it.....definitely convinced I need an LT tire, so at least that decision is made.

Now, back to the size. All of these tire dealers list the 235/70 and the 255/65 as the approved sizes for my truck. Unfortunately, the tire I'm looking at does not have an LT in either.

They do have an LT in the 245 - but will I be compromising safety/warranty/etc. by going with a "unapproved" size, or are the "approved" sizes just a recommendation?