I have 2 F-150's. My 04 is the lariat model, my 06 is the work fruck model. (both 4x4) My 04 has load class C tires (18") and my 06 has standard load range (17" Hankook)

I need new 18" tires. Do I NEED load range C's? They are either limited options or they are very expensive for the heavy load range.

I tow every now and again. And I rarely carry anything heavy in the bed.

Please advise..

 

I would say C minimum but maybe thats just me. I usually go D or even E.

 

Is that because you haul or go off-road a lot? I ran 10 ply tires during hunting season before. But then again I was going through the woods with no trails at times..

 

My personal opinion is that the P series tires should not be put on these trucks. They are at the limit of there capacity, otherwise there would be no reason to run them at max pressure.. Do you "need" a LR C tire, no, will it be beneficial, yes. better handling, better load carrying.
Even though the numbers on the sidewall may say the tire can handle more weight than a LR C, that is not true. All the manufacturers put a warning that the weight on the sidewall should not be used if using the tire on a light truck application. Real load carrying numbers are lower.
As far as LR D or E. they are usable on an F150, but overkill. The weight carrying ability of the tire far exceeds the the capacity of the truck itself.

 

If you haul or tow at all, then I would suggest no lower than D load range. I personally prefer E load range and would not buy truck tires that were less than E.

 

For an F250, I agree, LR D or preferably E. For a 150, definite overkill. A LR C is rated at 2400-2500lbs per tire at a max of 50 psi. Totaled to 5000lbs, that is 1000lbs higher than the axles is rated to. That is why Ford recommends 40psi on a LR C tire on the 04 up. Pressure needed for the tire to handle what the axle is rated for.

 

Then, why do some of the F-150's come with standard load tires??

Basically, I was looking to get new tires for 500 or up to 600 dollars . The dang load range C tires (in a nice AT tread) were close to 200 a piece.. Just trying to be cheap I guess.

 

One reason and one reason only. Money.

 

It's all about money.