I had to replace the tires on my 2007 F-150 SCREW 4x4, and ordered the same size tires that were on the truck, P275/65 R18. I wanted Michelin LTX M/S2 tires, and found not everyone had them available. I did find a couple places that could get them in a couple of day, so chose one dealer.

I returned there after they got the tires in, and had them installed. This was on Thursday (today is Sunday). Just today I looked closely at the tires, and saw they were LT 275/65 R18, not the P 275/65 R18 I ordered.

I've noticed the ride wasn't quite as nice as I'd expected when I first drove with these tires, and am now wondering if the LT vs the P is the reason?

Should I go back and insist they replace these with the P tires id ordered?

Welcoming all advice....

 

A "P" rated tire will ride smoother, and give you a little better fuel mileage and shorter stopping distances due to the lighter weight. The LT tire is usually a heavier duty tire that is more resistant to flat's and can carry more weight due to the heavier sidewall's. Flat tires have been a thing of the past since I've been running the LT rated tires on my last couple of truck's compared to the P rated tires. Also the LT tires usually look a lot better which is a big deal on this forum! Just my 2 cent's

 

Thanks for your reply, Paw. I'll wait a while to see if others comment. For me, payload capacity isn't an issue, and I've never had a flat tire (while moving). I can live with these tires, but fuel economy and stopping distance do concern me. I'm all for the better look of these tires, though!

 

Something else, an LT tire will handle better than a P series. Less likely to lean in turns. Also a P series on a full size light truck is usually right at it's limit for load carrying. You cannot use the weight shown on the sidewall, but have to subtract 9% to get the true load carrying ability. So if a P series tire doesn't show at least a 2200lb load carrying ability, do not use it on your truck.
Also, what pressure are the tires being run at. You should not run them the same as a P series. What is the load range of the tires. C, D, or E and what is the max pressure? You will need to run a different pressure with the LT tires. The recommended pressure of the p series (probably 35) is not enough for the LT.

Edit - just took a look at the Michelin web site, Those are a LR E tire with a max of 80 psi. Run them at between 45 and 50. Do not go below 45psi. If you are running higher than 50, it would definitely feel a lot harsher than a P series. If running less than 45, it could be dangerous.

 

Thanks kingfish....excellent information to have. Now I have to wonder (since it doesn't appear the tire dealer is going to do anything about their mistake!) if the tires will receive the correct pressure when I have the truck serviced?

 

Once you decide on pressure, just make sure that you tell them about what pressure you want on the tires.
Unfortunately, I have found that the dealer and even tire dealers do not check to make sure that the tires on the vehicle even match what is on the sticker, an in many cases do not even look at the sticker. That is why you have to be on your toes checking that kind of stuff. Same applies to things like oil. many do not realize that the 04 up 5.4 use 7 quarts, not 6. Same with lugnut torque. I always retorque the lugnuts after service, even if I tell them what to use. Tire dealers have never used a torque wrench. Just put it on as tight as they can get with an airgun. Too lazy to do a proper torque. At least at my dealer they use torque sticks. Not great, but far better than just as tight as they can get it.

 

Looks like these guys have it about wrapped up for you. You would get a smoother ride on the P rated tire vs the LT E load tires. If you doing any towing or load the truck down from time to time the E load would be much better. I have the E load on my truck and its a little rougher when its just me and the truck, but when I hitch the boat up and load the truck the E load really helps me a lot. The ride and control is sooo much better. Playing around with the psi will help you with the ride quality. Just need to find what works for you.

 

Just dropped the truck off at the dealer to have he right rear axle seal replaced. I mentioned the tires to him, but he admitted he wasn't an expert, but would talk to someone who knows tires tomorrow. As we we were discussing the tires (not purchased at this Ford dealer) he checked the pressure in one and saw 35 lbs of pressure.

Apparently the tire dealer uses the door sticker, not the tire, when inflating them!

I'm still going to push to have the P rated tires put on, as I never tow anything, or haul heavy loads.

Thanks for the great advice guys! I've learned a lot today.

 

A "P" rated tire is OK for everyday use and will fill your need's if you don't tow or haul anything heavy. Most people on this site buy tires for aggressive look's anyway, myself included. Nice area up there in Broken Arrow, have a daughter that lived up there 6 year's untill moving to Houston last year.

 

I would suggest that you put the pressure up to a proper setting and try driving a little, especial where you have to corner. You just might find that you prefer the way these handle. I know when I originally had P series on my 07, I hated the way the truck leaned in the turns. Quickly went to an LT.

 

Kingfish...I just thought I'd close this discussion out by letting you know that today the dealer replaced the LT's with P's. Gotta say, I like the ride of the P's much better. Granted, I won't have the load capacity of the LT's, nor the cornering ability of them, but for everyday driving these suit me better.

Thanks again for the advice.

 

Glad you like them. Personally I will not use the P series tires. Just prefer the handling of the LTs and am not concerned about a slightly rougher ride.