P225 tires versus LT225 tires
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2
P225 tires versus LT225 tires
I have a Ford Clubwagon which uses LT225/75/R16 tires. Is it bad to use P225/75/R16 tires to replace 2 of the tires? I will be pulling a utility trailer soon.
Thanks. Need info or help with this asap!
Thanks. Need info or help with this asap!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,209
From: Yorkshire, NY
Probably TOO MUCH jibber-jabber, but here is a quick run down on "P" verses "LT" tires.
The differences between "P" rate tire and "LT" rated tire is tire capability.
The engineering, specifications (bills of materials and the detailed specifications for each component/materal/process/etc), and manufacturing processes to make are different between "P" and "LT" rated tires.
Even though they may look exactly alike, they are not underneath the skin. Again, another marketing ploy to get unsuspecting folks to thinking they are okay for trucks/vans. Kinda sorta yes, as those who use their trucks more like cars will be okay with "P" rated. *BUT* only on 1/2 ton trucks/vans not being used haul or tow trailers. and Anything larger *MUST* have "LT" rated tires, otherwise they are under tire'd. There are few exceptions, which is where a HIGH-END "P" rated tire crosses the LOW-END "LT" C rate'd tire.
Pressure definately plays in the equation, but only as an after affect. LT tires have stronger/better sidewall. Both in materials and amounts designed in. So, they can handle more pressure. Air up a "P" rated tire to 80 psi would have it very close to failure just from over pressure, while a "LT" tire with load range E would be able to take a bit more pressure and still be fine.
Another point you miss is that "P" rated tires used in "LT" applications (hauling/towing heavy) must have their weight ratings DE-RATED a minimum of 9%. So an example of 9,600 lbs must be DE-RATED a minimum of 9%, which has it 8,700 lbs, which is very close to a 3/4 ton's 8,600 lb GVWR. No safety margin in that.
All "P" rated must be DE-RATED when used to haul/tow heavy.
The differences between "P" rate tire and "LT" rated tire is tire capability.
The engineering, specifications (bills of materials and the detailed specifications for each component/materal/process/etc), and manufacturing processes to make are different between "P" and "LT" rated tires.
Even though they may look exactly alike, they are not underneath the skin. Again, another marketing ploy to get unsuspecting folks to thinking they are okay for trucks/vans. Kinda sorta yes, as those who use their trucks more like cars will be okay with "P" rated. *BUT* only on 1/2 ton trucks/vans not being used haul or tow trailers. and Anything larger *MUST* have "LT" rated tires, otherwise they are under tire'd. There are few exceptions, which is where a HIGH-END "P" rated tire crosses the LOW-END "LT" C rate'd tire.
Pressure definately plays in the equation, but only as an after affect. LT tires have stronger/better sidewall. Both in materials and amounts designed in. So, they can handle more pressure. Air up a "P" rated tire to 80 psi would have it very close to failure just from over pressure, while a "LT" tire with load range E would be able to take a bit more pressure and still be fine.
Another point you miss is that "P" rated tires used in "LT" applications (hauling/towing heavy) must have their weight ratings DE-RATED a minimum of 9%. So an example of 9,600 lbs must be DE-RATED a minimum of 9%, which has it 8,700 lbs, which is very close to a 3/4 ton's 8,600 lb GVWR. No safety margin in that.
All "P" rated must be DE-RATED when used to haul/tow heavy.
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2
Awesome info!
wow, that is the most informative response! thank you for being such a great resource to my inquiry. i definitely want to be safe on the road, especially if i'm hauling a trailer. THANK YOU!!
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1
well, if i recall P stands for Passenger and LT stands for Light Truck. Passenger tires will give you a very different ride and noise as will the LT tire and depends on the brand of tire. I'm running Cooper Discover ATR 265/70/17s on our 00 Expy so far so good hope this helps.
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