Tire Size Question P vs. LT

[gjwes]

Hello, new to this forum and a proud Explorer owner. I use mine everyday and just love it! Glad to be a part of this forum.

Anyway, I have a question regarding tire size. I need a new set of tires and found some almost new ones that I'd like to use. The tire size on my Explorer (a 2000 4WD XLT) is P235/75R15. The new tires are LT235/75R15.

My question is, will the LT tires fit my Explorer? If so can I expect any problems with this size tire as opposed to the P tires?

Thanks so much for all your help!

Greg

 

[swshawaii]

Identical size fitment is not the issue. It's about load, ride comfort, and treadlife.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120989
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=263847

 

[Anime]

The tires will fit fine, and there shouldn't be any issues, though fuel mileage might go down slightly depending on how much heavier those particular LT tires are than the P-metric tires that are on there now.

LT tires will ride a bit firmer than P-metric tires, and you will probably need to run them at a higher pressure for even treadwear on the road, but otherwise they are fine to use.

Most off-road tires are LT tires, because they have thicker rubber and so are tougher and a bit more resistant to off-road damage, and also can usually deal with being driven aired down in snow/sand/rocks and where needed for traction.

Just keep in mind when towing or carrying heavy loads, that the tires will need to be inflated properly, possibly to even higher pressures, to carry the full load capacity.

A P-metric tire that has a maximum inflation pressure of 35psi carries its maximum load at that 35psi, where an LT tire with a maximum inflation pressure of 50psi carries its maximum load at 50psi.

If you only inflate an LT tire to 30-40psi but then tow/haul a heavy load with it, it can overheat and blow out, or at least get some pretty bad treadwear from underinflation.

If you don't tow or carry heavy loads, the only difference is you'll want to keep the tire pressure higher than it would be for P-metric tires for even treadwear, probably somewhere in the 35-45psi range depending on the tire and how much gear the vehicle is equipped with.

 

[gjwes]

Thanks guys! Sure appreciate the advise!

The Explorer will not be hauling any heavy loads, but will be used for hunting, some off road stuff (no mudding) and also travel in snow.

So as Anime said for general use (highway, city and hunting on unimproved roads and off road conditions) I need to keep the tires inflated to that 35 to 40psi range, correct?

Thanks again!

Greg

 

[colintrax]

If it's p run about 35 psi, if a load range C LT tire run 40

 

[Anime]

You'll have to figure out for yourself what psi gives the best ride with the most even tire wear for those particular tires on that particular vehicle. 35 to 45 psi is just a guess on what should work. You could start out at 40psi or so and see how it rides, if it's too rough then you could go down to 38 psi in the rear tires. 40-42 psi in the front and 38-40 rear should be a good starting point. You can also air up to 45-50 psi for highway trips and sometimes get an extra 1-2 MPG or so, but the ride isn't as smooth.