Do Load Range E tires improve towing feel?

[NvrFinished]

Something to remember is that tire manufacturers have long ago switched to the letter rating system for load ratings on LT radial truck tires. The reason is that most load range D and E rated tires do not have 8 and 10 plies like the bias ply tires from many years past. Most today are only 3 ply with maybe an extra nylon cap under the tread. The additional weight is usually due to more rubber from an extra 2/32's of tread depth, a thicker steel bead, and more rubber that wraps around the bead area. This is one of the reasons the sidewall area does not flex quite as well when aired down.

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[Fordstanger]

Great point about the rating vs. number of plies.

Traditionally a E rated tire would provide some level of stability but this really depends on the tire load rating and construction. Unfortunately a number of plies does not equate to a better performing tire for towing across different brands. It does matter how the tire is constructed and what its intended purpose is. That is where a LT typical falls.

Personally, I would not change just for the sake of it. However, when its time for new, yup! I put LTs on every truck I have owned including heavy SUVs. In my experience, they will also net a better wear milage. Most of the LTs that are available have a slightly deeper tread depth so it is not like the extra plies help the milage.

The extra plies does help with abrasion resistance (yes even curbs in suburbia). Problem is if a LT size becomes an issue, it will make replacements difficult to find if you are in a rush because it is non-standard.

My approach at towing is to bump the pressure up for heavy loads using the tire manufactures rating. This can also vary by size so beware of boilerplate instructions.

For legal reasons (Explorer Firestone debacle) you should refer to the door jamb AND any supplemental information in the owners manual.

That said, try a range of pressures (5 psi increments) that is within the tire manufacture spec on the rears only and see if you can feel a difference when towing.

Note: A perfect tire will not fix a poorly loaded trailer or hitch setup. Just because a trailer is level does not mean it is loaded correctly.

 

[cb4017]

Still running the FX4 shocks?
After I installed the Ford Performance/Fox shocks and struts I noticed a dramatic improvement in towing stability when hauling my travel trailer. I still have the stock Hankook tires set to 35 psi.

 

[Sashimi_Moto]

I have E-rated on the motorhome that is the primary tow vehicle and on the trailer. I set them all cold at 80psi for peace of mind. I do all the right things when towing and just did a cross country trip - I have a tongue scale, I've balanced the trailer, use an Equalizer, e-rated tires, big sway bars, air bags, towing tune. blah blah blah blah...

But my tires will soon need to be replaced on the Ranger - may happen this winter or after next summer (20k) and after the responses on this thread I think I'll put some on it as well.

I have the Eibach shocks because the FX4 shocks are garbage and I feel like Ford should have reimbursed me for the Eibachs since they outfitted a new truck with effectively blown shocks.

 

[THLONE]

This thread is like the Ford/Chevy/Goodyear/Firestone black/white/blond/brunet, etc OPINIONS. I know a couple of girl Toy owners that put E rated tires on their trucks to look tough. Then they put the max air in them. Ignore science, do what ever the seat of your pants wants.

The old story about the engine that was tuned by ear, but the tuner had a tin ear so he got a tin engine comes to mind.

 

[GTGallop]

Is any one running Continental MPT 81's?
What load rating did you get? What pressure are you running?

 

[asimpson997]

Ran 10 ply BF Goodrich KO2 and you can drop pressure to 30-35 when not towing with no harm. Traded that truck with 50k on tires and they were at 10/32 and new were 13/32. Guy I work with got 100k from KO2 on his F-150.

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