Today we are going to finish off where we left off in the light truck segment, The other half of the LT segments is the numeric, wide based and flotation sizes.
First, let’s review what an LT tire is from the previous blog. An LT tire is a tire that is designed to be used on vehicles that are capable of carrying heavy weight or towing large trailers. These tires will always be extra ply tires.
Let me say a word or two on the LT segment so you can get an idea what type of vehicles they go on. The LT category is defined as any truck or van that has a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of up to 14,000 lbs. This means no truck or van larger than the Ford F350, Dodge Ram 3500, or Chevy Silverado 3500 would be in this category. With that being said all you LT tires would be identified with LT in front of the size tire (LT245/75R16) or after the size (7.50R16LT NUMERIC, 8.75R16.5LT NUMERIC WIDE BASE, 31X10.50R15LT FLOTATION). Beware that some manufactures don’t put the LT in the tire description, but it should be noted here that they are LT tires if they have a load rating up to 10ply and in some cases as high as 14 plys. The flotation sizes along with HWY and Off-road applications are designed for driving on soft loose dirt and sand. Due to their extra width flotation sizes should only be for single tire and never dual tire applications.
EXAMPLE
7.50R16LT D 112/107N D (8 PLY) 112(SINGLE 2469 LBS) 107(2149 LBS) N (MAX SPEED 87MPH)
8.75R16.5LT E 104/100Q E (10 PLY) 104(SINGLE1984 LBS) 100(1764 LBS) Q (MAX SPEED 99 MPH)
31X10.50R15LT C 109Q C (6 PLY) 109(SINGLE 2271 LBS) Q (MAX SPEED 99 MPH)
NOTE: ALL FLOTATION TIRES ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR DUAL AXLES ONLY SINGLE AXLES
TRIVIA QUESTION
CAN YOU PUT LT TIRES ON A VEHICLE THAT COMES WITH P-METRIC TIRES??
ANSWER: Yes, you can as long as you remember these LT tires are designed to carry more weight with extra plys. Their heavier and carry loads at different air pressures than P metric tires. The tires have extra plys and because of this it wouldn’t be a good idea to replace p-metric tires with LT tires to say the least about ride comfort. Also remember that LT tires have a lower max speed and are heavier (greater tread depth), reducing gas mileage and greater wear.