Community Forums

hayesdt · 04-20-2025, 11:57 AM

I have a Ford 150 that came with a towing package but had Passenger rated (P) tires -- I have found these tires to be much too "squishy" and unstable for towing my approx. 6000 lb. travel trailer. Even with the proper hitch equipment I feel as though I'm being pushed around and "white knuckling" any time a semi truck passes me.

I'm looking for a good solid, stable tire recommendation -- and I want Load Range E tires for the stability -- in the size LT 275/65R18. I don't mind the slightly rougher ride Range E tires offer when I'm not towing my trailer.

Can anyone give me a tire brand recommendation that would fit the bill? Thanks.

Isaac-1 · 04-20-2025, 12:37 PM

I like Nito Dura Grappler for my F250

Brunnie · 04-20-2025, 02:42 PM

Or Cooper tires.

Ray,IN · 04-20-2025, 08:06 PM

Until you find the correct set of LT tires, inflate your pickup "P" tires to sidewall max. when towing. It stiffens sidewalls and reduces sidewall flexing.
I seldom tow my equipment trailer or cargo trailer, but when I do I inflate my pickup "P" tires to sidewall max.; it really does help.
I have since bought new LT tires, but haven't towed either of the trailers yet.

Believer45 · 04-20-2025, 09:10 PM

I replaced the Michelin tires that were on my 2011 Ram 2500 with THESE that I ordered from WalMart. They are a specific model made for WalMart to sell and were less than half the cost of Michelin. Ride is about the same and they are actually quieter than the Michelins I replaced. In your size they are 123S rated (3417 lbs per tire single, 112 MPH rated - way overkill for your truck but they are the much stiffer sidewalls you are looking for). Total cost on 3/27/2023 including mounting, balancing, lifetime flat repair, lifetime rotation and lifetime balancing, four new pressure sensors installed and synched to the OEM TPMS system was $969.46.

I have run Cooper tires on my trucks since early 2002 on my 1995 F250 Ford, 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500 and current 2011 Ram 2500. Never an issue on any of them.

Dave / Believer45

JIMNLIN · 04-21-2025, 01:39 PM

One half ton trucks wheels are mostly rated to 65 psi so you won't enjoy the LT E full 80 psi.
Exception is Fords F150 HDPP which comes with 80 psi rated wheels and LT E tires. Also GM 2000-2006 1500HD comes with LT E tires and 80 psi rated wheels.

P tires can come in 44 psi and 51 psl for stiffer sidewalls.

AS one poster says pump the rears to max sidewall pressures when towing a trailer or carrying max axle loads.

tpaul · 04-21-2025, 08:04 PM

I changed my original tires to Michelin XLT AS that I got at Costco. Identical to the Defender LTX. Now they have the Defender LTX M/S2. Sort of a cross between a P and an LT tire. Can inflate up to 50 lbs. I usually run the rears at 45 when towing. Very nice ride and handling and I feel more in control. There seems to be less "squirm" with the firmer sidewalls. Better on wet than my original tires.

db4570 · 04-21-2025, 08:52 PM

I replaced my regular all-seasons with a set of Firestone Transforce HT2 my mechanic recommended. He had them on his truck and really liked them. When I went there to get them installed, the other mechanic tried to talk me out of them saying I wouldn't like the way they rode.

It turns out I liked them a lot. They were perhaps a bit harder riding, and a bit noisier, but not much. And they seemed a lot more solid when towing. I ended up totaling the truck just a month or so later. My new truck has the factory tires, and I plan to replace them with these same Firestones when the time comes.

Cumminsfan · 04-21-2025, 11:17 PM

A 6000 lb TT shouldn't be pushing that F150 around much. Are you using a good WDH? If so how are you setting it up?

BeatCJ · 04-22-2025, 12:07 PM

Any brand name LT275/65R18 tire should fit your needs really well. Some of the less common names should also be fine. I've had good luck with LT tires from Nokian, Falken, Kumho, BF Goodrich, Goodyear and Michelin.

Cumminsfan makes good points. While you tires may be a factor, your hitch setup, load capacity can also be issues with a "half ton" truck. You say approximately 6000 lb. How do you know? It's not uncommon to end up a lot heavier than you expect on the trailer.

jrollf · 04-25-2025, 11:14 AM

I've had good luck with Cooper Tires. You didn't mention if you want highway tread (HT) or all terrain (AT)

I personally run Cooper Discover HT3, the Discoverer AT3 seems to have a good reputation too.

xc-mark · 04-26-2025, 01:44 PM

Michelin LTS or there new LT tire. I don't suggest ANY off-road style tires, they are NOT designed for stiff side wall construction. Load range E tires can be aired down to the manufactures load chart to carry the load empty and aired up some to stiffen up the tire. With a F150 you would NEVER have a need for 80 psi in a load range E tire , the truck wouldn't be heavy enough to have good traction at 80PSI (just my opinion ).