Basic Tire Questions

[CindyC-IL]

This is definitely beginner tire questions but I'm looking for new tires for my 2021 Lariat Supercrew and need some advice.

The current tires are 275/60R20 115T M+S
I do a bit of offroad while upland bird hunting and pull a 25ft TT.
Here are the weights for the trailer I'm pulling:

Hitch Weight: 446 lb.
GVWR: 6,500 lb.
UVW: 4,363 lb.
CCC: 2,137 lb.​

So If I understand correctly, the 20 is 20" wheels. The 275 is the tire width. The 60 is the ratio of the tire’s height to its width.

-Am I correct that when looking for new tires, these numbers should be the numbers on the new tires also.

-What about the 115T and the M+S, what are these for? Can/should the new tires have different values?
-Because I am pulling a trailer and hope to do more of that in the next couple of years, should I look at LT tires?
-ALso, I'm seeing things about E rating? Which I believe is 10 ply? Is that correct and is that something I should try to get?

Information is greatly appreciated.
Thanks...
Cindy

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[Davexxxx]

This is definitely beginner tire questions but I'm looking for new tires for my 2021 Lariat Supercrew and need some advice.

The current tires are 275/60R20 115T M+S
I do a bit of offroad while upland bird hunting and pull a 25ft TT.
Here are the weights for the trailer I'm pulling:

Hitch Weight: 446 lb.​

GVWR: 6,500 lb.​

UVW: 4,363 lb.​

CCC: 2,137 lb.​

So If I understand correctly, the 20 is 20" wheels. The 275 is the tire width. The 60 is the ratio of the tire’s height to its width.

-Am I correct that when looking for new tires, these numbers should be the numbers on the new tires also.

-What about the 115T and the M+S, what are these for? Can/should the new tires have different values?
-Because I am pulling a trailer and hope to do more of that in the next couple of years, should I look at LT tires?
-ALso, I'm seeing things about E rating? Which I believe is 10 ply? Is that correct and is that something I should try to get?

Information is greatly appreciated.
Thanks...
Cindy

Yes, 20 is the rim size and you have the other numbers correct too. If those are the numbers on the sticker in the door jam, it would be easier if you kept to them.

If you're not the original owner and the numbers don't match, thats a tougher question. The previous owner may have made the corrective calibrations, or not.

The 115T is the load and speed rating.
https://www.tirebuyer.com/education...ratings-load-indexes-and-service-descriptions

M+S means Mud and Snow tread.

E rating used to mean 10ply but now, its more of an equivalent strength rather than an actual 10 plys. They are tougher but ride a lot rougher, generally more noisy and are heavier too.

If you have plenty of headroom in your payload, that wouldn't generally be a problem, if you can stand the ride.

 

[CindyC-IL]

Thanks for the info. I'm the original owner and the numbers listed are from the original tires.

 

[2Lazy2P]

I use Tire Buyer and the site is fantastic. You should check out Tire Driver for tire reviews and comparisons. It’s the best I’ve seen.

 

[Discount Tire]

This is definitely beginner tire questions but I'm looking for new tires for my 2021 Lariat Supercrew and need some advice.

The current tires are 275/60R20 115T M+S
I do a bit of offroad while upland bird hunting and pull a 25ft TT.
Here are the weights for the trailer I'm pulling:

Hitch Weight: 446 lb.​

GVWR: 6,500 lb.​

UVW: 4,363 lb.​

CCC: 2,137 lb.​

So If I understand correctly, the 20 is 20" wheels. The 275 is the tire width. The 60 is the ratio of the tire’s height to its width.

-Am I correct that when looking for new tires, these numbers should be the numbers on the new tires also.

-What about the 115T and the M+S, what are these for? Can/should the new tires have different values?
-Because I am pulling a trailer and hope to do more of that in the next couple of years, should I look at LT tires?
-ALso, I'm seeing things about E rating? Which I believe is 10 ply? Is that correct and is that something I should try to get?

Information is greatly appreciated.
Thanks...
Cindy

@Davexxxx 's information is spot on! The tire you are currently running will do the job for you no problems. Going to a higher load rated tire (E, D, or C) will do the same. The benefit of the higher load range tire is more stability at a higher air pressure. (Piece of mind, especially when towing a trailer). It may ride a bit rougher but it's a fair trade off in my opinion.

I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Also, I will be happy to make some recommendations and check availability for you. let me know if I can help!

 

[MJG44]

I thought the M+S designation nowadays meant multi-season. True snow rated tires have the 3PMSF rating.

 

[CindyC-IL]

I've decided on the Falken WildPeak A/T3W. The question is whether to buy LT tires that for the size has a D1 load rating (8ply). However, on Falken's website that says for F150's to get either LT tires with a C load rating or non LT tires. The tires with a C load rating don't come in my wheel size. The non LT tires are 4ply.

Looking for opinions please. LT with the D rating or non LT's? I'm thinking the LT's but want to make sure I'm not making a mistake or damage my truck.

CIndy

 

[HammaMan]

I wouldn't suggest LT tires for your use-case. The factory tire specifications meet your needs. You will feel the LT tire's added mass and harshness while not providing any utility to your vehicle.

I would suggest using discount tire however. Great shop with locations all over the place and unparalleled customer service.

 

[Discount Tire]

@HammaMan Thank you for the shout out! Much appreciated.

 

[NotMyName]

Take a look at Nitto Recon Grapplers 275/65r20 116T at Discount Tire. I installed them the day I picked up my F150 Powerboost. They’ll be the lightest 34” tire with aggressive looks that are quiet you can buy. If you go down 1 size, look at Nitto Ridge Grappler. I’ve had both. My 2017 had the Ridge Grapplers that were 33” and largest size offered before going up to D rated. My 2022, has the Recons that are 34”…again, the largest you can get before going to D rated and above. The higher the ply rating the heavier and harsher the tires will ride. I’ve been there with D and E rated tires on a half ton and won’t do it again.

btw, my lifetime mpg average after 18k plus miles is 21.7 mpg. That includes towing. My Speedo was just corrected today, so all those previous miles need a multiplier of 3.3% to adjust for the larger diameter. 21.7mpg x 3.3% = 0.7161
21.7 mpg + 0.7161 = 22.4mpg for the life of the truck with 34” Recons. If I went with the D rated, I’d be lucky to average 20 mpg. E rated would probably be 18ish mpg and a very hard ride.

 

[HammaMan]

Take a look at Nitto Recon Grapplers 275/65r20 116T at Discount Tire. I installed them the day I picked up my F150 Powerboost. They’ll be the lightest 34” tire with aggressive looks that are quiet you can buy. If you go down 1 size, look at Nitto Ridge Grappler. I’ve had both. My 2017 had the Ridge Grapplers that were 33” and largest size offered before going up to D rated. My 2022, has the Recons that are 34”…again, the largest you can get before going to D rated and above. The higher the ply rating the heavier and harsher the tires will ride. I’ve been there with D and E rated tires on a half ton and won’t do it again.

How's the mileage been? Did you program any settings in the truck to account for the lower revs per mile?

 

[NotMyName]

Just got it done today by Jesse with infotainment. Got 27.7 on the drive back from Arlington to Plano (approx 50 miles). For some reason, and maybe I’m just wishful thinking, the electric driving seemed to stay engaged longer. Could I be losing my mind or with the corrected revolution of the tires and rpm’s be more in sync to allow electric to be engaged longer?

 

[HammaMan]

Just got it done today by Jesse with infotainment. Got 27.7 on the drive back from Arlington to Plano (approx 50 miles). For some reason, and maybe I’m just wishful thinking, the electric driving seemed to stay engaged longer. Could I be losing my mind or with the corrected revolution of the tires and rpm’s be more in sync to allow electric to be engaged longer?

We'd have to know ford's programming to know for sure, but if you had the settings changed to properly account for it and it performs better, then I think it's leading towards mattering enough to do it. My PB's lifetime MPG is 14.9 last I checked with lots of idle hours.

 

[NotMyName]

How's the mileage been? Did you program any settings in the truck to account for the lower revs per mile?

I edited my prior post to include those details

 

[TexasTruck]

I have NOT had a very good experience with Nitto Ridge or Trail Grapplers on my 2022 F-150. I don't know what's wrong, quality of rubber, steel belts, no idea. All 4 sets had tire dates in 2023 so not old tires. I had 4 sets consisting of 2 sets of 275/60R20 116T XL, and 2 sets of 305/55R20 116Q. Every set introduced a drumming sound inside the cab starting around 55 MPH through 65 or so - terrible. Any weight in the bed or dragging my 4K lbs. boat around was worse.

Discount Tire did EVERYTHING in their power to try and make it right. I don't know if the cab design is sensitive to the tire harmonics or the cab amplifies something or what, but it was bad. I'm used to tire tread humming, this drumming is NOT that. It's like a roaring moaning sound.

I also tow a 5K lbs toy hauler and 4 horse trailer (4.7K lbs) around Texas. But like others have said the trade off with an LT D or E rated tire is acceleration, handling, noise, etc.

I would definitely stick with a SL/XL tire as others have said. You don't think much about it, but the LT tires are heavy and I was shocked at much they impacted the performance of my truck.

Any way, I would highly suggest a tire such as the Continental Terrain Contact. Discount suggested I get away from the Nitto all together and go with a less aggressive tread. I'm glad I did. They suggested the Continental Terrain Contact and I haven't looked back. Nice ride, meet factory hauling and towing specs, handle very well in rain, good traction.

I found this post from @SALEEN961 very helpful too... Tire recommendations

Just my 0.02...

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