I went with P metric in 275/65/18 because an LT tire would be wasted on my vehicle since I don't tow or take it over terrain that would be high risk for puncturing a sidewall. Just be honest with yourself about your intended use and buy accordingly.
An LT tire will weigh 10-15 lbs. heavier than a P metric tire of the same size. If you need the durability of an LT tire, go for it but expect to see a 10-15 % reduction in MPG's if going from a stock size p metric to an LT275/70/18. That's the trade-off for the additional durability. Acceleration and braking may be noticeably affected too. 10-15 lbs overall doesn't seem like much, but 10-15 lbs of rotational mass per wheel can be noticeable.
^^^^^ Good advice. It's hard not to succumb to the temptation of just wanting something that 'looks' appealing. And frankly there is nothing wrong with that. But in terms of pure practicality, your point is well made. Rotating mass WILL make a difference whether or not it is felt.
The LT tires I chose (after much research) are a full 20 lbs. heavier (each) than the OEM tire I took off. While I can not 'perceive' any loss in acceleration...it is certainly there and braking (whether felt or not) is affected as well (increased wear for sure). These were all factors I weighed into my purchase.
Ultimately, my needs/wants were well served. But my situation is different than for many.
1. We live way out in the country on a ranch.
2. The vehicle is my Wife's daily driver. She is an accountant and during Tax Season will not get home until late at night. We need a rugged tire that will handle most road hazards as well as ranch roads here.
3. In Deep East Texas we actually get a lot of rain (upwards of 55 inches per year on average). The water 'pools' on the highways..so we need a tire that will channel that rain away (at reasonable speeds). My wife already hydroplaned our 80 series off the highway many years ago on a set of Michelin M&S (I call them hydroplaners). We AREN'T going back to anything that doesn't have a DEEP tread and open shoulders.
4. Longevity (tread life) is NOT important to me. If I get it...fine, but
the most important thing to me is SAFETY.
Your tires are the final link to the road, regardless how else your vehicle is equipped. I could give a damn if I get 40K out of set or 55k. The Farm to Market road we live off of is one twisting turn after another, it is both narrow and very dark at night. So full time 4WD and GOOD tires are the just ticket for us.
In the OP's case...it sounds like a compromise tire (tread design and size) would best fill his 'needs'. His 'wants' could be something altogether different.
