I recently bought a 2009 LC with 77,000 miles on it. Service records show the previous owner replaced the tires at 54,000 miles--with stock Dunlops. These look like street tires to me, not very rugged. I tow 7,000 lbs. about 40% of my miles and am off road about 20%. By off road I mean rough, rocky desert trails, nothing too technical, nothing overland. I'm think of getting Nitto Terra Grapplers in the stock size, either P or LT. My question is, what's the difference between P and LT? Different air pressure? Different construction? Any other brands I should consider? Remember, stock size, or at least stock rims with no lift. Thx.
Your OEM Dunlop tires are P285/60R18 114V
These are 31.5" in diameter
They have a Max Load of 2,601 lbs @ 51psi (There is no increase in Load Limit from 35psi - 51psi)
They have a "V" speed rating which is 149mph
The recommended cold tire pressure is 33psi which yields a Load Limit of 2,512 lbs
All your new tire choices should be compared to these stock numbers to see where the new choice may be different from the stock tires and the compromises dictated by those differences.
Load Limit and inflation data offered here is derived from the 2012 Yearbook of the Tire and Rim Association, Inc.
The main differences (generally) between P-metric tires and LT-metric tires are:
- LT tires have a higher ply rating (E-rated tires are 10-ply rated)
- LT tires have a larger load carrying capacity (Load Limit)
- LT tires are more resistant to sidewall and tread damage from rocks, etc.
- LT tires are rated for lower top speeds
- LT tires have a more aggressive tread pattern which will be noisier on the highway
- LT tires only require a Load Limit equal to P-Metric Load Limit / 1.1
Now to some possible choices for you.
First, the Nitto Terra Grappler is a great tire and is available in the same size as your OEM tire in two variants - LT-metric and XL-rated P-metric as follows:
LT285/60R18E123S
31.5" in diameter
Max Load of 3,415 lbs @ 80psi
"S" Speed Rating which is 112mph
Recommended Cold Tire Pressure is 46psi which yields a Load Limit of 2,294 lbs (2294 x 1.1 = 2523)
285/60R18 120S XL
31.3" in diameter
Max Load of 3,086 lbs @ 50psi
"S" Speed Rating which is 112mph
Recommended Cold Tire Pressure is 33psi which yields a Load Limit of 2,512 lbs
Second, you could always go to a slightly larger tire which will fit your vehicle without any modifications. Some may recommend an even larger tire option, but my recommendation is to go with no larger than a 285/65-18 tire based on your frequent towing.
A couple of very good tires in this size are as follows:
Bridgestone Dueler A/T REVO 2
LT285/65R18E125R
32.6" in diameter
Max Load of 3,640 lbs @ 80psi
"R" Speed Rating which is 106mph
Recommended Cold Tire Pressure is 42psi which yields a Load Limit of 2,311 lbs (2311 x 1.1 = 2542)
BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO
LT285/65R18E125R
32.7" in diameter
Max Load of 3,640 lbs @ 80psi
"R" Speed Rating which is 106mph
Recommended Cold Tire Pressure is 42psi which yields a Load Limit of 2,311 lbs (2311 x 1.1 = 2542)
Bottom Line:
My personal recommendation for you based on your stated usage would be the Bridgestone Dueler REVO 2's LT285/65R18E125R.
Of course, there may be other performance or appearance parameters that are important to you and lead you to a different choice. In any event, I hope this information helps guide you to a better informed decision.
