By the Rims & Tires Team
Compiled & reviewed by our West Georgia tire & wheel research team · Updated 2026-07-24
When a truck or SUV carries heavy cargo, tows a trailer, or exceeds its standard load rating, tire safety becomes critical. Overloading a tire runs it above its rated load capacity, which causes internal heat buildup that leads to premature failure and blowouts. The right tire for a heavy-duty application requires understanding load range, ply rating, and the difference between P-metric and LT tires.
P-metric vs LT tires
P-metric tires (P275/55R20) are designed for passenger vehicles. They have a single load capacity rating and are engineered for the loads a standard passenger car or light truck generates.
LT tires (LT275/55R20) are designed for light trucks and commercial applications. They have higher load ratings (measured by Load Range: C, D, E, F) and are required on vehicles with higher payload or towing ratings.
If your vehicle's door sticker specifies LT tires, you MUST use LT tires. Replacing LT tires with P-metric tires reduces load capacity and may void your vehicle's payload warranty.
Load range and what it means
Load Range C: 6-ply equivalent. Common on mid-size truck rear axles for light commercial use.
Load Range D: 8-ply equivalent. Standard for many F-150, Silverado, and RAM 1500 configurations with LT tires.
Load Range E: 10-ply equivalent. Required for most F-250, F-350, and 2500/3500 HD trucks. The most common heavy-load range for heavy-duty pickup trucks.
Load Range F: 12-ply equivalent. Commercial trucks, dually axles, heavy-duty applications.
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Best tires for heavy loads and towing
Michelin Defender LTX M/S (LT, multiple sizes): best long-wear LT tire for trucks that carry loads regularly. Outstanding highway stability, excellent wet traction, 70,000-mile warranty in LT sizes.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (LT, multiple sizes): the leading all-terrain LT for trucks that carry loads off-road. Available in Load Range C, D, and E depending on size. Excellent cut and chip resistance under load.
Goodyear Endurance HT2 (LT, multiple sizes): the commercial-grade highway LT tire for heavy-load commercial or fleet applications.
Frequently asked
Can I use P-metric tires instead of LT tires on my truck?
If your door sticker specifies LT tires — no. P-metric tires have lower load ratings and may fail under the load your truck is rated to carry. Use the tire type specified on the door sticker.
How much does tire load rating matter for towing?
It matters significantly. Towing a trailer increases the load on rear tires beyond normal driving loads. NHTSA lists tire overloading and underinflation among the leading contributors to tire-related crashes, and using a tire rated for the correct load capacity prevents overheating, structural failure, and blowouts under tow.
How do I know if my tires can handle the weight I'm carrying?
Start with the door-jamb sticker — it lists the tire type and load rating your vehicle was built for. Then match or exceed it. If you regularly load near the truck's max or tow heavy, tell a shop what you're hauling and let them confirm the tire's load range is right for it. Guessing here is how blowouts happen.
Should I run higher pressure when hauling a heavy load?
Often yes — heavier loads usually call for the higher pressure listed on the door placard or in the owner's manual. Under-inflation under load is what builds the heat that destroys tires. Set it cold, before you drive, and drop back to your normal pressure once the load is off.
Keep reading
Last updated 2026-07-24. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.