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HeadWest · 01-27-2013, 05:27 PM

I'm getting ready to order an F150 Ecoboost in the next couple of days. With max tow package on a Lariat I can with go with the standard P Metric tires (275/65-18) or go for the optional LT tires in the same size. From what I can tell, the optional LT's have a load range C. I'm thinking about just going with the cheaper p metrics and changing them out when I get them to a better tire in a higher load range.

I'm thinking the sidewalls with the LTs should be a bit stiffer and more stable as a tow vehicle.

My other option is going with the 20" wheels and tires. There would be less sidewall flex and therefore I would think it would be more stable towing (but poorer for trails and off road travel). The 20's are not available from Ford or others in an LT version, only P metric.

With pushing this truck close to max on payload capacity, my main concern is with tires. Any great insights on all of this from others would be appreciated (other then the obvious of jumping up to a 3/4 ton TV).

r carl · 01-27-2013, 05:38 PM

LT of course. P rated only good for driving empty and want the softest ride.

HeadWest · 01-27-2013, 06:22 PM

Yup, will end up with LT's one way or another. Just need to really decide if I'm ok with factory optional LT's or what to go with something else.

SteveH · 01-27-2013, 07:14 PM

Actually, when I looked at the F150's, they were equipped with P-metric, but in XL load range, (44lbs air pressure) and the XL's will actually carry more weight than a C rated LT tire.

With that said, I had a GMC with the XL 20's, also 44 psi, and I loved them on the truck, but was only towing a 23'. They did an excellent job with great stability.

mojo · 01-27-2013, 07:29 PM

Mine came with the Pirelli P-20's too. They have been fine after 14,000 miles of towing and 30,000 miles total, I just pump them up to max pressure, 44lbs instead of suggested 35lbs. However will switch them out to a better all terrain LT or XL tire when they reach their life span pretty soon!

dkottum · 01-27-2013, 07:58 PM

I changed the factory P-rated tires on my '06 Tundra that I had, to XL tires. The difference in side-to-side stability when towing was noticeable and remarkable. The ride was rougher, something to think about as roadways are becoming increasing poor.

We have factory 20" P-rated tires with low sidewall on the new Ram and the side-to-side stability is very good (at max sidewall pressure they don't ride like silk either). But that might be a good route if the weight capacity is not lowered.

doug k

rodsterinfl · 01-27-2013, 08:40 PM

hey Headwest check with Ford about the rear axle ratio. several owners on the F150 forum that tow are saying to forgo the traditional 3:73 or 4:10 axle as the engine has enough torque and they keep the echo boost in boost mode burning more fuel. They are recommending the 3:55.

my '09 150 has the original tires still and are load range d p metric.

mefly2 · 01-27-2013, 10:38 PM

Did you say 3/4 .... hmmmm....

CapriRacer · 01-28-2013, 07:37 AM

OK. I have to correct some things about tires:

First, P metric tires only come in Standard Load (SL) and Extra Load (XL). They do NOT come in Load Ranges (C, D, etc). LT tires only come in load ranges.

If a P metric tire says 44 psi max on the sidewall, it is a Standard Load tire. If it were an Extra Load (XL) it would say either 41 psi, or 50 psi.

When dealing with load carrying capacity, a P metric is derated by a factor of 1.1 when used on a pickup truck (trailers, too!). LT tires are designed for trucks, so their load carrying capacity is stated as is for truck (and trailer) usage.

Moflash · 01-28-2013, 09:17 AM

Load capacities are printed on the side wall.Got to the dealership and look at the vehicles in inventory and compare the tires you are interested in.Unless someone at the dealership can look it up for you.I had 20 pirellli scorpions and liked them they had a high load carrying capacity and rode well.If you order HD payload package you get E rated tires.

Pileus · 01-28-2013, 09:25 AM

My F150 came equipped with 20" Pirelli Scorpions. Handling with my 31 ft. was terrible. Changed tires to Yokohama Parada 20" load capacity 2833 lb. ea. made all the difference in the world.
Just installed new Axis axles with 16" wheels and Michelin LT tires. Towing is now sweet.

Moflash · 01-28-2013, 09:37 AM

Thats odd I ran 30000 miles before I traded mine off for larger tow vehicle.Tires on mine were still 30% tread remaining.I did bump the air pressure when towing to max psi stated on sidewall.Rotated every 7500 miles.But maybe I just got some good ones who knows.........

rodsterinfl · 01-28-2013, 09:40 AM

Quote:

First, P metric tires only come in Standard Load (SL) and Extra Load (XL). They do NOT come in Load Ranges (C, D, etc). LT tires only come in load ranges.

oops. Ok, Load Range not P Metric, thanks.

HeadWest · 01-28-2013, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodsterinfl

hey Headwest check with Ford about the rear axle ratio. several owners on the F150 forum that tow are saying to forgo the traditional 3:73 or 4:10 axle as the engine has enough torque and they keep the echo boost in boost mode burning more fuel. They are recommending the 3:55.

my '09 150 has the original tires still and are load range d p metric.

From what I'm seeing it sure sounds like the 3:55 is the way to go. However, Ford won't do it with the max tow package, only the 3:73.

HeadWest · 01-28-2013, 03:51 PM

Thanks for all the thoughts on the tires. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go ahead with the 18's and the LT upgrade from Ford. I don't feel that going to an load range E is going to be meaningful. The 20's might be a touch better for towing but I'd rather stay with the 18's when venturing down crappy roads or trails when not towing.

Unfortunately, I can't order the HD payload option. It is not available with short bed or with some of the options I want such as HID headlamps.

switz · 02-06-2013, 10:00 PM

Shifting from the 3.73 ratio to the 3.4x will reduce the tow rating capacity of the truck (how heavy a trailer can be "pulled" has nothing to do with the tongue weight on the rear of the truck) and the GCWR of the truck. Play with the build sheets and note the tow ratings for the different rear axle ratios.

rodsterinfl · 02-07-2013, 09:26 AM

Quote:

From what I'm seeing it sure sounds like the 3:55 is the way to go. However, Ford won't do it with the max tow package, only the 3:73.

Yea, and what Swiz said is true too, that axle ratio impacts towing ability. What I have picked up from the 150 forum ecoboost towing crowd is that the engine does well for towing with the 3:55-3.73; however, the overall thought is that with the 5.0 engine, for example, they strongly recommend the 3.73 ratio while with the eco not so much as it is powerful enough without the extra "low grunt" and the 3:55 is sufficient. I also noticed what you said. Now Ford is no longer offering the option of the 3:55 with at least the one towing package, only the standard 3.73. I did not confirm this but it sounds like any towing pkg offering is now 3.73. Regardless, you are getting a good truck.

BillTex · 02-08-2013, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeadWest

I'm getting ready to order an F150 Ecoboost in the next couple of days. With max tow package...pushing this truck close to max on payload capacity, my main concern is with tires. Any great insights on all of this from others would be appreciated (other then the obvious of jumping up to a 3/4 ton TV).

Just the fact that they even offer a P rated tire for this vehicle would scare me...

Good luck...you have already stated the obvious.

BradB · 02-08-2013, 06:49 AM

I've got a 2012 FX4 with the factory Goodyear LT 275/65/R18. We're very happy with the tires - I just drove through a blizzard to get to work and they were wonderful. The 20" look nice but I suspect replacement cost is higher on them than the 18's - I've been down that road before.

I went with the FX4 because it was really the only way to find a 150 with the 3.73 at the time. The Max Tow XLT models were impossible to find at the time and the FX4 came with the 3.73 by default. The dealer wasn't entirely convinced the 3.73 was necessary but I wanted it.

For what it's worth, we went with the 5.0 litre and I love it. Originally was going to get the Ecoboost but when we did the math the return on investment was 10 years and I'm not likely to keep it that long. The V8 is fun if you are in to that.

pappy19 · 02-08-2013, 08:18 AM

You should definately order the 3.73 with traction control 4X4. Also, if they offer a "snow plow" option, take it. By doing so you will get an upgrade front shocks, HD radiator and higher rated alternator, all for about $100. It's one of the least known secrets for truck options and one of the best. Also, if any of your options have the chrome running bar, decline it and go with the flat fiber step instead. Reason is when you go through mud or snow with the chrome bar, the mud, etc gets packed into the under part of your doors. With the flat running board, your doors stay clean. Don't forget to order the rear camera as well, a life saver when hooking up.

Pap