LT vs P-Metric Tires: Which Does Your Truck or SUV Need?
How light-truck (LT) tires differ from passenger (P-metric) tires, what load ranges and ply ratings mean, and when your truck, van or SUV needs LT tires.
Trucks, vans and SUVs can wear two kinds of tires in many of the same sizes: P-metric (passenger) and LT (light truck). They look alike but are built for different jobs.
How to tell them apart
The size says which one it is. P265/70R17 or 265/70R17 is a passenger tire; LT265/70R17 (or 265/70R17LT) is a light-truck tire. Flotation sizes such as 35X12.50R20LT are light-truck tires too. LT tires also show a load range letter.
What makes an LT tire different
- A stronger casing, with heavier belts and plies, so it can carry more weight and resist punctures and cuts off-road.
- Higher pressures. A load range E tire is commonly rated up to 80 psi, compared with about 35 to 51 psi for a passenger tire.
- A firmer, heavier tire. The ride is stiffer, fuel use a bit higher, and the tread usually deeper.
Load ranges and ply ratings
The load range letter is the modern version of the old ply rating; it no longer counts actual layers.
| Load range | Ply rating | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| C | 6-ply | Light-duty pickups and vans |
| D | 8-ply | Half-ton trucks that tow or haul |
| E | 10-ply | Three-quarter and one-ton trucks (2500/3500), heavy towing |
| F | 12-ply | Heavy-duty and dual-rear-wheel trucks |
When you need LT tires
- Your door placard calls for LT tires. Most 3/4-ton and 1-ton pickups and many cargo vans do. Replacing them with passenger tires is not recommended, even XL ones.
- You tow heavy trailers or carry heavy loads often, even with a half-ton truck.
- You drive on gravel, logging roads or trails and want more cut and puncture resistance.
If your half-ton truck or SUV came with P-metric tires and you mostly drive on pavement, staying with P-metric (or XL) tires gives a softer, quieter ride. Always match or exceed the load index on the placard.
Running the right pressure
LT tires need the pressure shown on your vehicle’s placard for the load you carry, not the maximum moulded on the sidewall. If you switch from P-metric to LT tires, ask your installer for the right pressure; too little air in an LT tire can overheat it under load.
All-terrain and winter LT tires
Many all-terrain tires are LT-rated, and many carry the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, which makes them legal for Quebec winters. See light-truck tires and all-terrain tires, or compare options such as the BFGoodrich KO3 and Falken Wildpeak A/T4W.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between LT and P-metric tires?
LT (light-truck) tires have a stronger casing for heavier loads and higher pressures, and they show a load range letter. P-metric tires are passenger tires with a softer ride.
What does load range E mean?
Load range E is a light-truck tire with the strength of the old 10-ply rating, commonly rated up to 80 psi. It is typical on 3/4-ton and 1-ton pickups.
Can I put P-metric tires on a truck that came with LT tires?
It is not recommended. If your door placard calls for LT tires, replace them with LT tires of at least the same load range.
Do LT tires ride rougher?
Usually, yes. Their stiffer casing and higher pressure make the ride firmer than a passenger tire, in exchange for load capacity and durability.