Choosing the right tires for a tow vehicle makes a huge difference in how it handles a load. Tires have a maximum weight rating written on the sidewalls that dictates how much weight they can bear. Most light trucks, SUVs and vans are factory-equipped with P-rated tires. P means “passenger,” and they’re weighted to give the optimum middle ground between load-bearing stability, capacity and a comfortable ride. “Light truck” tires (LT) have a higher load capacity than do P tires. We wanted to see how our test vehicle would behave with three different tire matrices using our test truck, a Nissan Titan Crew Cab LE. Here are the results.
Toyo Open Country A/T
Category: Light truck, all terrain
Size: LT275/70R18
Warranty: LT matrix tires don’t bare tread warranties.
They Say
It’s a mud- and snow-rated all terrain tire with a wide tread for a custom look, and it’s ideal for towing. An open shoulder, that area on the edges of the tire, better evacuates water for improved traction.
We Say
Looks: The high-profile tire and unique futuristic tread gave a big-truck look to the vehicle.
Stability: Noticeably more stable than original tires, smoother in turns, less tendency for sway, less bounce crossing railroad tracks.
Ride: We expected this heavier-duty, larger tire to stiffen the ride, and it did, but only slightly.
Launching and Loading: We pulled the boat out, up and over the ramp crown without slipping.
Stopping: In traffic, this tire was comparable to original-equipment P tires.
Cab Interior Noise: Tested at 71 to 73 db.
Perceived Noise: Quiet as P-rated tires with no hum.
Best For: Handling beefy tow loads with a comfortable suburban ride without sacrificing much from the suburban passenger ride.
