LT vs. P rated tires on H3?

Hi All,
I am in the midst of purchasing tires (Nitto Grapplers) 275/60R/20 for my H3.  Is there a big difference in performance and looks on a P rated vs. LT tire? I don't see my specific size in a LT, only a P. Does anyone recommend one over the other?  Most of my driving will be done on the road, but want the A/T tire for the look and still have the possibility for some off road adventures.
Thanks

p metric is for onroad use only and really cant carry the load,the lt is the way to go,go a size bigger,it wont hurt ya

P tires come on the h3, i believe the biggest difference is in the weight rating, i think they should look exactly the same. I just took off my factory P tires for LT BFGoodrich A/T's and they seem to ride a tad rougher, but that could be the size difference. I love 'em though, they're an awesome awesome tire....

thats just it,p tires are made for onroad only,thats why they have a nice ride,but they are not very durable

From Nitto Web Site -
http://www.nittotire.com/assets/safety/Replacing%20Tires%20on%20Light%20Trucks.pdf

P-Metric Tires on Light Trucks Have Reduced Load Rating:

When a P-metric tire is installed as OE on light trucks, the load rating is reduced by a factor of 1.10 by the
vehicle manufacturer. This load reduction is mandated by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(571.120). The reasons for this include the expectation that P-metric tires which are designed mainly for
passenger cars, may experience more severe service on light trucks.

Example - P265/75R16 114S:

Tire and Rim Association Yearbook load tables show 2,601 lbs. Max. Load at 35 PSI. If this tire is fitted to
light trucks however, the load(s) are reduced by a factor of 1.10.

For example: 2,601 lbs. Divided by 1.10 = 2,365 lbs. (rounded) at 35 PSI.

Therefore, if a light truck is fitted with a P-metric tire as O.E., the load at any pressure is reduced by the
1.10 factor. Using this example, a light truck fitted with P265/75R16 114 as O.E., requiring 35 PSI
according to the tire information placard, is actually accommodating a load of 2,365 lbs, not the maximum
load for this size of 2,601 lbs.

pgaduane

I would never put a P rated tire on any truck/suv.  They are not designed to carry heavy loads.  The weight rating is just not there.  If you plan on never taking your 3 offroad, and never loading up your 3 with 5 people and gear in the rear.  Or are you ever going to tow with it???  You really never want to put a load on a P rated tire.

Just changed my order to 305/55/20 LT Nitto Grapplers-hopefully I made the right choice.
 
Thanks all.

quote:

ORIGINAL: mh307

P tires come on the h3, i believe the biggest difference is in the weight rating, i think they should look exactly the same. I just took off my factory P tires for LT BFGoodrich A/T's and they seem to ride a tad rougher, but that could be the size difference. I love 'em though, they're an awesome awesome tire....

 
My bridgestones are labeled LT285/75R16 so the statement that "P tires come on the h3" may only be correct for the Goodyear Wrangler Tires that come on the base vehicle without the off-road suspension.

That's the size I put on mine but I have Toyo's. Either one will look good. Great setup.

pgaduane

PGA,
Are your tires LT or P rated?  Do you have the base model or Adventure with upgraded suspension?
 
Also, is it okay to place an LT on a base model eventhough a P tire was initially placed on.  I am wonder if the P tires were orriginally placed secondary to price???
 
Thanks,
Machines

Machines -

I have LT305/55/20's. I did raise the front end with a Readylift kit, but I think everyone is in agreement that you can raise the torsion bars and get away doing the Readylift.

Mine is a 07 Lux package. Couldn't even tell what the tires were on it before besides they were Bridgestones. I only put abut 200 miles on them before I swapped them out. And that was the drive home from the dealer.

And from my tire selling days - I used to work for Goodyear many years ago. The "P" stood for "Passenger Tire" and "LT" stands for "Light Truck".

I wouldn't get hung up on the P or LT as long as you go with the LT. Don't know why they would put a passenger tire on the H3 to begin with.

pgaduane

Thanks for the quick reply, gotta love the board.
 
" I did raise the front end with a Readylift kit, but I think everyone is in agreement that you can raise the torsion bars and get away doing the Readylift."    If I don't do the Readylift kit or torsion bars will the wheels rub?  I know they are only 35" in height and from what I read, anything under 35" is okay.
P.S. Have an appointment at 9:00AM tomorrow in West Palm Beach to have the H3 modified....will post pics following
 
Later,
Machines

Machines -

The 305's are 33" tall not 35". They say (tire manf) that you would have to go to a 50 series for the tires to fit, but I think they are just covering their a$$ by saying that. I have read on this forum by many that 35's will fit without doing a thing.  So I think you'll be ok with the 33's.

pgaduane

This may not have been directed towards me, but i think you should go w/  a lift, esp. if you plan to offroad. My tires don't rub (315/70R17 on 17x8) but i have the truxxx lift. It makes a HUGE difference. My H3 looks much much bigger than it did before, and i only upgraded from the original 33's to 35's.
 
 

quote:

ORIGINAL: f5fstop

quote:

ORIGINAL: mh307

P tires come on the h3, i believe the biggest difference is in the weight rating, i think they should look exactly the same. I just took off my factory P tires for LT BFGoodrich A/T's and they seem to ride a tad rougher, but that could be the size difference. I love 'em though, they're an awesome awesome tire....

My bridgestones are labeled LT285/75R16 so the statement that "P tires come on the h3" may only be correct for the Goodyear Wrangler Tires that come on the base vehicle without the off-road suspension.

 
Thanks for the heads up. I had bridgestones, but was reading so many tires lately (mine, my moms, my dads, my friends, several sets at the dealer) i probably got them mixed up. 

I put the LT BF Goodrich 285/75/16 TA/KO on mine a few weeks ago great tire heres the link: http://www.discounttire.com/BFGAllTerrainTAKO.pdf

quote:

ORIGINAL: SteveO

I put the LT BF Goodrich 285/75/16 TA/KO on mine a few weeks ago great tire heres the link: http://www.discounttire.com/BFGAllTerrainTAKO.pdf

 
Great tire, you cannot go wrong here!!

quote:

ORIGINAL: mh307

This may not have been directed towards me, but i think you should go w/  a lift, esp. if you plan to offroad. My tires don't rub (315/70R17 on 17x8) but i have the truxxx lift. It makes a HUGE difference. My H3 looks much much bigger than it did before, and i only upgraded from the original 33's to 35's.

 
The truxx/ready lift/sandy river enterprises are not really a lift kit, just a reindexed torsion bar key, but you may also get a shock mount extender with the kit depending on the mfg. 
The FAQ post by Ockie sums it up nicely RE: Front Leveling & 35" Tire FAQ

True, sorry for that, i find myself saying lift however, for the simple fact it does raise the front of the vehicle...and everyone kind of looks at me weird when i tell them "i keyed my hummer"....

Very good point.     To key or not to key, that is the question.    
 
I would not tell the wife you keyed the Hummer! 

  Lucky for me i still single... But thanks for the tips for marital bliss
On the key question, my truck tends to "pop" a little every now and then. Do i need to be concerned w/ this? Or should i just let it go? Normally i have the radio pretty loud so it doesn't bother me, i just don't want to have a problem...

quote:

ORIGINAL: f5fstop

quote:

ORIGINAL: mh307

P tires come on the h3, i believe the biggest difference is in the weight rating, i think they should look exactly the same. I just took off my factory P tires for LT BFGoodrich A/T's and they seem to ride a tad rougher, but that could be the size difference. I love 'em though, they're an awesome awesome tire....

My bridgestones are labeled LT285/75R16 so the statement that "P tires come on the h3" may only be correct for the Goodyear Wrangler Tires that come on the base vehicle without the off-road suspension.

 
I just checked mine and I have the goodyears with a "P" rating. WILL be buying BFG A/T 33's for christmas

I have a question, I like to think that I know a little bit about working on my cars, an expert by no means! However, I'm kind of a moron when it comes to the tires. I've had BFG A/T before but they were on my old truck when I bought it. I just raised the front end 2" and want to put bigger tires on it. I have the stock Tactical 16" rims and want to keep them. SO, in dummy terms, what is the size that I am looking for? 35's and 33's are called what? Do I go with 35x12.50x16? Not saying that it will NEVER go off road, but it won't be often, mainly a pavement pounder that I want to look capable. If you know what I'm saying.

I went with Firestone Destination AT 285/75R16. One size up from the P rated 265s that came on my truck. I love the 285s. No difference in the ride or gas mileage and they look 100% better than the stock goodyears. Also the tread is pretty aggressive but rides smooth with no noise. I pulled my hair out for three weeks trying to decide what to do for tires and wheels. All the research paid off and I made the perfect choice for my needs. Also, The LT rating is the way to go!!