Tire recommendations for 2018 F-150 towing 9,000 lb trailer

[Yavne]

Looking for tire recommendations for my 2018 F-150.

I've been happy with the OEM Goodyear Wrangler 275/65R18 tires (standard tires), but it's time to replace them. I tow a 9,000 lb travel trailer about 5–6 times each summer and use the truck as a daily driver the rest of the year.

I'm considering the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 XL for a bit more towing stability while keeping a comfortable ride. I'd rather not go with LT tires because of the harsher unloaded ride.

Anyone running these tires or have other recommendations?

 

[gwinger]

You don't have to run the max pressure without the trailer.
I have Cooper load range E on my truck. The trailer weighs about 7000lbs and I run the tires at about 65psi. Without the trailer, I take them down to 45.
The ride is not a nice as P rated tires, but there is no porpoising and more stable in the wind or a semi passing.

 

[Yavne]

You don't have to run the max pressure without the trailer.
I have Cooper load range E on my truck. The trailer weighs about 7000lbs and I run the tires at about 65psi. Without the trailer, I take them down to 45.
The ride is not a nice as P rated tires, but there is no porpoising and more stable in the wind or a semi passing.

Thank you. The sticker on my truck recommends 35 psi. If I go with the E tires, should I still run 35 psi when the truck is empty?

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Each tire make/model/size has a minimum inflation spec and you should never run at a lower psi than that minimum. But the "recommended psi" on the door sticker is for the OEM tire and no longer relevant if you change tires.

Chances are a higher load range tire will have a higher minimum inflation, but it's not something you should guess at. Check the load inflation table for the specific tire before you buy.

 

[Kirk]

If you change tires from what was OEM,

Same size/load index → use the door placard pressure.

Different size/load index → recalculate or consult the new tire’s specs.

 

[RayIN]

The 18" tires are necessary to clear the larger disc brakes. This means in order to maintain reasonable gear ratios for transmission and diff. the tire sidewalls must be shorter, which equals less sidewall to absorb bumps
P-rated tires are for a smoother, more comfortable ride. They also allow more vehicle sway since the sidewalls are much thinner. That can somewhat be countered with inflating tires to sidewall stated pressure when towing.
LT tires are your only other choice, and IMO the best one.
Oops, I was wrong, there is another choice; buy a second tow vehicle.

 

[Yavne]

thank you guys!

 

[Babe2201]

If you don't mind the cost then that Michelin is a great choice. It is a high-end tire. If you were towing the trailer more often I would suggest considering jumping to the LRE but it would give you a stiffer ride the majority of the time when not towing. As far as pressure goes those XL can take 50 pounds max so it might not be a bad idea to bump them up to 40 while towing and see if you notice any difference in stability.

I really like the Continental Terrain Contact HT as well. It does not come in the XL but can still take 44 PSI and has the same load range which surprises me. I have used those on 2 different vehicles with great results.

 

[Babe2201]

Each tire make/model/size has a minimum inflation spec and you should never run at a lower psi than that minimum. But the "recommended psi" on the door sticker is for the OEM tire and no longer relevant if you change tires.

Chances are a higher load range tire will have a higher minimum inflation, but it's not something you should guess at. Check the load inflation table for the specific tire before you buy.

Where do you find that info? I have only ever seen max inflation but never minimum.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Where do you find that info? I have only ever seen max inflation but never minimum.

It's in the load-inflation tables provided by the tire manufacturer. Some manufacturers publish their tables online while others make them available only through their dealers. And the Tire & Rim Association (TRA) publishes all of them in their annual Tire Data Book

Here's the inflation tables from Toyo. In almost all cases, all the manufacturers of the same size & type of tire will use the same inflation values because they all adhere to TRA engineering standards.

 

[RayIN]

Babe2201, the reasoning to support a minimum air pressure is HEAT, and its effect on tire construction. Lower air pressure allows more sidewall flex, which generates heat, and heat is the main enemy of all air-inflated tires.
reference: RV Tire Safety

 

[Babe2201]

Babe2201, the reasoning to support a minimum air pressure is HEAT, and its effect on tire construction. Lower air pressure allows more sidewall flex, which generates heat, and heat is the main enemy of all air-inflated tires.
reference: RV Tire Safety

I am aware of that but I did not realize that they had them posted somewhere. I never would think anyone would run their tires that low.

 

[RayIN]

Virtually all 16" load range E tires have a minimum inflation of 45psi. to prevent sidewall damage. Overloading and underinflation are the same thing in the world of tires.

 

[Babe2201]

Virtually all 16" load range E tires have a minimum inflation of 45psi. to prevent sidewall damage. Overloading and underinflation are the same thing in the world of tires.

What if they were used on a half-ton truck where the recommended PSI is far less than that?

 

[Babe2201]

After rereading the OP I realized they said a 9,000 lb. trailer and I wonder if that 2018 F150 is even rated to tow that much. Is the 9,000 the dry weight?

 

[gwinger]

After rereading the OP I realized they said a 9,000 lb. trailer and I wonder if that 2018 F150 is even rated to tow that much. Is the 9,000 the dry weight?

The other consideration is the tongue weight. A 9000lb trailer would have a 1350lb tongue weight when set up properly at 15%.

 

[Babe2201]

The other consideration is the tongue weight. A 9000lb trailer would have a 1350lb tongue weight when set up properly at 15%.

Seeing how my half-ton has a payload of 1735 that does not leave a lot of room for passengers and any gear in the back.

 

[RayIN]

What if they were used on a half-ton truck where the recommended PSI is far less than that?

Oh, I see. a ½T pickup normally recommends 35 psi. There is nothing saying that is the maximum for the rims and axle though, it just says that is the recommended pressure. I now must modify my thinking. the 45# minimum was for 16" LR E tires, a ½T does not use 16" tires in this century. Newer 17" and 18" tires are something I've never investigated. (inflation chart)
There will still be a minimum air pressure stated(35#) HD truck tires load inflation tables display a blank where the inflation pressure would be too low to support the corresponding load.
rvtiresafety.net has all this information listed in the menu. The site owner, Tireman9/ Roger Marble is a retired tire design engineer and tire forensics engineer.

 

[Wmlunt-WO]

I run LT rated Falkan Wild Peak tires on my Jeep GC towing my WBGO MM2108@5500 lbs (tow vehicle rated for 7400 lbs.)
I did not feel a significant difference when changing from std passenger tires to the LT. still rides very smooth, although I do have air ride suspension.
Bill

 

[Yavne]

What if they were used on a half-ton truck where the recommended PSI is far less than that?

After rereading the OP I realized they said a 9,000 lb. trailer and I wonder if that 2018 F150 is even rated to tow that much. Is the 9,000 the dry weight?

It's the GVWR. Realistically, I know the trailer weighs a bit under 9,000 lb when fully loaded, so it's very close to the truck's maximum payload and towing limits.