Do You Need LT Or P Tires On A Ram 1500?
Whether you use your truck for work or everyday driving, it’s important to take proper care of the vehicle and ensure you use the correct parts.
Tires can make or break your truck, but which ones are best for a Dodge Ram 1500?
Whether a Ram 1500 needs LT or P tires depends on your circumstances. If you haul heavy loads or go off-roading often, opt for the LT tires designed for those activities. P tires are fine if you spend most of your time on paved roads and don’t haul heavy loads.
LT vs. P Tires
When deciding which tires are best for your Ram 1500, you first need to understand the difference between LT and P tires and the benefits of each.
The P (or p-metric) on tires stands for Passenger Vehicle.
These are the standard tires used on cars, SUVs, and trucks that don’t carry heavy loads.
The design of the tire is directed towards comfort.
Passenger tires give a smoother ride than LT tires and last a long time in normal road environments.
Generally, if there is no letter after the tire size number, it’s safe to assume it is a passenger tire.
LT stands for Light Truck.
These tires are designed very differently from P tires and are made specifically for work trucks.
LT tires have more material in the sidewalls and under the treads to help prevent damage to the tires.
Most passenger tires use a 4 or 6-ply thickness for the sidewall, whereas LT tires use an 8 or 10-ply thickness.
The cords in the LT tire are thicker than standard tires, allowing them to handle heavier loads and increase the truck’s payload capacity.
Many LT tires are also called Flotation Light Truck Tires.
These have an extra steel belt and a much deeper tread to enhance offroad traction.
Their design helps them float over loose material like sand, dirt, or sediment, keeping the tires from getting stuck and giving the driver more control.
So Which Tire is Best For Me?
Choosing between Light Truck and Passenger tires can seem difficult.
Some Ram owners claim the truck doesn’t ride right without the LT tires; others swear by Passenger tires.
Which tires you use will depend on what you use your truck for.
Half-ton trucks like the Ram 1500 come from the factory equipped with Passenger tires.
P tires provide a smoother ride and great handling on asphalt, and on paved roads, they have better traction than LT tires in both wet and dry conditions.
Since many Ram owners rarely go off-road, haul heavy loads, or even tow a trailer, if you stick to city streets and paved roads, the standard tires should be fine for you.
If your Ram came from the factory with LT tires, it’s best to continue using them.
Your system is calibrated to these tires and sticking with factory tires is always the smarter option.
That said, Light Truck tires can be necessary in some cases.
Switch to LT tires if you use your truck to haul, tow, or drive on dirt or gravel often – they do best in off-road environments like farms, construction sites, dirt roads, etc.
They’re also ideal for towing trailers and hauling heavy loads in the bed.
Off asphalt, they give you the grip you need without getting stuck or spinning your wheels.
LT tires can also handle heavier loads because of their added thickness.
Part of the reason a truck’s payload is less than its towing capacity includes how much weight the tires can handle.
Using LT tires allows the bed to hold more weight without straining or bursting the tires.
It also means a smoother drive, and the tires won’t feel flattened.
LT tires are more expensive, but they’re also more durable.
While both LT and P tires can last around 60,000 miles (96,500 km), Passenger tires will wear faster if overused.
Remember that it’s generally acceptable to go from factory Passenger tires to Light Truck tires but not the other way around.
Are LT Tires Bigger Than P Tires?
LT and P tires can come in the same sizes, but technically LT tires are bigger.
Because LT tires are mainly for work trucks, they have deeper and larger treads and additional material to thicken the sidewall.
Check the tire size to see what type of tires you currently have.
LT tires should have “LT” at the end of the size number, and Passenger tires can have a P or P-metric after the tire size.
If there isn’t an indicator after the tire size, it’s likely a Passenger tire.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tires for your Ram 1500 depends on how you use your truck.
Passenger tires are an excellent choice for comfort and stability if you’re a city driver using your truck on paved roads.
You might consider switching to LT tires if you use your Ram for off-roading, hauling heavy loads, or pulling trailers.
LT tires are better for work trucks, can handle more weight, and have deeper treads for off-road driving.
