Anyone tried low profile tires for towing stability

[Tulecreeper]

I was thinking of a proPride.

You won't need that beast.

 

[ramffml]

I was thinking of a proPride.

That is the best in the business when it comes to controlling trailer sway (passing a trucker or heavy winds etc). However there is more to a hitch, ease of use, cost, weight, noise etc. I wouldn't go the propride route until you've exhausted getting the basics in your truck right first. Proper tires, proper loading/tongue weight, maybe updated rear shocks all while using a cheaper/standard WDH. Chances are you won't need the proPride. I can tow my 24 foot 6000 pound trailer at 120 km/h with 1 finger on the wheel and a kayak mounted to the bed (which is essentially a giant sale and can cause sway issues but doesn't in my setup) as long as its not terribly windy. I don't tow at those speeds, but its mostly stable there and that's what matters to me.

 

[Gearjunkie]

Yes, when I was saying I was thinking ProPride, I meant it was too expensive and heavy for my needs. I'm Okay with my WDH setup.

I need new tires and was considering a lower sidewall to help reduce tire roll. I have been reading this thread
https://www.ramforum.com/threads/tires-for-towing-yes-another-tire-thread.164666/ and am no closer to making a decision.

 

[CanuckRam1313]

If you're doing primarily highway and towing/hauling, look at the Michelin Defender LTX M/S in an E rating. These are great tires that handle weight really well, are stable and no noise on the highway.

 

[Gearjunkie]

If you're doing primarily highway and towing/hauling, look at the Michelin Defender LTX M/S in an E rating. These are great tires that handle weight really well, are stable and no noise on the highway.

I do, do primarily highway and towing/hauling. I have been looking at the Michelin Defender LTX M/S. I thought it only available in one rating based on the tire size?

 

[tron67j]

I'm not sure what you mean by rated for towing?

This says it better than I could.

All About Truck Tires: Load Ratings, Sizes & More

Fleet tires have to be able to handle paved roads to dirt roads and everything in between. Having the right tires on your truck and equipment keeps drivers safe and fleets running.

www.linkedin.com

 

[CanuckRam1313]

I do, do primarily highway and towing/hauling. I have been looking at the Michelin Defender LTX M/S. I thought it only available in one rating based on the tire size?

I run LT295/65R20's on my stock 20" black aluminum rims (equivalent to 35's).
However, I do have Bilstein 5100's on all four corners with the fronts set to 2.1" raised.

You could run the Michelin's in LT285/65R20 and not need the Bilstein's though.

Both sizes are Load Range "E" rated.

 

[joesstripclub]

I do, do primarily highway and towing/hauling. I have been looking at the Michelin Defender LTX M/S. I thought it only available in one rating based on the tire size?

I had these on my 2018 and they were 115 load rating. Not sure if they come in a different rating or you would need a different tire, but 115 is plenty for your truck. They were great tires, towed great in the stock size.

 

[Ratman6161]

They should be at least Load Range "D" rated - "E" would be better if you're going to be towing a lot.

Out of curiosity I did a search on tirerack.com and confirmed my suspicions. Best load rating available on a 265/50-20 is XL and there are no LT tires in that size. They may exist somewhere but if tire rack doesn't have them then they would be rare if they exist. I would agree to go with a higher load range and an LT tire rather than what's essentially a car tire just to get a 50 profile.

 

[kirk35]

Out of curiosity I did a search on tirerack.com and confirmed my suspicions. Best load rating available on a 265/50-20 is XL and there are no LT tires in that size. They may exist somewhere but if tire rack doesn't have them then they would be rare if they exist. I would agree to go with a higher load range and an LT tire rather than what's essentially a car tire just to get a 50 profile.

Plenty of LT’s out there in the OP’s factory size of 275/60-20. Tire Rack lists ten OE size LT tires in load range E.

 

[BigHossRides]

Hello,
I have a 2020 1500 classic with stock 275/60-20 tires. When hooked up to my travel trailer, (WDB’s installed) if you push sideways on the hitch with your foot, you can see the tires roll from side to side. It was suggested I try 265/50-20 tires for better sway stability while towing. This makes sense and I know, the speedometer will be out, it’ll be a little rougher ride and they will look smaller.

I was wondering if anyone out there has tried smaller profile tires and if so, what is your experience.

Thanks!

I used 1/2" spacers and 6ply tires (275-60R20) I tow a camping trailer and have not had side to side as with the softer 4ply tires.

 

[Laz-a-Long]

I was not satisfied with the Goodyear Wrangler OEM "P"275/60/20 4 ply tires and switched to BF Goodrich LT 275/60/20 8 ply tires. Amazing difference in ride and towing without sacrificing height. The truck feels planted for the first time.

 

[1STRAM2500]

I pull a TT in the 10.5-11.0K range with my 2022 TRadesman 2500 CC 6.4L 3.73 gears, all stock (including the Firestone Transforce tires). Had all kinds of problems with the new Flagstaff TT (has Goodyear Endurance tires) behind me. Forums told me about the problems with the Ram's Transforce tires and I wanted to try Michelin Defender LTX M/S that were on my prior Tundra. After trying two quality WDH setups, multiple adustments, etc., I was worried about buyiing new tires right away (my truck was brand new) and finding that new tires did not solve problem, so I bit the bullet and bought the ProPride. I hated paying for it, but man did it ever make towing more relaxing. Now I don't dread the drive, I can actually enjoy the trip AMAP. Can't really speak to OP's 1500 experience since I have the 2500, but plan to try the Michelin's when these TFs are near toast (currently about 39K miles). Happy trailering!

 

[NotSoFast]

I put Cooper Discoverer AT3 tires on my 2500. Theses are 10-ply and E rated at 221. (They are also 3-peaks rated for snow.) They are super stiff and would let me load about 7200 pounds per axle, which is way over the 6000 pounds that the truck is built for. These are super stable: shoving on the hitch you can't get any sway at all. They are great for snow, and here in Flagstaff at 7000' we get plenty. Not a super comfy tire: you will feel the potholes.
I tow a lot and always in the mountains. Love these tires. They are running with Fox shocks after one of the factory Bilsteins failed.
I figure if I want a smooth ride I should get a Buick. But I want to tow stuff in any conditions and not worry about the equipment.

 

[Tulecreeper]

I pull a TT in the 10.5-11.0K range with my 2022 TRadesman 2500 CC 6.4L 3.73 gears, all stock (including the Firestone Transforce tires). Had all kinds of problems with the new Flagstaff TT (has Goodyear Endurance tires) behind me. Forums told me about the problems with the Ram's Transforce tires and I wanted to try Michelin Defender LTX M/S that were on my prior Tundra. After trying two quality WDH setups, multiple adustments, etc., I was worried about buyiing new tires right away (my truck was brand new) and finding that new tires did not solve problem, so I bit the bullet and bought the ProPride. I hated paying for it, but man did it ever make towing more relaxing. Now I don't dread the drive, I can actually enjoy the trip AMAP. Can't really speak to OP's 1500 experience since I have the 2500, but plan to try the Michelin's when these TFs are near toast (currently about 39K miles). Happy trailering!

What size are your Transforce tires, and what does your B-pillar say your PSI is supposed to be for them?

 

[1STRAM2500]

Stock LT 275/70R18. B pillar label has Front 60, Rear 65. Ran PSI all the way from 70 to 80 and still had side to side motion that was exaggerated on the road towing. Typically run about 70 psi now based on tire inflation chart when towing.

 

[1STRAM2500]

What size are your Transforce tires, and what does your B-pillar say your PSI is supposed to be for them?

Stock LT 275/70R18. B pillar label has Front 60, Rear 65. Ran PSI all the way from 70 to 80 and still had side to side motion that was exaggerated on the road towing. Typically run about 70 psi now based on tire inflation chart when towing.

 

[Tulecreeper]

Stock LT 275/70R18. B pillar label has Front 60, Rear 65. Ran PSI all the way from 70 to 80 and still had side to side motion that was exaggerated on the road towing. Typically run about 70 psi now based on tire inflation chart when towing.

I'll assume that the 275 are stock on your because of the Crew Cab. Mine are 245/70R17 E, and the B-pillar calls for 75 front and 80 rear all the way up to GAWR. Strangest thing I've seen.

 

[kirk35]

Stock LT 275/70R18. B pillar label has Front 60, Rear 65. Ran PSI all the way from 70 to 80 and still had side to side motion that was exaggerated on the road towing. Typically run about 70 psi now based on tire inflation chart when towing.

I'll assume that the 275 are stock on your because of the Crew Cab. Mine are 245/70R17 E, and the B-pillar calls for 75 front and 80 rear all the way up to GAWR. Strangest thing I've seen.

I have the 275/70R18E and mine calls for 60psi front and rear.