Tires for Towing

I would like some recommendations please. If I'm not towing or hauling my Tundra largely lives in the garage. It still has the OEM Bridgestone Duelers with a little less than 30k on the clock. I'm ready to get new shoes with a higher load rating than 111.

My camper is about 5900 loaded and puts about 700 on the hitch (Fastway E2 WDH).
Not a lot of off-road to speak of and only rarely ice and snow.

I'm looking at Cooper AT3 xlt and Michelin LTX AT2. Overkill?

 

Yes. The P rated tires that came with your truck exceed the rear axle load rating. That said, LTs or higher weight rated / higher ply count tires will have stiffer sidewalls and more support. Usually equals rough unloaded ride, but more controlled loaded ride. I tow heavy with 116s, still P rated Continental ATs.

 

I ran two sets of Cooper AT3’s in an E rating and two sets of p rated Michelin LTX AT2’s (one set on the tundra, one set currently on the sequoia). For towing, I much prefer an E rated tire and the flexibility/durability/towing support they provide.

The Coopers win the towing contest hands down. The Michelins were sufficient, but not excellent when it comes to shouldering loads; they are softer riding in every way, but that means they can wander a little bit with heavy loads. I suspect that has a little bit to do with the 4 rib tread pattern vs the Coopers 5 rib tread pattern - the center row on the coopers help track straight down the road instead of wandering with the asphalt - as well carcass construction. A p rated tire is rated sufficiently for the axle rating; however, note that the factory pressure recommendation is 33 psi and the max load tire pressure is only 35 psi. Anything above that (some tires have a 41psi, 44psi, and even 51 psi max rating as I believe the Michelins do) is simply for ride tuning per Michelins web site. So even though the tire rating is sufficient, it is less than 6% away from being maxed out.

The coopers weren’t any louder than the Michelins, IME, which was surprising given the more aggressive tread pattern. They both did about the same in inclement weather, though I actually think the coopers did slightly better especially since the tread is going to be deeper I almost all instances. In the dirt, the Coopers also win hands down, not that it sounds like you plan on doing much traveling on dirt roads or inclement weather.

Treadwear was also better and longer lasting on the Coopers, due in part to the deeper starting tread as well as the compound that was better selected (IMO) for hauling heavy loads. They really do shine with hauling and and towing loads and maintain great handling and responsiveness. The Michelins like to squirm a bit. But that great handling can have a sharp edge if you drive
epmty with to much tire pressure - they certainly let you know that they are LT tires and would like to be aired down a bit. That said, as long as I was diligent with about tire pressures, they provided a very quiet, smooth, and comfortable ride. Seriously smooth considering thy are an AT.

Overall, I liked the Coopers better. The Michelins didn’t fail in outstanding ways, but also weren’t outstanding in many - possibly any - ways. The Coopers exceeded my expectations in almost every way.

 

Had three sets of Coopers on my 2018.

First set was the AT3 4S in stock size 275/55-20. They were an SL rated tire if I remember correctly. They were ok, but not great. Rode about like stock and no noticeable mileage hit.

Second set was AT3 XLT in the same size. Significant difference in feel. Not bad, just different. Stiffer, and felt a lot more responsive. Handled trailer weight awesome and never felt “washy”. Lost some mileage and snap off the line.

Third set was another set of XLT, just in a bigger size. Went up to a 275/65-20. Felt just like the smaller ones. I went with 5.29s at this time to get the pep back. That made a huge difference. Loved the tires.

New tires are Falken AT3W in 285/75-18. Haven’t had them in much crappy weather yet, but really liking their ride so far. Handles our 25’ TT with ease.

 

I've run the Cooper AT3's E rated (XLT I think) for the last 100,000 miles on my 08 Tundra. I'd say about 10,000 of that was towing flat deck car trailer. Love the Coopers and will probably throw them onto the new truck as soon as I get it. I ran 20" rims which minimized sidewall flex compared to the 18" on my Sequoia.

 

I tow a 32’ 7500# TT. I have a set of 305/70r17 Toyo AT3s that are load E which I run at 45psi towing. I also have a set of 315/70r17 Good Year Territory MTs in Load C that I also run at their max of 45psi towing. I didn’t notice any stability difference so far, but unloaded ride on the load Cs is definitely more plush. I was always a Load E tire guy, but lately I don’t think it’s worth the sacrifices in ride or tire weight on a half ton truck.

 

Thank you all for the feedback.

 

I bought the Michelin AT2s and its a huge improvement over those crappy Bridgestone Duelers that came on my truck. It seriously doesn't even drive like the same truck. I've towed the camper twice with the Michelins and I'm kicking myself for not doing this sooner. Combined with the Lippert ABS brakes on my new camper it's a big improvement.

 

I have Dexter axles. Grand Design has started equipping it's campers with Lippert's anti-lock braking system. It's a game changer for safety on wet or icy roads and overall way better braking from my last camper.

 

You were correct. The axles are Lippert.