"XL" or "E" Rated Tires for Towing?

Does anyone here have experience with towing a smallish travel trailer (24') with a tow vehicle that has 18", "XL" rated tires?

I the past I've ran E rated tires, but my truck/van were 1 ton, and even then at times were harsh riding.

I see now with the metric system tires, the XL tires look pretty good for a Tundra towing, but I'm curious about those that may have any experience with the XL tires.

I'm looking at Terra Grappler G2 or the Geolander GO15.

on edit: When I had my 3500 Ram CRD, I ran Nitto Terra Grapplers and it was the best tire I've ever used, but they look to be phased out.

Worked on in some pretty dirty areas and never had a flat running E rated tires, which is one reason I'm considering them on the Tundra, as well as the stability on the road.....but want to try and keep the weight of the truck down.

TIA

 

Both tires handle loads. XL tires are a little more durable, better for off road use, nosier, & will cost you a couple of dollars more per month at the gas pump. E tires are considered durable, help you when driving at speed around corners, nosy but not as nosy as XL rated tires, & these, too, will add a couple of dollars a month at the gas pump. Personally, I use XL tires because I drive off road almost daily when I feed the livestock.

 

Aren't XL tires just a step up from SL? I thought XL's were still a 4 ply and E were 10?

I towed cross country with SL tires, granted a smaller trailer than you're looking at. I don't think you would regret going up to an E rated tire while towing, the tradeoff would be a rougher ride empty.

When I need to replace tires I'd like to step up to a C or D if possible, for my needs an E is probably overkill.

 

Yes, XL tires are 4 ply. I have found the XL tires’ sidewalls are sturdier under load. But I tow a loaded trailer almost every day.

 

Thanks for the input folks.
I have a set of BFG, D rated tires in 20" that came on the truck when I purchased it, and man are they rough riding.

 

XL tires have more than enough load capacity to handle the gross vehicle and axle weight ratings of the Tundra. People like E rated tires for the added sidewall stiffness, that will make the truck feel more stable through turns and when trailer sway may pull the truck around on the road.

If you stick with your 20" rims, the XL tires are a great option. Less sidewall to flex than an 18", but still very comfortable riding when unloaded.

My Dad tows with his Tundra a lot on the gravel roads and won't use anything other than an E rated tire. Gravel will eat tires on heavy vehicles, E rated tires are undeniably better at stopping flats and tread breaks on rough roads.

 

@Tbrandt , those are why I liked E rated, but not looking forward to the ride...

on edit....I tried the 20" D tires and no matter how the air pressure was, they road hard. The are old though, and dry rotting which may be the issue.

 

If you keep the pressure under 40 when not towing it’s not terrible. 17” - 18” wheels help.

 

...not "Terrible"

 

I mean - it’s a 6,000lb truck so everything is relative. It’s definitely comfortable enough to daily drive as a primary vehicle.

 

True, for youngin's with good backs LOL.

 

Well, to add to the search, it looks as if a 285/60R18 may fit, and there looks to be a "plethora" of XL and E rated tires in that size. I think NITTO has the G2 in that size that has a payload of around 3000#.

 

Ended up getting a set of Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tires, 265/70R18.
I haven't driven much since having them installed, but boy, I hadn't realized how much I've missed Nitto tires!
These ride so nice.

 

Had Terra Grapplers on my Tacoma. Were my favorite tires I’ve ever had aside from the road noise, they definitely sang above 45 mph. Very smooth, great off-road and very good in snow.