Pickup vs SUV Tire Load Range: What Fits

Load range versus load rating

The first step in choosing tires for a pickup or SUV is understanding how load capacity is measured. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 139 defines a tire's load rating as the maximum load it is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure. The same standard also defines an extra load tire as a tire designed to operate at higher loads and higher inflation pressures than a standard tire. Load range, on the other hand, is a classification that groups tires by their construction and the inflation pressure required to reach their rated capacity. It is commonly indicated on LT tires with a letter, and that letter corresponds to a specific ply rating equivalent.

For passenger vehicles, load range is not always printed the same way. Instead, you will see a load index number in the service description, which works with the inflation pressure to define the rated load. The difference matters because a pickup or SUV that is used for towing or heavy hauling needs a tire with a higher load rating, which usually means a higher load range. For a deeper look at load range letters, see our comparison of load range C vs E, and for the numeric side, see our guide to load index ratings.

Passenger tires vs light truck tires

Standard 139 also distinguishes between passenger car tires and light truck (LT) tires. A passenger car tire is intended for use on passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less. An LT tire is designated by its manufacturer as primarily intended for use on lightweight trucks or multipurpose passenger vehicles. That designation is a clue to the tire's construction and load capability.

In practice, many crossover SUVs and small SUVs come with P-metric (passenger) tires, often with an XL or extra load version for slightly higher capacity. Larger SUVs and half-ton pickups often use LT tires, especially when they are equipped for towing packages or payload options. The choice affects not only how much weight the tire can carry, but also how it handles when the vehicle is loaded. For a comparison of the two construction types, see our article on P-metric vs LT tires and our guide to extra load (XL) tires.

Towing and hauling demands

Towing and hauling put extra load on every tire, especially the rear axle of a pickup or the rear of an SUV. Federal regulations for tire selection require that the sum of the maximum load ratings of the tires on an axle be at least equal to the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of that axle. For vehicles with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds, the same requirement appears in Standard 120. This means you cannot simply install a tire with a higher speed rating or a more aggressive tread pattern; you must also confirm that the load rating is sufficient for the weight your vehicle is rated to carry.

A pickup that is regularly used for towing a trailer, carrying a heavy camper shell, or hauling gravel needs an LT tire with a load range that matches the loaded weight. An SUV that occasionally pulls a small boat or a utility trailer may get by with an XL P-metric tire, but for frequent towing at the vehicle's maximum rating, an LT tire is often the safer choice. The lesson is to look at your vehicle's door sticker and the tire load capacity chart before you decide. See also our guide to load index for towing safety and the load capacity chart.

• Check the GVWR and GAWR on the vehicle's certification label.
• Review the tire pressure placard for the recommended cold inflation pressure.
• Compare the sum of the tires' maximum load ratings to the GAWR.
• If towing or hauling regularly, choose LT tires with a higher load range.

Checking your vehicle's requirements

Start with the vehicle's certification label. It lists the GVWR and the GAWR for each axle. Those numbers, combined with the tire pressure placard, tell you the minimum load index or load range required for each tire. The regulations require that the sum of the maximum load ratings of the tires on an axle be no less than the GAWR. If you replace the original tires with a different size or type, recalculate the load ratings at the inflation pressure shown on the placard.

For light-duty use, a passenger tire with an XL rating may be sufficient. For heavy towing or hauling, an LT tire with a higher load range, such as those found on heavy-duty pickups, is the prudent choice. Keep in mind that increasing the load range often requires a higher inflation pressure, so check that your rims and wheels can handle that pressure. You can also consult our guide to load range for towing and our guide to load range for heavy-duty vehicles.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can I use passenger tires on a pickup truck?

It depends on the truck's GVWR and how you use it. Many half-ton pickups are fitted with LT tires from the factory because they need the extra load capacity for towing and hauling. Check the owner's manual and the tire placard to see the minimum load rating required.

What does load range C vs E mean for a pickup?

Load range letters indicate the tire's construction and inflation capability. Higher letters like E or F mean the tire can carry more weight at higher inflation pressures, which is why heavy-duty pickups often use them. See our comparison of load range C vs E for details.

Do SUVs need LT tires for towing?

SUVs that tow near their maximum rating may benefit from LT tires, but many are designed to work with XL P-metric tires. Check the vehicle's towing capacity and the GAWR to see if the stock tire is adequate.

What happens if I use a tire with too low a load range?

Overloading a tire can lead to excessive heat, casing damage, and a blowout. The federal standard requires that the sum of the tire load ratings on an axle be at least the GAWR. Always use tires that meet or exceed the vehicle's load rating requirements.