Light Truck Tire Size Chart

Choosing the right tire for your truck or SUV isn’t just about style—it’s about safety, performance, and durability. If you’ve searched for a light truck tire size chart, you’re likely trying to figure out which tire fits your vehicle, supports your load, or works for off-road adventures.

This guide explains how to read tire sizes, compares common LT sizes, and shows a practical chart you can use today.

Contents

What Is a Light Truck (LT) Tire?

An LT tire is a tire built for trucks and SUVs that carry heavier loads than a regular car. It is stronger and made to handle more weight and rougher conditions.

LT tires differ from P-metric (passenger) tires because they have higher load capacity and tougher construction. P-metric tires are meant for regular cars and light SUVs and usually carry less weight.

LT tires are commonly used for towing because they can handle the extra weight of a trailer. They’re used for hauling because they support heavier cargo without overheating or wearing out quickly. Off-road drivers choose LT tires because they are tougher and resist cuts and punctures on rough trails.

Choose LT tires when you regularly tow, carry heavy loads, or drive off-road. Don’t choose LT tires if you only do light city or highway driving—passenger tires often give a smoother ride and better fuel economy for everyday use. Always check your vehicle’s manual before changing tire types.

How to Read a Light Truck Tire Size

Understanding LT tire numbers can be confusing at first. Let’s break it down using an example:

Example: LT265/70R17

LT – Light Truck designation
265 – Tire width in millimeters
70 – Aspect ratio (height-to-width ratio as a percentage)
R – Radial construction
17 – Wheel diameter in inches

Load Index and Speed Rating
These numbers indicate how much weight the tire can carry safely and how fast it can go. Always match these with your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

Here’s a practical chart of common LT tire sizes, overall diameters, section widths, and recommended uses for various trucks and SUVs.

LT Tire Size	Overall Diameter (in)	Section Width (in)	Wheel Size (in)	Common Vehicles	Recommended Use
LT215/75R15	27.7	8.5	15	Compact pickups, older trucks	Light hauling, daily driving
LT235/75R15	28.9	9.3	15	Tacoma, Ranger, S-10	Daily driving, light towing
LT245/75R16	30.5	9.6	16	Silverado, Ram 1500	Balanced work & comfort
LT265/70R16	30.6	10.4	16	F-150, Tundra	Towing, all-terrain use
LT265/75R16	31.6	10.4	16	4Runner, Tacoma	Off-road, overlanding
LT275/70R17	32.2	10.8	17	F-150, Ram 1500	Heavy-duty daily use
LT285/70R17	32.7	11.2	17	Jeep Gladiator, Silverado	Off-road, lifted trucks
LT275/65R18	32.1	10.8	18	Ram 1500, Tahoe	Highway + towing
LT285/75R16	32.8	11.2	16	Off-road builds	Rock crawling, trails
LT35x12.50R17	34.8	12.5	17	Lifted trucks	Extreme off-road

Load Range and Ply Rating Explained

LT tires also have load ranges, usually labeled C, D, or E, which indicate the tire’s maximum weight capacity:

Load Range	Typical Use Case	Max PSI
C	Light-duty trucks, daily driving	~50 PSI
D	Moderate towing & hauling	~65 PSI
E	Heavy-duty towing & payloads	~80 PSI

⚠️ Important: More load range is not always better. Use the range recommended for your truck or SUV to avoid handling and safety issues.

Common Light Truck Tire Sizes by Vehicle Type

Vehicle Type	Common LT Sizes
Mid-size pickups	LT235/75R15, LT265/70R16
Half-ton trucks	LT265/70R17, LT275/65R18
SUVs using LT tires	LT265/75R16, LT275/70R17
Off-road builds	LT285/75R16, 35×12.50R17

Can You Upsize or Downsize Light Truck Tires?

Sometimes people want to change their truck tires to be bigger or smaller than the stock size. This can affect how your truck drives, so it’s important to understand the risks and benefits.

What Happens When You Upsize (Bigger Tires)

Better off-road performance: Bigger tires can handle rough roads or trails better.
More ground clearance: Your truck sits higher off the ground.
Possible downsides: Bigger tires can lower fuel efficiency, make the speedometer show the wrong speed, and may rub against your wheel wells if too large.

What Happens When You Downsize (Smaller Tires)

Easier on fuel: Smaller tires usually weigh less, which can slightly improve gas mileage.
Smoother ride: Smaller tires often give a softer, more comfortable ride.
Possible downsides: Smaller tires may reduce load capacity, affect towing ability, and change handling.

Tips for Changing Tire Sizes

Check your truck’s clearance: Make sure the new tires fit without rubbing the body or suspension.
Keep the load rating in mind: Don’t choose a tire that can’t handle your truck’s weight.
Consider speedometer changes: Bigger or smaller tires can make your speedometer inaccurate.
Follow manufacturer guidance: Always check your owner’s manual before making changes.

In simple terms:

You can go bigger or smaller, but you need to balance performance, safety, and fit. Small changes are usually fine, but big changes can cause problems.

Common Mistakes When Using a Light Truck Tire Size Chart

A size chart is a helpful tool, but people make a few recurring mistakes that lead to poor fit, poor handling, or unsafe conditions. Below are four common errors and what to do instead.

Ignoring load rating

Some readers focus only on tire diameter and width and forget the load rating. The load rating tells you how much weight a tire can carry safely. If you pick a tire with a lower load rating than your truck needs, the tire could overheat or wear out fast when you haul or tow. Always check the load rating on any tire and compare it to the weight your truck will carry, including cargo and passengers.

Choosing based on looks only

A big, aggressive tire might look right for a lifted truck, but looks don’t guarantee safety or correct fit. Tires chosen only for appearance can cause rubbing, poor fuel economy, or worse handling. Before buying, confirm the tire size matches your wheel and suspension, and think about how you actually use the vehicle—daily driving, towing, or off-road.

Mixing P-metric and LT tires

P-metric (passenger) tires and LT (light truck) tires are built differently and are rated for different loads. Putting one type on one side and the other type on the other side, or mixing them on the same axle, can cause uneven handling and unpredictable performance. Use the same type and compatible sizes on each axle, and if you must change types, replace in matched pairs or all four tires.

Not checking manufacturer guidelines

Owner’s manuals and OEM fitment guides tell you the safe tire sizes and load ranges for your specific vehicle. Skipping these recommendations risks voiding warranties or creating safety issues. Always look up your truck’s manufacturer guidance before making changes, and when in doubt, consult a tire shop or your dealer.

Each of these mistakes is easy to avoid by taking a moment to verify load ratings, fitment, and manufacturer advice. Doing that keeps your truck safer and performs the way you expect.

How to Choose the Right LT Tire Size for Your Needs

Picking the right light truck tire size is important for safety, performance, and comfort. It doesn’t have to be complicated if you follow a few basic steps.

First, know your vehicle and wheel size. Check your truck’s owner’s manual or the sticker inside the driver’s door to see the recommended tire sizes. This ensures any new tires will fit properly.

Next, think about how you use your truck. If you mostly drive on highways and city streets, you may want tires that give a smooth ride and good fuel efficiency. If you haul heavy loads, tow trailers, or drive off-road, you’ll need tires that can handle extra weight and rough terrain.

Also, pay attention to the load rating. This number shows how much weight a tire can safely carry. Make sure the tires you pick can handle your truck’s weight plus any cargo or passengers.

Consider the overall tire height and width. Tires that are too big can rub against the wheel wells or affect handling. Tires that are too small may reduce stability or towing ability.

Finally, always verify your choice with manufacturer recommendations. Your truck’s manual or an official dealer can tell you which tire sizes are safe and approved for your vehicle.

In simple terms, the right tire size is a balance between fit, load capacity, driving style, and safety. Following these steps makes it easier to pick tires that work well for your truck and your needs.

For more tire sizing guides, you can compare this light truck tire chart with Trailer Tire Size Chart to find the right tires for every vehicle type.

FAQs

What does “LT” mean on a tire?

LT stands for Light Truck, designed for higher loads and tougher driving conditions.

Can I replace P-metric tires with LT tires?

Only if your vehicle and wheel support the LT load and size. Always verify OEM fitment.

What LT tire size is best for towing?

Choose a tire with a higher load rating (D or E) that matches your vehicle’s maximum payload.

Do LT tires reduce fuel efficiency?

Slightly, due to higher rolling resistance and weight. But proper inflation mitigates this effect.

Is a higher load range always better?

Not necessarily. Overrated tires can affect ride comfort and handling.

Conclusion

Using the right LT tire size is critical for safety, performance, and longevity. This light truck tire size chart helps you quickly identify compatible sizes, load ranges, and common applications for your truck or SUV.

Always verify fitment with your vehicle’s manufacturer and follow recommended load ranges to ensure safe, comfortable, and reliable driving.