Posted by Ben on October 07, 01 at 09:17:51:
In Reply to: Increasing tire diameter posted by ltreff on October 06, 01 at 17:24:55:
Recommend you just go to any tire manufacturer's site and find the rev's per mile for the various tires you are considering. No matter what profile, just stick with the rev's per mile of the one you have or stock as basis for comparision. Best because tire "dent" where they touch the ground and measurements vary in dia, but rev's per mile are actual. That will determind the percentage difference between the tires you are looking at.
This affects gear ratio, the tire rev's per mile. Similar calculation can be made in percentage of stock tire/diff ratio for comparision. More rev's per mile, more towing/hauling power, but less MPG. Trade off decision, can do with less MPG, can't do with more MPG.
Load range is one thing (very important), but LT vs P has huge difference in construction. Even though LT tires are mostly 2 ply no matter what load range (some are 3 ply) the sizeing of the cords, the number per sq cm, the stiffeners, steel bands, etc, etc make an LT tire much stronger than any P rated tire. Goes along with the max PSI (LT tires will go up to 80-90 PSI, while P rated usually max out at 50PSI. That also has great effect on sidewall stiffness needed for handling while hauling/towing.
There are differences even between D & E, as E and higher are considered towing tires and have the more of the above stuff.
I've looked at some of those straps, clip on plastic spider, etc. They are okay for passenger vehicle, not truck, IMHO. Emergency use maybe okay, with knowledge that they are less than steel chain and drive accordingly.
Don't know much about Cooper tires, but state that I had a 1973 K5 Blazer with Dayton tires (plain MS 33/12.5x16.5 10ply, bias ply). Had +80K miles (off and on between various other tires) and still had over 3/8" tread deepth. Mill stones. Love hated them. Loved their toughness, hated their ride (sweetie mostly). Cornered like they were on rails. Wet was not great, just acceptable.