tires question

New here, just bought a '99 Yukon Denali that needs tires. Currently has LT245/75-16s on it, Tire shop shows P245/70-16 as the correct size. I don't plan on doing any off road driving. I do want to occasionally tow a 3500 lb. ski boat. Which is the better choice?

It doesn't seem to me that the passenger car tire is sufficient for the weight of the Yukon. There is no tire information sticker on the driver door post.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Welcome @nvsteve.

Both Tire Rack and Discount Tire show the original size to be 265/70-16s. Do your current tires seem a bit narrow on your wheels? Are the wheels OEM?

Whatever you find out for the original size, I'd stick with the lower profile tire (70, if that's what OEM is) for better gear ratio. Depending on the differential ratio the 75s might make it a bit tougher when towing.

Here's website that will compare different tire sizes and show you how they differ. It also list 265/70r16 as the stock size.

https://tiresize.com/calculator/

Both the 245 and 265 were both options on the 4wd.
235/75/15 (standard on the 2wd)
245/75/16 (standard on the 4wd)
265/75/16 (optional on the 4wd)

As far as load capacity, the LT will have a greater capacity.
My personal experience is that the LTs handle the vehicle weight better than the P-rated tires.

TigerEyz3 said:

Both the 245 and 265 were both options on the 4wd.
235/75/15 (standard on the 2wd)
245/75/16 (standard on the 4wd)
265/75/16 (optional on the 4wd)

As far as load capacity, the LT will have a greater capacity.
My personal experience is that the LTs handle the vehicle weight better than the P-rated tires.

Click to expand...

Butttt, the p rated give you a less harsh ride.....if thats what op is looking for and plenty of peeps tow greater loads with the p’s

Galante...
No argument from me regarding the comfort of the p-rated tires... My original tires were P235/75/15.

The OP was talking about load/towing capacity and sizing. To that end, I addressed the question the way I did.
Had he asked, "what tire group gives a softer ride between the P-series and LT?", the P-series would win that argument.

P = passenger; known for running lower tire pressures for softer ride feel
LT = light truck; known for running higher pressures to accommodate loads/weight

Which tire series you opt to use should be based on the intended use and vehicle. IMO, our trucks do better with the greater load capacity of the LT tires - they handle the vehicle/load weight better.

As far as ride harshness, running a slightly lower tire pressure can soften the ride of the LTs. I've never had any issues running 35psi (I run an up-sized fitment - LT265/65/17).

Agree, completely dude

Just to close the loop on this thread, Today I went with a set of four P265-70-16's. Decided the softer ride was most important to me and wow what a difference, better than hoped for. I only tow my ski boat a few times a year and not for very long distances so I think these tires will do the job.

I think I got a great deal on my 99 Denali, my neighbor who can no longer drive bought it new locally. 179k miles bone stock and well cared for always garaged. Everything works except the heated seat on driver side and the courtesy lights don't come on when doors are opened (I see other posts on this problem). Anyway it was on the street with a for sale sign, $2000, seemed like a no brainer, luckily I was the first to see it last week.