troymir350

OK, in need of some experience with this. I know the OEM tires for the GL are 109H (2,300 lbs, and 130 mph max respectively). But, for winter tires should I be looking at only a load index of 109?

I'm looking at going down in width and the load rating then goes down to 106, which is 2,100 lbs for a difference of 200 lbs max per tire.

Can inflation overcome this if we are loaded? Is it not that much of an issue if the GL is not loaded up? Obviously the speed concern is not an issue for winter tires, so that is not even concerning me.

Facts more than opinions on this, but let me know how you've handled this when changing out tires. And, yes I know the ultimate solution would be to have at least OE spec, but wondering about options.

Stoneseller

Tires that don't meet the speed rating of 130 MPH should certainly not be a concern. A 100 mph rated tire should far exceed the needs of anyone driving half reasonably.

I'm reluctant do go below the load rating spec. The vehicle does not get any lighter in winter, greater chance of it getting heavier when used as a true utility vehicle.

Mikeee

I wouldn't risk it... 100 mph is not that fast. Go for at least the standard indexes and up.

ima55r2

The tire's load is based on the maximum pressure of the tire and that is on the sidewall. I would carry that much air in the tires only when the back was loaded to the hilt.

The tire is chosen by the manufacturer to carry the gross vehicle weight, which includes passengers/cargo, at the speed rating of the tire. If you don't think you will barreling down the road under those conditions, then get the right size tire to fit the wheels and don't worry about the load or speed rating. The available tires are going to be in a pretty close range in price and performance anyway just because of the vehicles on which they are designed to be used.

Stoneseller

Where I live 100 is 35 mph higher than the highest speed limit on the Interstates.

troymir350

Ok, some of you may not live where it gets snowy and cold. But, we're talking about winter tires, so speed rating isn't the issue. If we go 65 or 70 on some dry pavement that's about it.

The point of the thread is about the load rating. I know that vehicle engineers are basically required to add a 10% "premium" to the tire load rating to cover the top 1% of people that go crazy loading up the vehicle.

My question is related to the potential to use a winter tire with a 106 load rating versus the OE 109. Has anyone used it? With 20" rims (I know not ideal for winter) and using 265 width tires the load rating of the tires goes down to 106. Does anyone have an experience with this?

Brocktoon

Speed rating is less important than load. High speed snows were virtually unheard of 10-15 years ago, and all snows had a lower speed rating, at least the real aggressive ones. I would not go under my load rating, though. Weight can creep up real easy. FWIW, I'm running 114 loads on my GL...

aeggroup

Sorry, I don't know the answer to your question, but since you have 20" wheels - why don't you buy these tires :

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

There are no issues like speed or load ratings with them.

Mikeee

Germany.

Stoneseller

Nice place to own a high performance vehicle

reddog

quote: "I'm looking at going down in width and the load rating then goes down to 106, which is 2,100 lbs for a difference of 200 lbs max per tire."

You may find that for liability reasons some tire selling/installing companies may refuse to mount a lower rated "load range" tire on you vehicle than what was approved by the manufacturer.

lkchris

Your owners manual specifies suitable winter tires. They CAN be found. "Permission" to do otherwise from a forum is pretty silly, don't you think?

LEOSOPHIE

Yes!