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Question for Tire Experts - Falken Wildpeak AT4W in XL or LT?
I noticed that the new Falken Wildpeak AT4W (275-55-20) comes in both an XL load rated version and LT version with a load rating of D. XL version has a tread depth of 13/32" and a load rating of 2833 pounds. LT tread depth is 18/32" but the load rating is 2680 pounds. Guessing the XL version is the way to go?
I have been lurking for a while but finally registered just because I had something useful to share ... I put the LT version on my D90 over the XL just because of the extra tread ... they fit fine and work well. I likely won't be able to post a picture yet due to being a new account but if you need one I can figure something out. I took a picture with a finger in the tread blocks for a friend to show the significant depth because I was surprised.
They have been pretty good in deeper snow this winter over the past few weeks.
As with any debate for LT or P Metric -- it depends on your use case. If you favor on-road performance, lower NVH, less weight, etc -- go for the XL. If you don't mind more tread noise, and need greater durability for towing, off road use, etc, go for the LT. They will weigh more, your car will accelerate slower, and there will be more tread squirm that will manifest as less steering feel / cornering response. But they'll also last longer due to the extra tread depth and may perform better in deep snow or loose off road surfaces.
I doubt many people have a direct comparison for the AT4W as they just came out. The degree of difference in the tire attributes above really differs between tire models and manufacturers -- some are closer in behavior than others.
I doubt many people have a direct comparison for the AT4W as they just came out. The degree of difference in the tire attributes above really differs between tire models and manufacturers -- some are closer in behavior than others.
I can comment on AT3Ws on an older Jeep Wrangler as a comparison ... these are not really any louder although the comparison isn't the best due to different vehicles/different amount of tire wear. As compared to the stock tires these ones are definitely more noticeable in tread noise, the don't seem to accelerate much different but I do have a 2-3mpg lower highway mileage so it is taking quite a bit more power to push these significantly heavier and slightly wider tires.
There's a more important factory than tread wear between XL and LT - construction. Check with the manufacture, but I'm willing to bet that the LT has an additional ply on the sidewall. If you're planning on any serious trail work where there's concern about tearing a sidewall, consider the LT. Otherwise the XL will likely provide better ride comfort, noise and highway handling characteristics. Sadly, I know from experience.
The LT has substantially deeper tread and by extension is a heavier carcass. If off-road traction is important to you that is a useful datapoint and is a reason to go with the 8 ply rated LT tire over the XL.
XL is the Offroad-y one. The stronger one.
LT is the light truck tire. The one you don't want for offroading.
Is that right? That said I'm looking at the new Wildpeaks and the load rating is D... not XL or LT.
EDIT: I've now thoroughly confused myself. But I still think you don't want the LT tires.
What seems to be confusing is the relationship between load ratings and ply ratings which are not necessarily 100% aligned. My understanding is the load index will specify how much weight the tire can support while ply rating are related to construction. Most classify SL and XL tires as "passenger" tires with a ply rating of 4 where the XL will be able to carry a greater load and inflation pressure. However, it's fairly easy to find manufactures of SL tires that have a higher load rating than manufactures of XL tires so this is more of a guideline than rule. Likewise, LT tires typically have ply ratings of 6 to 10. Again, there are some cases where you can find SL or XL tires will have a higher load rating even with a lower ply rating.
When selecting a tire, it's critical to get the load index correct as that's a safety factor. Choosing a SL, XL, or LT tire is more of a function of application. In general with equivalent load ranges XL tires will have better road characteristics - more quiet, better response, better dry and wet highway performance and lighter for better gas milage. The LT tires with the heavier construction shine when on the trail when you need the additional protection from punctures and sideway cuts.
In general with equivalent load ranges XL tires will have better road characteristics - more quiet, better response, better dry and wet highway performance and lighter for better gas milage. The LT tires with the heavier construction shine when on the trail when you need the additional protection from punctures and sideway cuts.
A very good response here that matches my experience. I two sets of tires/wheels for my D90. At the moment I just did a 600 mile interstate run so I have the factory tires (currently at 9/32) on. I will try and pull out my db meter and get a reading at 80mph (our interstate speed limit) before I swap over to the heavier AT4W set (18/32 tread - so a full 2x my factory set). Then I can compare the noise of the two directly using the same tire pressures and road/weather.
When you choose the LT over the same size XL you gain 5/32 more tread depth, 0.2" of extra diameter, and 9lbs of extra weight (rubber?) per tire. The major cost I have seen with this is tire noise vs the stockers so a db meter comparison should be useful. I have two full sets of tires so I am happy to swap between these two sets depending on my expected use.
Question for Tire Experts - Falken Wildpeak AT4W in XL or LT?
