As usual, everything Alan said is right on the money.
One more thing--even when changing to LT (Light Truck) tires instead of the OE "P" tires, you've got to check the weight rating.
For example, my P265/70-16 tires are rated to carry 2403 pounds. The correct size LT tire would be a LT245/75-16, which has the same outside diameter. But--a LT245/75-16 Load Range C tire at it's max inflation pressure of 50 psi is only rated to carry 2205#. I'd have to go to a Load Range E tire (used to be called 10-ply) and inflate it to 60 psi to get the same load carrying capability as my OE tires.
Changing to LT265/75-16 tires is an option, but the outside diameter is about 1.1" larger which results in a loss of low-end power. Even with Load Range C tires, Michelin LTX M/S tires (for example) would need 50 psi to carry 2470#. Of course, we can't carry this much weight on each tire, but we NEVER want to buy tires with lower weight rating than the OE tires.
Also, the LT tires are heavier, which results in a higher unsprung weight for a rougher ride, have stiffer sidewalls which also results in a stiffer ride, and require more air pressure, again for that stiffer ride.
Ken
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