LT tires are specifically engineered to work with light trucks and SUVs. The stiffer sidewalls provide more stability while hauling loads or driving off road. LT tires are available in a variety of ply levels.

LT is not a tire rating but a category of tire. LT stands for light truck and as the name suggests, these tires are designed for trucks and SUVs. The label LT is usually placed in front of the tire size. The other common type of tire is a P tire. This stands for passenger, as in passenger car.

LT tires are available in three different plys. A tire rated C is a six-ply. D is eight-ply and an E is a 10-ply tire. If you will carrying heavy loads or spending a lot off-road it is best to go with an E-rated LT tire.

Passenger tires have only one load index on the sidewall of the tire where light truck tires have two load index ratings. The light truck tires have two load index ratings because light truck tires are often used on vehicles with dual rear wheels. As an example, if the tire’s dual load index is 120/116, the load capacity for a single tire is 3,086 lbs and the load capacity for two tires is 2,756 lbs. The capacity for two tires is lower than a single tire because if one tire fails, it ensures that the vehicle can continue to carry the load. The first number indicates the load-carrying capacity if the tyre is for a single-wheel rear axle, and the second number applies to a dual rear axle.