Thread: LT vs Radial

As far as I know they are both likely to be radials but the LT (light Truck) tyres will have stronger side walls and a higher load rating, but having said that my BFG Mud Terrains have LT in the designation.

Originally Posted by djames

Had an interesting conversation with a local tyre dealer yesterday. It went something like this....

Me: "I'm interested in some off-road tyres. Can you tell me the differences between LT and radial and which would be better?"

Him: "No diff mate! They are both round and do the same job"

I understand the basic principles (ie: ply and load rating)

So, what are the differences and what is better for off-road in real world terms.

Most offroad tyres are radials, the older conventional or rag tyres aren't fitted as standard these days.

Radials are a compromise for offroad use and onroad handling, they are more prone to stake type punctures, whereas conventional tyres are not and have a stronger resistance to stake type punctures.

MRF are a good quality conventional tyre for offroad use, but the onroad handling won't be as good as a radial type tyre.

Baz.

You can get LT (Light Truck) in both radial ply and bias ply tyres PSimpson is on the mark when he suggests the side walls of the LT are stronger than the passenger car type tyres. When you get into sizes that don't fit on cars they don't bother with the LT designation.

The main difference between radial ply tyres and bias ply tyres is the speed rating. Bias ply tyres are usually rated to only 80 or 90 KPH, where radials will go up to 200 KPH and more with some brands and sizes.

Diana

Check out this link
Beadell Tours - Tyre Information

Cheers
Simon

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

The main difference between radial ply tyres and bias ply tyres is the speed rating. Bias ply tyres are usually rated to only 80 or 90 KPH, where radials will go up to 200 KPH and more with some brands and sizes.

Diana

There is a significant carcass design difference between the two which is really defining.

Also a lot of the Bias tyres have got some pretty good speed ratings also. The Simex are genrally N-Q rated which is 140-160km/h.

But, and LT tyre is usually a heavy duty radial tyre.

The entire carcass of an LT construction tyre is heavier duty than a P rated tyre.

Usually, P tyres only use 2-4 tread plies, LT tyres use 6,8,10, etc., depending on the load rating.

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

<snip>

The main difference between radial ply tyres and bias ply tyres is the speed rating. Bias ply tyres are usually rated to only 80 or 90 KPH, where radials will go up to 200 KPH and more with some brands and sizes.

Diana

oh oh, I used to race on bias belted tyres and we used to do a tad more than 90km/h..................








(a lot of race tyres are still bias belt construction )

The front tyres we raced on at Donald were "tractor" tyres,, 16x5",, REALLY high profile,,
no more than 6" of tyre on the road,,


and at 210kph they raised up, in the centre, quite a bit!!


but the reason/trade off is a high strong sidewall.

please dont ask me what the speed rating is,,,,