Is this the Michelin tires that will be found on the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid? Michelin LTX A/S found at this link: http://www.michelinman.com/tires/lig...specifications

 

Although the LT225/75-16 size of this tire would fit the current 16" rim, a suspect a load range E rating would ride rather rough. It should provide good fuel economy with 80psi,

Other low rolling resistance Michelin tires that would fit the stock rims are the 255/65-16 Latitude Tour HP (51psi) or 225/75-16 XPS Rib

 

I like how one section of the Michelin page says,
"To ensure correct air pressure and vehicle load, refer to vehicle owner's manual or tire information placard on the vehicle."

But they also say the tire has a 13,500lb rating when "Using four LT265/75R16/E tires inflated at 80 psi."

What's the load rating at 35 psi?

 

If you have a 80psi tire, inflating it at 35psi would likely damage it because it would not have its full shape. A lot of folks here like to inflate their stock tires (rated at 44psi) to 44psi for minimum resistance.

 

My point was more that since the Bridgestone lawsuit, many tire manufacturers are quick to tell drivers to use the psi listed on the door. What is the protocol for them when there's a big difference like these tires? Obviously, you wouldn't want to run 35psi in a tire rated for 80psi.

I personally use the tire mfg's psi all the time as I feel like they have specific knowledge about what is best for their tires. Often vehicle manufacturers like to lower the pressure to soften the ride.

 

This is a 3/4 ton pickup truck tire.

 

I have the LTXs on my Escape. 80 psi max pressure ride pretty rough at 65 psi. But they are a LRR tire.

 

Folks like me use those E range 80psi tires on our 1 ton camper vans. I would think the ride in a car/suv would be horrible. They can be quite jarring in my van!

 

Thats why mine are @ 65 psi. Didn't see any improvement after 60 psi. Might even go back down.

 

Photos? I need tires in about 10k miles.

Also, a road that I travel is in poor shape.
I started to take a longer route just to avoid this cracked, potted road.
In the Escape, It would rattle my Kidneys and I would literally be sore after 30 miles.

I just drove the same road in my Insight.
I had the Insight LRR tires at 55 psi. ( manual says to use 35-38 psi )

I barely felt the road at all.

Which leads me to now be very disappointed in the FEH suspension.
It looks like the tires ( alone ) were not responsible.

Shocked me. I was complaining about that road for months.
My co-workers thought I was exaggerating. Maybe it is the FEH!?