Light Weight Construction Tires

[Jay11]

Just learned that there are light weight construction tires, specifically a C class rating. I am in tall weeds with this. Much as I like all terrain tire look, I like efficient gas mileage better and need to make a confirmation before pulling the trigger. My 3 consideration factors are...I would like to stick with an AT tire, light weight construction class and priced up to $130 each, definitely below $140. Are the tires in the links below rated in the light weights category since they have SL Standard Load rating and weigh 37.7 & 37.9lb respectively? If not, does anyone have a favorite tire link that closely falls in the light weight class?
Michelin LTX Trail All Terrain 265/70R18 116T Light Truck Tire

Falken Wildpeak AT3WA All Terrain 265/70R18 116T Light Truck Tire

EDIT:
I don't haul loads. Truck is 99% a DD. Might move washer, dryer, fridge ....occasionally.

 

[pjtoledo]

if you're looking for overall weight reduction check out the weight of 18" wheels vs smaller sizes.
a reduction in sidewall height doesn't always cancel out the increased wheel diameter.

if you're going for looks, do it.

 

[Shran]

Hard to go wrong with Falkens, I know a lot of people who run those and are very happy with them.

I think you'd be fine with the SL rated tires unless you're hauling a lot of weight often. That said I almost always go with C load rating on little trucks and E or better on full size trucks. Just personal preference but I think higher load rated tires wear substantially better. They are heavier and you may not like the stiff ride you get out of running higher air pressure in them. But I did go from P rated tires and normal shocks on my old Chevy service truck to E rated tires and coilover rear shocks... HUGE improvement! Steering, ride quality, tire life - all way better. If you're just using it as a commuter vehicle then it's a moot point.

Curious how much a light weight tire actually matters on a truck though in terms of actual real world fuel mileage.

 

[Jay11]

I think you'd be fine with the SL rated tires unless you're hauling a lot of weight often. That said I almost always go with C load rating on little trucks and E or better on full size trucks.

Are SL tires the same as C load rated tires?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I had the Falken AT3WA's on my F-150. Rode nice, were very quiet. Ok in snow/mud.

I replaced them with AT4's, they discontinued the AT3WA in my size (watch your date codes if you get them) and I wanted something more agressive in mud and snow.

I had AT3's on a different truck before and the AT3WA is more of a highway tire but nudged a bit towards more goodness than an all season.

FWIW I ran Load Range C/6plys on my F-150.

AT4 is heavier than the AT3, a little louder than the AT3WA/

 

[Shran]

Are SL tires the same as C load rated tires?

I don't think so. C is usually a light truck (LT) rated tire, 6 ply. SL and P are the same thing in my mind...4 ply. Maybe there is some cross over between sizes and brands but that's my understanding anyway.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I don't think so. C is usually a light truck (LT) rated tire, 6 ply. SL and P are the same thing in my mind...4 ply. Maybe there is some cross over between sizes and brands but that's my understanding anyway.

Agreed, there is SL and XL and then the letter load ranges.

There is a newer "Load Index Rating" that is a series of seemingly random numbers to rate tires without the confusing letters (or worse ply rating)

 

[superj]

the michelin defenders are great tires and light weight. i have them on my 04 3.0 powered ranger and they have given the best gas mileage of any that i have tried. probably similar to the ltx you have listed

 

[Jay11]

I was convinced, both being equal on the Michelins, primarily based on my humble knowledge, due to tread depth 10/32 vs 9/32 until I saw the price is up today like an erratic stock, urgh! My shallow thinking has a layer in my mind convinced that the same adds a few more lifetime miles over the Falkens.

Then Wally displayed MRF Wanderer A/T 255/65R18 111T AT here, that have good ratings. I like that they weight 34 lbs vs 37 vs Michelin/Falkens but tread wear rating is 360 vs 500+ for the other two. Any thoughts on tread wear rating and the 34 lbs potentially translating to best MPG of all 3 tires?