Appropriate Tires for 4WD Roads

[Alto Relex]

I am about to take the family to BBRSP for the first time in a week or so.  My 4x4 4Runner has Michelin LTX A/T tires on it which are supposedly designed for all terrain, but I'm not clear if they are suitable for the roads out here.  I've driven on the Old Ore Road, the River Road and Glenn Springs with no problems.  The rangers at BBRSP are telling me you need at least 6 ply tires out there.  I can't seem to find 6 ply tires though--looks like even the most expensive Michelins are 2 ply steel + 2 ply polyester. 

So should I be alright with these tires, driving the same as I do at BiBe?  Or is there some other tire I need to get and if so what's an example?  I never thought shopping online for tires would be this confusing.  Thanks, everyone!

[tvc15]

The short answer is: look for tires with an "LT" designation. That is, LT245/45R16, as opposed to P245/75R16.

Check the load range designation.
C = 6 ply
D = 8 ply
E = 10 ply

[bdann]

Also important to note that modern load range designations do not indicate an actual number of ply layers.  So, load range "C" doesn't mean it has 6 plys.  It just means it has the equivalent strength of 6 ply layers in an old school bias ply tire. 

More info: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=55

[04LJ]

It's my understanding the the State park roads get NO maintenance. and are more like 2 track trails in spots , than roads.

[rgibson]

Have run nothing but Michelin LTX or XPS (steel cord also on the side wall) on SUV's and Pickups for a # of years.  Have at least 500,000 plus miles on them.  On the 15" tires for SUV's, one must go to an LT (Light Truck) to get 6 ply (C rating)

On the 16" tires I run 10 ply or the (E rating).  The XPS (steel side walls) are more than the LTX, but there are alot of sidewall punctures in the BB.

Not one flat since going totally Michelin.  This includes alot of  mighty bad roads in the Big Bend and Chihuahua.  They are worth the money for lasting (60k plus) and also no flats.  I still can not get out of the old habit of carrying two spares, just in case.

Discount Tire seems to usually have the best prices.

[Alto Relex]

Have run nothing but Michelin LTX or XPS (steel cord also on the side wall) on SUV's and Pickups for a # of years.  Have at least 500,000 plus miles on them.  On the 15" tires for SUV's, one must go to an LT (Light Truck) to get 6 ply (C rating)

On the 16" tires I run 10 ply or the (E rating).  The XPS (steel side walls) are more than the LTX, but there are alot of sidewall punctures in the BB.

Not one flat since going totally Michelin.  This includes alot of  mighty bad roads in the Big Bend and Chihuahua.  They are worth the money for lasting (60k plus) and also no flats.  I still can not get out of the old habit of carrying two spares, just in case.

Discount Tire seems to usually have the best prices.

RGibson, thanks.  Makes me feel much better about the LTXs I have on there now.  Sounds like I just need to slap another LTX on the spare, and another for the "spare spare".   

[Al]

LTX's are great tires and a big step up from what I use. I have run Avon tyres, from Tirerack, for the last several years including my Big Bend trips and haven't had a flat . . . yet.  Knock on wood! I am thinking of replacing them only because any tire past 6 years old can get brittle and start to crack on you.

Al