Load Range Rating - 16" vs. 17" Tires

[Subbubba]

My 1999 K1500 Suburban came with 16" tires of course. I usually like to have two sets of wheels and tires for my 4WD vehicles, one for summer highway use and the other for winter snow traction.

Part of the decision is whether to choose OEM 16" rims or go with the newer OEM 17" rims that are often available in "like new" condition due to people "pimping the ride". Since I have no need to do that the take-offs are a good deal. It is very easy to find LT tires with Load Range "E" that came on the 16" rims that are stock on the 1999. These are very heavy duty tires with a lot of load rating and so on - they are meant for this truck.

What do people find in the way of tires for their newer Suburbans that use 17" rims?

I am looking at Michelins and most often find "plain" P ratings on 17" tires, not even LT - not to mention a Load Range "E" tire. What comes stock on the new Suburbans?

Am I going to find a capable Michelin or other brand 17" tire that has the same weight safety factor as the 16" tire? I feel sure the answer must be yes, but I am not finding what I think I should find in the tire designations.

Thanks,Subbubba