New Xterra Owner Re: Tire for Off road driving

[mwng1128]

Are the tires that came with the Xterra from Nissan good for off-road? I read that all terrain or LT tires are good for off-road driving but the passenger tires are not. Your advise is greatly appreciated.

[OffroadX]

I'm not quite sure what you're talking about, you're mixing some terms. "LT" vs. "passenger" could mean the difference between the same brand/model P265/70R15 and an 265/70R15LT tire, which are the same size, but have different construction, strength, load rating, and pressure requirements. The P type is better suited to lighter-duty use, while the LT type is generally tougher. If you're looking to wheel, get the LT type (or a floatation type like a 31x10.50R15).

All-terrain is another thing entirely, referring to the tread pattern of the tire. Of course an all-terrain is going to do better off-road than your stock all-season type tires, and most all-terrain tires are LT or floatation type as well.

Most any all-terrain you'll find will still have very good on-road manners as far as traction and handling, but may not offer as smooth a ride. Unless you get a tire with too high a load rating (C, not D or E), they should still give a decent ride though.

As for your choices in tires and sizes, don't think there's much that hasn't already been said here, read up on previous discussions.

Brent