LT vs P tires

I know there a bunch of threads about this, but my question is different. My question is, what does LT even mean, exactly? I ordered some Toyo AT2 LT tires (load range C) from Discount tire, but when I went there to have them installed, the guy said they were discontinued, but he had AT3s in the same size and load rating. Thing is, I noticed the AT3s did not say "LT". But they did indeed show the same load rating and load range (C).

So if a P tire and LT tire are have the same load carrying capacity and load rating, what's different? Does LT imply more plies?

EDIT: I finally found a side by side comparison between the LT Coopers I'm considering as backup vs the P Toyo (LT left, P right). The P actually carries more weight, but has shallower tread depth and is significantly lighter. Question remains, is there a rule in the industry about what makes a tire LT?

 

LT - Light Truck

The difference

https://www.discounttire.com/learn/passenger-vs-light-truck

 

Unless you are doing hard core off roading consistently. Stick with your P or Non LT (sometimes called SL) rated tires. The lighter weight will help MPGs, acceleration, and stopping SIGNIFICANTLY even at the same tire size (as often almost all of the extra weight is on the outer, read fastest spinning, part of the tire)

 

I only run Lt tires don't trust anything else

 

Load range C is often less than most SL truck tires. I personally would never bother with C rated tires.

I have cooper AT3 4s SL and they don't compare in quality to the Toyo AT3. I would 100% chose the Toyo over the cooper any day of the week.

Basically if you want an LT tire with a 10ply rated "E" you would get it for offroading or severe hauling.

Most people only need a standard load tire.

Get the Toyo.

 

This is a close one on a Tacoma. I've had both. On my Tacoma fuel mileage was exactly the same with P and E rated tires. The LT's cost more, and did ride somewhat more firm. They were also 15 lbs heavier per tire. If you spend a lot of time on unimproved gravel/dirt roads or off road LT's are a tougher tire less likely to be damaged. But Tacoma's are so light that I'm not 100% convinced it matters much. A Tacoma loaded over GVWR is still lighter than a 1/2 ton empty. A LOT lighter than a 3/4 ton empty and LT tires are really designed for 3/4 ton and up trucks.

Most 1/2 tons come from the factory with P rated tires. Going to an LT makes a little more sense with a 1/2 ton.

Also most of the bigger sizes, (32" and taller) are only offered in LT tires. So if you want to go big, you'll have to go LT.

The C rated tires offer a somewhat tougher tire, but with reduced load capacity. They aren't really designed for trucks that haul or tow. That tire is meant for SUV's like Jeep Wranglers that are taken off road, but don't carry or tow heavy loads.

 

I don't off-road all the time, but when I do, I want the insurance of a tougher tire. I've commuted in nothing but LT mud tires like KM2's for the past 20 years, so I don't mind it not riding like a Cadillac or something. I zeroed in on the C rating since I want some extra toughness without the extra load capacity. Until I got the Tacoma, my trucks and Jeep could all fit 35's, which I guess are easier to find in C/LT. I was sad to see that in the metric sizes, almost all the premium tires are E rated.