fschiola

See if these sites will help you understand a little better.

http://www.goodyear.com/rv/faqs/load.htm

http://www.autosite.com/garage/subsys/batirera.aspl

Jolleyman

If you're still wanting a LR "E" tire larger than a 265 there is a Toyo AT in size 305/70R16 that is a LR "E" tire. They are a bit more expensive at $211/tire but that was acceptable for me. I run a heavy load for a SRW truck with a cabover camper weighing in excess of 3000 lbs. and a 16' car hauler loaded with my Jeep. I think the load range has more to do with sidewall stiffness combined with max load per tire than just the max load factor but its important to note that not all LR "E" tires are equal.

betsycam

While on this subject, I'd like to ask a question as well....

We just got our '99 2500 QC 4X4 delivered to us in CA from MI about a month ago, and to our horror, the tires on the truck were rated C!!!! The plate on the door jam states P245/75R16E as minimum. Is this dangerous for unloaded around town/freeway conditions? I couldn't believe it because the truck previously had 5th wheel rails in the bed (which the dealer removed before it was transported...) I'm wondering if the dealer switched out the tires that were on there. Would these tires effect mileage, negatively or positively?

fschiola

The C rated tires (if they are 245/75R16) are rated for 2205 lbs each @ the maximum pressure of 50 PSI.
The same size in an E rating are rated for 3042 lbs each @ the maximum pressure of 80 PSI

If you are not going to haul or tow anything you are almost at your maximum with the C rating. Your truck weighs about 7000# empty. If you plan to tow or haul anything I would switch to the E rated tires to be safe. The C rated tires are alot cheaper than the E's (by close to half depending on the brand). That's why they are probably on there. To be safe until you change tires I would air them up to the maximum of 50 PSI.

OverFueled

I just put 225/70 R 22.5 with no lift. The tire is rated for H which is a 5510 # each.

These are also 400,000 mile tires after that I could have them regroved if I want and go another 500,000 miles.

The tires ride much better that the factory 16 and I get 2 more mpg with them.

I can now safely load my truck with 22,000 lbs

http://www.chromewheel.com/

crobtex

This is another comparison of the load range of D and E tires. It's a little jumbled, but it shows the D tires to have a higher load rating the the E. I don't understand why manufactures don't make tires like the 285's in E ratings, but do in the smaller tires.

Futura Dakota LT

Dual Tires Single Tires
Tire Size SKU # Sidewall Service Desc. Load Range Max. Rim Width Min. Rim Width Inf. Pres. Max. Load Lbs. Inf. Pres. Max. Load Lbs.
LT215/75R15 8091224 OWL 100/97Q C C 7.00 5.50 50 1610 50 1765
LT235/75R15 8091231 OWL 104/101Q C 7.00 6.00 50 1820 50 1985
LT225/75R16 8537647 BLK 110/107Q D 7.00 6.00 65 2150 65 2335
LT245/75R16 8537654 BLK 120/116N E 7.00 6.50 80 2778 80 3042
LT265/75R16 8537661 OWL 112/109N C 8.00 7.00 50 2270 50 2470
LT285/75R16 9085493 OWL 122/119N D 7.50 9.00 65 3000 65 3305
LT235/85R16 8091255 BLK 120/116N E 7.00 5.50 80 2470 65 2680

fschiola

Looking at your list you have a 265 tire that is a C rating. If you compare it to a 265 with an E rating it is 3415. You have to compare the EXACT same size tire. Bigger or smaller tire size will differ even in the same load rating. When it comes to these comparisions SIZE does matter. A D rated tire in the EXACT same size will NOT carry a higher capacity than an E rated tire.

Barry Smith

Betsycam, If you aren't hauling very heavy those C rated tires will be fine. They will ride better and you will not suffer less mileage or more tire wear. I had a set on mine before I started pulling, they rode alot better and we're cheaper. My dad still has a set of Mich. C rated on his and he has a little over 50000 miles on them on a '98 2500 4x4 CTD. So you're safe some guys on here get alittle carried away with weight ratings.

betsycam

Thanks for the reassurance regarding my c-rated tires, folks. They're somewhat worn, so when it is time to get new tires, we'll get some Es.

latitud_rt

This seems to have been discussed many times, but people still have a misconception that running 'D' or 'C' rated tires are OK.

If your door placard says 'E', then you should only run 'E'. Load rating, although important, should not be your deciding factor for purchasing tires. It is true that the sidewall stamping for some load range 'D' tires will read higher that some load range 'E' tires. Many load range 'E' tires are 3 ply, meaning 3 plies of polyester or similar ply cord material in the sidewall that run up, from one mounting bead, and under the steel belts (found in all radial tires) and down the other side to the other bead. Most 'E' range tires are 2 ply. 10 ply or 8 ply are Tire dealer selling tactics and not truly the number of plies found in the tire.

If you choose to run any load range other than what is specified on the door placard, then you are at risk for an injury lawsuit if you are involved in an accident. Remember Ford Explorers and Firestone. Tread sepparations are caused by many factors including overloading. Regardless of what the load rating is engraved in the tire. How do you measure the load you are carrying vs. how will the lawyers measure it?

Be safe, its not worth saving a little money. These trucks are heavy and deserve to be treated with respect.