Time for new tires
98 12v 2500 5sp 4x4
Have on 285's which look good
Guess I have been over filling the tires to 80 psi (like my old 265's)
now the middle is worn, never did that before

One tire guy tells me its hard to get at 285 E rated, so they top out 65psi max (maybe he means lotsa lotsa moolah)
He says if I run 265s, I can get E rated, will handle higher psi, will actually tow better, and will do better in mud, since there's less width to turn
might get better mpg too?

I tow bumper pulls, mostly a 6000# horsetrailer with 3000# of horses
I only get mud getting out of my yard in the winter, I'm not 4x4ing in the mud (but it is towing the trailer out to the road, 100ft at the most)

I sure like the way the 285's look,
what do you think about his advice?

 

I have never had any problems with finding Load E Tires. But i honestly like the load range D's. Lots of peple on here will tell you to stay with E's because they have a stronger sidewall. Me personally, I have never had a problem running my Load range d. And Goodyear rates them for the same load as the E range, just less pressure. I like the ride better. I have Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armer Pro Grade LT285/75/17's

 

Here's 35 tires in that size: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...er=16&x=83&y=8

I use the Michelin LTX M/S. Great tire, with an E rating. Pick the tire that will handle the heaviezt load you carry. For some people, a D tire is perfectly fine.

 

Also check the manufacturers recommendations for rim width for the tire that you choose. Too narrow a rim can also cause center wear like you describe.

 

+1.
I have the very same feeling now running Silent Armors E vs. having had 305-70-16 D GY Wranglers. I liked the ride of D better and never had problems even with the 1400 lb tongue weight my Fox has. The 305 D looked a bit doughnutty but I actually didn't mind the looks.

 

I've run both D's and E's before on my truck. My old 255-85/R16s were D rated as are my current 285-75s. My stock Michelin 265-75s were Es, along with a set of 235-85s.

The E's definitely feel more stable to me, although I had no problems at all pulling a 10000 lb boat and trailer with a set of Ds. I think you'd be fine with either one. I think your tire guy is wrong about mileage though--you should get better mileage with the taller tire, which would be your 285s.

Mike