I'm just wondering if E load range tires have to be replaced more often than their standard pressure equivalents. The 235/70 16 XL tires that come on the newer vans are relatively limited in supply, so I'm considering 235/75 16's or 225/75 16's in a D or E load range to open up possibilities as far as finding a deal goes.

 

Load range E are the thickest puncture resistant class tire available. They are 10 ply . They will last longer then load range D which is 8 ply I believe.

 

Try tirerack.com. I have had absolutely wonderful service from them. What taxidriver said is true - Load range E tire will hold a heavier load than a load range D and a D will hold a larger load than a C.

Good Luck

Russ

 

You need to check your wheels before changing to E or D rated tires. F150 wheels aren't rated for the 80 psi of E rated tires and maybe not even 60 psi of D rated tires.

 

I was wondering about the wheels and valve stems...is there a standardized rating system for wheels? ...maybe I'll just take the hit and buy the XL tires, or lose some load capacity and go with some standard load light truck tires.

 

All,

First, I run the recommended pressures, 80psi in back and 60psi in front, on my '03 E350. Second, I can tell you that the back tires do, in fact, wear faster than the front ones. I asssssume that this is due to the higher pressue, but that's only an asssssumption on my part. Still, I've gotten/am getting great mileage out of the OEM Goodyear E-load range tires and will probably buy the same when I replace 'em.

DadVan

 

I'd always been told that the rears on a truck or van wore out sooner because they were usually carrying the heaviest part of the load. Which in the case of a work van is true. With my E250 conversion, we'll see. I noticed no appreciable difference between front and rear on my '96 E 150.

Good luck!

Hal