Tire Rating D vs E rating
 

What's the big difference between 'D-rated' vs 'E-rated tires. My initial thought was E-rated tires had a higher load range that D-rated tires. But after shopping around I found that, that is not always the case.

For instance if I was going to go back to original 265/75/R16 E with BFG ATs the specs are

Max Load =3,415 lbs
Max PSI = 80psi
Tread Depth = 16/32
Overall Dia = 31.7"

Or if I go with a bigger tire, then a BFG ATs @ 295/75/R16 D-rated is

Max Load = 3,415 lbs
Max PSI = 65psi
Tread Depth = 17/32
Overall Dia = 33.2"

Is the D/E rating only telling how many plies are on the sidewall? And is there any advantage to running E's (which I would think is preferable), like tire roll around corners.

Thanks

E ratings have stiffer (and usually shorter) sidewalls which make towing a little bit less bouncy and helps control sway.

The letter designation indicates the number of plys or actually the equivalent strength based on early bias ply tires.

D = 8
E = 10

There are tires that (obviously given the example) can share the same Load Index but have different Load Range designation. The most important is the former.

Basically the main difference between those two tires is one's ability to hold 80psi.

While I'm not a tire expert, seems to me that the D has to be as strong or maybe stronger to hold the same weight using less pressure. However it's taller sidewall could be a hindrance in stable towing.

Ford recalled Excursion diesels to replace the D's and put E-rated tires on them. It was certainly not done because the D tire was as strong or stronger.

No, those particular "D"s had a lower Load Index than the "E"s that went on. I know, my 2000 was part of the recall. :)

It's been said before that those "D"s were fine for the application. They well exceeded the GVWR of the Excursion. Ford put them on in (another) attempt to soften the ride. The "E"s went on due to the Explorer fiasco.

So basically the general concensus is that, the E's have less tire roll due to more tire pressure and stiff sidewalls, even though the capacity maybe the same or close. This makes cornering and towing more pleasurable with the E rated tires then.

Prepping to buy some tires and going bigger and I had run across this is some specs and thought I would ask. Having trouble finding some E rated tires in a 16" rim with a overall diameter of between 33.5 and 35". Anyone know of a good tire in that range that handles well and does not have a lot of road noise. I have been looking at BFG ATs (1st choice but can't find in the size I need), hankooks, nitto terras, goodyear duras. Anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks

I have Nitto Terra Graplers in the E range. I'm not sure about the overall diameter.

they are great tires, but they wear fairly quickly. About 50,000 miles is all you are going to get out of them. They wear quickly because they grip good.

That has been my experience

I found E really improved the ride and handling on my EX.

I put 285/75/16 michelin ATX AT2 E rated on my 2005 EX and the ride is great. they replaced 265/75/16 D rated Yokohamas

I just put on Firestone Destination AT 285/75/16's Load e, and am very happy w/ them so far.