Load Range E Tires
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Elder User
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From: Pennsylvania
Load Range E Tires
Can I downgrade from a loadrange E tire? Was just wondering if the ride would be smoother for me, I don't do any heavy hauling other than a 14 ft fishing boat. Thanks.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: CA Bay Area
Bear in mind, that lower rating usually means softer sidewalls.
Soft sidewalls and higher tire ratio makes the truck body moving sideways much easier.
Can you tell when fishtailing with your boat become a problem?
Soft sidewalls and higher tire ratio makes the truck body moving sideways much easier.
Can you tell when fishtailing with your boat become a problem?
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Mesa AZ
Generally speaking yes. Load Range D tires will have a softer ride than Load Range E tires. Softer sidewalls and lower air pressure are the two reasons why.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
Absolutely.
Not only will it ride better, they will likely cost less. How much better? That depends on construction of the actual tire. Some D's are 3 ply sidewall, just like an E. You have to shop around and look for tires that are designed for smooth or more comfortable ride.
These trucks do not handle nearly well enough to allow you to corner hard enough to notice the extra sidewall flex...
I ran D rated BFG A/T K0 in 315/75-16 size. That is a LOT of sidewall. Even with over 3K of load (right to load capacity of the tire) and our travel trailer attached the handling was quite good and perfectly secure feeling.
Running softer springs and better shocks will provide even more noticeable results.
Not only will it ride better, they will likely cost less. How much better? That depends on construction of the actual tire. Some D's are 3 ply sidewall, just like an E. You have to shop around and look for tires that are designed for smooth or more comfortable ride.
These trucks do not handle nearly well enough to allow you to corner hard enough to notice the extra sidewall flex...
I ran D rated BFG A/T K0 in 315/75-16 size. That is a LOT of sidewall. Even with over 3K of load (right to load capacity of the tire) and our travel trailer attached the handling was quite good and perfectly secure feeling.
Running softer springs and better shocks will provide even more noticeable results.
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Pennsylvania
Thanks for the replys gang, i do have bilstein shocks i upgraded from the stock ranchos on now but still rides as stiff. I understand it's meant for heavy hauling and working, but when you want to take a nice cruise it rides like a tank. My f250 came stock with load range E maybe cause it's a v10 with a extended cab, not sure. I have 1 tire thats wearing bad in the middle, the other 3 I can get through the winter. I don't want to buy 1 tire. The spare would be great but isn't a raised white letter.
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From: Breckenridge, TX
All SDs should have come with E-rated tires... probably a liability issue for Ford, plus sourcing and installation is probably a lot simpler since wheels are standardized across badges as well.
Keep your weight inside the load index for the tires. Once you pick a brand, look up the load index, and set your pressures high enough for whatever you weigh at the time.
Look at the VIN tag on the a-pillar right below the driver's side door latch. Post up the Front GAWR, you 'might can' downgrade the front springs a level if you have heavy ones, since spring codes varied by packages selected for the build. My truck has 6000# springs, my dad's has 5200# ones, and the ride is noticeably better on his, both are 4wd diesels.
Keep your weight inside the load index for the tires. Once you pick a brand, look up the load index, and set your pressures high enough for whatever you weigh at the time.
Look at the VIN tag on the a-pillar right below the driver's side door latch. Post up the Front GAWR, you 'might can' downgrade the front springs a level if you have heavy ones, since spring codes varied by packages selected for the build. My truck has 6000# springs, my dad's has 5200# ones, and the ride is noticeably better on his, both are 4wd diesels.
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From: South Shore, MA
I'm running 285/75/16 BFG's rated in "D". I trailer a few boats around weighing around 4 or 5k, and some heavier equipment like bobcats and excavators - more like 7 or 8k. I've towed the same loads with 265 Firestone E's in the past (before I went to the BFG's).
I notice more sidewall flex/sway from the 285 D's (compared to my old 265 E's) while driving without a trailer. But the ride does seam to be less harsh. With a trailer I barely notice a difference.
Now, am I feeling a difference because of the Load Range (softer sidewall) or because of the width of the tire? Probably both. Also, my previous 265 Firestone's were a bit older/dryer than my new 285 BFG's.
I've had lot's of weight in the bed as well - with no problems.
I notice more sidewall flex/sway from the 285 D's (compared to my old 265 E's) while driving without a trailer. But the ride does seam to be less harsh. With a trailer I barely notice a difference.
Now, am I feeling a difference because of the Load Range (softer sidewall) or because of the width of the tire? Probably both. Also, my previous 265 Firestone's were a bit older/dryer than my new 285 BFG's.
I've had lot's of weight in the bed as well - with no problems.
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