Isn't the difference between "D" and "E".......8 ply vs 10 ply.

 

I have to agree with Bob. Be careful going to a larger tire if you are planning on towing a 5th wheel. I have the 285 Destinations and I don't think I would go any taller and still tow my 5th wheel w/o having to raise it somehow. The Destinations seem to be holding up well, but they are not as agressive looking as I like. I ended up with them last year while on a road trip. I had some load range d mud tires and one of them developed a large bubble causing a terrible vibration. Only thing I could find where I was that was reasonably priced were the destinations. They are wearing very nicely though. .02

 

Actually no. D is rated as an 8 ply and E is rated as a 10 ply, but only a rating. New tires are only 2 or 3 plys and yes some D rated tires have a higher weight rating than some E rated tires. The benefit with E rated tires is the higher max psi is usually 65 or 80 where as the D rated are usually 50 psi max which means less sidewall flex.

 

FWIW my friend has 315/xx/17 BFG A/Ts in "D" on his F250 and he tows a 10,000lb+ tongue pull trailer with it. No problems with the tires and they see off road travel with the trailer too. Granted when I told him they were only "D" he didnt believe me and walked around to the tire and looked.

 

Ya, that's what I said.... D=8 E=10

 

Was always told that E rated tires had stiffer sidewalls to better accomadate the heavy loads. D rated tires have a simular load rating but have a lot more flex in the sidewall which could lead to a blow out. I ran D rated on my 1/2 ton 4x4 but not my F250. I have notice that the E rated tires have slightly less tread depth(2/32) and get less milage out of the tires.

 

I bought a set of 265 75 16 falken rocky mountain e rated for 593.00 from discount tire ... I've put 28000.00 miles on them and they r still about 80percent ...i tow 2 to 3 times a month around 12000 to 13000pds and never had a problem ... Cant go wrong for that price...for some reason my excursion rides better wen i run 70psi in the tires no swaying at all but it does bounce a lil bit ...

 

Are they all terrian tires? The Goodyear Duratrack and BFG all Terrian might have a softer tread compound.

 

Mike,

Here is a comparison of BFG A/T's. You can step down a size in your tires to get the E rating by going to a 285/75-16 (3750@80 psi) or a 305/70-16 (3525@65 psi). Or step up to a 17" or 18" wheel. Just be aware that the 17" E rating on these is the same load rating as a D rating in what you are running now. If you go up to an 18" wheel, you really see the additional weight capability, but tires will be much more expensive.


285/75-16 BFG A/T = $233
285/70-17 = $245
325/65-18 BFG A/T = $360

 

Im running Kelly safari a/t 285/75/16 10 ply...only got 5k on tuem an no sign of wear so we shall see how they do

 

I appreciate you asking this question... it has helped me alot, As I am new to the 315 tire size and E rating

 

If you are considering going to 17"...then go the full monty to 19.5".

19.5 SRW

 

yea but 19.5 tires are inadequate in mud or snow, and they weigh a ton. plus there hard to balance.

 

You can balance them with the ceramic bead packs they actually throw in the tire, works wonders and is easy. About $60.00 for all 4 wheels. Here are some examples:

Automotive/Light Truck Tire Balancing Beads, 4 Ounce Bag, Ceramic - Unique Truck Equipment

Tire Balancing Products

That being said, I agree on your other points about them (19.5's) being mediocre at best in sloppy conditions and HEAVY.

I have Nitto Terra Grapplers in an E rated tire 315/75/16's. So far I like them. Good in the snow, great hwy manners even though they look aggressive. Wear is always an issue for me because I don't rotate like you should and plowing burns the backs up no matter how careful you are being.