When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
buying new tires for the 250 and want something that looks a little bigger. i intend to buy grabber atII's in 285/75/16 but they are d rated with 3300 pounds. the stock 235/85 e's are rated at 3000#'s, and the common upgrade 265/75 e's are 3300-3400#'s. so can i step down to the d rating. my understanding is it will be a difference in sway while towing? the biggest thing i will tow is an open car trailer with the duster, so figure max 6000#'s including trailer. will that be a problem or do i just go for the smaller e tires. thanks for looking. Dan
My suggestion would be to put the SAME size and LOAD RATING on that came on your truck from the factory!
I have side-stepped this on several vehicles, mainly for price, and been sorry in the long run.
Unless you have a big, lifted 4X4 and will be doing some off-roading stay with the original size and load rating!
I am presently looking for new tires for my '99 F350 CC Dually 2 wheel drive, and am looking at (in no particular order)BFGoodrich Commercial T/As, Uniroyal Liberator A/Ts, Cooper Discoverer A/Ts, and the Michelin LTX in my size of 23585R16E
That 6,000# trailer loads on the trailer not the truck only the tongue weight is added which is nothing near the truck or tires maximum even with D rated tires. E rated tires cost more besides ride harder, if you feel happy go for 'em a waste in my thinking.
I would stick with the 'E' rated tire that your Ford came from the factory with. Your truck was designed to operate with tires of that load range and you'll never have to worry about your tire's ability (as long as you don't exceed your GCVWR).
buying new tires for the 250 and want something that looks a little bigger. i intend to buy grabber atII's in 285/75/16 but they are d rated with 3300 pounds. the stock 235/85 e's are rated at 3000#'s,
Do the math, a larger tire at 3,300 pound D rated tire vs stock E at 3,000 pound rating. Your money waste it like you wish if it makes you happy, use your head.