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Instead of arguing the merits of E over D, we should be using our breath to bitch at the tire manufacturers who don't offer a selection of larger E rated tires.
How very true
However, I suspect that the larger the sidewall, the harder (more expensive) it is to actually make that sidewall stay cool enough and strong enough to warrant an E rating.
Guys, the 285 d tire (in the BFG case) will carry exactly the same weight as the 265 e tire. The bottom line, IT'S SAFE.
I dare you to try both, and at 70MPH, swerve from one lane to the next and back again. That is, with the correct tire pressure for full tread contact on both front and rear tires.
When you roll it, I'm not paying for the repairs
Seriously, if you've ever tried both IN THE SAME SIZE TIRE, you will feel the difference in stability. It's not opinion, it's observed behavior.
But going from a 265/75 to a 285/75 with a bigger sidewall area, AND going DOWN in load rating, you're sure to feel a HUGE difference.
You guys do know that the load rating isnt the same thing as the E / D designation right? Just because a highway tire and a mud tire are both 17" in diamter doesnt mean both will perform the same lol, they are still different.
I wont add any IMO's. But just wanted to make sure you guys realize that your talking about different ratings. Yeah, normally the higher the ply rating the more load it can carry but as indicated above thats not always the case. These are two different ratings.
The op asked if he could use "d" instead of "e" cuz there were more choices in tires and he was only going to plow with his truck not carry or tow heavy loads. Now I have used "d" for many, many years and carry a sander and tow a trailer and plow and I know my limitations. I also would not do 70 down the hiway in anyones truck with any tires and swerve lane to lane. Can he use "d" for his application? IMO - yes.
Look, there are 2 camps on this subject. One group will tell you sure, it will work fine. Another group (me included) will tell you to stick with E rated tired for safety and stability.
One side isn't going to convince the other. The OP can make up his own mind.
Because the selection of E tires is not what it should be. If it was just a matter of a little more money, I think most people would pay it in the interest of safety. But when you can't get the tire you want in an E, you begin hoping a D will do the job.
i totaly agree a have a few tires out that that i like an they make them in a E as well but would be a 37s an i would have to lift the truck even higher to fit thoses tires so thats why i asked the ? about D an E since i dont really use the truck to Tow or carry heavy loads i just plow with a 8FT plow, But thank you all for the input i guess i have some thing to do about what way im gonan go. thanks for all the replys
You are not going to have problems with a D tire loaded down unless you are in texas in hot weather doing 80 mph towing 10k trailer. And even then..I have E's for winter plowing and sanding and D's for summer hauling etc..If you keep an eye on the air psi and watch your hot weather high speed hauling all should be way fine. I have E's for winter because of the 6000lbs of sand in the sander but I'm never on the highway and its 20 below at times. As for my summer Revo's I don't keep em pumped up too much for ride but have had 4k in the bed for short trips..If I know before hand I will air them up to 60..