Load Range (D) Debate and Thoughts, please?
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 3
From: So Oregon
I have D rated tires and tow, but not heavy. I will be switching to E rated tires for my next tires. They are too soft in my opinion, although the weight rating is the same as the stock E rated tires that came off the truck. I just pulled relatively light trailer 400 miles or so and would have felt more comfortable with E rated tires.
In regard to offroad, I think a D rated tire would be better. It's only my opinion, but I think the D rated tire will flex more, and therefore conform better to the rocks and be more resistent to puncture. I think the stiffer sidewall of the E rated tire, regardless of actually layers of material, is more likely to puncture. My thinking is based on the same principle as "airing down" your tires so you have more flex offroad.
In regard to offroad, I think a D rated tire would be better. It's only my opinion, but I think the D rated tire will flex more, and therefore conform better to the rocks and be more resistent to puncture. I think the stiffer sidewall of the E rated tire, regardless of actually layers of material, is more likely to puncture. My thinking is based on the same principle as "airing down" your tires so you have more flex offroad.
Rather Be Floatin
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,468
Likes: 0
From: Marble Falls, Tx.
I have Goodyear Silent Armor and Nitto Highway Dura Grapplers in E-rated at 285/75R16.
I've said this today already in another thread, but here it is again:
ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL, INCLUDING TIRE BRAND AND SIZE:
An "E" rated tire will last longer and run cooler than a "D" rated tire.
Whether or not it's "safe" to do so is up to speculation.
I've said this today already in another thread, but here it is again:
ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL, INCLUDING TIRE BRAND AND SIZE:
An "E" rated tire will last longer and run cooler than a "D" rated tire.
Whether or not it's "safe" to do so is up to speculation.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
Absolutely. As Krewat said, all things being equal (brand, model, size), the E-rated tire will be stiffer and heavier.
The whole "all things being equal" clause is MUCH more significant than most realize. One company's D rated tire could easily have more capacity/life/sidewall stiffness than another's E rated.
On the offroad capability, there is a lot of debate. I, too, prefer a tire that will flex. But then, I am an "active" driver. I pay close attention and pick lines carefully. For "passive" drivers, the E-rated (all things being equal) would be more forgiving if they put the tire sidewall into a sharp rock.
The whole "all things being equal" clause is MUCH more significant than most realize. One company's D rated tire could easily have more capacity/life/sidewall stiffness than another's E rated.
On the offroad capability, there is a lot of debate. I, too, prefer a tire that will flex. But then, I am an "active" driver. I pay close attention and pick lines carefully. For "passive" drivers, the E-rated (all things being equal) would be more forgiving if they put the tire sidewall into a sharp rock.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
Two things. RedBoat, post as often as possible so I can look at your avatar! Second, to the OP, my opinion is to run E tires. I like the Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor (I have 18" wheels). The Bridgestone REVO's are awesome but hard to find. To each his own though. If you want a certain tire and it's a D, oh well. The weight ratings may be similar or the same but regardless of that, an E should be tougher.
Too often do I have to run over a curb in a parking lot that is designed for rice buggies, drive around in the woods with tree stubs, rocks, whatever. I'm comfortable with them.
Heck, my 5th wheel cargo trailer has G rated Goodyears. They are REALLY tough.
Too often do I have to run over a curb in a parking lot that is designed for rice buggies, drive around in the woods with tree stubs, rocks, whatever. I'm comfortable with them.
Heck, my 5th wheel cargo trailer has G rated Goodyears. They are REALLY tough.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
The "E" or "D" is not about total max weight rating. It has more to do with sidewall flex, and operating temperature.
