Load Range (D) Debate and Thoughts, please?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 117
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From: West Virginia
Load Range (D) Debate and Thoughts, please?
Guys, I know there are many thoughts on this subject however, in looking at new tires (285/70/17) for the 250 PSD, I see that the weight rating on certain (d) tires are the same as (e).
Can a person (or should a person) run these (D) rated tires on this truck?
I don't tow but do often haul full loads of firewood, lumber and gravel.
Any thoughts ? Comments?
Can a person (or should a person) run these (D) rated tires on this truck?
I don't tow but do often haul full loads of firewood, lumber and gravel.
Any thoughts ? Comments?
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 2
From: Az
I have run "D" range tires for several years without a problem towing 4000k trailer,firewood,quads etc...
The "E" range has a stiffer sidewall,you will be ok with the D's if that is the route you choose to go.This subject has been debated on here extensively.
The "E" range has a stiffer sidewall,you will be ok with the D's if that is the route you choose to go.This subject has been debated on here extensively.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: CA
Check the specific ratings of the D you are going to go with. they differ. A high rated one will be fine, I also haul big rather than tow and am going to change to D rated KM2s from my current E rated Good Year Wrangler
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 242
From: North Florida
Guys, I know there are many thoughts on this subject however, in looking at new tires (285/70/17) for the 250 PSD, I see that the weight rating on certain (d) tires are the same as (e).
Can a person (or should a person) run these (D) rated tires on this truck?
I don't tow but do often haul full loads of firewood, lumber and gravel.
Any thoughts ? Comments?
Can a person (or should a person) run these (D) rated tires on this truck?
I don't tow but do often haul full loads of firewood, lumber and gravel.
Any thoughts ? Comments?
Of course, a lot of people on here will say E only. When I bought my truck it had C rated tires on it, I quickly changed that situation.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 18
From: The Great White North!
I'm running D's on the Excursion currently, because they only came in a D rating in the size I wanted. Shouldn't be a problem with the higher load rating on them, just a little softer side wall, and you can't run the psi as high. I run mine at 60 psi on a max 65 psi tire with no problems.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 120
From: Carstairs Alberta
the letter is not so much a rating of how much weight you can carry as a descriptive of how stiff the sidewall is(how well it resists sway). with my 03 camper special a full load of topsoil on d tires swayed like trying to stand up in a canoe, no more D's for me
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 235
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From: Rochester, IN
I have ran many sets of D's and Pull a 20' Livestock trailer and a 30' flatbed and never had problems with sway.
I am curious to know what tires are you running (Nitrogen)????
Brand and Size
I am curious to know what tires are you running (Nitrogen)????
Brand and Size
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
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From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
Most E rated tires will have more sidewall belts than their equal in a D rated tire.
But not guaranteed!
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 117
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From: West Virginia
Thanks for the imput. Keep it coming.
I noticed that (265-70-17 Load E)
and (285-70-17 Load D) Both same weight rating.
This is why I ask the question.
I would like to keep Load E tires but can't find many choices in that size (285).
I noticed that (265-70-17 Load E)
and (285-70-17 Load D) Both same weight rating.
This is why I ask the question.
I would like to keep Load E tires but can't find many choices in that size (285).
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
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From: Long Island USA
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.