Tire Load Rating
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Louisville
Tire Load Rating
I bought my wife (really me, but I dont tell her that) an X just before christmas as a present for her (me). 2003 Limited 4x4 V10 with only 46k on her. We were estatic that it had almost new tires on her.
Well, we are getting ready for a spring break camping trip to Disney. Louisville Ky to Daytona Beach Fl. I was cruising around here last while I was at work, and came across a few threads about load rating on tires. Got home, checked out the X's tires, and behold....Load Rated "C". I know that aint gonna cut it, and I need at least "E" rated tires. Could someone please explain why in easy to understand terms so that I can explain to her why we need new tires. I understand why, I'm just not very good at relaying knowledge.
Well, we are getting ready for a spring break camping trip to Disney. Louisville Ky to Daytona Beach Fl. I was cruising around here last while I was at work, and came across a few threads about load rating on tires. Got home, checked out the X's tires, and behold....Load Rated "C". I know that aint gonna cut it, and I need at least "E" rated tires. Could someone please explain why in easy to understand terms so that I can explain to her why we need new tires. I understand why, I'm just not very good at relaying knowledge.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 229
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From: MI
Can you tell me the brand and size of tires c rated and I will give it to you in numbers also.......This will help me give you the True ratings of the tire as C rating is vague.
The C rated tires usually have less side wall strength, so when you are loaded down with wieght of the vehicle/trailer it will bow out the tires, and then when you make a turn and add in the force of making a turn and the pressure on the sidewall will cause it to fail if not properly rated for the load. Tell her If we take a corner and the tire is under rated, it could cause the tire to fail, and as the truck is top heavy it could cause us to roll the vehicle, prossibly causing severe injury or even death......hows that for shock and awe.....
The C rated tires usually have less side wall strength, so when you are loaded down with wieght of the vehicle/trailer it will bow out the tires, and then when you make a turn and add in the force of making a turn and the pressure on the sidewall will cause it to fail if not properly rated for the load. Tell her If we take a corner and the tire is under rated, it could cause the tire to fail, and as the truck is top heavy it could cause us to roll the vehicle, prossibly causing severe injury or even death......hows that for shock and awe.....
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 229
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From: MI
Also you dont have to have atleast E rated tires...There are several D rated tires in the range more than capable of handling the weight, some D's are even rated higher than some E's depending on brand/size...
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Louisville
Firestone Destination A/T
LT265/75 R16
Load Range C
Tread 2 ply poly, 1 steel, 1 nylon
SW 2 ply poly
Max load Single 2470lbs @ 50psi max
I run em at 50 psi per the data plate on the drivers side b pillar
I know this is off topic, but while looking at the data sticker, I noticed my axle is coded "C1". Any ideas as to the gear ratio? NVM 3.73 LS, my google fu is weak........
LT265/75 R16
Load Range C
Tread 2 ply poly, 1 steel, 1 nylon
SW 2 ply poly
Max load Single 2470lbs @ 50psi max
I run em at 50 psi per the data plate on the drivers side b pillar
I know this is off topic, but while looking at the data sticker, I noticed my axle is coded "C1". Any ideas as to the gear ratio? NVM 3.73 LS, my google fu is weak........
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 229
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From: MI
So at 9880 max weight rating minus ~7800 lb vehicle is 2080 #'s....Minus passenger weight and any cargo your down to next to nothing (considering we are talking MAXIMUM rating). In Comparison most E rated tires are around 3300-3500 # rated at 10 ply and 80# inflation. Thats 4000 #'s more weight rating, not to mention 8 more plys for sidewall protection. I wouldnt tow an empty 4x8 trailer with those tires on it, it just isnt safe, nor take a long trip with multiple passengers and baggage.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 111,873
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From: Wharton, NJ
I have the Falken Ziex S/TZ 285/75R16D tires and they are rated for 3305 lbs., I trailer a 4K boat 4 miles almost every weekend during the summer.
I selected them for the OEM rated D on the door jamb, but opted for the next size up. The Falken are a performance oriented company and a brand name tire, I also only put on about 5K miles per year, so my being able to use the 50K mile warranty before they dry rot from age wasn't a determining factor either, what was important to me was the ride and handling, a stiffer sidewall on a E rated tire wasn't necessary for my application but the nimble feel and softer ride is what I was looking for, not a sports car feel but being able to handling an 8K lb truck smoothly and controlled and quiet on the highway (not that I do a lot of highway driving).
So far I am going into the 2nd year with these tires in dry, wet, and snow. I still feel the tires were my best choice and I am very happy with there performance and handling after almost 10K miles so far!
I selected them for the OEM rated D on the door jamb, but opted for the next size up. The Falken are a performance oriented company and a brand name tire, I also only put on about 5K miles per year, so my being able to use the 50K mile warranty before they dry rot from age wasn't a determining factor either, what was important to me was the ride and handling, a stiffer sidewall on a E rated tire wasn't necessary for my application but the nimble feel and softer ride is what I was looking for, not a sports car feel but being able to handling an 8K lb truck smoothly and controlled and quiet on the highway (not that I do a lot of highway driving).
So far I am going into the 2nd year with these tires in dry, wet, and snow. I still feel the tires were my best choice and I am very happy with there performance and handling after almost 10K miles so far!
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