Load Rating..totally confused

[kcrowe]

Ok. So I'm shopping for some new tires. I currently have the stock 265/70/17 BFGs at 45k miles. Not too bad.

I want something bigger and a bit more aggressive. I am thinking 285/70.

I searched but it led to more confusion. Do I need an E rated tire even if the D rated has the same weight limit? I understand Ds have softer sidewalls etc.

I do tow daily, mainly on highway. Those 45k miles came in 14 months. Here is what I tow. 20x8.5, roughly 8500 lbs fully loaded.

Advice?

Thanks!

Attached Images

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2008 Quad Cab 2500 Big Horn 4x4 (Silver "Yoda")
Daily Tow: 2008 Homesteader Hercules 8.5x20

[LeeWayne]

Depends on what exactlly your looking for E is rated for more weight per tire which also plays a part in how long it will last i'm no tire expert but E is the smallest rated tire that i will ever run just too be on the safe side hope this helps maybe someone with a little better info will chime in good luck

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06 5.9 3500 dually, longbed, singlecab, 6spd,

[Shainer]

Honestly if you are going to load run max GVW's then you need to use E rated tire. Also keep in mind that these rating are based on a tire that is tested at maximum load for 24 hrs on a test bench at maximum rated speed. If you only load max and drive that for 25 miles then a D will work. I've heard reports of a D rated tire reducing MPG due to them having a higher rolling resistance.

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'98 24v. 5 speed. 4" exhaust. Some extra air and fuel here and there... The anti-Union.

[kcrowe]

Ok. But what is considered loading max? For ex if the tire is rated at 3200 let's say, does that mean the max the rear can support is 6400 lbs? But that is wayyyy less than the tow rating for the truck.

That is what I don't get. Is that I can get a D rated tire in the size I want and it has the same number weight rating as the E rated stockers which are too small in my opinion. Also since I'm towing a tag hitch, not a 5er, doesn't that make a difference as well?

Can you tell this is the first vehicle I've ever towed with? LOL.

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2008 Quad Cab 2500 Big Horn 4x4 (Silver "Yoda")
Daily Tow: 2008 Homesteader Hercules 8.5x20

[Prowelder]

Hey,

If you are towing with the truck everyday, you will need/want E (10 ply) rated tires!!!!! The Ds (8 ply) squat more and won't last as long. The Ds will rock-break faster and easier than the Es so you will have a bigger chance for a flat. That's from being around farmers and cattlemen for several years!!!!

Also if you are pulling a bumper pull you are putting more weight on the tires due to physics compared to a gooseneck which puts the weight on the truck more. Another reason for the need of 10 ply tires.

One downside with 10 ply tires is the truck might ride a bit rougher due to the tires being stiffer, but you shouldn't notice since you already have 10 plys!!!!

Remember these truck are very heavy up front and really needs Es to be right!!! I know they cost more, but are worth it IMO!!! Some say the 8 ply tires can make the truck wander more due to not being heavy enough. I know my truck wanders some and it had 8 plys on it right now due to the previous owner.

The only way I can think of the Ds being rated at the same as the stocks Es is due to size. Are the Ds a larger tire??? More footprint?!?!?!?

Check some Es of the size you want and see the rating.

Also it could be difference in manufacturing specs.

As far as the weight rating you have to remember the front axle carries some of the load too. Don't worry about the numbers so much just get you some good 10 ply (E) tires and run with it!!!! You're heavy but not pushing the limits!!

Good-Luck,
Winslow

__________________
Black 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Shortbed, Ext. Cab 4x4, 5.9 24 valve, TCW-3, 2-cycle oil in every tank, 54 Block!!, NV 4500, 3.55 gears, Anti-spin, B&W Turnover Gooseneck Hitch, Autometer Ultra-Light Boost, EGT, and Fuel pressure gauges, Valair 13" Kevlar/Ceramic 3400 lb Single Disc Clutch, Valair Upgraded Hydraulics, Edge Comp Programer, 3" Straight pipe for now, BHAF with custom 7075 T-6 Heat Shield, AFE Torque Tube, Air Dog II DF-165 with custom cover!!

[Prowelder]

Hey,

And remember the more aggressive tire you go with the less life it will have!! Even more so pulling a trailer everyday.

Just food for thought!!

Later,
Winslow

__________________
Black 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Shortbed, Ext. Cab 4x4, 5.9 24 valve, TCW-3, 2-cycle oil in every tank, 54 Block!!, NV 4500, 3.55 gears, Anti-spin, B&W Turnover Gooseneck Hitch, Autometer Ultra-Light Boost, EGT, and Fuel pressure gauges, Valair 13" Kevlar/Ceramic 3400 lb Single Disc Clutch, Valair Upgraded Hydraulics, Edge Comp Programer, 3" Straight pipe for now, BHAF with custom 7075 T-6 Heat Shield, AFE Torque Tube, Air Dog II DF-165 with custom cover!!

[kcrowe]

Thanks Prowelder. Good info.

That is the issue I have. I would like a bit more agressive, but nothing like a Mud Terrain or anything. I am looking at something the style of the Terra Grapplers or the Hankook Dyna Pro ATm. Something that is a bit more rough but still highway capable as it will be for looks only.

I am having trouble finding the sizes I am looking at in a E rated tire at all. (maybe that is a sign) I would like something about a 305/70 or 75 but there are very few options in that much less in an E rated. I am beginning to think that 285/70 will be as big as I will be able to go.

I am beginning to agree with you that E is the way to go for safety, assurance, etc. However it is confusing to me that there are certain sizes that have the D rating with the same weight limit. However, I was unaware that more weight was put in the tires with a bumper pull than a 5er. Thanks for that info.

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2008 Quad Cab 2500 Big Horn 4x4 (Silver "Yoda")
Daily Tow: 2008 Homesteader Hercules 8.5x20

[Prowelder]

Hey,

What size are the wheels on that???

Did you check out Nitto????? They have a lot of types.

Might try Maxxis as well, not sure what they have in a AT... have you tried any COOPs around or places that deal with farm trucks a lot?? They are use to dealing with E range tires!!

Ya think about the bumper pull like a teter-toter, the closer on you are the less leverage you have... that's why you can pull more weight safely with gooseneck than a bumper pull.

Good-Luck,
Winslow

__________________
Black 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Shortbed, Ext. Cab 4x4, 5.9 24 valve, TCW-3, 2-cycle oil in every tank, 54 Block!!, NV 4500, 3.55 gears, Anti-spin, B&W Turnover Gooseneck Hitch, Autometer Ultra-Light Boost, EGT, and Fuel pressure gauges, Valair 13" Kevlar/Ceramic 3400 lb Single Disc Clutch, Valair Upgraded Hydraulics, Edge Comp Programer, 3" Straight pipe for now, BHAF with custom 7075 T-6 Heat Shield, AFE Torque Tube, Air Dog II DF-165 with custom cover!!

[kcrowe]

Originally Posted by Prowelder

Hey,

What size are the wheels on that???

Did you check out Nitto????? They have a lot of types.

Might try Maxxis as well, not sure what they have in a AT... have you tried any COOPs around or places that deal with farm trucks a lot?? They are use to dealing with E range tires!!

Ya think about the bumper pull like a teter-toter, the closer on you are the less leverage you have... that's why you can pull more weight safely with gooseneck than a bumper pull.

Good-Luck,
Winslow

Yeah. When I actually sit down and think about the logistics of a 5er vs a bumper pull, it makes perfect sense. LOL.

I have the stock 17x8 rims and plan on keeping them. I like the Nittos but cheapest I've found them is $241. I really would rather not pay more than around $200 a tire. That is why I am leaning towards the Hankook. I would get the Mastercraft A/T or C/T if the 285 was E rated.

I just refuse to pay $1000 for tires when I will have to replace them in less than a year and a half anyway. Like I said. My 45k miles came in 14 months.

EDIT
Ok. Take that back. The $241 was for a different size. I'll do some more research on them. I've read they don't wear as well.

__________________
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2008 Quad Cab 2500 Big Horn 4x4 (Silver "Yoda")
Daily Tow: 2008 Homesteader Hercules 8.5x20

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Last edited by kcrowe : 09-15-2009 at 09:03 PM.

[98whitelightnin]

Look at some toyo a/t's in a 285/70/17 and 285/75/17. I think they are both close to $200 per tire and are E rated. Check the links below
Store
Store

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98 24v, 2500 sc, auto, 4x4, LO 359hp/744tq
03 2500 4d, 6speed, 4x4,
"Well oil beef hooked"

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Last edited by 98whitelightnin : 09-15-2009 at 09:08 PM.

[kcrowe]

Well I decided finally. I'm going to get the Nitto Dura Grapplers. 285/75/17. I thought about the Terras, but I never go offroad except for a gravel driveway, and after seeing pics, the bigger size gives me the look I want and will wear better than the more aggressive look.

The tires are E rated and I got Discount to beat another price online so I got them for $200 plus tax. I'm not fussing at all. I'll be buying them at the end of the month. (5 week month so it means extra paycheck!)

Thanks to all who helped me understand the D vs. E thing!!

__________________
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2008 Quad Cab 2500 Big Horn 4x4 (Silver "Yoda")
Daily Tow: 2008 Homesteader Hercules 8.5x20

[Prowelder]

Hey,

Good luck with those tires and let us know what you think of them!!!!!

Later,
Winslow

Originally Posted by kcrowe

Well I decided finally. I'm going to get the Nitto Dura Grapplers. 285/75/17. I thought about the Terras, but I never go offroad except for a gravel driveway, and after seeing pics, the bigger size gives me the look I want and will wear better than the more aggressive look.

The tires are E rated and I got Discount to beat another price online so I got them for $200 plus tax. I'm not fussing at all. I'll be buying them at the end of the month. (5 week month so it means extra paycheck!)

Thanks to all who helped me understand the D vs. E thing!!

__________________
Black 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Shortbed, Ext. Cab 4x4, 5.9 24 valve, TCW-3, 2-cycle oil in every tank, 54 Block!!, NV 4500, 3.55 gears, Anti-spin, B&W Turnover Gooseneck Hitch, Autometer Ultra-Light Boost, EGT, and Fuel pressure gauges, Valair 13" Kevlar/Ceramic 3400 lb Single Disc Clutch, Valair Upgraded Hydraulics, Edge Comp Programer, 3" Straight pipe for now, BHAF with custom 7075 T-6 Heat Shield, AFE Torque Tube, Air Dog II DF-165 with custom cover!!