BFG 315's & hauling

[NManduke]

hi everybody. I need your input. I would like to replace the tires on my truck, but don't want to lower the hauling capacity. I would love to get the BFG 315's but haven't been able to figure out if they will affect the load capacity. Any thoughts?



JR

 

[DPelletier]

Stick with load range E tires for hauling heavy. Do not compare maximum load ratings D vs. E as it is the additional air pressure on the E's (as well as heavier sidewall construction in some cases) that makes them a better and more stable choice.



Dave

 

[RAMINSPEED]

The 315's look cool but they aren't that hot for towing with 3. 73 gearing and they don't have the load capacity the E rated tires do. You have to weight the pros and cons.

 

[DFrank]

I have 4. 10s and have been thinking about 315s. I tow a 6-8 k cargo trailer several times a year through rocky mountain passes. I don't expect issues with that, other than reduced downshifting.



I really like the way my 4. 10s keep speed down in the mountains.

 

[Rob Thomas]

NManduke, how much wieght are you planning on towing/carrying? I have 315's, a 6-speed and 3. 55's, and haven't had a problem towing anything upto 20k gross. Granted, if your planning on a real heavy slide-in camper the 315's will proably frown on that.



Rob

 

[NManduke]

Rob,



Thanks for the input. I don't plan on going over 20K GVCW. So -- you think the BFG 315's would be ok?

 

[NManduke]

BTW-- what is the load rating of the BFG's? I know, I should go out and look, but work has been tough and sleep is at a premium.

 

[jrobinson2]

BFG TA KO in a LT315/70/17 is rated 3195 lbs@ 50 psi.

BFG TA specs I am running 295/75/16 load range D with a 3415 lbs@ 65 psi rating, the highest rating on a E in the same tire is 3042lbs@ 80 psi. The E's can usually run higher air pressure and have a stiffer sidewall and should be a little more stable.

Jared

 

[DPelletier]

20,000 lbs is the MAX GCVWR for your truck. As jrobinson2 has said, the load range can be even higher with the D's, but the E's are much more stable. 20,000 lbs GCVW is way too heavy for D rated tires IMO. I personnally think you're pushing the limit towing/hauling approx. 13,000 lbs with a 2500 SRW even with the E's. As Rob has pointed out, a slide-in camper would be the worst scenario. A 5er, while fairly stable, carries a significant portion of its weight on the pin (maybe 25%). A bumper pull trailer will be about 1,300 - 2,000 lbs tongue weight for a 13,000 lb trailer. Sway becomes a real issue with heavy bumper pull trailers. I've seen two friends recently make the mistake of using load range D tires for heavy loads. The first one has a 1993 F350 CC SRW with a 29' bumper pull travel trailer and the second has a 2004 F350 Ext cab SRW short box with a 15,000 lb man-lift trailer. Both have complained about severe handling problems which have been fixed by going back to the E's and airing them up to 80PSI.

Sorry if I sound like I'm preaching, just trying to help someone avoid a costly and potentially dangerous mistake.

If you don't tow/haul often or heavy by all means go for the D's.



Dave

 

[Rob Thomas]

NManduke, sorry for the delayed reply, but yes, I think they will be fine, I have no complaints with mine. Looks like everyone else answered your other questions, good luck.





Rob

 

[Duluth Diesel]

E rated 305 and 315 tires at http://www.nittotire.com/tires_terragrappler.asp

 

[Big MAK]

I've tried both; and the truck was noticeable squirrelly with the D range tires vs. the E. Felt like the back end was riding on balloons. My 5th wheel pin weight was about 1500 lbs -- not light. But I was surprised at the difference since the "load rating" of the D tires per the mfg was way more then adequate.

 

[NManduke]

Thanks for all the replies. I guess, after careful consideration, I'll stick with the "E" tires. Now for the next question. Are there any out there with ecent tread that would be better fitted for construction sites than the LT tread design.

 

[Big MAK]

Load Range E 17s are tough to find!

 

[Duluth Diesel]

Ah, I suppose I should have opened my eyes and noticed that we are talking about a 3rd gen. Yep, not much for E rated in 17s. Go 19. 5 and be happy. That's what I would do if I had the $.

Originally posted by Duluth Diesel

E rated 305 and 315 tires at http://www.nittotire.com/tires_terragrappler.asp

 

[sewman]

I've towed a trailer & had a good 2500+lbs in the bed to boot,with my BFG A-T 35x12. 50 x16. 5 & just air them up to 50lbs & no sway.

Bob

 

[Duluth Diesel]

Same here. I haul a gooseneck featherlite 4 horse trailer with a 10 foot dressing room. I just air my 315s up to 50psi and have had no sway or tire problems. Towed like a champ, despite having 3. 55 gears and 35 inch tires. If fact, it towed better, and I was able to maintain higher speeds in 6th gear with my Dodge that I was able to achieve with our 1997 Ford F-350 2wd dually Flowerpoke with 4. 10 gears and stock height duallys. Figure THAT out. When I set out that morning with my Dodge, I really thought that my tall tires and gears were really going to give me problems. I was convinced that I'd be running the whole way in 5th gear, but I was able to wind her out in 5th, grabbed 6th and ran 81 mph no problem.

Just another reason I do not miss the two flowerpokes we've had.

 

[JTroiano]

I run 315's , and have a 3200 pound camper and tow a 3000 pound boat and it just flies. I've heard that the BFG's get bubles in the side walls when carring around the max weight. I would do some research.

Jon T