Difference between Load range D and E tires?

[DaveN]

I'm looking to get new tires, and since I don't want to start any fights, I'm not going to ask for recommendations on brand.



What I'm looking for is what is the technical difference between a load range D and E tire? I know that with most brands there's a small difference in actual load capacity, are they constructed differently?

 

[RustyJC]

For a given brand and size tire, the load range E has a higher maximum load capacity than the load range D. The E tire is built and rated for 80 psig, while the D tire is (as I recall) built and rated for 65 psig maximum inflation pressure. If your truck came with E's (as mine did), I'd replace them with E's (assuming that you're going with the same size tire) unless you run unloaded all the time. If you're going with a larger replacement tire, you'll find that a larger D tire may have the same or greater load capacity than a smaller E tire.



Rusty

 

[fkovalski]

Load raqtings/ ply number

here's some usefull info: Tire Info Scroll down to the bottom for comparison of load rating vs. ply numbers.

 

[DaveN]

Thanks for the info guys!

 

[wcjp]

A guy at work just bought some BFG AT KO's D range for his Ford Diesel. I thought D range was 8ply as stated in the previous link. The sidewall on his only states 3ply tires.



Also, when unloaded for an extended period of time, what pressure does everyone run thier E rated tires? I just lowered mine to 55psi. Before loading up again I'll go back to 80psi.

 

[RustyJC]

Originally posted by wcjp

I thought D range was 8ply as stated in the previous link. The sidewall on his only states 3ply tires.

The ply "ratings" make about as much sense as trailer tow ratings! You can have an 8 ply rated tire, but that doesn't have anything to do with how many body and cap plies the tire actually has. Since they already have the load range ratings, I wonder why they even bother with the meaningless ply ratings... .



Rusty

 

[lschultz]

I think(here I go again)that the 3ply rating is for the sides of the tires.

 

[Cooker]

The BFG's have 3 ply sidewalls.

 

[Bertram65]

WCJP,

I have 265/70/17 load range E on my truck, they came on it, I read in one of the manuals to run 50 in the front 40 in rear for unloaded, not towing, I have been running that, it rides nice and the tires seem to have a good contact patch, but I wonder if I would get better mileage at a higher PSI?

 

[TomGolden]

I still have my OEM Michelin M/S 265/?? E range tires. I have 67K on the truck, and these tires ain't gonna wear out for a loooong time yet I think. I run unloaded 99% of the time, run 45 PSI in all 4 tires all the time. I also rotate them, including the spare at every oil or oil filter change (every ~5K miles).



Tom

 

[Diesel Gunner]

My original Michelins will be riding in the bed of the truck this week. New Nitto Terragrapplers will replace them. I got 42,000 out of the Michelins due to using reduced tire pressures while running empty. I have never been happy with the off road performance of these and hope that the Nitto's will be a big improvement.



I am putting 295/75/16's on the original aluminum wheels. They are rated at 3415lbs single tire and are load range D. My hope is that ride will be improved while towing as well as off road performance. I will post later when I have some miles on them.

 

[Dkevdog]

Be very careful when selecting a range D tire if you plan on towing- especially towing heavy. The weight ratings of the tires is only one part of the equation. Sidewall stiffness is another- and for me, the D tires are too spongy under the load of my trailer. I won't have anything but an E or higher tire.



Kev