passenger rated tires

[Crowhurst]

When I bought my used CTD it came fitted with a new set of Passenger rated Cooper Discoverer A/T P265/75 R16 tires, max pressure 35psi . While the load capability of these tires is listed as sufficient for my use, I aim to replace them with LT rated tires, load range E. Would the best be the stock LT245/75R16-E, perhaps Michelins? What effect would this change have on the handling of the vehicle? I would use the appropriate pressure from the load tables. I assume the ride would be harder, but would there be benefits in steering feel with the stiffer sidewalls? I don't go off-road, other than in campsites with the travel trailer.

Any thoughts, please? Nick.

 

[Shovelhead]

Passenger vehicle rated tires with a Cummins Diesel hangin' on the front end?

WOW can you say UNDER rated?

I'm running "D" rated tires on my front end and with the tires aired to the max PSI they STILL are showing signs of underinflation.

The sidewalls just ain't stong enough to hold up the weight.

I'll be switching back to "E" rated before the summer's out, 'cuz the fronts will be plum-worn-out.

 

[jmadden]

Not all "D" tires seem to be rated the same... that's also true of the "E"s. Personally I'm still running Michelin LTX A/S (OEM tire)... because I replaced them at 86k and only had to buy 3 when I rotated the spare in! Unfortunately they are not an especially aggressive tire, but I can't argue with the wear.



Check the actual load rating... not the C, D, E classification... a lot of "D" tires would be up to the chore. The tire you have in an "E" is actually pretty good from the reports I've heard... but a lot of it comes down to personal preference.



In regards to handling... the D will be stiffer than your passenger tires... and the E will seem stiffer yet... more plys seems to lean to less tire flex and a stiffer ride.



http://www.tirerack.com has some tire opinion surveys you can check out while you shop. Whatever you do... please just replace the passenger tires!



jm

 

[Dkevdog]

There is more to the rating of a tire than just wieght. Sidewall strength and ply ratings are built in to that "letter" rating as well. It's simple phyisics- the wider a tire is, the more load it can handle. When I was looking to replace my dually tires with a 255-85 tire, I found they did not make an E rated tire. The D rated tire, in a 255, was onlyy 40lbs less than the E rated 235 tire. Not much of difference. However, having had D rated tires in the past and towing fairly heavy, I would not go back to a D tire nor do I reccomend it. The D is just too soft for my liking.



Of course, ANYTHING would be better than a passenger rated tire !!



Kev

 

[Gray Ghost]

I had a set of SUV tires put on my 99, on the recomendation of the tire store. Said they would hold up. After I beat the side walls out of 4 of the on the front. I made them put 10 ply back on. It's no fun to change a tire eary in the morning. You couldn't see anything wrong with the tire, just would not hold air. Don't do it. My 2cents.

 

[VietDoc]

NO passenger tires on CTD

Get ride of those tires immediately, Do not pass Go-- Do it today your life may be at stake!!!!!



When we bought our '99 2500 CTD, the wife wanted larger tires to fill the wheel wells. The dealer put on P-metrics from a 1500 265/75R16. In 10,000 miles we had 3 flats. At 15,000 miles we had 2 flats in one day!! We were on a graded gravel road and lucky to have been going 20 MPH when we had a massive blow out (rear). Changed the tire and 2 hours later had a massive blowout as we turned into a campground on grass (Driver front). We were 30 miles from the nearest gas station and borrowed a recap mounted on a Ford Wheel. (sometimes glad a Ford is around ) just to get home. Went to Big O and got 4 new tires. Boy ere they surprised I had P-Metrics and pointed out the load capacity was way under the front axle weight. They were shocked the dealer put these tires on this truck (CTD) but OK for the 1500's.



I went to the dealer with two tires that looked like they came off a Ford Explorer. The tread was ripped away from the belts and the belts were ripped away from the sidewalls on one and the other in addition to the tread ripped away the tire was almost split from the tread to the rim bead.



I had problems with the parts manager and service writers. I was stonewalled for 3+ months. So I went to the manager and brother of the owner. We went back into parts and I showed him the tires. He bought me new custom aluminum wheels, paid for a major service and issued a memo to never put P-metrics on a CTD. I went back to parts the next day and the tires were gone!!! I didn't want to sue, just make sure they didn't put P-metrics on another CTD. But obviously they got rid of the evidence ASAP, I could have owned a Dodge Dealership!!



Your life is not worth the risk of running P-metrics. I had been driving 70+ on 2 lane mountain highways and passing others. I wouldn't be able to tell you these things had the tires failed the day before and 50 miles sooner!!



Let us know you are safe with LT tires

doc