Tire question on 04.5 3500 Ram

[jrynerson]

The tires that came on my 04. 5 3500 quad cab 4x4 are Lt 265/70 R17 Michelin ltx a/s. I want to get a set of BF Goodrich mud terrain for this truck. The problem is that BF Goodrich does not make a mud terrain in a load class E. I talked to a guy at BF Goodrich who said I could put a set of BF Goodrich mud terrain LT 285/70 R17 load range D. He said this would be ok because the 285's have the same weight carring ability as the 265, 3195lbs. He said the 265's need 85 psi to carry the weight and the 285's only need 65 psi because they are bigger tires. I am a little unsure about doing this. I sometimes pull a flatbed gooseneck with a John Deere 2355 tractor. If the 285's will handle the same weight as the 265's why don't they have the E rating?

Thanks

Joe

 

[Bertram65]

I thought the load range letter had to do with the sidewalls, the D rated tires can carry the wieght but will have more side to side flex.

 

[KD7GYJ]

Are you going to tow with your tires. If you are going to carry a full load, the "D's" are not for you. But if your just going to do light towing or no towing, they should ride just fine. They will be a little softer ride.



I rarely tow and had a set put on my "02. They worked just fine. The only time I towed anything, it was a trailer with a jeep on the back. That was probably about 6000 pounds. No problems.



My two bits.



Blair

 

[Prairie Dog]

I've read a lot of post's about this very subject because I want to use the 315's too but I've reluctantly decided to stay with the stock tires because I tow fairly heavy. Some guy's say there's no problem w/ 315 but most have admitted to the poor handling problem. I'm in the market now for a set of fresh take off's if any body has a set.

 

[jrynerson]

Thanks for the replies.

I don't tow very often but when I do it's a heavy flat bed gooseneck with a very heavy 59 hp tractor. I think I am inclined to stay with e rated tires.

Thanks

Joe

 

[Chris Thom]

You can always check the load. Next time you are loaded stop at a truck scale available along interstates ( a states "port of entery" may be helpful) or rurally at a grain elevator. The load of a trailer can usually be safely balance so the load on the truck is small.

 

[wyosteve]

I have 315's on my truck and tow around 12k on a regular basis. I have not noticed any problems. I had 295's on my 01 and towed the same with no problems as well.

 

[jelag]

I've got the 235/80/17's on my dually and pull a gooseneck trailer... I've had problems with the tires... . cracks in the side wall next to the bead... my trailer is heavy and I personally wouldn't suggest that you consider the D load range tires... .



Jim

 

[jrynerson]

Thanks for the Posts

Joe