2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Tire wear on "D" rated Tire

[James2000]

Our trucks are suppose to be running "E" rated tires. I want to run on 255 85 16's but can only find them ih a "D" rated tire. I don't tow heavy, and only occasionaly have a big load in the bed. Will the "D" rated wear faster then the "E"? Is it even a factor? Thanks James

 

[WadePatton]

It's not about treadwear. It's about load capacity. The lesser rated tires will have lighter belts, and might be more sensitive to "underinflation". But then they will be rated for 50 or so PSI.



Dad has some "D" or "C" rated tires on his truck with 100k on them. But then he's only putting down about 140-150 RWHP--and there ain't much tread left.

 

[James2000]

So maybe I should ask has anyone run both a D and E rated tire and seen a difference in how fast they wear if any?

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

In 255-85-16,l the D rated tire is good for 65 psi (most brands) and 3000 lb load. Thus, it is not deficient, it is just that such a large tire does not need to be E rated to have the load capacity you need. I have run Coopers in this size (D rated) for about 150,000 miles.

 

[RT66DOC]

I have 102K on my truck now and have always run 265s which are D rated. First set were Goodyear GSAs which went 55K miles. Second set are BFG AT KOs and at 102k they look like there may be at least another 15k left on them. Have always run 60 lbs in front and 50 in rear. Stock HP and very little towing. As Joe D. just said above, Ds are rated for 3000 lb. a wheel.



For info you can call Goodyear and talk to an engineer. They have a hotline just like Cummins' 1-800-Diesels - don't remember the number but it shouldn't be too hard to find.



Joe D. : Obviously you like Coopers. How did you arrive at choosing them over Goodyear, Michelin, BFGs, etc? My most important tire performance need now is dry pavement interspersed with HEAVY rain (wet traction/control), never in snow anymore. Is Cooper a US company?

 

[willyslover]

Tom ... did you move / change Job locations / re-open a pratice ?

 

[athompson]

Originally posted by James2000

So maybe I should ask has anyone run both a D and E rated tire and seen a difference in how fast they wear if any?

My MT/Rs, which are D rated, are wearing much better than the stock Michelins, which were E rated. I could take the Michelins any more than 4400 miles. They were over 1/4 worn, were like skates when it rained, and wouldn't allow the truck to track straight. I have over 12,000 miles on the MT/R. The are hardly worn, are much more stable in the rain, and allow the truck to track straight.



For the 440 pounds less load capacity total, I think it was an excellent trade off. I rarely tow more than my Sami, and have had more than a couple hundred pounds in the bed once. Unless you are always towing or hauling, I see no advantages in the E rated tires.

 

[Dr.Kayak]

I was looking at D rated MFG A/Ts at Costco. The guy working there said by law they were not allowed to install a D rated tire on my truck which requires a E rated tire.

 

[clong]

I run 285/75R/16 D rated Kelly tires on my truck. I have 90K miles on the current set. They are rated at 3300 lbs per tire at 65psi. This is almost 300 lbs more than the factory tires. I tow a 33 ft. travel trailer and a 30 ft. gooseneck horse trailer with living quarters. Absolutly no problems.