2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Yet another tire inflation Q

[SnoKing]

I doubt there is a D rate 245, that will allow the full 6084 rear GAWR of my 2001. 5 2500. My snow tires are D rated 265's and they ride a lot softer than my stock 265 mich's. In the winter I never carry heavy loads, so it is not an issue. For someone that never hauls and only uses their truck as a car, then D rated tire might be ok, providing the better ride. Correct inflation for the load is the important part. You will just run out to load carrying capability on the tire before the truck. SNOKING

 

[CTA]

I run D rated tires. I questioned the guys at the shop when I got them and received the "weight rating is actually higher" answer. What are the benefits of the E rating? Is it a stiffer sidewall? Thanks.

Yes, the weight rating on my "D" tires is higher then my OEM "E" rated tires. This is not uncommon. The "E" rated tire has a stiffer sidewall and I believe this typically comes via 2 more belt layers. They are stiffer by design and therefore they are better suited for "handling" a heavier load with less tire "roll" under load when properly inflated.

When I bought my 285 (33") BFG ATs the Shop advised me they were not "E" rated and that they might feel a little "sloppier" when hauling/towing heavy loads (tire roll). I just hauled a friend's camper 1,200 miles to MD and back to VT, it is pushing in excess of 6,000 lbs. with about 600 lbs tongue weight ... it hauled excellent, even in high winds seen over this past week along the East Coast.

 

[SnoKing]

OK, so what you are saying is that you bought over sized tires. That makes sense. With equal sized tires, rating of D's will be lower rated than the E's. SNOKING

 

[lowboy]

A quick and dirty way to check inflation is to feel the sidewalls. You want them to be a little warm to the touch. Hot means you don't have enough air. Cold means you've got too much. I've set mine that way on my 2500 and it works fine.

 

[jimk]

I use about the same psi in my 4x4 but I have a 5 lb difference between the left and right ( front)to cause the truck to pull a little to the left for the crown of the road. I will have to try the chalk idea. Thanks JimK