Pros and Cons of Load Range E Tires

I am wanting to put new 285s on my '15 DC and I(as always) want to go with BFG AT's... and why not KO2's???? Unfortunately, they are ONLY available in load range E!!!..... So, I know they will ride stiffer and are heavier but what are the REAL world pros and cons of running a load range E tire vs a D or C??? The original KO can still be bought in a LR D.....

Go!

 

I have E load firestone MT's. HARD ride for sure. Mine are super hard compound and will last forever and can take a beating, but have not so good sipping for wet weather.

 

Fuel mileage suffers enough without adding needless tire weight.

 

Fuel mileage is definitely a concern(already losing a lot at that size) How much loss is there vs a LR C or D tire??

 

MPG will be lower because of added weight. 10 Ply also cost more. Unless they are needed for heavy loads or rough service they are a waste of money.

 

Actually in a BFG(again, only in the original KO), load range D will cost MORE because they are not as readily available. Usually special order

 

if you're gonna run a 285 like alot of us, you prob aren't THAT worried about mpg to begin with, E load rated or not.

 

LOL!!! I know the pain of running 285's as I did so on my '09... I told myself I'd be happy at 2" and 265s ... BUT I"M NOT HAHA

 

.. I figure I'll take what I can get!

 

I think everyone tells themselves that.....and then you do the first mod, then its all over from there!

 

Pros - heavier sidewalls and greater load carrying capacity. Heavier sidewalls are more resistant to cuts. If you arent in the rocks a lot then its a waste. And without a serious upgrade to the suspension our trucks cant carry enough weight to justify the rating. Cons - Our trucks are too light to make the tires properly elongate when airing down. Every pound of added rotating mass impacts the ability to accelerate and decelerate by a factor of something like three compared to an pound of added non-rotating mass. Fuel economy goes down. They ride rougher, especially on washboard roads. Its a shame they dont make more large LT tires in load range D or even C because E range tires generally suck for our trucks. And 99% of the Tacos you see with have sacrificed money and performance for...looks. The trucks will never see sharp, jagged, rocks or carry very heavy loads.

 

I've got Load Range E MT tires. Ride is rougher and mileage has suffered about 2mpg. I take it back country in Colorado and there are jagged rocks that we navigate. That said, I didn't buy my truck for mpg. I bought it to use.

 

I have load range E 275/70/17 Hankook ATm's because rabble Prius

 

Nailed it.

Unless you need an actual rock tire or haul a truck camper in the bed, go w/ the lowest range tire you can find.

 

voos you live in the southwest like I do . E rated tires for rough Rocky country are fantastic in this environment. Sure they are heavy , but not really that bad. I say get the kos. I'm running the BFg ats e rated and they've been great / reliable offroad tires.

 

There just aren't many(none that suited me) good looking, aggressive tires in 285 that aren't load range E. Screw mileage, I want my truck to look good.

 

I run a load E Cooper STMAXX in 255/85/16... Ride isn't horrible like people make it out to be. Fairly smooth actually. Airs down and gets good sidewall flex while wheeling. No complaints here.

 

buy lighter rims to combat the difference in weight. that's what i am in the process of doing. going from 30lb rims and 40lb tires to 19lb rims and 56lb tires. Only a 5lb difference now. I know rotational mass makes more of a difference, but it shouldn't be too bad.

 

I run 265/70/17/E rated. Lost about .5-1 mpg. I have used these on previous Tacoma, got 80k miles, with more to spare. I like the stiffness in the twisties.

 

As for the "thicker sidewalls resist cutting" argument: if you come across a rock or stick that is going to cleave through a C load tire, it's probably going to go right through an E load just as easily. Even if it doesn't go all the way through, you are now driving around on a tire with a severely compromised sidewall which I consider a bigger safety issue. I'd rather change a tire that went flat out on the low speed trail than have one delaminate on me doing 70 on the highway. If your truck is a designated trail rig, then this isn't a problem. However, if it's your DD, just something to consider.