Why so few LT or C rated 32" and 33" tires?

I'm kind of shocked tbh after searching for a while. I think about the millions of midsize trucks and jeeps out there and wondering why the hell there are so few LT or C rated options in 32s and 33s? The LT ~2,600# max load well exceeds GVWR capacity of a Tacoma or Jeep (by almost a factor of 2).

I get it from the manufacturers perspective, one size fits all, E works for all light trucks to 1-tons, but I'm surprised that there aren't more options for mid size and jeeps. I don't want to add the 7-10# a corner of rotational mass hit and take the MPG hit to go to a 32 or 33.

As far as I can tell, the AT3Ws, Goodyears and maybe 2-3 others offer an LT 265/75 and it looks like Nitto is coming out with the Ridge Grappler too. I'm pretty sure a 285/75R16 doesn't even exist in LT range which is something that would interest me a lot.

I just don't get it. I guess because most people just buy what looks cool and don't care or even know what load rating their tire is. Manufacturers build what the customer wants, and the light truck/jeep guys must not care enough.

 

That’s the dilemma I’m having. I run 285/75/16. I want to switch to a C rated tire but there are literally none in that size so I’ve been contemplating switching to 17’s so I have a few options. There are a lot of solid options at 285/70/17 in C rated.

 

Hmmm, I may have to go to 17s myself then I guess. Thanks for the tip. I really like 16s on tacomas, they look very balanced to me for proportion but 17 isn't bad.

 

Not a huge market for C's, An E can carry the load of a C, but C may or may NOT be able to do the job of an E....Not all (not even a majority) tires this size go on Tacoma's. Market dictates what is manufactured based on what sells.

I've found (so far) several different E rated tires that ride better and wear better than some of the C's I've tried.

Maybe more of a talking point than an actual issue....

 

What all have you run? I see you’re on stt pros now. May be my next tire.

 

I agree with 16’s looking better.

 

I think that it's just a lack of market demand. You could always send an e-mail to various tire companies asking for new sizes.

 

BFG KM2's, (285/75r16 on a Tundra and 315's on a 3/4-ton Dodge) Both E
Duratrac 265/75r16 C and 285/75r16 E
Yokohama Geolander 265/75r16 C

STT PRO's ride better/wear better/quieter initially/Didn't effect gas mileage as much as I expected (good for a mud tire)

 

For me, it's not the stiffer ride. I want the best of both worlds, mileage and a larger OD tire, truthfully for appearance primarily (which most of you would say the same if being honest). I read commonly about a 30-40% mileage drop going from OE tire size to 285/75s, and I have a suspicion it's due more to rotating mass than it is OD. Going from a 35# tire to a 55-60# tire is the mileage killer I believe more than the OD change or increased rolling resistance.

I'm still getting 22MPG highway with 265/75R16 AT3Ws in LT; these tires weigh 44#, 25% more than stock. If I could find a 285/75R16 under 50#, I believe the mileage hit wouldn't be as bad as 30-40%. These load range E 10-ply tires are all weighing in around 55-60# that I'm finding.

 

Most of the Cooper tires you would want to run on a tacoma come in LT ratings. RTX, ST Maxx, STT Pro, etc

 

Are you sure you dont have P tires instead of LT? I have those 265/75r16 Passenger 4 ply AT3W and they weigh 43.7lbs. I didnt drop much in mileage, but then again I cant give you accurate numbers since I also installed a lift on the same day.

 

If you go to 17" wheels you'll find more C rated options

 

Nice! Thanks for the tip! Now I know why the tire gods conspired against my almost-purchase of Toyo AT's this month. (Well, actually it was the tax gods, but that's another story...)

I just checked Nitto's site, and indeed it shows 3/1 availability for a 265/75R16 116T!
https://www.nittotire.com/light-truck-tires/ridge-grappler-light-truck-tire/

If they are under 50 lbs, they will be a great choice!

 

I did a little more research this morning and did a spreadsheet of about 50 tires. Here's what I found.

The lightest STD/C rated 265/75R16 tires are the Dick Cepek Trail Country (38#), the Cooper Discoverer RTX (38#) and the Mastercraft Courser LTR (38#).

The lightest 285/75R16 was the Mastercraft Courser LTR (Load D) at 48#. Next was the Bridgestone Dueler AT at 51# and the GY AT Kevlar at 52# (both Es). Interestingly I did find a load range C 285/75R16, the Toyo Open Country CT, but it weighed 61#, a lot more than most E tires.

The fattest 265/75R16 award goes to the Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx at 55#. Most everything else was in the high 40s low 50s.

The fattest 285/75R16 award goes to the Cepek Fun Country at 64# followed by the General AT/X at 60#. Most everything else was in the mid 50s.

 

Specs for the new C load Ridge Grappler just went online. Looks like perfect size and weight for our trucks.

265/75R16 13.5 tread 31.65 diameter 10.5 width 44 psi 48.94 lbs

Assume they will be expensive and maybe hard to find. @Discount Tire Direct what say you?

 

I'll check into availability on Monday (Nitto is closed weekends) but bear in mind that the 265/75R-16 116T Ridge Grappler utilizes standard load construction which is 4-ply rated, not C load range which is LT 6-ply rating.

 

That's good information. I was not aware of the difference.

In your opinion, is Ridge Grappler a good match for a Tacoma? I'm looking at this tire, Toyo ATII C-load, General X3 C, and Nokian Rockproof. Really leaning toward Ridge Grappler. I live on a rocky ridge, and I need gravel traction, clay rut traction, and some sidewall protection... in a tire that can do the daily commute and road trips.

 

Glad we can help, gilligoon!

I spoke with Nitto and this tire will be available for dealer orders within the next couple of weeks. I'm still waiting on a reply back from our support team regarding pricing

As for the Ridge Grappler being a good option, this will depend on use. Tires are a product of compromise so no single tire can score 10 out 10 in all performance areas (quiet ride, longevity, etc) but from what you've described regarding your needs, this model is a solid option to consider.

 

I compiled this for 285/75R16s and forgot to share. Since I did the homework, might as well. Some of you wonder why your 285s rub and some don't, you can see the variations in height, section width and tread width that can make the difference of clearing or not clearing.

I think based on weight and size and just being a little narrower to assure no rubbing, I'm probably going to go with the Bridgestone Dueler AT Revo 3 or the Goodyear Wrangler AT.

 

Great work, would you be able to do the same with 265/75/16 tires?