Lets talk about tire load range.

[Flip]

I ran an E load tire on my Xterra because everyone in the Nissan community swore it was a requirement if you were off-roading. When I moved to the Wrangler and everyone was saying a C load is the way to go, it prompted me to do my own research. Turns out, I could have had a better ride in my Xterra for years.

Is it really that noticeable?

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[Apples491]

Is it really that noticeable?

There are too many variables to really answer that. I've never run the same tire in both load ranges on the same vehicle. And that's before accounting for butt feel and preference. I can say that the Xterra rode rough as shit on Load E tires, even aired down to around 30psi all the time. I don't have that problem in the Wrangler, even with running 37s at around 35psi.

If you're happy with Load E tires, there's no issue going with them again. If you've got a friend running Load Cs on their Wrangler, maybe you can take it around the block and down the highway to see if you can notice a difference.

 

[Steven]

What is the best load range tire for on & off road? Why are do a lot of manufactures offer certain tires in E load range only?

Do certain load range tires last longer than others?

The best load range is typically determined by vehicle weight. A stiffer, such as load range E, will not deform readily under the weight of a stock JL when off-road.

Tread life is determined by the compound the manufacturer uses.

 

[Flip]

There are too many variables to really answer that. I've never run the same tire in both load ranges on the same vehicle. And that's before accounting for butt feel and preference. I can say that the Xterra rode rough as shit on Load E tires, even aired down to around 30psi all the time. I don't have that problem in the Wrangler, even with running 37s at around 35psi.

If you're happy with Load E tires, there's no issue going with them again. If you've got a friend running Load Cs on their Wrangler, maybe you can take it around the block and down the highway to see if you can notice a difference.

That's good advice.

I mentioned E- Load tires to some people and they looked at me like I just asked them if they would donate a kidney.

I may be ordering new tires on the immediate future so I'm trying to figure this out. Thanks?

 

[The Last Cowboy]

If you can find the size you want in load range C, then get those. When I leveled my F150 and went to larger tires, I picked 295/70/18s rated as nearly and F as far as load capacity goes. I loved the look, but the ride was harsh, and got worse as the tires aged. I will say that those Toyos balanced excellently though.

They were replaced with C rated BFGs Raptor new take offs. An immediate improvement in ride and noise. Even my wife was impressed with the difference and said that she never knew how much of a difference tires could make. She hated riding in my truck with the E rated ties on it. They do make that much of a difference.

 

[azwjowner]

@Flip, instead of the 255/80/17, I would have considered the KO2 or Toyo ATIII in 34x10.5R17. Half an inch wider, quarter inch taller, and in load range D, giving you the sidewall strength of three physical plies (most C tires usually have 2 plies) but without the harshness of an E rating.

BFG designed the tire specifically for our Jeeps and if you carefully compare the other options, it's clearly better. Avoids harshness, fits stock Jeeps, has the extra thick sidewall, not too wide to impair handling.

 

[zouch]

first question; why would you want another set of those horrible Destinations? i hated those tires in all situations.

short story; higher Load Ranges were designed to carry more weight.
as a result, they are going to have stiffer sidewalls, and not likely flex as well with the same weight on them. they are also frequently heavier.

for the weight of a Wrangler, i would likely never choose Load Range E tires as i don't need a tire that would carry the load that Load Range was designed for, and they'd ride unnecessarily harsher.
i've run a couple of different Load Range Ds (Mickey Thompson and BF Goodrich) and think them a suitable range for someone who's actually going to carry a camping-style load over rocks.
were i not to be doing rock work with a load, i'd probably stick to Load Range Cs.

really all depends on what you're going to be doing with them and where you want your compromises to be.

For example, why are Firestone Destination MT LT285/70R17's only offered in load range E, while 255/70R17's are C. I've been advised to avoid load range E when upgrading my stock Destination 255's.

 

[Flip]

@Flip, instead of the 255/80/17, I would have considered the KO2 or Toyo ATIII in 34x10.5R17. Half an inch wider, quarter inch taller, and in load range D, giving you the sidewall strength of three physical plies (most C tires usually have 2 plies) but without the harshness of an E rating.

BFG designed the tire specifically for our Jeeps and if you carefully compare the other options, it's clearly better. Avoids harshness, fits stock Jeeps, has the extra thick sidewall, not too wide to impair handling.

I run MT's. There is a Toyo, 34x11.3r17 C load and I saw a BF MT 285/75r17 also but it's an E load range tire.

 

[jo_xj]

I don't think there's a technical reason. I think it has to do with marketing and product line decisions.

BTW, Tire rack has a better explanation of the tire size numbers than I could ever type out. It's more complicated than you think.
https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-garage/how-do-i-read-my-tire-size-on-my-sidewall

Yeah that explanation is helpful. The 70 or 75 is the sidewall aspect ratio or height. So I guess a 75 could translate into a thicker sidewall and thus a higher load capacity.

 

[jo_xj]

first question; why would you want another set of those horrible Destinations? i hated those tires in all situations.

To each his own. I've loved them so far. But as a I mentioned in another thread on this, at the top of my list for tire upgrades on my stock Willys are KO2s, Falkens, or Toyos.

 

[supermike]

C will be noticeable lighter than E rated tires, X4 that's lots of gas saved and better acceleration and braking, also they rides much more comfortable. Some E rated tire are so stiff even air down to 15 psi they still stay in shape.....and last but not least, you will get side wall damage when you get side wall damage, E rated more ply sidewall wont help so much...

 

[azwjowner]

I run MT's. There is a Toyo, 34x11.3r17 C load and I saw a BF MT 285/75r17 also but it's an E load range tire.

Ah, fair enough.

 

[Jeep4Win]

Funny story. I had ordered some C rated 35in KO2s from Discount Tire to replace my worn out 33in KO2s and when driving home I told my wife the Jeep felt different. Upon inspection they had mounted E rated ones. Went back and they mounted the right ones. In my experience you can tell the difference.

 

[ChuckQue]

Huh. I’ve been running Falken Wildpeaks in E for 12k miles now and have zero complaints. They have done awesome off-road too. I guess I’m just weird because I think they feel better than the same tire on my F-350 does. Now THAT thing rides like crap.

 

[Upnarms]

X2 on the wildpeaks. I have E load gelanders on my tj that do feel a little harsh, but the wildpeak 35s on my jl are awesome. I don't notice any harsh ride. I go with e loads cause at least with the bfg ko2 c loads, they may be soft but they also get squishy imo. Plus they wore out at 25k miles. My wildpeaks have 25k miles and still have a ton of life left.

On my tj the "squishier" side wall tires were c load and I would get vibes/some near dw inducing action that I didn't see with e load. Those are 31s though.

I was worried about 35s E load but again zero issues with comfort on or off road. Probably the larger tires have more give than 31s so don't feel it, but that's a guess.

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