Tire load/weight question

[JBA316]

Looking to install 285/75/17 tires on my stock Willy’s rims, and I was about to pull the trigger on a set of C load Toyo ATs, then I came across a set of slightly used Nitto recons that are E load for about half the price, so I may go that route. Question is: they weigh about the same as the Toyos, even though they are E rated, so will there be a difference in on road performance and/or noise? Will I actually notice a difference between them?

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[The Last Cowboy]

Yes, you will notice a significant difference. The Nitto is a 128/125 load rated tire, so a very high load range E.

If you don't have one, you will need a lift of some sort, or at least spacers, for 34" tires on a pre '24 Willys.

You may want to ask yourself why that person is selling that nearly new set of tires. My guess is that the ride was rougher than expected. I had some high load range E (129/126) Toyos on my F150. After 20k miles, I couldn't deal with them anymore and went down to C rated tires. I was much happier, and my wife would ride in my truck again. I can't even imagine having tires meant for a 1 ton truck on a Wrangler after how rough they were on a 1/2 ton truck.

 

[JBA316]

Yes, you will notice a significant difference. The Nitto is a 128/125 load rated tire, so a very high load range E.

If you don't have one, you will need a lift of some sort, or at least spacers, for 34" tires on a pre '24 Willys.

You may want to ask yourself why that person is selling that nearly new set of tires. My guess is that the ride was rougher than expected. I had some high load range E (129/126) Toyos on my F150. After 20k miles, I couldn't deal with them anymore and went down to C rated tires. I was much happier, and my wife would ride in my truck again. I can't even imagine having tires meant for a 1 ton truck on a Wrangler after how rough they were on a 1/2 ton truck.

The tires were on a Gladiator that was totaled. Sounds like I need to stick to C load tires.

Regarding a lift, I do plan on doing a 2.5 at some point, but everything I have read indicates that I should be able to clear 285/75’s without a lift. Pretty sure I’ve seen several rides on here with that size and no issues.

 

[jludave]

Sounds like I need to stick to C load tires.

No, you don’t have to.

I run a set of Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT tires in size 275/70R18. They are an E rated tire. I have a Sport Altitude with black Sahara style 18 inch wheels. My E rated Cooper tires are super quiet, great in all weather conditions and do not ride rough/harsh at all. In fact, I find they have a better overall ride than the stock all season Bridgestone Duellers that came stock on the vehicle.

 

[azwjowner]

I've done a lot of reading on this issue because my next tire size might be E. There is no consensus. Half the people say E are noticeably harsher, and half say there's no difference.

I think E tires are less forgiving of overinflation than C, personally. And by overinflation I mean inflating more than the minimum required to safely carry the weight of the vehicle.

I rode in my friend's FJ for many trips and never realized he ran E load KO2s in 265/75/16. He kept the pressure the same as stock. I think that prevented them from feeling harsh.

 

[azjl#3]

Also, consider weight of the tire, some e rated are twice the weight of c. Rotational mass really messes with fuel mileage and braking.

 

[RicRecon]

You could compromise and look at D load. I upgraded to Toyo OC RT Trails in D load and they ride very well. Lighter too for a RT type tire.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

E rating has a lot of latitude in it and covers a wide range. In my opinion, anything above a 126 rating should be rated F. Discount Tire lists tires in load range E as E1 and E2, depending on the number rating.

Some E rated tires are spec's as if they are D rated, even being rated for 65 PSI max. That's more like a load range D. Of course, no in with a Wrangler should be inflating E or D rated tires to the max pressure. Generally, E rated tires are heavier and have a thicker carcass and deeper tread to start with. E rated tires usually tolerate being aired down and squishing over rocks much better than lower weight rated tires. Although an E rated tire can ride well on smooth pavement, expansion joints, potholes, etc can make for sharp impacts. That will have an affect on how long the shocks last as well, since the E rated tires have less sidewall flex.

Ride quality is subjective, so take my statements as generalizations. Some will like how E rated tires ride, or just don't care. Others will absolutely hate them and regret their decision a few miles after leaving the tire store. Most will find that they just don't ride as well as the tires they had before. If you have an 8k lb Super Duty, or other 2500/3500 8 lug truck, then they come from the factory with E rated tires, because they need them.

 

[JBA316]

Like some of you implied, load rating seems to be subjective. It’d be nice if you could test run tires prior to committing. Ha

 

[Mitoni]

If you don't have one, you will need a lift of some sort, or at least spacers, for 34" tires on a pre '24 Willys.

To be fair, you don't "need" a lift, they fit just fine. No rub lock to lock. That said, I'm only planning very mild offroading until I get my lift.

 

[3TV]

One of the things that give the E rated ties a higher load rating is a higher recommended air pressure. The maximum air pressure recommendations for the different load ratings are generally:
Load range C 50 psi
Load range D 65 psi
Load range E 80 psi
Load range F 95 psi

The higher air pressure to achieve that load rating is a major contributor to the stiffer ride.

A Jeep with load range E tires at 28 psi would be marginally stiffer riding than a Jeep with Load range C tires at 28 psi.

I run load Range D tires (37" Cooper STT Pro) on my 392 XL that is heavily armored and carries a lot of tools, recovery gear, and survival gear at all times. It weighs over 6000 lbs and I don't want load range C tires on it.

So, when choosing tires also consider future mods and what your Jeep may weigh after the mods.

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