How Critical Is Load Range When Selecting Tires?
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From: Southwest Alaska
How Critical Is Load Range When Selecting Tires?
I am going to buy winter tires. Have you ever seen "Ice Road Trucker"? Well, I drive mostly on the frozen river during the winter so need the studded tires.
I have been using Cooper Discoverer M/S and have been pleased with the performance. I wanted to get a dedicated tire that is taller though. The LT285/75R16 Cooper is 34.18" diameter, but only load range D, with 8 plies, and a max load of 3305 pounds. The largest E range is the LT265/75R16 which is 31" diameter and carries 3415 pounds.
I want to put the taller tires on, but am somewhat worried about the toughness as the river can be very rough in some sections. The 10-ply E range tire is plenty tough, as this is what I've been using for the past four years.
My truck is a '01 2500 4x4 with the v-10.
Am I worried about nothing or is the load range really critical? I will not be carrying anything over 1000 pounds in the bed of my truck.
I have been using Cooper Discoverer M/S and have been pleased with the performance. I wanted to get a dedicated tire that is taller though. The LT285/75R16 Cooper is 34.18" diameter, but only load range D, with 8 plies, and a max load of 3305 pounds. The largest E range is the LT265/75R16 which is 31" diameter and carries 3415 pounds.
I want to put the taller tires on, but am somewhat worried about the toughness as the river can be very rough in some sections. The 10-ply E range tire is plenty tough, as this is what I've been using for the past four years.
My truck is a '01 2500 4x4 with the v-10.
Am I worried about nothing or is the load range really critical? I will not be carrying anything over 1000 pounds in the bed of my truck.
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Albany, NY
Pretty sure they put D range on 2500's from the factory.
Try going slightly wider so you can go taller in an E range tire, this way you can feel safe when driving over the ice. After all, that's more what your after because even if we all say your fine, I bet you'll still worry everytime...lol Just keep an open mind on tire choices, don't stick with one brand/type or you'll have trouble locating your best fitment/use tire.
Read my STICKY for tire size calculations.
Try going slightly wider so you can go taller in an E range tire, this way you can feel safe when driving over the ice. After all, that's more what your after because even if we all say your fine, I bet you'll still worry everytime...lol Just keep an open mind on tire choices, don't stick with one brand/type or you'll have trouble locating your best fitment/use tire.
Read my STICKY for tire size calculations.
Last edited by dirtydog; Sep 15, 2011 at 05:06 PM.
My 2005 2500 came with 265/70R17's Load range "E" from the factory. I'm running Firestone 285's now that are studdable load range "d"----the load range becomes more of a factor with high towing weights, which you must respect the weight restrictions, and reduce them from original rated gvw ratings, but if you aren't pushing the limit of the truck, you should be fine with "D".
Take a look at this
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes
Take a look at this
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes
Last edited by Gone Fishin; Sep 15, 2011 at 06:26 PM.
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From: Southwest Alaska
Gentlemen,
Thank you for taking the time to reply.
I found the Firestone Winterforce LT275/75r16 is 33.1" tall, has a E rating and 10-plies for a loading of 3750(!) pounds and is $200 per set less expensive than the Cooper's. I know the 10-ply Cooper's are tough, so I know those Firestone's will be. And because they are less spendy, I think I will go for them. It will give me only 1" additional clearance, isn't much, but every little bit helps.
Thanks again.
Thank you for taking the time to reply.
I found the Firestone Winterforce LT275/75r16 is 33.1" tall, has a E rating and 10-plies for a loading of 3750(!) pounds and is $200 per set less expensive than the Cooper's. I know the 10-ply Cooper's are tough, so I know those Firestone's will be. And because they are less spendy, I think I will go for them. It will give me only 1" additional clearance, isn't much, but every little bit helps.
Thanks again.