No E for these vehicles. Unless you greatly increase the GVWR, there is zero reason to go with E. C is all most will ever need. Maybe a D if you're in a pinch. Yes, an E has a 'great ply sidewall rating', but the downsides aren't generally worth it.
The C/D/E "load range" and "load index" number tell us the maximum pressure and maximum load. The problem with higher "load range" (such as E) is that the sidewall becomes very stiff even with no pressure. So for a good ride and compliant contact patch on a light weight vehicle/axle/tire you must run low pressure. Low pressure and a stiff sidewall = premature sidewall failure. If your sidewall is thin and flexible then it can absorb and rebound the bumps of the road/trail at low pressures. If your sidewall is thick and not flexible then the sidewall turns that bump of the road/trail into heat = sidewall failure.
---
For these vehicles in this weight class / axle load (based upon Mfg max axle loads):, pros of a C over an E:
Contact patch compliance
Fatigue strength of the sidewall (doesn't turn into heat and destroy the rubber)
Rolling resistance/mass/efficiency
Less expensive
Pros of an E over a C:
Greater 'ply rating' (potential sidewall puncture resistance)
The C/D/E "load range" and "load index" number tell us the maximum pressure and maximum load. The problem with higher "load range" (such as E) is that the sidewall becomes very stiff even with no pressure. So for a good ride and compliant contact patch on a light weight vehicle/axle/tire you must run low pressure. Low pressure and a stiff sidewall = premature sidewall failure. If your sidewall is thin and flexible then it can absorb and rebound the bumps of the road/trail at low pressures. If your sidewall is thick and not flexible then the sidewall turns that bump of the road/trail into heat = sidewall failure.
---
For these vehicles in this weight class / axle load (based upon Mfg max axle loads):, pros of a C over an E:
Contact patch compliance
Fatigue strength of the sidewall (doesn't turn into heat and destroy the rubber)
Rolling resistance/mass/efficiency
Less expensive
Pros of an E over a C:
Greater 'ply rating' (potential sidewall puncture resistance)
