Best load range for new tires?

[Bravo1]

Looking at all the choices for new tires but I've become a little concerned about what load range may be best. I currently have a load range D on my 2000 4R 2wd and like the ride I have. Not too harsh but feels solid. Tire size is 265/75R 16.

Questions arise when looking at the choices: Michelin AT/2, Nitto TG, Revos, and Firestone Dest AT, in that the only one with load range D is the Nittos. I've never had a load range E and get concerned that the ride will be way too harsh at that level and I do not tow or haul anything that would justify that weight load.

On the other hand, I don't want to go with a load range C and find it is too mushy. I am only considering the LT size since the P version sidewall strength scares me when going off on the dirt roads etc. and those rocks and stray wires jumping up and atttacking...

How is the ride for those with load range C tires? Is there a big difference? Any thoughts from the tire experts out there?? Thanks guys.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Load range E is way too much for a 4000lb truck and will ride harsh. D is fine for our trucks and my Nittos do ride a bit stiff but it just feels like a truck and I love their wet weather handling and price.

You other tire choices you listed might be better if you don't really off road much and you see alot of pavement miles.

 

[Thai]

Personally, i would get with Load Range C. Your 4runner is not the smoothest nor comfiest ride...i would look for a tire that either is load range C or has a reputation of a good ride. Nittos are pretty good. I have heard that LTX A/T-2 LR E is actually pretty comfy.

Even though higher load ranges do help with sidewall strength, you may want to consider BFG AT KO if sidewall strength is a priority. I have personally examined both Nittos and LTX A/T-2 sidewall at my local dealer and was NOT impress by the thickness. But, if your priority is ride comfort, then i think that i would go with LTX A/T-2 (even at load range E) over Nittos. I also had Nittos on my G at one point and found them to have a hum on the highway that was somewhat bothersome after a while. BTW, apparently, an independent test did show that LTX A/T-2 outperformed REVOs (and Goodyear SilentArmor) on-road and off-road. So, LTX A/T-2 is a good compromise tire IMHO.

 

[Bravo1]

Thanks guys for the input. I have had some experience with the older version of the LTX AT several years ago on a Jeep GC and was happy with them. But with the change of tread design, wasn't sure how the new one performs, especially with the load range E. Sounds like Thai has done some research on it though.

I like what I hear about the Nittos but have noticed the tread is more aggressive and thus will have more noise than the LTX, though it seems among folks here that it is not excessive. I don't need the sidewall strength and thus decided against the BFG AT, though I had those on a Tacoma and liked them too.

I think I will shop around for the LTX and see if I can find a good price on them. I know Costco carries Michelin but not sure if they will put the 265/75 16 on (which I prefer), instead of the 265/70. I understand they have a policy about not putting on anything besides the "stock" size...

Anybody have any experience with Costco in relation to putting on the 75 aspect size instead of the 70???

 

[Thai]

Discount Tire Co. will do it for you...if there is one near you.

 

[cknsls@adelphia]

Cross Terrains

Personally, i would get with Load Range C. Your 4runner is not the smoothest nor comfiest ride...i would look for a tire that either is load range C or has a reputation of a good ride. Nittos are pretty good. I have heard that LTX A/T-2 LR E is actually pretty comfy.

Even though higher load ranges do help with sidewall strength, you may want to consider BFG AT KO if sidewall strength is a priority. I have personally examined both Nittos and LTX A/T-2 sidewall at my local dealer and was NOT impress by the thickness. But, if your priority is ride comfort, then i think that i would go with LTX A/T-2 (even at load range E) over Nittos. I also had Nittos on my G at one point and found them to have a hum on the highway that was somewhat bothersome after a while. BTW, apparently, an independent test did show that LTX A/T-2 outperformed REVOs (and Goodyear SilentArmor) on-road and off-road. So, LTX A/T-2 is a good compromise tire IMHO.

I tow a 5,000 pound trailer with a 750 pound tongue weight with Cross Terrains in the standard load range and have no complaints.

If you do not do any towing and do not carry heavy loads your concern about tires over load range "C" is unwarranted IMHO.

Good luck on whatever you decide.

 

[Thai]

Re: Cross Terrains

I tow a 5,000 pound trailer with a 750 pound tongue weight with Cross Terrains in the standard load range and have no complaints.

If you do not do any towing and do not carry heavy loads your concern about tires over load range "C" is unwarranted IMHO.

Good luck on whatever you decide.

You are probably right...but i always like to be on the safe side. A colleague of mine, who is also a farmer, has a F150 with Scorpion tires (stock). He was towing at the limit of the F150 (8000 lbs or so?). I told him that his 18" P-rated tires are probably not up to task, esp. if he tows a lot. He states that Ford put them on...so, they must be good. A few hundred miles later, he blew one of his tire...no nail, no punture wound...it just exploded while on the highway! :awais: Again, i have no idea if he inflated it to correct pressure or not or if he towed within the limits or not...it is just one of those stories where i got to say..."told ya so!" He now has BFG AT KO. (Watch him blow those tires too and make me eat my words!)

 

[cknsls@adelphia]

Re: Re: Cross Terrains

You are probably right...but i always like to be on the safe side. A colleague of mine, who is also a farmer, has a F150 with Scorpion tires (stock). He was towing at the limit of the F150 (8000 lbs or so?). I told him that his 18" P-rated tires are probably not up to task, esp. if he tows a lot. He states that Ford put them on...so, they must be good. A few hundred miles later, he blew one of his tire...no nail, no punture wound...it just exploded while on the highway! :awais: Again, i have no idea if he inflated it to correct pressure or not or if he towed within the limits or not...it is just one of those stories where i got to say..."told ya so!" He now has BFG AT KO. (Watch him blow those tires too and make me eat my words!)

Yes, your on the right track. When towing many things come in to play, tongue weight, weight being properly distributed both in your trailer and on the weight distributing hitch (if he even had one.) And most of all towing speed, proper inflation, and ambient temperature.

Don't mean to be off subject. Most standard tires properly inflated should be able to handle some towing.

 

[MacGenius]

I just got my new shoe recently BFG 265/70R17 E Load Rating. They feel just fine for normal driving.

Load range E is way too much for a 4000lb truck and will ride harsh. D is fine for our trucks and my Nittos do ride a bit stiff but it just feels like a truck and I love their wet weather handling and price.

You other tire choices you listed might be better if you don't really off road much and you see alot of pavement miles.

 

[OneEyedHito]

Load range E is way too much for a 4000lb truck and will ride harsh. D is fine for our trucks and my Nittos do ride a bit stiff but it just feels like a truck and I love their wet weather handling and price.

You other tire choices you listed might be better if you don't really off road much and you see alot of pavement miles.

Not being argumentative just giving my experience......I have 'E' Rated Revo's on my '04 and the ride is great! I mean seriously it is solid, I can feel bumps and holes in the road but it is not a great deal more severe than my Camry. It feels like any other Toyota Taco or Tundra I have road in.

It probably wouldn't be ideal for a woman but then again either would the lift and so forth, and then again for some women it would be ;-)

The reason I chimed in on this is because I had some concern as to the stiffness when I bought them, but figured with the 6 or so times I will pull the Sea-Ray this year it was worth the extra weight and stiffness with the 10 ply side wall......and I am very pleased with the everyday ride.

Cheers.

 

[Falls]

I agree with all of the above statements , BUT I put on "P" rated Revos within 50 miles or and through my towing / off road adventures and lots of daily driving they did fine strength wise.

One of the reasons I was looking into the GY SA's because of the Kevlar re-inforcements in the "P" rated . I do an awful lot of driving so to find that balance of being strong and comfortable is a choice I'll need to make soon.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Why pay for load range E if you don't need it;my D rated Nittos are perfect for a 4000lb truck and E rated Nittos cost $20 more a tire and for what?
E will contribute to less MPGs since you are just adding more unsprung weight to each corner.

 

[Falls]

Ron , dont Nitto's come in P,C,D,E ratings. I always thought C was a good compromise unless you have a Superduty or something.

I wish I could get a set of them locally . There is only 1 place that has them and they know it. They are not much cheaper then BFG AT's.

I hate buying over the internet !!!! 2 times I had issues and had to send back and forth put other tires back on and off until resolved . Just a pain in the a$$.