Load range for tires

[krupnation]

I've narrowed down my options for tires and have finally decided to go with Goodyear Duratrac's 285/70-17. I think these will fit all my needs perfectly in a good looking tire. I've done lots of searching and found that most have these in load range C or E. A lot of peeps said the C load range is sometimes to "soft" and that the E load range is sometimes to "stiff" unless you have accesories that weigh more on your truck.

When looking at Tirerack.com and other sites, they have them in load range D. Anyone have any experience with these tires (or other tires) in a load range D? Is this the correct load range I need? I don't have a lot of extras, only thing I have right now is a Thule box and when fully loaded would weight 100 lbs tops.

 

[d2huffman]

I would go with D load range and find right tire pressure. I ran BFG TA KO D load range on my explorer and it was good. Had E load range on for a week when store put wrong ones on and they were to stiff. C load range not adaquate for off road. I run my current D load range at 35psi

 

[ohnoitsthecops]

I have duratracs in 285 70 17 load range D I like them, quiet on road never had traction problems offroad yet

 

[Aquabear]

Hey Krup,

I have them and love em. The Duras aggressive enough for offroad but on road performance is great for one really thick tough looking tire.
I have 285-70-17(load r ?) running 40-51 psi depending on how stiff I want the ride to be- 40 can be nice and soft but on heavy loads on the highway I raise psi to +50- but to each driver their own psi, max is 65 I think. Their great in the rain for you Krup but can't rate them in snow yet.
Good luck bruddah!

Just checked max psi 65 and D load range. Perfect tire.

 

[krupnation]

thanks for the input you guys! Sounds like D range is right for me.

Aquabear and Ohnoitsthecops, how much (if any) trimming did you have to do to fit the 285's? I know I have to remove my mud flaps and probably will have to trim the plastic piece in front. You guys didn't need a body mount chop did you? Muchos gracias

Oh yeah, I should have pretty much 3" lift in front and 2" lift in back with new setup when getting my tires.

 

[darkie3495]

thanks for the input you guys! Sounds like D range is right for me.

Aquabear and Ohnoitsthecops, how much (if any) trimming did you have to do to fit the 285's? I know I have to remove my mud flaps and probably will have to trim the plastic piece in front. You guys didn't need a body mount chop did you? Muchos gracias

Oh yeah, I should have pretty much 3" lift in front and 2" lift in back with new setup when getting my tires.

I'm running 285 duratrac's with approx 3" lift and had to chop the body mount and trim even more on the front bumper. I would rub the body mount driving around town. If you off road at all, you might have to flatten your pinch welds as well.

In the rear, you might want to replace the standard bolts on the rear flaps to flat head bolts like Tony_LT1 did. I ripped off a few of my stock ones the first time offroading with the duratracs.

 

[ohnoitsthecops]

sorry mine are on my fj, but yes on my fj i did have to chop the body mount (i did at 200 miles on the odometer lol)

 

[Aquabear]

thanks for the input you guys! Sounds like D range is right for me.

Aquabear and Ohnoitsthecops, how much (if any) trimming did you have to do to fit the 285's? I know I have to remove my mud flaps and probably will have to trim the plastic piece in front. You guys didn't need a body mount chop did you? Muchos gracias

Oh yeah, I should have pretty much 3" lift in front and 2" lift in back with new setup when getting my tires.

Whats up Krup!
No prob bro.
I had more trimming with my dremmel than I thought on the plastic piece in front- had to do it 3 times before I got it right! It sucked to cut my baby.
So far I have not done body mount chop nor hammered the pinch weld (May do it when it gets warmer)but the rubbing has stopped when onroad driving. Offroad I haven't noticed anything.

The mud flaps are off. Oh yeah, I do have spidertrax, don't know if you have them. - Nevermind you have em.
PS: It may fit but you DONT want to put that size in the spare tire location- it screws up the suspension BADLY. Trust me I know:happens:
Good luck bro, keep us updated!

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Anything more than load range c is a waste on a 4runner. These are not 3/4 ton trucks. I have off roaded in the desert for many years on my BFG all terrian c rated tires without a problem. Just make sure you get a 3 ply sidewall tire and they will be tough. If you like it to ride like a 3/4 ton truck then get e rated tires.

 

[krupnation]

Anything more than load range c is a waste on a 4runner. These are not 3/4 ton trucks. I have off roaded in the desert for many years on my BFG all terrian c rated tires without a problem. Just make sure you get a 3 ply sidewall tire and they will be tough. If you like it to ride like a 3/4 ton truck then get e rated tires.

My question was about D range, not E. I think the D load range will be fine and I'm going with that. The thing I'm not looking forward to is the body mount chop and/or pinch weld hammering. Hope I don't get too much rubbing. :AK47:

I'll update when I get my tires. Ordering my Superflex coils next week.

 

[krupnation]

Whats up Krup!
No prob bro.
I had more trimming with my dremmel than I thought on the plastic piece in front- had to do it 3 times before I got it right! It sucked to cut my baby.
So far I have not done body mount chop nor hammered the pinch weld (May do it when it gets warmer)but the rubbing has stopped when onroad driving. Offroad I haven't noticed anything.

The mud flaps are off. Oh yeah, I do have spidertrax, don't know if you have them. - Nevermind you have em.
PS: It may fit but you DONT want to put that size in the spare tire location- it screws up the suspension BADLY. Trust me I know:happens:
Good luck bro, keep us updated!

Gotcha on the spare. I've been reading on the forum that some have bought a worn down 285 to fit in the spare spot, so I might try that. Found some cheap wore down tires on Craigslist.…ordering the Superflex coils next week and then tires after that! Stoked!

 

[12guns]

I say 6 ply-load range c-is plenty for a 4runner. I've run them on a 96' Tacoma and my 4runner and never had a problem. I like the idea of a little more "give" vs the stiffer "e" and "d" tires. Most stock 1/2 ton trucks even come with p rated 4 ply tires if I remember right. Most SUV's come w/ P rated 4 plys for sure. It stands to reason the more plies, the better, but only to an extent, after that you're bound to feel a stiffer ride. Just my thoughts.

 

[krupnation]

I say 6 ply-load range c-is plenty for a 4runner. I've run them on a 96' Tacoma and my 4runner and never had a problem. I like the idea of a little more "give" vs the stiffer "e" and "d" tires. Most stock 1/2 ton trucks even come with p rated 4 ply tires if I remember right. Most SUV's come w/ P rated 4 plys for sure. It stands to reason the more plies, the better, but only to an extent, after that you're bound to feel a stiffer ride. Just my thoughts.

Roger that 12guns. I think C load range is fine but just was wondering more about D as thats what my local Discount Tire has in stock. I just didn't want a super stiff bouncy tire and from the feedback I've gotten from this site it looks like D is ok. Plus, down the road, when I get more accessories (perkins rack, bumpers, etc) it'll help with the added weight. Thanks for the input!

 

[d2huffman]

I don't think that C loads translate directly to 6 plys. BFG TAs are probably the exception - I would call them a C+ for their Cs and a D+ plus on their Ds. The biggest issue I see with running Cs is the strength of the sidewalls if you are doing any off road driving, especially rocky and if you load up for a camping trip. With the suspension upgrades you are installing, the D load range tires are still going to be the softest part.

 

[JB.]

Is this the correct load range I need? I don't have a lot of extras, only thing I have right now is a Thule box and when fully loaded would weight 100 lbs tops.

The only real relevance of the load range is as a rough indicator of tire toughness. It has almost nothing to do with carrying a load on pavement for this size vehicle and at the pressures most people run, that capacity actually goes down when the switch is made from P to an LT tire.

Since you've already chosen the tire, the load range will be a direct indicator of relative toughness. If you always air down off-road, I'll bet any load range will be plenty tough enough.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

The only real relevance of the load range is as a rough indicator of tire toughness. It has almost nothing to do with carrying a load on pavement for this size vehicle and at the pressures most people run, that capacity actually goes down when the switch is made from P to an LT tire.

Since you've already chosen the tire, the load range will be a direct indicator of relative toughness. If you always air down off-road, I'll bet any load range will be plenty tough enough.

I do not agree with this. I picked a random size BFG all terrain size here. 265/70R17
Load Index 112 = 2484lbs (1129kg) per tire
Load Index 109 = 2271lbs ( 1030kg) per tire
Speed Rating “R” = 106mph (170kph) 112/109R CMax Load = 2,470 lbs
Max psi = 50 psi
Not required for
this tire.None 2470 lbs.
50 psi
16/32"
47 lbs. 7-8.5"
8"
10.7"
NA
31.8"
654
Country of Origin "US" = UNITED STATES OF AMERICAUS
265/70R17
Load Index 121 = 3267lbs (1485kg) per tire
Load Index 118 = 2982lbs ( 1355kg) per tire
Speed Rating “R” = 106mph (170kph) 121/118R EMax Load = 3,195 lbs
Max psi = 80 psi
Not required for
this tire.None 3195 lbs.
80 psi
16/32"
55 lbs. 7-8.5"
8"
10.7"
NA
31.8"
654
Country of Origin "US" = UNITED STATES OF AMERICAUS
Notice the difference in carrying capacity, weight and psi from just going from load range c to e.
I noticed this did not copy over correctly but the numbers are correct for a 265/70/17 tire E and C load range from Tire Rack.

 

[krupnation]

I do not agree with this. I picked a random size BFG all terrain size here. 265/70R17
Load Index 112 = 2484lbs (1129kg) per tire
Load Index 109 = 2271lbs ( 1030kg) per tire
Speed Rating “R” = 106mph (170kph) 112/109R CMax Load = 2,470 lbs
Max psi = 50 psi
Not required for
this tire.None 2470 lbs.
50 psi
16/32"
47 lbs. 7-8.5"
8"
10.7"
NA
31.8"
654
Country of Origin "US" = UNITED STATES OF AMERICAUS
265/70R17
Load Index 121 = 3267lbs (1485kg) per tire
Load Index 118 = 2982lbs ( 1355kg) per tire
Speed Rating “R” = 106mph (170kph) 121/118R EMax Load = 3,195 lbs
Max psi = 80 psi
Not required for
this tire.None 3195 lbs.
80 psi
16/32"
55 lbs. 7-8.5"
8"
10.7"
NA
31.8"
654
Country of Origin "US" = UNITED STATES OF AMERICAUS
Notice the difference in carrying capacity, weight and psi from just going from load range c to e.
I noticed this did not copy over correctly but the numbers are correct for a 265/70/17 tire E and C load range from Tire Rack.

So, if what you are saying is correct, the D range should fit somewhere in the middle of the C and E. That's exactly what I read on the Tire Rack website as well. I do go offroad, mainly camping trips, and I'm planning on doing a trip to Moab this summer/fall with a buddy. He has E load range BFG AT's and they worked awesome for him last summer when he wheeled in Moab.

Thanks for all the input guys, I'm still gonna try the D load range as they are the most readily available to me (without shipping that is) and if they are super stiff and uncomfortable I'll just sell them or take them back. Discount is good about that kind of stuff

 

[03_4x4Runner]

So, if what you are saying is correct, the D range should fit somewhere in the middle of the C and E. That's exactly what I read on the Tire Rack website as well. I do go offroad, mainly camping trips, and I'm planning on doing a trip to Moab this summer/fall with a buddy. He has E load range BFG AT's and they worked awesome for him last summer when he wheeled in Moab.

Thanks for all the input guys, I'm still gonna try the D load range as they are the most readily available to me (without shipping that is) and if they are super stiff and uncomfortable I'll just sell them or take them back. Discount is good about that kind of stuff

Yes, load range D would be somewhere in the middle. With some manufactures you may not have a lot of choices with a particular size tire.

 

[JB.]

I do not agree with this.

Not exactly sure what the point of disagreement is. I'm just making the point that the stock P-metric tire has plenty of load reserve even with the vehicle loaded to GVW so there's no need to switch to an LT for that single purpose. Ironically, unless around 12psi is added to the switched out, same size LT, load capacity is actually less than the P-metric tire.

It's true that you can surpass the carrying capacity of the P-metric tire with a higher load LT tire, but only if you inflate above 45psi and it's mostly wasted capacity. A higher load tire simply allows more inflation pressure. Load C, D, E, all have the same load carrying capacity at pressures of 50psi or lower.

 

[darkie3495]

Thanks for all the input guys, I'm still gonna try the D load range as they are the most readily available to me (without shipping that is) and if they are super stiff and uncomfortable I'll just sell them or take them back. Discount is good about that kind of stuff

You'll be fine. I currently run the same tire that you're planning to get. They are only slightly stiffer than my p-rated Revo 1's so the difference is negligible. Nowhere near uncomfortable.

I mounted them before all the added weight (bumper, armor, dual battery, etc) and didn't notice that much of a difference in ride stiffness. Aired them down to 18 psi and drove them over typical NW offroad terrain (snow, mud, rocks, stumps, etc) and they did great with no punctures.

FYI, in this size of tire, Goodyear only offers D load range for the Duratrac.