Tire Load Range

[Mojo29]

I've got a set of 265/75/16 E123Q Nitto Terra Grapplers on my runner. I'm running them with 99 talls with a 1/4 top plate and 906's in the rear w/ 10mm spacer. Tokico trek masters all around. Since I've had these tires I've noticed a pretty hard ride. Is the load range E too much for our trucks? I was hoping that the tires would soften up over time but it doesn't seem like the case. These tires are a 10 ply and have a weight capacity of 3400 lbs. I went with the mentality that the 10 ply would take more abuse on the trails, but it's really starting to get unconfortable. Is there any way to soften up the ride a bit?

 

[Gerdo]

Load Range E are heavy for our 4runners. A lot run C and D. The key is NOT to run the max pressure that is on the side of the tire. I run that size and run at ~35psi. The max pressure is for carrying the max load. We are no where near that. I have driven over 150,000 miles on LT tires at 35psi.

 

[Mojo29]

Load Range E are heavy for our 4runners. A lot run C and D. The key is NOT to run the max pressure that is on the side of the tire. I run that size and run at ~35psi. The max pressure is for carrying the max load. We are no where near that. I have driven over 150,000 miles on LT tires at 35psi.

I have them at about 40 psi and I'll try dropping them to 35 psi. Will this make the tires wear unevenly?

 

[Gerdo]

I have them at about 40 psi and I'll try dropping them to 35 psi. Will this make the tires wear unevenly?

Very doubtful.

 

[CraigRoberts]

I have E-rated Wrangler DuraTracs on my 5th Gen and its a pretty hard ride. I might get the C or D next time if they're available.

Still, not as bad as the Porsche.

 

[Mojo29]

So I checked my tire pressure. To my suprise my tire pressure actually read 58psi!!! No wonder these things seemed like I had no suspension. I told my mechanic when they installed them a while back to set them at 40 psi. Apparently that wasn't done and I never checked them. I dropped the tires to 35 psi and it rides like a completely new truck. They are still stiffer than my stockers but alot more tolerable now. Thanks for the help!!!

 

[blcktpgsr]

I must be missing alot in terms of ride comfort, either that or you guys are feeling the effects of old age at an early stage because I swear, I'm running load range E and my body ain't complainin'!!!!!

My shocks ain't the best in the world either..

 

[Gerdo]

Stock tires are a "P" series tire, passenger car. They are very soft. If you air down when you wheel, the sidewalls will soften. You could probably run 20psi or less without a problem.

 

[Mojo29]

I must be missing alot in terms of ride comfort, either that or you guys are feeling the effects of old age at an early stage because I swear, I'm running load range E and my body ain't complainin'!!!!!

My shocks ain't the best in the world either..

One of the biggest problems is the woman. She already complains it's not easy to get in there and I don't even have a big lift on (she is only 5'1).

If I air down to 20 psi don't I run the possibility of blowing a bead without bead locks? Obviously I won't run that pressure unless I'm off road however there is still that possibility.

 

[blcktpgsr]

One of the biggest problems is the woman. She already complains it's not easy to get in there and I don't even have a big lift on (she is only 5'1).

Ah well there's no argument there.

 

[Singtoe]

I have them at about 40 psi and I'll try dropping them to 35 psi. Will this make the tires wear unevenly?

Yes. Your tires will develop cupping patterns. High pressure keeps them wearing even.

If your tires still have good tread on them, I would trade them or sell them out right and buy some lighter ply tires.

 

[iowajosh]

Yes. Your tires will develop cupping patterns. High pressure keeps them wearing even.

The proper pressure for that vehicle helps them wear evenly. Do a chalk test. Too much pressure is not better. It is not economical either if you wear all the tread off the center of your tire 10,000 miles early to gain 1/4 mpg. Cupping probably comes from alignment/suspension though.