Who's made the switch?

[WrexHAmm]

I've done some searching and read all about tires but I am hoping to find somebody who has made the switch from E Load to something lighter (P,LT,C,D) and how much of a difference it actually made.

I'd like to hear some real experiences.... like I was running an E Load and switched to D Load and the difference was X. I'm trying to establish if it is worth making a switch from the E Load or is the actual difference hardly noticeable.

 

[Blanco]

I made the switch the other way around kind of, from Michelin LTX C rated tires on my Runner to E rated Wranglers and the ride was definitely 'softer' on the C's.

However, keep in mind that inflation guidelines on tires, like the E's for example are based on a particular load so I would say, check your D's inflation recommendation and if you're not hauling a heavy load, try a lower pressure to smooth out your ride. For example, my E's are recommended for 80psi at 'full' load but that makes my average ride feel like the Flinstones' car!

So I inflated them to 60psi, took some white sidewalk chalk and drew some solid lines right across the tread lug surfaces and drove with my most common load (the kids and a bit of camping gear) down the road about 100 feet. I did this a few times, adjusting the pressure until I got even wear (i.e. the chalk wore off evenly across the lugs). I can't remember where I ended up (50+ psi maybe) but the ride is very comfortable now, definitly not as smooth as the C's but much nicer.

Disclaimer: I'm not expert on this but it worked for me.

 

[Blanco]

Oops, just re-read your post - you haven't actually MADE the switch to D's, you're just looking for feedback! Well, maybe I helped a little : )

 

[jacob7071]

I switched from 265/75 BFG All Terrains in E load to passenger rated Michellin LTX in the same size. There is a difference, but I think it's pretty small. It's still a rough ride because the 4Runners are trucks, and I was expecting a pretty good jump in MPGs, but I only get another 15 miles or so out of a tank. IMO, the look of the BFGs are worth the slightly rougher ride and slightly lower MPG.

Now, aske me in a few months when gas hits $5.00 / gal. Those 15 miles might get a little more precious.

 

[WrexHAmm]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes it helped some but not entirely. I already have the tires aired down because they are E Load. I guess what would help out is how significant was the "softer" ride? I know that feel is all relative to the person but is that change significant enough to change you tires.

 

[SCRunner12]

I switched from Load E Cooper Discoverer STT to Load D BFG AT's. I've noticed a softer ride and less jarring in the cab. This was partly the E to D, but also from an MT to an AT. I also kept the same size. I don't know if I would necessarily switch again just from E to D, but I needed to get rid of the STT's due to noise and not needing a MT.

 

[J-money$$$]

Switched from 285-75r16 bfg Km2's load range E to 315-75-r16 Goodyear MTRs load range D.

Rides the same IMO. My main problem with E ratings is that even at 35 psi the tires wore like they were under inflated. I figure its because they are designed to be ran on full size trucks at 80 psi. so yeah they were under inflated.