Load ratings on tires D vs E ?

KN · 09-26-2009, 03:30 PM

Hey guys is there a big difference between a D rated tire and a E rated tire I think the E is a ten ply and the D an 8. My truck came with E rated 2006 GMC 2500 I'm thinking on swithing to D rated is this a bad idea?

Thanks Kirk

Catmando · 09-26-2009, 04:13 PM

You're correct on the plies. I'm surprised you have Es on your truck, I thought they were for duallys. If you tow heavy you should keep the Es. If not, the Ds will probly give a softer ride. You should be ok with Ds up to 8000lbs.

Wait and see what Sydwayz says, he's the man on this stuff.

Sydwayz · 09-26-2009, 04:39 PM

The only way you will be legal for towing at the max is with the E-load rated tires.

Why are you thinking about going D? Rough ride currently? Factory tires on those trucks are pretty much barely good enough. Invest in a good tire and you will have a nice ride and still have E-rating.

The factory E-rated whatevers that came on 2500 Avalanche were terrible, along with those pissant 16x6 wheels.

5PMSMWHR · 09-26-2009, 06:33 PM

Sidewayz, any thoughts on E rated tires for 20x9 wheels? Vehicle is an 06 2500 Duramax towing an 02 353 Fastech, (12,000 lbs) Currently running the 16 inchers with Bridgestone E rated tires.

Catmando · 09-26-2009, 07:04 PM

"Pissant 16 wheels" lol well the "doughnut" look is coming back sad to say.

KN · 09-26-2009, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sydwayz

The only way you will be legal for towing at the max is with the E-load rated tires.

Why are you thinking about going D? Rough ride currently? Factory tires on those trucks are pretty much barely good enough. Invest in a good tire and you will have a nice ride and still have E-rating.

The factory E-rated whatevers that came on 2500 Avalanche were terrible, along with those pissant 16x6 wheels.

There is a auto parts store having a sale on Pirrelli tires buy 3 get the fourth one free but the size i'm looking for they only come in D. Thank you guys for the help I will pass and get the right load rating.

32storm · 09-26-2009, 10:07 PM

Stick with the "E"'s.

spilman · 09-26-2009, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catmando

You're correct on the plies. I'm surprised you have Es on your truck, I thought they were for duallys. If you tow heavy you should keep the Es. If not, the Ds will probly give a softer ride. You should be ok with Ds up to 8000lbs.

Wait and see what Sydwayz says, he's the man on this stuff.

Actually, a dually would have less psi on the road than a srw F350. All my SRW F350's have always had e-rated and I would not think a D would cut it towing or carrying 4.5k in the box; which is a very common scenario for me. I had a 'Just Tires' store try to mount d rated; needless to say their incompetence has cost them a few customers.
Stick with the E-rated tires.

Sydwayz · 09-27-2009, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5PMSMWHR

Sidewayz, any thoughts on E rated tires for 20x9 wheels? Vehicle is an 06 2500 Duramax towing an 02 353 Fastech, (12,000 lbs) Currently running the 16 inchers with Bridgestone E rated tires.

I don't have any experience with E-rated 20" tires.

But, I'd look into BFGoodrich and Nitto.

Also, swing by your Ford dealer and take a look at what tires they are putting on the Factory 20" wheels that come on the new F350 SRW trucks. Continental comes to mind, which I am not overly fond of, but see if you can confirm.

Stick a post up on thedieselstop.com too. It's a primarily Ford PSD board and they will have a lot of input.

spilman · 09-27-2009, 11:30 AM

Just replaced my factory tires on my 08 F350; 275/65-20. Went back with Goodyear Wranglers. The first set went 72k miles so I stayed with the Goodyears...Load range E of course.
They look pretty good too....there were not very many choices, continental was 1 option, but most were more money and why change a good thing. just my .02