Seems like all tires are E-rated now..

When I was younger, maybe 20 years ago, there was a wide selection of C-rated LT tires, in any size you could imagine. Now, it seems like everything is E-rated. I don't have a 1-ton pickup, and I'm not towing every day. I don't need an E-rated tire. However, I do haul 1200-1500 lbs of firewood per week in the summer, and sometimes, I need to trailer my antique car. A C-rated tire is definitely up to that task. Why are C, and even D rated tires so rare these days?

 

Simple...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3LWum8vk3k

 

Agreed. It's a bit frustrating when looking for tires. Of course, it really depends on the size too. Stock 275/65 18s can be found in standard SL ratings, but if you bump up to 275/70 18, there are only about 3 non e-rated options.

17s offer better c-options. And thanks to Jeep, 285/70 17 c-rated options are plentiful.

 

Yeah, but I really don't want to go with 17s for wheels. The brake clearance on the 22+ is so tight, and I spend a good bit of time on gravel, dirt, and unimproved roads. Oh well. I'm not going to do anything probably until after next winter.

 

What’s the big deal with running an E tire. I think if you rode in a truck with E tires and no one told you, you’d never notice. The winter tires on my tundra are E and the summer tires are F. You don’t have to run them at 80 psi!

 

You've probably just gone nose blind to your stiff tires. There’s definitely a difference

 

It's all about the weight. Stock 18" Michelins weigh around 41lbs. Any e-rated tire you find in the stock size is going to weigh about 12-15lbs more per tire. That's huge. When you bump up to a larger than stock tire, the difference only gets larger, then you add in people with aftermarket, heavier wheels too.

That extra weight negatively impacts your ride but also impacts the handling, acceleration, braking and overall fuel economy. You're just giving away power.

 

Agree OP. E rated is over kill for most. Maybe the BFG KO3 that’s coming out will have more options?

 

The only guaranteed option with the new BFGs is that you’re going to replace them soon, I’m afraid. Terrible how much their quality has slipped just in the last few years.

 

Certainly hasn't been my experience.

@Bourbonator, I'm actually running BFG KO2's in load range C. That's one option for you.

 

Likewise, here.

 

What sizes are you running? 17"? I had 255/75 17 c-rated K02 on my last truck. I really liked the tires. Wish i could get a 275/70 18 in the same.

 

285/70/17 here. I'm in a 1st gen though.

 

Lol pretty sure those k02 load range c still weighs like 15+ heavier then regular SL rated AT

 

BFG KO2 in 34x10.5x17 has an overall dia of 33.5, 11" width, and weighs 54.7 in D
Toyo AT3 in 34x10.5x17 has an overall dia of 33.5, 10.6" width, and weighs 55 lbs in D
AT3 in 285/75/17 has an overall dia of 33.9", 11.3" width, and weighs 59 lbs in C.

There are lighter options with similar ODs and widths for 18" wheels, but they're all E rated. 18" wheels are heavier, so weight is probably a wash and you get a stiffer ride. Why not go 35? Because I like to keep it closer to stock - ETA: and I don't want all the extra rolling resistance and weight.

 

Pretty close.
Stock is around 41lbs.

K02 285/70 17 C= 51lbs, so "only" 10lbs heavier. But quite a bit heavier for 1st gens though i'd imagine.
K02 285/70 17 E= 58lbs.
k02 275/65 18 E= 55lbs
K02 275/70 18 E=57lbs

 

well…so does a full tank of fuel vs an empty tank or a few passengers vs just a driver. Let’s not split hairs here.

 

Not the same thing as unsprung weight. More impactful in the rotating mass at each corner than in the tank or the bed.

 

I know the difference and I know what you mean…I guess I just look at it differently. Don’t care if I lose a little power or mpg. It’s a truck and I don’t drive it with my foot to the floor. Certainly aren’t going to limit my options of tires based on a few extra pounds. I also put “over-rated” tires on my trailers when given the opportunity.

My personal experience with load e and load f tires on my 2021 has been positive. And everyone who rides in the truck comments how well it rides (it does have upgraded suspension though) But I have a 1 ton too so the tundra definitely rides better.

 

lol ive never seen such defense on E rated tires

go take a ride on a stock truck, swap tires to E rated on same rims and go on same route

you cant say that you would never notice, there is huge difference in ride/throttle application/braking/bodyroll/turning etc

 

I don’t care what anyone else buys. I’m just offering my experience. My 2021 came stock with 20” wheels and the stock tires. No idea what they are…sitting in corner of my shop. And I put 35” load f Cooper rugged treks on. No ragrets!

Buy what you want. Run what you want. I’m just saying I don’t dismiss the tire just because of the load rating.

 

In my experience heavier tires alone does not affect mpg. Diameter does.

staying in the same size but using e rated was no mpg change

 

Good luck finding a LT275/70R18 in anything but load E. It’s pretty low on my give a shit meter.

 

my mpg isn't affected by running Es in stock size. 15.6mpg with lots of steel.

 

All of that is true, but I guess I just don’t care. It’s far more important to me to be able to go nearly anywhere I want with absolute ease. I bought my truck for particular tasks: hunting, hauling, towing, dispersed camping, off-roading. Keeping myself comfortable or retaining an extra 1-2mpg are nowhere to be found on that list.

If there were C rated tires in the size I’m running, maybe I would try them out. But there aren’t, and I’m really happy with my setup. It eats up everything from Tennessee mud to sand to snow to SW Colorado shelf roads and high clearance required trails. And it’s decent on pavement, too. I have zero complaints, even if I can tell a difference from the stock Michelins.

 

I'm now running SL-rated Goodyears on my 2014.
I don't tow or haul much heavy stuff, except my own fat ass.
The SL ride is much better than the D-rated KO and KO2s I've had..


Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT | Discount Tire

 

Larger tires don't increase rolling resistance... actually the opposite.

A new option in 315/70r17 load C, 52lbs: Also in 325/65r18 (35x13) and are D load, T speed rated, 65 lbs:

 

The govt. begs to differ, and they wouldn’t lie to us!!!

 

I’ve been very pleased with my nitto ridge grapplers e-rated in 275/70/18. I think it’s best overall tire size for most people’s needs.

I still get 16.5 mpg combined with those tires.
My tires are inflated to 46psi cold, and hit 51psi when i’m driving on fwy.

 

Holy crap, who wrote that?!