I dont understand them. Ive tried reading about it but it confuses me. What load range is jsut not good for a jeep? like the tires iw as looking at have a load range of d is that ok?

 

yes thats fine

load ranges dont really matter until you start getting unto 3/4 ton trucks and hualing items around

my toyo are load "d" larger load ratings on lighter rig tend to last longer

 

Rubican:

As a self-professed "tire guy"...I think I can give you a hand:

"Load Range" generally refers to "sidewall plies" of a tire. In the old days (and you will still get old timers asking about "sidewall plies"), it generally referred to the actual number of plies in a tire. With today's modern tire technologies (and the advent of different composite materials used in cap and ply construction), it can be a little tougher to define, I will try to simplify:

- Load Range "C" (generally classified as a "6-ply" tire): You will see this fitment on older Suburbans, Chevy trucks, and some older Jeeps: a common load range "C" is a 31x10.50R15 LT)

- Load Range "D" (generally classified as an "8-ply" tire): You will see this fitment on 3/4 ton trucks and vans and the like: common sizes include: LT225/75R16, LT315/75R16 (a common size for Jeepers that equates to a 35" diameter), and LT305/70R16 (also a common size that equates to a 33" diameter)

- Load Range "E" (generally classified as a "10-ply" tire): You will see this size on pretty much all 1-ton trucks and vans, and any application where towing is utilized is also a good place for it. Dual-rear wheel trucks (duallies) also usually utilize Load Range "E": Common sizes include: LT215/85R16, LT235/85R16, LT245/75R16, and a good deal of the flotation size 37x12.50R17s (The Toyo Open Country M/T being a particularly good example)

- Load Range "F" (generally classified as a "12-ply" tire): this is a relatively rare passenger fitment, and once you get into this weight rating tire, you are usually discussing Motorhome applications and 1+ ton applications. A notable example can be found on the 2008+ Ford F-450 which uses a LT225/70R19.5 tire. These tires can have a maximum inflation rating in excess of 90+ psi.



Basically, for our intended uses as Jeep drivers, where our vehicles don't usually see a GVWR (Gross Vehicular Weight Rating) in excess of 6000 pounds (even with bumpers, winches, etc.), you are perfectly fine utilizing all the way down to a Load Range "C." (6-ply). However, most off-road fitments are going to be either a "D" or "E," so go with what you like. The important thing is: PICK A TIRE THAT DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH SUSPENSION ARTICULATION AND FRAME/BODY CLEARANCE!!!


A lengthy explanation, but I hope it helps.


Russ D.

 

Good info.

But from my experience any tire above a load range D ( E and higher ) WILL have a harsher/rougher ride especially on a SUV because of the extra belts/plys.

I WOULD STAY WITH LOAD RANGE C or D.

 

That can be compensated for (to a certain extent) with decreased air pressure and the like. Indeed, I had a 2006 TJ Rubicon that came with an OEM fitment of the Goodyear Wrangler MT-R in a LT245/75R16 LRE. This tire has a maximum psi of 80. However, Jeep correctly listed the normal operating pressure on their door placard at 33 psi. An acceptable pressure for a 10-ply tire being operated on a 4x4 with a comparatively low GVWR. However, some "E"s do ride stiffer than others...no doubt about that.


Russ D.