Numbered load indexes 116 vs 122S

[AFournier]

Does anyone have any knowledge on the performance of a 116 load index vs 122 on a winter tire? I can get a 116 load index tire for much less than a 122 in the same brand,  model & size. I can imagine there is a reason why it's so much cheaper, and wonder how performance will be affected. I have a 2017 1500 CC that is always carrying 1000lbs+ of tools and the roads are rough here in Vancouver Canada. Potholes and cracks all over. There doesn't seem to be much info on this particular subject, on such a subtle difference in a tire's load index.

 

My best guess is that a 116 tire will "sag" or look flatter more than a 122 load index, as it's rated 600lbs less than the 122.

Edited October 15, 2020 by Alexandre Fournier