285 Tires, Load D vs. E

Mattt · October 7, 2004

I recently installed a set of BFG AT 285/75-16 tires on my 2500HD 4WD. My original 245 tires were load range E. The new BFGs are load range D.

However, if you look at the weight rating in lbs. on the two tires, the load range D tire shows that it carries more weight. I think the 245(E) said it carries 2950lbs in single application, and the 285(D) said it carries about 3050lbs.

So, is swapping down to a load range D tire a NO NO on a 2500HD? Is it a problem even though the 285 carries more lbs?

What do I need to be most concerned with Load Range or Lbs?

Thanks in advance.

Shaners · October 7, 2004

The load range "D" tires you put on your truck should handle any load you carry as long as you stay within the GVW of your truck.

496 CUBIC INCHES · October 8, 2004

You'll be fine with the "D"s. If you overload the tires you'll have overloaded the rear axle as well. The axle has a 6K lb rating.

Ranger354 · October 8, 2004

Load range E are usually a 10 ply tire and D are usually an 8 ply tire.

catiaeng · October 8, 2004

Got to love the 285's!

The load range not only applies to the total load rating of the tire, but as Ranger354 noted LRE tires are 10 ply and LRD are 8 ply. This can attribuite to sway because the sidewall is taller and weaker compared to the LRE. However unless you carry a big load you will never know.

jkw · October 9, 2004

However unless you carry a big load you will never know.

yep. when i bought new 305/70/16s last week, which are D rated, the salesman at a really popular online tire store refused to sell them to me when i answered his question about what vehicle they were going on. so, i hung up and went to his web site and ordered them anyway. tires were delivered 2 days ago.

superbee · October 10, 2004

Be careful if your state has inspections. In PA you're not legal!!

Always_Working · October 14, 2004

I recently installed a set of BFG AT 285/75-16 tires on my 2500HD 4WD. My original 245 tires were load range E. The new BFGs are load range D.

-Are you using the 285s on OEM wheels? I got 245 on the OEM 6.5" width now, am wondering if it's safe to use 285 on 6.5" wheel, TIA.

Shaners · October 14, 2004

-Are you using the 285s on OEM wheels? I got 245 on the OEM 6.5" width now, am wondering if it's safe to use 285 on 6.5" wheel, TIA.

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Technically, most tire manufacturers don't recommend any tire larger than a 265/75/16 on the stock 6.5" wheel.