What is Load Rating E on Tires?

Any advantages to E rated tires? Looking at Wildpeek A/T 4W. Or is SL the way to go? Not going oversized as I’m avoiding rubbing.

thanks!

 

Load range E are LT tires. Load range C is a 6ply rating, D is 8 ply, E is 10 ply. Although, there aren't necessarily that many actual plies.

Load range E is good if you need maximum puncture resistance. SL is ideal for the best ride quality and fuel economy, and is fine for mild to moderate off-roading. Load range C is a popular middle ground.

Sometimes there variations in tread compound and siping between the SL and LT versions of tires. I'd stick to the SL version for mild off-roading and mostly street use.

 

It's a real tradeoff. You'll definitely notice the extra weight, but the durability gives peace of mind in those situations where failure would be most inconvenient. The weight is there all the time, though, and only you can say whether the durability offsets it.

 

I will stick to standard load. The SL ones are already 6lbs heavier per corner than the Terra grappler. The E load is 13lbs heavier per corner (7lbs more than SL).

E rated tires seem to be very duty specific. I’d do it in my non daily wrangler or bronco if I owned one. But my 4Runner is also my daily so the SL wildpeaks seem like a good compromise.

 

from what i remember, "E" rating tires are also used for towing heavy loads. usually you mate them to 8 lug rims since most 6 lugs are only rated up to 2500 lbs vs like 3500 for 8 lugs.

since we never tow 99.5% of the time, we just use standard load (p-rated) duratracs on our 23 tundra platinum since its the wifes daily driver.

 

Good point!

I forgot to mention this in my other reply. The 4Runner's GVWR and towing capacity don't really necessitate anything beyond an SL, but LT tires might be beneficial for those who are running around heavily loaded most of the time.

 

Glad I went with standard.

 

I really think it's the way to go if you don't require maximum puncture resistance, or carry a lot of constant extra weight. I'm actually planning on going SL for my next set of "winter" (all terrain, 3PMSF) tires.

 

Some sizes only come in E / LT flavor though. I went with 235/85/15s on my Tacoma and they were only an LT size. Worth it though, saved me from almost getting punctures out and about in woods.

 

This is one of the disadvantages of 275/70/17's. Very limited options for tires and most are E or C.

 

Load range E tires are heavier because the tread is deeper. Tread being solid rubber (as opposed to nylon and kevlar in the carcass) is heavy. So you do get more miles out of E tires before the tread is worn down.

 

If i had a dedicated off roader i may go to E load. But most i would go is a C load with my moderate off roading. My C load Duratracs have been great and durable for my off roading, going on 4 years now, definitely the longest lasting tire i have ever had.

 

Nice guys, thanks for this info
(And all the dudes above too)

I'm switching from load E to load C next tire. Load C is plenty and I can shed a few pounds.
But...
Load E's are badass man, I have never got a flat or even a leak - and I have identified 2-3 nails plus a full on lag bolt in my tires, the lag bolt head ended up breaking off, haven't lost a single psi though.

Look at the side wall thread depth on these puppies:

 

funny enough for the LT275/70R17, load E toyo AT3 (51 lbs) is still lighter than load C Falken AT4W (58.1 lbs) in that same size.

EDIT: even LT285/70R17 Toyo lighter than LT275/70R17 Falken!

 

Load E if you want to minimize the chance of getting flat while offroading

 

Just for peace of mind, similar to carrying two spares.