Load Range D or E

Drew_K wrote:
As for whether a rim can handle the 80 PSI of a E load range tire, the best way to check is to look inside the rim or check the manufacturer's specs. However, here's something I noticed: 65 psi rims have 5 lugs; 80 psi rims have 6 lugs. Maybe there are exceptions to this but I have yet to find one.

The rims on my old Dodge 1 ton dually had 8 lugs. The truck came from the factory with Load Range D tires. I installed Load Range E tires, one size larger than the data plate called for. Oddly enough, the larger tires corrected the speedometer error!
I have no idea what the pressure rating of the rims was.
In the past, I owned several old Chevy 6 lug trucks and cars. I really doubt if those rims were rated for 80 PSI!

As for whether a rim can handle the 80 PSI of a E load range tire, the best way to check is to look inside the rim or check the manufacturer's specs. However, here's something I noticed: 65 psi rims have 5 lugs; 80 psi rims have 6 lugs. Maybe there are exceptions to this but I have yet to find one.

I will find out next week as we are headed cross country. Just replaced my 'C's with 'E's and am running 65 PSI. I figured a couple of extra belts on each tire is a benefit worth having. My rims are stamped 2540Lbs max which translate to a 'D' rating hence the 65 PSI I am using.

As one who has changed tire load ranges on various vehicles over the years, and kept the inflation at the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations, I can state from experience that there is a HUGE difference between a Load Range D tire at 65 PSI and a one size larger Load Range E tire at 65 PSI!
There is less tire squirm, less wander, a firmer ride, and IMO, a better driving experience.
I also use M&S tires on all applications. Traction is a wonderful thing!
When I put new rear tires on the Southwind, Load Range F were not available, so they put Load Range G on it. I had them inflate the G tires to the same as recommended for the F. The difference in handling was incredible! When I have to replace the front tires, they will also get G rated, and be inflated to the coach builder's specs.
Anyway, regardless of what the "experts" say, I have found that increasing the load range DOES have benefits, even when inflated to the same pressure as the l0ower rated tire.
Just stating personal experience. As always, YMMV.

buzzard616 wrote:
I went from Cs to Ds on our TT. The Cs carried a given amount of weight at 50 PSI (can't remember the exact weight and too lazy to look it up :Z) The Ds carry the same weight as Cs at 50 PSI but are running 15 PSI below max. giving them a bigger safety margin.
You can upgrade to a stronger and safer tire without having to go to a higher pressure. If you can go up a size or so,( I went from 205s to 225s) you get a higher weight carrying capacity at the same pressure.
Stu

The E tires benefit is at the higher 80 psi pressures. There in no benefit of derating a E tire in a trailer position to just 65 psi. Carlisle and Goodyear both recommend max pressures for tires in a trailer position. In fact using just 65 psi in a Carlisle E tire can void the tires warranty.


This from Tireman9 one of our resident tire engineer;
Tireman9
rvtiresafety.com


The question of load capacity and Load Range gets asked a lot, so it seems to be a bit of a stumbling block for a number of RV owners. Here is an example:
"I need to replace the ST235/75R15 tires on my trailer. Currently have load range C tires which is sufficient for the maximum trailer weight when inflated to 50psi but allows almost no safety margin. I want to change to either load range D or E tires. My rims are only rated for 65 psi so if I went to the load range E tires I would only be able to inflate them to 65 psi. My question is this. Is there any advantage to a load range E tire used at 65 psi vs a load range D tire at 65 psi?"

Now just because he is asking about a 15" trailer application and considering a change from LR-C to LR-D it does not mean the general answer does not apply to others, even if they are considering a change from LR-G to LR-H on a Goodyear 295/75R22.5 Class-A tire.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The answer to the question is;
He will gain a safety margin if he increases his inflation to 65psi with LR-D but if he stays at 65psi there is nothing further gained by going to LR-E as there is no difference in the capacity at 65psi.

I have installed E's in place of C and D rated tires on original rims. No problems with E rated tires on two trailers to date.

Weigh the trailer, then look at the load charts for the E rated tires. Chances are, you will not have to inflate them to the maximum pressure shown on the tire sidewall. Remember, that pressure (80 PSI?) is for the MAXIMUM LOAD the tire is designed to carry.
If it was my trailer, I would throw away the ST tires, put LT Load Range E tires on it, inflate the tires to the pressure required by the load, and go happily on down the road!
A simple and relatively foolproof way to get the inflation right is to use the "Chalk Test". On a clean, hard surface (a paved parking lot, etc.) make a chalk mark across the tread of the tire. Drive a ways, then look at the chalk mark. If the mark is worn off mostly in the middle, the tire is overinflated for the load. If the mark is worn off on the edges, the tire is under inflated for the load. If the mark is worn off evenly across the tread, the inflation is just right.

I went from Cs to Ds on our TT. The Cs carried a given amount of weight at 50 PSI (can't remember the exact weight and too lazy to look it up :Z) The Ds carry the same weight as Cs at 50 PSI but are running 15 PSI below max. giving them a bigger safety margin.
You can upgrade to a stronger and safer tire without having to go to a higher pressure. If you can go up a size or so,( I went from 205s to 225s) you get a higher weight carrying capacity at the same pressure.


Stu

Also I went to Discount Tire. The Maxxis are only load range E. They have Carlisle's for $102 or Goodyear for $109 plus $25 of on purchase of 4 all those are load D

In response I haven't good about the Maxxi's but am open to anything also the spare tire is on a steel rim. Thanks so far though