Tire Question

shepherds56 wrote:
Have a 2008 GMC 2500HD SLT Crew Cab. At this time running 286/70/17, looking at buying Michelin LTX M/S2 "E" load range but they don't come in that size have to go down to a 265/70/17. Possibly buying in the future a 35ft 5th wheel, do I NEED to have "E" or can go with a "D" range tire?

According to Tire Guides, your vehicle came originally with Load Range E tires LT265/70R17. Also, the placard should say the specified pressure for those tire is 60 psi front / 72 psi rear. Yup, that sounds like Load Range E to me.

Just make sure the wheels are rated for those tire pressures. I have seen wheels split at the bead because the tires were inflated beyond what the wheel could hold. JMHO...Pat

I had to go from D to E on my 2500 to carry the pin weight of my 33' fifth wheel.

"E"

X2,
or I would personaly go to "G" rated if they will fit:) No such thing as too much margin of safety. Blow outs with tires is the cheap part, fixing the damagge to the RV can get costly:(

I'd stick with E for the load capacity. Going to a smaller tire will give you a slightly lower hitch height and a slightly lower effective gear ration. Both of these are good things when it comes to towing.

yesterday I had 4 10ply "E's" put on GMC Sierra HD Duramax. 60psi on front and 80psi on rear.

Oooops. They were Firestones.

The E tire has a 10 ply rated carcass (sidewalls) with 80 psi pressures to help stiffen the sidewalls.

The D tire has only 8 ply carcass and 65 psi which leaves the tire with a flexy sidewall (less stiff).

Granted some D's may have more load capacity but the E is the tougher/stronger/stiffer tire. Both have a two ply carcass but the D tires have a thinner mil thickness material.

If the truck is used to hot rod around making smoke and burning rubber like kids do and only carrying a small load then the D will work fine.

"E"

You need a tire that is equal to the load rating stated on the drivers door post sticker at a minimum.