load range C versus E

[osprey ram]

I have a1500 4x4 w/285/70-17 BFG at ko2 load range c. Question is ,can I go to same size and make tire but change to load range E, run simular tire pressure, and get rid of most of the sidewall sway ?

 

[tron67j]

To really be able to answer, you need to provide what your truck weighs when all loaded up, and your GVWR from the door sticker. For example, if you are overloading your truck with gear, people, trailer hitch weight, etc., different tires are not going to solve the problem as it may be your springs struggling that is affecting the stability.

If you switch from C to E tires you will add about 7 pounds of weight per tire and lower the speed rating. Your tire pressure will increase as the higher load carrying characteristics require more support of the tires which means stiffer sidewall and harsher ride as a result.

 

[osprey ram]

Thank you for input. Tires mentioned are alittle larger than stock. I run 38psi frt an 36 rear. BFG suggests quite abit more. Truck rides like crap w/ more psi. Speed rating for my tires is Q. Wanting to move up a S.

 

[tron67j]

If you are running low pressure, that is quite possibly why your sidewalls are swaying. You will have same problem with higher load range tires if left under inflated. Of course trucks will ride stiffer with properly inflated tires such as the ones you are riding on. If you want a more car-like ride go with a passenger tire.

Your expectations do not appear to match your equipment choices. Higher speed rating tires also won't do anything for you. Not sure what your intentions are with your truck. Carrying and towing, off road, just driving around to work and maybe some light personal use? You can't have it all with a truck, you need to find the area you want to maximize and accept certain limitations elsewhere. Good payload and trailer towing = stiffer ride. Driving on roads with a smooth ride = road tires with lesser payload capabilities. You can off-road but need to reinflate tires after.

 

[62Blazer]

Thank you for input. Tires mentioned are alittle larger than stock. I run 38psi frt an 36 rear. BFG suggests quite abit more. Truck rides like crap w/ more psi. Speed rating for my tires is Q. Wanting to move up a S.

What you propose doing probably won't help the above issue. Sidewall sway and ride quality of the tire are typically related based on air pressure. If you want a stiffer tire in regards to sway, they are going to ride harsher also.

 

[Tom Davis]

While not the exact same size my truck calls for the load range E tire, in size LT265/70/70 E 121/118R. Sticker on door says to run them at 43psi, which I have done since owning it, and never had any problems. Not sure if this will help or not.

 

[osprey ram]

Tom, thanks for input.

 

[Black1500Ram]

When you say sidewall sway, what’s your scenario? Is it while hauling / towing?

I’ve run P, C and E rated 285/70/17 tires at all sorts of pressures, unloaded, loaded and while towing on all. Happy to share experience in a similar scenario.

Also what does “like crap” mean in more technical terms, lol

 

[osprey ram]

To Black1500Ram, thank you for input. Lots of factors at play here. Wheels only 7in wide, running lower psi than factory recommends . Frt tires are ok at 40psi, however rear look over inflated by tread pattern left on ground. At 38 frt 36 rear, tires are wearing even , ride is comfortable. Notiecable sidewall sway, not suspension ! Could be I*m being unrealistic in expectations.

 

[Black1500Ram]

I’ll assume you’re talking about unloaded since you didn’t mention hauling or towing.

How are you visualizing tread pattern on ground? Have you tried the chalk method for gauging tire pressure?

KO’s are not known for having soft sidewalls. So I’m still quite curious what the exact scenario is where you’re noticing sway? Is it oscillation after an input (bump, steering or otherwise), or general wandering at the rear? (Very noticable when towing / hauling on p rated tires for ex)

Is it over low speed bumps? Changing lanes at high way speeds?

In generalizations, E will be better than C in terms of sway, and IMO are not unbearable but if you’re saying 40psi c tires are unacceptable we may have very different standards

 

[alex6666]

fwiw.....When i got my truck a shop sold me a set of tires telling me they were eight ply when in fact it was six. I found my truck would lean in curves at higher speeds that concerned me. I switched to a ten ply "E" rated value tire (terramax) and the improvement was quite noticeable. The ride is only moderately stiffer/harsher. i'll trade that any day to lessen the lean at highway speeds going into corners. Also I go into the bush a bit and knowing the sidewall is more robust is a bonus.

 

[John Jensen]

I have a1500 4x4 w/285/70-17 BFG at ko2 load range c. Question is ,can I go to same size and make tire but change to load range E, run simular tire pressure, and get rid of most of the sidewall sway ?

Yes

 

[osprey ram]

JohnTo Alex 6666, thank you for your input. Very helpful. And John ,thanx. I see you have 2 trucks, two different types of tires involved. Would you share likes and dislikes of each ? I notice they are both E rated.

 

[Burla]

My load e bfg's ride like they are on marbles, there is no give. I do run them low as I can, but I can tell you there will be no sidewall sway with load e's. However, you might miss that sway as there is very little options to make this ride smooth, especially compounded by me running billstiens.

 

[Zoe Saldana]

I have a1500 4x4 w/285/70-17 BFG at ko2 load range c. Question is ,can I go to same size and make tire but change to load range E, run simular tire pressure, and get rid of most of the sidewall sway ?

" run simular tire pressure"

I don't know what that means.

Tire Sidewall Blowout: What Causes it and How to Deal with It

Tire sidewall blowout may happen under any circumstances. Learn the main causes of the issue, ways to cope with it, and tips to prevent future blowouts.

www.utires.com

 

[John Jensen]

And John ,thanx. I see you have 2 trucks, two different types of tires involved. Would you share likes and dislikes of each ? I notice they are both E rated.

My 2020 HD is strictly a highway tripping and vacation trailer tow truck. The Continentals are highly rated and perform as advertised. I have no dislikes.

My 2016 1500 is a daily driver. Continental does not make its tire size so I buy the Hercules. I have used them before and am entirely satisfied. Plus, my tire dealer has them at a great price. I have no dislikes.

I always run E-rated tires on my trucks. They are a harder ride and you take a mileage hit but worth it for their sidewall strength, load-carrying capacity, and take abuse.

Edit:
I have used Toros, Wildpeaks, Michelins and Firestones. Each of those had its problems except for the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W, they are an excellent tire, both on-road and especially off-road