Tire Size and Load Range problem

[Bostonfj60]

I'm replacing my tires on my Tacoma.

I have 265 75 R16 BFG All Terrains on now (got about 65,000 miles on them)
This set of tires has a load range of D.

It seems BFG discontinued the load range D for this tire size. Now all the 256 75 R16
All Terrains are load range E. From my understanding, load range D is an 8ply tire
while load range E is a 10 ply.

ALSO, with the load range E, the tire no longer gets high ratings in the snow (which
is the primary reason I have always owned All-Terrains) In fact, they are not even
rated for severe snow.

SO basically, I am trying to figure out if I should just go with the load range E tires
OR switch tire sizes. The 265 70 R16's come in a load range D. (which is 1.55% smaller)

Any input??

 

[Mad Jack]

I would tend to agree with you that the "E" rated tire might be too stiff for a light truck like a tacoma. If you carry some weight you might be fine. Not sure how you travel. In the past, I've run the bfg's on my pickup and had great results as well. Truck is gone now, but I currently have Toyo MT's on the 80 and have been very happy with the tire. They make an AT in the "D" range in that size....

OPEN COUNTRY A/T | Toyo Tires

 

[Splangy]

I got a deal on a set of E rated tires for my 07 quad cab Tacoma. The stiffer sidewalls of the E rated tire made the ass end of the truck a bit unpredictable in slippery conditions. I went back to a lower load rated tire and all was better again.

 

[Bostonfj60]

OK, how about this...

285 70 R17 which is 1" larger in diameter. (and comes in a D load range)

I'm wondering if I will notice a decrease in millage and acceleration???

I can run 17" FJC rims...

hmmmm....

 

[Bostonfj60]

I got a deal on a set of E rated tires for my 07 quad cab Tacoma. The stiffer sidewalls of the E rated tire made the ass end of the truck a bit unpredictable in slippery conditions. I went back to a lower load rated tire and all was better again.

DID you have a cap or anything in/on the bed that added weight?

 

[Bostonfj60]

OK more info.

Talked to BFG Directly.

Load Range D in the 265 75 R16 was discontinued in 2008

Now they only come in load range E.

However, there are two versions of the Load Range D

Serv. Desc. 123/120S AND Serv. Desc. 123Q


IT seems Serv. Desc> 123Q is NOT rated for severe snow
due to the rubber compound.

IT also seems that a lot of tire retailers do not offer both compounds,
and simply sell the 123Q's which will perform much worse in the snow than
the 123/120S.

With that said, and the fact that I am constantly carrying 500lbs or more of photo gear,
I went with the load range E's in the 120/123S

 

[Wildman]

Stick with the D rated tires.
I run D rated tires on my F350 and haul more than your truck weighs full! I like the way the lighter tires ride unloaded.

 

[yodafrick]

In the past, I've run the bfg's on my pickup and had great results as well. Truck is gone now,

But the tires are still alive!!! Thanks again!

Now back to your regular thread...

 

[Bostonfj60]

So after all my research on various tires, I ended up buying the load range E BFG All-Terrains. I just couldn't get my self to buy another tire other than the BFG (can't teach an old dog new tricks I guess...I've ran the BFG's for almost 10 years on various trucks)

I was expecting them to ride A-LOT stiffer than they actually do. I do notice the difference between the D load range, but they are not bad at all. ON the highway (which is 90% of my driving) I barely notice a difference.

Snow traction is the same as the load range D. I haven't found them to be better or worse in the snow (and we've had a lot up here in Rochester)

ON a side note, I also installed a Firestone Airbag system to help with my payload. Totally dig the system. The install is pretty straight forward, and handles all my photo gear nicely. Not to mention, when they are deflated (5psi minimum) you don't notice they are there. I went this route because I like the way it rides empty...

 

[Mad Jack]

But the tires are still alive!!! Thanks again!

Now back to your regular thread...

Good to hear!!


Bostonfj60....Rochester is the best place to test in the snow!!

 

[VTFJ40]

Stick with the D rated tires.
I run D rated tires on my F350 and haul more than your truck weighs full! I like the way the lighter tires ride unloaded.

Don't know how strict MA is, but be careful. I had them on my F350 and found out our state safety inspection now requires load/speed ratings meet vehicle specs.

This was coming from my "friendly" inspection station too. He said they're cracking down big time.

 

[Jacket]

OK, how about this...

285 70 R17 which is 1" larger in diameter. (and comes in a D load range)

I'm wondering if I will notice a decrease in millage and acceleration???

I can run 17" FJC rims...

hmmmm....

You'll have rubbing issues with the 285's that you'd have to address, but on the plastic parts and maybe on the UCA (depending on wheel and backspacing).

It's pretty surprising to me that BFG stopped producing the D range tires. Did they say why? Might be a good reason to try out another tire maker.... I ran 255/85/16 KM2's LR E on my Tacoma, and it wasn't too bad, but at 40-45 PSI it definitely felt rougher on the pavement.