I am starting to look at new tires and have been noticing that in the size that I need (35x12.50x18) there are alot more chioces in the load range "D" than "E". Does it matter if I don't tow heavy loads what load range tire I get? What about mileage of the tires, I meen will I get decent thread wear and tire mileage out of the "D" tires?

Lots of guys run D range tires without problems. I've towed pretty heavy with them and they were fine. I would only be sure to get E if I was towing super heavy every day. Otherwise D is fine.

I would agree. I've had D range on my trucks for a couple years. Don't pull much heavy and tires seem to wear well. If I was doing a lot of heavy towing or hauling I would go with E rated though.

I disagree. D rating (8ply) will give you a better ride and they will work on D/A's without a problem most of the time. My experience (see the number of trucks I have owned over the years) is that E rated (10 ply) handle better (stiffer casings - less roll under hard driving), wear a lot better, and have less flats and breakdowns (can't explain it, but that is my experience). E will handle weight and overweight much better. Of course, I now run G rated tires.

I pay more attention to the weight rating on the tire than the load range letter. The load range is not the same from one tire size to another. A 265/75-16 load range D will have a weight rating about the same as a 245/75-16 load range E.

:exactly:This is the important part. Generally, larger tires will have higher load capacities even when they are of a lower load rating. Make sure your wheels have the capacity you need also.
I pay more attention to the weight rating on the tire than the load range letter. The load range is not the same from one tire size to another. A 265/75-16 load range D will have a weight rating about the same as a 245/75-16 load range E.

I just got new tires today - Load Range D - and I'm wondering what PSI to follow. I've always heard that you should follow what the tag in the door says. I "think" my door tag shows 85psi for the rear , but my new tires show 65psi under max load. Which do I use? And what if I'm not under "max load"? I'm planning a cross-country trip, essentially empty, and obviously want to maximize my MPG's without wearing the tire abnormally. What do you guys think...?

For what it's worth: I got Yokohama Geolander A/T-S's.

One more thing - my 'spare' is a 285/75/16 leftover from a previous owner I guess - do I need to worry about mismatching the size if I ever need the spare? Assuming I only use it long enough to get the repair complete.

Never exceed the pressure on the tire. That can be very dangerous.

If the door tag says more than the tire, you probably don't have the right load range. E's in these truck sizes usually go up to 80 psi. D's in these sizes usually go up to 65 psi.

You shouldn't need to be over 65 psi unless you've got more than a ton of weight in the bed. Of course, at that point you should know the amount of weight on each axle and the maximum load rating of the tires, and have done the arithmetic.


You can get by with an off-sized spare for short distances. I wouldn't go very far (a few miles?) or very fast with mis-matched tires on the rear.

If further or faster is required, then mis-match the tires on the front and don't use 4wd. (Unless you seriously need it, then use 4wd just long enough to get unstuck.)

Larger tires have higher capacities at lower pressures. A 285 at 65psi will have more capacity than a 245 at 80psi. On the Goodyear website there is a chart for inflation pressure when you need less than the max capacity of the tire.
Never exceed the pressure on the tire. That can be very dangerous.

If the door tag says more than the tire, you probably don't have the right load range. E's in these truck sizes usually go up to 80 psi. D's in these sizes usually go up to 65 psi.

You shouldn't need to be over 65 psi unless you've got more than a ton of weight in the bed. Of course, at that point you should know the amount of weight on each axle and the maximum load rating of the tires, and have done the arithmetic.


You can get by with an off-sized spare for short distances. I wouldn't go very far (a few miles?) or very fast with mis-matched tires on the rear.

If further or faster is required, then mis-match the tires on the front and don't use 4wd. (Unless you seriously need it, then use 4wd just long enough to get unstuck.)

I agree to disagree with gardnerteam. Sure you can get a tire that has a higher rated capacity in a D than the stock Es, but you will have much more sidewall flex and "wandering" when towing. I personally will not run a tire unless it is E rated. Yes your ride may be a bit stiffer, but you are driving a heavy duty truck for a reason, otherwise you'd be driving a caddy, at least I would be. . . . . .