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Old 01-22-2014, 01:18 PM   #1
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Ever switch from D-rated to E-rated of the SAME TIRE?

I need new tires. My favorite tire (BFG T/A KO 285/75R16 D-rated) is no longer being produced, it seems

I'm afraid to switch to the E-rated version of the same tire, because I find the ride quality of my current D-rated tires to be only barely tolerable -- and I don't want it to get any worse.

Anyone have experience of from a D-rated to a E-rated version of the same tire brand/model? Was the ride difference noticeable?

-- Geoff

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Old 01-22-2014, 02:28 PM   #2
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Re: Ever switch from D-rated to E-rated of the SAME TIRE?

I went to the E rated version of that same tire after having a D rated fly apart on the highway. The ride was noticeably stiffer but the peace of mind with a higher weight rated tire made up for it. Short trips around town I rode them at 55 psi to soften things up. On the highway it was 70, airing down to 20 when on the beach.
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Old 01-22-2014, 03:16 PM   #3
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Re: Ever switch from D-rated to E-rated of the SAME TIRE?

It was for my BFG's. And it seemed the E's wore out quicker but that's a tough call as I might of hit harder terrain during the E's life. My vehicle is heavy so I need to stick fairly close to the max pressure unless off road.

What was your max PSI on the old D's compared to the new BFG's E's?

I can't remember when I switched to the BFG E's if the PSI was higher. If so I could see why I had a more harsh ride with the E's. Deaver springs fixed the ride.

Going from BFG's E's to Toyo E's seemed about the same in 285 to 285 size but the Toyo 315's E's are much softer than any of the 285's because the PSI is much higher on the 285's I'm using 16" rim BTW
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Old 01-22-2014, 03:38 PM   #4
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Re: Ever switch from D-rated to E-rated of the SAME TIRE?

BFG ATs in D are 65psi and E 80psi.
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Old 01-22-2014, 05:29 PM   #5
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Re: Ever switch from D-rated to E-rated of the SAME TIRE?

I'm not going to be running either tire at max PSI, especially with the E-rated. 50 PSI or less will carry my load.

I think the answer is to finally give in and get move away from the itty-bitty 285s I'm running now, and get something slightly larger -- so I can have a cushier ride even with E-rated tires.

Also, the above tires don't officially support my 7-inch wide steel wheels (7.5" minimum) -- so I really need to switch wheels too.

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Old 01-22-2014, 06:35 PM   #6
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Re: Ever switch from D-rated to E-rated of the SAME TIRE?

I found the van wallows around corners more with the 315's but they track better (don't know why) and I'm glad I made the change. If I could have afforded to replace the rim size I would have gone with 17's so there would be bigger brakes in the future.
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Old 01-22-2014, 07:39 PM   #7
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Re: Ever switch from D-rated to E-rated of the SAME TIRE?

I went from BFG A/T in D to Toyo M/T E, ride was a little different, wouldn't say stiffer, although side wall stiffness and max PSI went up, I run them at 65, max 80, biggest difference was M/T's have bigger tread, so when new a little more wander on dry pavement, but a great wearing tire, so it wasn't exactly apples-apples. I would say regardless, go with an E rated tire, too many stories of tires, especially BFG D's blowing out on our heavy rigs. I would recommend taking a look at some other tires in E like Toyo open country A/T or Nitto terra grapplers A/T.
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Old 01-22-2014, 08:25 PM   #8
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Re: Ever switch from D-rated to E-rated of the SAME TIRE?

Quote:
Originally Posted by REF
I went from BFG A/T in D to Toyo M/T E, ride was a little different,
How was the highway road noise with the MTs, going from ATs? Notice any difference?

(I'd love to go MTs, but I'm afraid of more highway noise -- which drives me a bit nuts as it is.)

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Old 01-22-2014, 08:51 PM   #9
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Re: Ever switch from D-rated to E-rated of the SAME TIRE?

Quote:
Originally Posted by geoffff
Quote:
Originally Posted by REF
I went from BFG A/T in D to Toyo M/T E, ride was a little different,
How was the highway road noise with the MTs, going from ATs? Notice any difference?

(I'd love to go MTs, but I'm afraid of more highway noise -- which drives me a bit nuts as it is.)

-- Geoff
Well in my case have a diesel so I didn't notice that much and I can live with it.
Someone with a gas engine might have a different point of view. My Toyo's aren't like some mud tires you hear coming down the road for sure. Seems like it depends on the road and speed. Maybe some extra wind noise at higher speed. I usually have the tunes up anyway.
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Old 01-22-2014, 08:59 PM   #10
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Re: Ever switch from D-rated to E-rated of the SAME TIRE?

I remember going form D's to E's when I had my SMB. Bit firmer ride, but at the same time, the handling was tighter so it was a good trade-off IMO.


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