Re: Tires - LT / E vs. P (for a light van!)
I wish somebody would test puncture resistance, but alas no. At least before I get a new set of shoes. I guess there are SO many variables it would be pointless.
When I last looked at BFG T/A KOs, for example, the sidewalls were the same construction on each. The rep said the belts (same number but higher ply rating) were thicker on the E's, and that made the tire more "rugged" (he sorta notably didn't use "puncture resistant," but that's maybe caution). The tires definitely do not deflect as much in E range, which for some of us offroad that means more prone to puncture. But they do resist heat more, which especially if they lose some air, can be a big safety factor.
The D's used softer compounds and bigger treads, so were better (and higher rated) in snow and ice, and where stickier rubber helped. The tread depth is deeper by 13% on the D's; I dunno whether that would make them more or less puncture resistant. And they give a softer ride by a bit, if aired to conform to weight.
I dunno why they still use ply ratings. I would have thought they'd have been superseded by load range ratings, which do the same thing. Do they even list ply ratings on the sidewall anymore?
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2001 Ford E250 Sportsmobile with Salem-Kroger 4x4 conversion
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