265-75-16 Duratracs Load Rating E vs C

Hi guys, I need an opinion on this.

I have a 2015 TRD Off Road AC and am having a winter set of tires and wheels done.

The wheels are XD 126 Enduro Pro Satin Black - 16 inch.

I wanted to have 265-75-16 Wrangler Duratracs installed. But I am told that these are only available in the E (10 ply) load rating and that the 6 ply C rated tires will not be in stock until after the holidays.

I really want the Duratracs in the slightly larger size but am wondering how much difference the higher load rating makes in terms of noise etc. Again these are only for winter use.

Opinions?

 

Wait for the C's, E LR will kill your MPG.

 

Get C's. I've had em for a year and love em. I think the C's are almost overkill for our trucks, depending on how you use them. E's are way too much unless you're doing serious wheeling on rocky terrain and are overly concerned about sidewalls. Which in that case you may want to look at different options anyway.

 

Yup. I've got LR-E and will be going to to C as soon as I wear down this set. It's simply overkill for what I do and aside from the impact to your mileage, it's a noticeable difference in ride quality.

 

Wait for the C's or go find them somewhere else. As others have you will be sorry with the E's.

 

Thanks..

Looks like the Duratracs C won't be avail in 265 75 16 until Jan. so my choices are go down a size to the 265 70 16 or try another brand.
But everything else in 265 75 16 has an E load rating unless you guys know of something that isn't easily found on a google search.

Any suggestions on alternates?

 

If it's a tire shop you are dealing with they may be able to loan you a used set of winter tires until the Load Range C are in. Might just work if they want to make the sale.

 

Lots of options in 265/75/16 in a P series tire. The load rating is exactly the same as a "D" rated LT tire. I've never used anything but P series tires on my Tacoma and they work fine. I've used LT tires in the past on some 1/2 tons and full size SUV's. Even that was overkill.

 

I imagine many of the P series are more of a highway tire though? Just learning all the ins and outs of tires right now myself since I'm looking to change them in spring.

 

The load range C's should last forever on your truck. I wouldn't bother with the E's just because of their weight and the additional wear and tear on your steering components. On a side note, I have the Duratrac load range C's on my 2003 and they have 50k+ miles on them and they don't even appear to be less than 50% tread. Best set of tires I have ever purchased.

Have you checked Tirerack.com?

 

yes...went there first actually...they don't have the Duratracs C in 265/75/16 until Jan only 265/70/16 in stock

 

^^^^^^Yes.

C's are all the tire these trucks need, and to a certain degree, all they want. Your gas budget will thank you.

I'm running C's, 265/75/r16's. It took a few miles to get them balance perfect. Make certain whoever you buy 'em from will stand behind their sale. Get Duratracs re-balanced about 1000 miles in. Run 'em at 38 to 40psi on the road. My mileage dropped off less than 1mpg. E's will not do that.

 

are you planning to go off-roading during the winter or just sticking to the road? if you are sticking to the road just get some dedicated winter tires

 

If you can't find the Wrangler Duratracs in LR C take a look at the Wrangler Authoritys. Very, very similar to the Duratracs (including the "mountain/snowflake" severe weather rating) and the OP in the linked post says they are even better.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/goodyear-wrangler-authority-the-rangers-review.233752/

 

I have E rated Toyo AT2's on my Tacoma. The ride is harsh, especially since the tread is half way worn now. Incredible puncture resistance. I'll be switching to a 6 ply when it's time for new tires.

 

There are lots of options for AT tires in P series tires. Don't get caught up in the hype of needing the biggest baddest off road tire made. There are very, very few places a P rated AT will not take you that a badass looking off road tire will. And you'll have to drive out of your way looking for those places. Back in the 1970's when I was first getting into off roading I was convinced I had to have those tires. Over the years I find I can still get into the same spots with a much less aggressive tire and save myself a lot of money as well as getting a better, safer on road ride. With very few exceptions all SUV's and 1/2 ton trucks come from the factory with P rated tires. The Jeep Rubicon is the only exception I know of, and they all work just fine.

I''m currently using these on both my Tacoma and Wrangler. After rebates I paid $480 OTD for 4 tires including mounting, taxes and all fees. After 2 years and 32,000 miles they are the best tire I've ever owned. Work great in ice, snow and pavement with very little noise and a smooth ride. While not designed as a mud tire, they have taken me though several pretty bad spots. The load rating carrying cargo or towing is greater than a C rated LT tire and exactly the same as a D rated tire.

http://us.coopertire.com/Tires/Light-Truck/DISCOVERER-A-T3.aspx

 

Unless you are dead set on the extra 1/2" of lift from the 265/75's, you will probably be very happy with the 265/70's. They are light weight and have good highway manners. I have these on my 2014 and I have no complaints.

 

If you're open to suggestions, I'm running 265/75/16 Nitto Terra Grapplers in a D rating and love them. They're smooth, quiet and balance well. If you're dead set on the duratracs, id wait for the C's and 265/75/16 to arrive. I'll definitely say the larger tire size is nice - but when you're spending this much $$ - DONT settle. Get what you want.

 

I currently have Michelin load range E tires in 265X75X16.
The mileage went from 19 to 17+ highway as compared to the Firestone 245X75X16 load range C tires they replaced. I have driven this truck for almost ten years and can't tell if there is any more noise or handling difference between C or E. This is a 4X4 so I don't drive it like a sports car anyway. Driving over railroad tracks or off road seems smoother compared to the C's.

 

Since the Duratracs won't be available until after the winter starts I am now thinking of getting Kelly Safari TSRs. The come in the correct size 265/75/R16 and are C rated.

The tread pattern looks aggressive enough for winter, I will switch back to a more normal tread in the Spring.

Anybody have the Safaris? Please feel free to comment.