E Load Tires - Are they necessary ?

I haul heavy and drive gravel roads nearly daily. It was a good choice, but its not for everyone.

You don't need them, but I consider it good insurance for abuse.

 

I wheel and tow
my old Load E went flat over a small screw

 

I went from duratracs c rated to Geolandars E rated and the difference is not much. I also added a lot of armor and gear to the truck maybe that is the reason I don’t feel the difference. I actually like the way the truck feels and handles with the Yokohamas despite those being heavier and stiffer. I’m currently running those at 38 psi, but when I have the trailer or some extra load I bump them to 40

 

As said above, it's the driver's choice of tradeoff. C-loads are lighter, cheaper, more fuel efficient, and have a comfier, cushier ride. But not nearly as durable.

E-loads are heavy, more expensive, and have a firmer ride, but are much more durable especially in aired-down situations.

I don't "need" my E-loads 95% of the time. But I like the peace of mind, knowing my risk of a flat/blowout on gravel 50+ miles from the nearest cell tower is minimal. Not a scratch on them when bombing down shale-ridden logging roads infamous for slicing up tires. Even when I'm closer to civilization, winter potholes and frost heaves sneak up on me.

As for ride quality, they're a little stiffer at the 30-32ish PSI I run them at on asphalt. But they ride real nice when I air down to 18-20 for offroad or snow.

YMMV, go with what works best for your driving style.

 

E load on a Tacoma =No,too much weight.

 

I don’t think so. Especially if you are constantly hauling things or have a built truck. Just because an LT tire can do it it doesn’t mean is the best option.

Stock truck fine, but if you start adding a bunch of weight then you need to adjust accordingly. I did fine with LT tires until I added front a rear bumpers and sliders.

 

I have C rated Toyo AT3s in 285/70/17 and have been thoroughly impressed with them. With appropriate airing up and down according to the situation they have been great on pavement, snow/ice, sand, mud, gravel roads etc. I run a GFC camper on it full time and load it up with camping gear but I don’t have any heavy armor. I haven’t seen any need to run E rated.

 

Absolutely not necessary, but I prefer them. Tried C load Duratracs, hated them. No other C rated tires avail in my size with 16's that I care for.

I've since found Yokohama Geolander G015's. Arguably the most well mannered AT on the street, good wet weather traction, and much lighter weight than my old BFG KO2's.

 

definitely not necessary. I had E load tires before I ended up adding all the extra weight my truck has now and honestly can't say I had much of an issue switching over to them at any time. Coming from sports oriented cars I was already used to a fairly harsh ride. They definitely make your truck a heavy pig but I bought a motorcycle to satisfy that complaint. It is nice having the peace of mind though

And I don't even use that great of E load tires. Milestar Patagonias in 285/75R16.

 

I run 37" load C's on my jeep in CO and never had an issue. Did Bill Moore Lake too many times to count