Tire Load Range

So I am looking at purchasing a set of Cooper Discoverer AT3s.

I notice there are 3 different load ranges with 3 different prices.

SL rating with a T(118mph) speed rating $134ea. Obviously not driving anywhere close to that in a Taco.
C1 $155ea and then E1 $172ea both with R speed ratings

From what I gather it's something having to do with max psi during load. Just trying to understand the ratings and choose the appropriate tire.

I have a 2" 5100/Toytec lift and will be adding a 265/75R16 tire. My offroading consists of the beach and rough gravel roads in the mountains.

Thanks

 

What's your question sir?

 

@LUNCHBOX66 I think he wants to know what load range he should get based on the size he wants and driving he does.

I can't really help much but all I know is my E load 285 bfg ko2 are heavy as hell, thus my 12 mpg city.

I'd think he should get as light of a load range as to be less impact on mpg and performance, and because he's driving on dirt gravel roads and some beach, airing down maybe. No rock crawling, no need for the extra thick heavy sidewall yes?

 

Well you can't beat an "E" rated tire. Those are work hogs. You can load them with up to 75lbs PSI. Speed rating doesn't matter on our tacomas cause you ain't doing no 100mph. Now if he's gonna be doing some light offroading then I stick with a stronger tire reguarless. The KO2s came with a 20% thicker sicdewall and have what's called "self cleaning" technology. There are these tiny pyramids in the treat that allow the tire to create this air pocket so to speak, and once that tire hit the hardball road it will start to "self clean" removing all the unnecessary rocks, sand mud ect.from the tire. And yes there will be a price difference when the speed rating changes. Cause these tires can fit other vehicles models with bigger engines

 

Speed ratings have no relevance, all you need to worry about is the load rating, and all that our trucks need is a P or SL rated tire. C's are nice but unnecessary, E's are complete overkill and nothing but a rough ride and waste of gas.

 

Thanks for the advice. I think I will save the $ and go with the SL rating. I would never be pumping more than about 35 psi anyway. I don't do any rock crawling and it's just really soft and deep sand that she sees about once or twice a month in the summer.
Also, not trying to dip below the current 18 mpg as well.