C or D rated options in 255/85/16 or 255/80/17?

Looking to run something close to 33x10.5 on my 2nd gen but trying to avoid running an E rated tire. What are my options (if any)?

 

The cooper S/T come in 8ply in my area, more like a range D tire.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/255-85-r16-owners-experience.155849/

 

Seems like those have been discontinued from what I've read but they're still listed on the Cooper site. I may just go with the s/t maxx but I'm concerned with the ride of an E rated tire on this light of a truck.

 

255/80/17 really are about the best choice in size. 255/85/16 don't have anything for a C rated tire, I think there's one D rated option. I can't wait to go to 255/80s

 

This is an old thread. I've since purchased new wheels and committed to the 16" size.

I decided to keep running 265/75/16 and just rely on my skid plates to make up for the extra 3/4 of an inch of ground clearance that I'm missing by not running the 255/85/16.

 

Oh whoa. I had opened two windows doing research and responded in the wrong window. My bad!

 

It’s such a tall profile they need the stiff E range sidewall To support the weight. The sidewalls on mine are nearly 9” tall!

 

There are plenty of tires with similar sidewall height that are not E rated. The sidewall on a 265/75/16 Duratrac is only 1/2 inch shorter.

 

2” taller and half an inch narrower makes a difference in how the tire flexes laterally while cornering.

255/85r16 are also intended to be used on dually trucks, which are generally used for heavy hauling and towing. Hence the E rating.

 

No way the sidewall is 2 inches taller. The 255/85/16 is only 1 inch taller total than a 265/75/16 making the sidewall 1/2 inch taller. The E load rating has nothing to do with sidewall height and everything to do with demand.

 

total height 2” taller give or take an eighth in the case of toyos like I have. But what do I know, I’ve owned and wore out sets of both sizes.

 

Looks like Toyo is not consistent with other manufacturers sizing.

The Cooper ST Maxx is 32.8" in 255/85/16 and 32" in 265/75/16 and the Cepek Extreme Country is 32.8" in 255/85/16 and 31.7" in 265/75/16. Both give you about a half inch of additional sidewall/ground clearance.

The Toyo is almost an inch taller than both in 255/85/16 at 33.5" which is surprising.