C vs E load 265/75r16 Experience

Hey everybody new guy here.

I have been torn between this question for such a long time and cant seem to find some good answers backed by good experience.

It's about time to need some new tires. I've decided on the size 265/75r16 but I need help deciding on getting load range C or E for getting out to remote camping, hunting, and general off road tracks.

From what I understand:

C is usually cheaper, and is lighter and more forgiving

E has more protection, heavier and can make a ride more stiff.

What experience do yall have on the difference between C or E for trying to get out to the most remote trails and spots. Is the extra weight and protection worth it for the E? Or will I be just fine and save some cash with the thinner C?

Pictures would be awesome too so I can see where some of those 265/75r16s or 265/70r17s have taken yall! (Other pictures welcome too)

 

A Tacoma even up to a full sized pick up truck, a load range C tire will give you all the performance you need.

Unless you plan on airing down a lot or spending more than 25% of your time off road then stick with a Load range C tire.

I've found that even certain load C tires will offer better sidewall protection than others. I feel a lot more comfortable airing down my Cooper Discovery 4s compared to my Hankook Dynapro ATM.

Also don't forget about the loss in MPGs. I own a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 as my ranch truck. I originally had 265/75/16 Good Year wrangler all terrain kevlar tires load C and consistently got 18 mpgs with that 5.3L V8. I was doing a lot more towing and spending way more time on dirt roads for work so I replaced all the tires with 265/75/16 Yokohama Geolander load E. Now I can barely get 15 MPGs on a good day. My towing stability has increased immensely, the ride is substantially stiffer; It like I went from a stock spring to OME 885x coils on the Tacoma, that stiff of a difference. Acceleration has suffered a bit, braking distance has increased. I'm not destroying the tread on gravel roads like I would with a softer Load C tire. I'm happy with the towing stability which is the main reason why I went with load E tires and the harder rubber compound for gravel roads. I'm grateful that my work pays for my gas though. Loosing 3 mpgs is pretty rough.

 

I was debating between C and E, and D for a long time before I made the mistake of getting E rated Yokohamas. The tires are excellent but the heavy sidewall is brutal. I read that a lot of people didn't mind the stiff ride but it sure does bother me! That aspect alone will have me going back to C's if these ever wear out.