Help me decide.. SL or E rated.. 245 or 265..?

So I’m having a tough time deciding.

I had all but decided that I wanted Continental TerrainContact AT in 245/75/16 (stock size). Then I realized that that size are only available in E rated.

I’m 95% on-road, but I do live on a farm, and find some occasions where I need to go off-road and/or pull someone out that’s stuck. So I wanted something that’s great on-road, but also able off-road too. Seemed like the Terraincontact to me.

So now it looks like I can either step up to the 265/70/16 to get the SL rated tire, or I can keep my stock size and get either the Cooper Discoverer AT3 or the Toyo Open Country AT3.

I wanted the narrower tire because I think narrower tires are better in snow. That being said, I’m not sure I will like the heavier E rated tire.

How big is the difference in ride/performance between SL rated and E rated tires?

 

Toyo AT3 will last the longest with least issues, I wish I had gotten them, the AT3 has proven to be a top tier tire like the old AT2 was.

I have Cooper AT3 in SL 265/7016 and they simply aren't lasting as long as I had hoped, I wish I spent a bit more for more of a premium tire.

I own 245/75R16 for winters and I can tell you there's not much difference in ride, but the 265's handle slightly better and look better.

E rated is great for durability and toughness, but there is a slight take away with ride, usually have to run them at lower pressures to soften them up a bit. I've owned E rated and SL 265's.

 

Wow, good stuff there! Good to know about the Toyo’s holding up better.

Is there a noticeable downgrade in performance as far as acceleration or cornering with an E rated tire? Can you “feel” the extra weight there?

I do think the TerrainContact is a relatively light tire @ 50lbs, compared to 37 lbs for the SL rated Toyo AT3.

 

Typically the e rated is roughest on gravel roads and pot holes. It's why you run lower pressure on them, but they handle the abuse much better.

I have experience with a lot of tires, but Conti is not a first choice for truck tires in the auto industry, they look like a solid tire and will last a long time. Any reason for selecting Conti tires? Experiences?

 

Not necessarily, I just watched some good reviews on YouTube and just in my searching on TireRack, they looked like a good mix of an AT tire that still has good on road and wet performance.

I do live about 1/2 mile down a gravel lane, anything I should consider? I figured I would run lower pressures, does that have any affect on longevity?

 

When I went from a sl to an e rated(Cooper st maxx)
I could definetley feel a acceleration difference.The ride is a little rougher too..
This is next set I’m going back to an SL or a c rated tire..

 

If you are 95% on road and if the other 5% is light off road, there is no need for e rated tires. SL or C load are best.

 

I think that’s my main concern. I’m okay with a little rougher ride since I only have a 10 minute commute to work, but if I press the gas and I don’t have the same power as before, that might bother me on a daily basis.

 

Ya it bothered me at first, after a while I didn’t even notice.
Now if I go back to a Sl or C load,when I need a new set, this fall it’ll seem like I have more power

 

You do not need E load. I bet hardly any Taco owners "need" it... unless you plan on slicing your tire sidewalls to ribbons on sharp rocks offroad regularly, the SL / C / P are fine. You literally can't load a Taco heavy enough to need an E tire for the weight capacity. I've many miles of fair offroad stuff and hauling a lot of weight / trailers on passenger rated AT tires and have never had a problem. I'm also in a similar use category as you: small rural property, 1/3 mile gravel drive, use truck for chores and extrication of stuck shit sometimes, but mainly paved roads, some leisure offroad. I just went with SL Wildpeaks in the 265/75 16 because an extra 1/2" of free lift don't hurt. Size and brand is personal preference though...

 

Oh I know for sure I don’t need E load. It was just the fact that the tire/size I wanted only comes in E load.

I definitely think I’ve decided against E load though. Good to know from someone in a similar situation.

Have any rubbing with the 265/75r16?

 

No. They don't rub on stock suspension. It's the largest size (as per TW nerds) that'll fit. I also have a 1" lift though.