Tire Help! Load P, C, E?!

Really struggling with tire selection here. I really like the idea of a 255/80/17 to go with my 3” lift (6112/5160, full rear leafs) However all of the tires in this size are Load E.

My local mechanic who I trust is suggesting I stay away from a load E rated tire because its going to have a harsh ride. He thinks that a P Metric rated tire would be better suited.

I’d like to stay away from a 285 to limit rub issues.

it seems like my options for close to a 33 are, 285/70/17 or a 255/80/17.

My question to @Discount Tire is, what what are the biggest size to be found in a P rated tire?

With the upgraded suspension will my tires really cause that harsh of a ride?

any guidance is appreciated

 

Easiest way is to go to the tire manufacturer of your choice web page, find the tire you want, and search through the sizes.

 

If it’s a daily driver and you want some kind of fuel economy, imo stick with the p

 

Skip the 33" and go with a 32.1": 255/75R17 in Load Range C.

The BFGoodrich KO2 in this spec weighs 42lbs.

 

i don’t disagree. I struggle with the following:

Toyo AT3:
P285/70/17, weighs 46 lbs
255/80/17 load E, weighs 50 lbs

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
P285/70/17, weighs 45 lbs

Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
P285/70/17, weighs 50.5 lbs
255/80/17 load e, 52.5 lbs

so while i can get a 285 in a P rated tire, it really doesn't save much weight, plus has a larger contact patch resulting in more drag. so even with the 255 in a toyo i gain 4-5 lbs per tire but smaller contact patch and less clearance issues on the truck. Plus its an inch taller.

 

Michelin LTX are a nice tire if you can get the size you want

 

What do you like to do with your truck? Lots of off-roading ? Or mainly pavement?

 

Had P rated Toyo AT3s that didn't wear well after 2 years. Went to a different tire in E rated for the deeper tread depth. Ride is harsher for sure, but not enough for me to want to go back. Also on 6112's 

Pics for reference. My lift is 2.5'

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/motomaster-eliminator-x-trail-a-t-review.755667/#post-28307651

 

If a more forgiving ride in the bumps is what your looking for, then your mechanic is spot on. A load range E, 10 ply rated tire has a more robust sidewall that is stiffer. The tire also weighs on average 10lbs more than the SL.

A 285/70R-17 SL is a solid choice and has many options, such as the Nitto Ridge Grappler and Falken Wildpeak A/T3W. That size is equivalent to a 33 as well.

Hope this helps.

 

I only run e rated tired then again my truck is 80 percent bush roads and 20 pavement.

 

Getting geared up to start doing more regular off-roading. The truck will continue to be my daily for the next couple years for now.

 

I really like my C load 285s, around 51lbs for a tire. I did consider trying the ST Maxx in a 255 80 17 next time but really those tires are meant to survive a nuclear blast.
This is a good video showing the difference in tires Passenger or SL vs LT tires. The tire test starts around 35 seconds into the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Kz8mmLkeks

 

SL= car ride

E= truck ride

our roads are horrible, so i run E-load on mine,, yes ive run SL's and smoother ride,, i prefer the truck ride.