E vs C and D rated

OP, you've had some good counsel so far. Here's my view on the topic, summarized.

1) Buy for how you use the truck 80% of the time. If you buy for the 20% in certain areas, like tires, it will make your 80% less enjoyable.

2) I like aggressive looking tires. I'll admit it. But I pick a tire based on my functional needs, as the tire is it between you and the ground. Grip is a big deal, as is wear, rolling resistance, package weight, etc. Looks are last on the list. 'Cause I don't care what others think, I care about what works best for me.

3) If I understand your needs correctly, you really need to look at the Michelins that were mentioned. Or even Bridgestone Duellers. Costco carries both if you are a member.

Good luck.

 

OPs truck sounds to be more of a commuter vehicle, so an E is worthless. No benefit for road hazards that I recall, as the difference in a C rated and an E rated tire is in sidewall strength only. I may be incorrectly remembering that, but I believe the tread construction is identical.

2/32" of tread depth (or so) is the only "benefit," but on a commuter pick up, all that equates to is less economy, diminished driveability, and increased up front expense. Yes, he'd get more life out of the tires, but most people don't hit 100k miles before the tires need replacement due to age, so what's the point?

They're good options for some people, but OP is the one asking the question and getting the answers based on his use.

 

Worst case you might have to trim or remove the front diffuser flap, but the mud flap itself shouldn't be a problem whatsoever.

I believe your truck shares the same mounting method mine does, and the little diffuser flaps are held in place with 2-3 screws.

 

I did have to remove the diffuser flaps. 2 bolts

 

Thanks, nice looking truck, it is my favorite color.

Great! I dont mind removing the little front ones. You need to get the pin-up girl back as your avatar.....I miss her.

 

She's due back today, I just haven't bothered..

 

This. I lifted my truck and still had to remove that thing due to rubbing at full lock.

 

I have a question for all. There's an obvious answer and then the one I truly want to know: What is the benefit of aggressive sidewalls? On highway? At full PSI? I know the off-road purpose.

 

Purely aesthetics.

 

Looks

 

Aestheticly pleasing to me.

 

Exactly why I'm running Duratrac's in C and not E.

 

Unsprung weight is the enemy of every moving vehicle. It has no positive effects, and several negative.

Sometimes it's worth the penalty for a payoff in something like durability (damage resistance, not wear) or even increased grip.

But for the average driver, it's not the case.

 

I truly want to thank everyone for the input / opinion. I learned a lot as well by asking the question. Will have a look this weekend at everyone's recommendations.

 

Just remember to ignore tgears.head - always.

 

I have D rated Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S and I can certainly tell a difference in ride compared to P rated tire. My next tire will be 265/75/16 load C Duratrac.

 

Unfortunately the KO2's do not even come in D rating in my size

 

Hence the "only available in E rating" info for 265/75/16.

Gotta change tires, accept an E load, or go up to 17s.

 

You're giving solid advice. You are absolutely right that load range E is unnecessary if your truck only sees pavement and parking lots.

Though I was offering an opinion that despite the supposed dink in MPG the durability and firmer ride can be positives, so I have come to prefer them regardless. Weak sidewalls (and the Duratrac specifically) are something of a running joke in my 4WD club. So I'll also freely admit I'm highly biased and probably atypical.

 

No disagreements with you bro.