Toyo R/T Load Index Question

The Toyo MT's in 295/70R17 I'm running now are basically bald and it's time to replace them. I've got a set of Toyo R/T's in 285/70R17 on reserve at Discount tire. As much as I loved the MT's they were just too heavy which is why I'm getting RTs. The ride quality was awful and mileage was worse (to be expected from an MT).

I was thinking of getting the RTs in SL load range. My question is, is this too light of a tire? The tread is 13/32" compared to the 16/32" of the E1 in same tire. I work in Colorado during the summer and do a good bit of trail riding on gravel and rocky trails. In the winter I run muddy and super rutted roads in the Mississippi delta. Would punctures be much of a worry in such a light truck? Never had a problem on them with the MTs in E1.

Would it be worth getting the RTs in E1? Getting the RT in SL would definitely go a long way in on road performance, but I'm worried my off-road performance would suffer and I would get a puncture.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

I run E because we tow a trailer, I'm sure you will be fine with the SL.