I am looking to get new wheels and 35" duratracs tires. I am trying to make up my mind on 16" or 17" wheels. There is not that big of a cost difference between the different size tires but I see the difference in load ratings. Does the load E tires ride softer than the load D? Or should I get the load D for the extra side wall ply and durability? So the size wheel I get will kind of depend on what load rated tire I end up getting. Let's hear your thoughts on the load ratings.

 

You are backwards in your thinking

E rated tires have the harshest ride but sturdier construction.

E rated tires should have more sidewall plys that D.

 

E will ride harsher than D. Few tires with 17" wheels are made in anything lower rated than D. The only 37x17" C rated tire that I've seen is a BFG Krawler.

As a rule, a C or D rated tire will flex better and provide better off road traction than an E rated tire.

 

Your right I typed it backwards. E would be the extra ply and stiffer. Is there a big trade off between the two? Is the ride on a load E that much stiffer? This is my DD and weekend offroad toy.

 

I have trail grapplers that are E rated and I don't think they ride bad at all personally

 

compared to a C range tire like say, a BFG, an E would be a lot stiffer. however, between a D and E, i don't think it's that much different. the benefits of an E is that the sidewalls are tough as nails. to this day, i have yet to have a single toyo suffer sidewall damage, period. on all the other tires i've run, sidewall damage was always an issue to be concerned with.

 

I have 37a hankook dynapro Mt with a load range of e this isn't my daily driver but when I drive on the road I have it to 25 psi I don't think it rides rough but I do have to say I have never had tires with a D load rating

 

I have E rated 305/65-17 (33x12.50) BFG AT KO's and they ride fine.