Tire Selection - Load Rating

[Dave Legacy]

Hey all,

I’m tire shopping for all-terrains for factory 18” alloys on my 16’ Yukon XL SLT 4WD.

My truck is exposed to some miles of unpaved service roads across the western states on family road trips, but a heck of a lot more highway miles to/from those unpaved destinations. Not doing any towing.

I haven’t committed to a size yet, but I’m finding that almost all the tires in my desired category are LT/E-rated (10-ply) and I’m wondering if it’s excessive for my needs or perhaps unavoidable.

Do many of y’all run E-rated tires? Seems like overkill. I can get a tire rated in SL, but nothing in between in a BFG KO2 or Falken AT3W which is my preference.

Any input is welcome and appreciated!

Best regards,

Dave

 

[Stresst]

If you are not towing or carrying heavy loads they are not necessary. Some LT tires are only a few pennies more so if you want a more durable tire and do not mind the slightly rougher ride (not with all LT tires) then go for it. I personally do not like Falken. The K02 is one of the best AT tires out there. If you are spending most of your time on the highway check out the Continental Terrain Contacts, its an AT tire but not at knobby as say the K02.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Hey all,

I’m tire shopping for all-terrains for factory 18” alloys on my 16’ Yukon XL SLT 4WD.

My truck is exposed to some miles of unpaved service roads across the western states on family road trips, but a heck of a lot more highway miles to/from those unpaved destinations. Not doing any towing.

I haven’t committed to a size yet, but I’m finding that almost all the tires in my desired category are LT/E-rated (10-ply) and I’m wondering if it’s excessive for my needs or perhaps unavoidable.

Do many of y’all run E-rated tires? Seems like overkill. I can get a tire rated in SL, but nothing in between in a BFG KO2 or Falken AT3W which is my preference.

Any input is welcome and appreciated!

Best regards,

Dave

I think @swathdiver is running a C or D LT K02. James?

 

[swathdiver]

I think @swathdiver is running a C or D LT K02. James?

Yep, Load Range C KO2s. Not available in all sizes though. I would say Es are overkill for a 1/2 ton but then again they will be virtually road hazard free. Mine have driven through a lot of road debris and needed two patches in two years in two tires. Leaks were very slow.

For what you're describing, driving profile wise, you don't NEED an AT tire. The 4WD can take care of the service roads with highway tires.

 

[qaz5eng]

Hey all,

I’m tire shopping for all-terrains for factory 18” alloys on my 16’ Yukon XL SLT 4WD.

My truck is exposed to some miles of unpaved service roads across the western states on family road trips, but a heck of a lot more highway miles to/from those unpaved destinations. Not doing any towing.

I haven’t committed to a size yet, but I’m finding that almost all the tires in my desired category are LT/E-rated (10-ply) and I’m wondering if it’s excessive for my needs or perhaps unavoidable.

Do many of y’all run E-rated tires? Seems like overkill. I can get a tire rated in SL, but nothing in between in a BFG KO2 or Falken AT3W which is my preference.

Any input is welcome and appreciated!

Best regards,

Dave

E-rated tire are generally going weight more and could cost you some MPG. I have been running LT/E-rated all terrain tire on my 2011 fleet/ SSV and average 15.5 MPG overall.

 

[Dave Legacy]

Thank you all for your comments.

I run D-rated BFG KO2s on my Rover LR3 and thoroughly enjoy them. The size I’m finding myself gravitate toward - 265/70-18 (32.6”) - does not come in anything short of E-rated in the KO2, but happens to come in SL-rating in the Falken ATW3. Certainly I DO NOT NEED an AT tire as I’ve gotten around fine on my highway tires, but it’s my preference to wear an AT tire.

Initially my big concern was whether a SL-rated tire was sufficient for my needs. From what I can tell my Yukon XL calls for load rating 112 and the 265/70-18 SL I’m looking at is 116 (2,756 lbs X 4 = 11,024 lbs @ 35 psi). If I’m understanding correctly that should be plenty.

 

[Tylus]

I've been running 265/70R18 (33") General Grabber AT2 for 2yrs now. Load Range E.

I absolutely love them. Sure the ride is a little harsher. I run 42-44 psi year around.

They are amazing in the snow, and other than a little bit of road noise have been perfect. put about 25k miles on them. probably 70% tread or so remains.


I refuse to run P rated tires. On paper they are adequate. Adequate is a good word for them. I find they wear out quicker, and the mushy/wallowy ride they provide is the contrary to the ride I want in my vehicle. Plus, when you do tow, it's nice to have the extra stability/handling.