I am considering some Nitto tires, that the size I want only come in a Load Range E. I’ve never owned anything other than an SL since I don’t tow or carry large loads.
Are there any downsides to having an E (10 ply) tire? How does it ride?
E range tires suck on a half ton truck, unless you need the load carrying capability of an e range tire. I know some people love them cause they are a tougher tire, but me personally I would pass.
E rated tires came on a jeep wrangler I bought used for the farm and I hate them. They ride rough, especially on a fairly smooth dirt road. I feel every little divot and every rock in the road. I have no doubt a new set of tires would cost as much as I paid for the 1998 model jeep so I'm stuck with what I have.
I always put range E tires on my f150s. I do like a firm ride, they wear better, handle better, and are more durable off road. Their stiffness is a positive for me, and helps with towing a bunch, it reduces sway . Yes, they're heavier, and might reduce mpg a bit, but I absolutely hate squishy passenger tires, useless. Their side walls are tougher.
You can also customize how stiff they ride by playing with the pressure.
I would never get anything but a load range E. I don’t tow much but the gravel roads in our area are hard on tires. I don’t like having flat tires so I will only go with E rated
I've been very happy with these Load E Geolandars for the last 38k miles. Have only towed about 7k miles in that time, so mostly a daily driver or highway trips. First time I've had LT tires and would definitely buy them again.
I guess ride is obviously subjective . I've always modified the factory suspensions trying to stiffen them up, so it's not floating like an LTD. Some like that, some don't. To me, a truck is a truck, and should behave like one. My ride isn't horrible, it's just right, and it's mine.
I hope you guys that are poo pooing E tires have actually tried running them...otherwise, your comments are theoretical and fraught with calamity . I've been using E tires for decades . They're fine.
@f150TX I have 37" Toyo Open Country R/T tires in Load Range E. They do run pretty stiff. I keep mine at 40psi cold. I tried them at 35 psi but they made quite a bit of road noise when at lower psi.
I would also caution you about the speed rating of a Load Range E tire. Mine have a "Q" rating which is only 99mph. This should be fine for 99% of driving, because I don't drive my truck at 100mph (I have other vehicles for that ), but every once in a while on a road trip, coming down from the Rockies, or El Cajon Pass, etc. I've definitely let the speed get up there, and maybe over.
I’ve always run “P” rated Nitto Ridge Grapplers in sizes close to 295/65/r20 on my trucks for several years. On my 2025 F150, I decided to run LT rated 35-11.50r20. I couldn’t believe how stiff they ride. Much more harsh and you feel every single bump in the road. I’m running mine about 35 PSI. Keeping them aired down a little will help soften the ride a little. The biggest thing is the sidewalls are so much stiffer, so they don’t absorb bumps like P rated tires. All that to say, if you’re looking for a specific size tire, you might only be able to get an LT rated. Most tires once you get into the 35” diameter and 12.5” or wider, you are forced into the E rated, LT tires. It all depends what you are willing to sacrifice to get the size tire you want. Lastly, as others have said, the LT will undoubtedly be heavier due to the additional plys of rubber.