Load Range E Tire

[DNazzy’s2025]

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?

I forgot to ask in my initial post, what size tire are you wanting?

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[HandyAndy2112]

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.

Same here. Nothing to worry about. Also look at the tire specs and notice the difference in tread depth between SL/P metric vs LT tires. Usually 20% or more additional tread depth which equals more miles until worn out. I was in the tire business for 15 years when I was younger FWIW.

 

[Flatus]

Kinda like driving this empty dump truck.

 

[UGADawg96]

Kinda like driving this empty dump truck.

 

[HandyAndy2112]

I ran load range E tires on my 2012 F150 for every one of its 222k miles and never had any issues with ride quality. I swapped out the oem SL tires when I bought it for Cooper Discoverer AT3 tires that only came in load range E in my size. I had them on other vehicles and had great service so I used them on the 2012. Good ride quality, great snow traction and always got well over 70k miles out of a set with one set going 80k. I decided to run the OEM Michelins on my 2025 for now due to limited funds but when they’re done I’ll be going back to LREs. You won’t regret them. Most of the naysayers on this thread have probably never ran Es and are just making ASSumptions.

 

[pappcam]

I ran E tires on my 2012 F-150 for about 7 years after I wore out the OEMs as I towed a large travel trailer and they were great for that. It definitely affected the ride and mileage compared to the OEM tires but I thought the trade off was worth it. Our newer trailer now sits on a seasonal campsite and I don't need to tow it anymore unless I need to get it serviced or something so I won't be needing the load range E anymore which is fine with me. They serve a purpose and do it well but I wouldn't use them as daily drivers unless I needed them.

 

[Elevatorman]

I ran load range E tires on my 2012 F150 for every one of its 222k miles and never had any issues with ride quality. I swapped out the oem SL tires when I bought it for Cooper Discoverer AT3 tires that only came in load range E in my size. I had them on other vehicles and had great service so I used them on the 2012. Good ride quality, great snow traction and always got well over 70k miles out of a set with one set going 80k. I decided to run the OEM Michelins on my 2025 for now due to limited funds but when they’re done I’ll be going back to LREs. You won’t regret them. Most of the naysayers on this thread have probably never ran Es and are just making ASSumptions.

Likely very true. Ive ran Es on f150s for a very long time. I seriously doubt you could tell a mpg difference also as long as you stay with the same size. Tread pattern I thinks much more important. You can't go from a highway treadmill C to an all terrain E and expect the same mileage, or an all terrain C either.

So in my opinion, no I see no drawbacks to running Es. And like he said alot of good ATs and mud tires only come in Es. And you run Es at 70-80. Running an E at 40-44 sounds like a great way to get worse gas mileage and then blame the extra couple belts that did nothing for it. I chalked my first couple sets of Es and the tread wore flat at 80. Tows good, trailer doesnt push you around. I also dont think they ride bad. My 2005 f150 with Cooper stronghold ATS (E) at 80 rode smoother than my 2023 f150 on these hankook "all terrains" that are Cs

 

[F150 TX]

I forgot to ask in my initial post, what size tire are you wanting?

Preferably 295/70/18

 

[slater]

Preferably 295/70/18

Nitto recon grappler makes an SL....

 

[F150 TX]

Nitto recon grappler makes an SL....

I know, I just don’t hear the best things about Recon Grapplers. I was hoping for Terra Grapplers G3.

 

[TexasTruck]

I know, I just don’t hear the best things about Recon Grapplers. I was hoping for Terra Grapplers G3.

Hardly a sample, but I have/had 5 sets of Recon Grapplers. Currently I have Ridge Grapplers on my 2023 Jeep Gladiator though. It sees minor rocky off-roading, not one issue with any set of these tires. However, it goes without saying like any tire, keep them rotated with proper air pressure and accurate wheel alignment. Perhaps I'm brand bias, but I’ll buy them again and again.

 

[TexasTruckGuy]

I know, I just don’t hear the best things about Recon Grapplers. I was hoping for Terra Grapplers G3.

I really like my recon grapplers. Last 2 sets have been these. I should get 60-70 k out of this set looks like. They ride smooth and are quiet for an all terrain.

 

[TexasTruck]

Are there any downsides to having an E (10 ply) tire? How does it ride?

Not trying to be a naysayer here, just sharing some actual experience from a picky SOB. A lot of owners don’t let the differences bother them, and that’s totally fine. To each their own. We're all addicted to vehicle capability, right? Even though we don't really need it, the "what if" voice convinces us we have to have it.

Someone mentioned that E-rated tires are heavier and they’re absolutely right. The day I had E tires installed on my 2022 F-150, I learned real quick what “rolling mass” really means. All I can say is thank goodness for Discount Tire’s patience and return policy.

The moment I drove away from Discount Tire, I could feel it, slower acceleration and noticeably heavier steering around town and parking lots. Could I learn to live with it, sure, but a week later I was back swapping them out for SLs.

I tow about 4,000 lbs several times a month without any issues, and I regularly drive moderately rocky, washboard dirt roads to and from the dike bike racing trails. Still no problems. The SL tire rating actually exceeds the rating of my truck.

That said, if I were towing a house, I’d probably accept the extra rotating mass in exchange for the stiffer sidewalls.


Just my $0.02.

 

[F150 TX]

Not trying to be a naysayer here, just sharing some actual experience from a picky SOB. A lot of owners don’t let the differences bother them, and that’s totally fine. To each their own.

Someone mentioned that E-rated tires are heavier and they’re absolutely right. The day I had E tires installed on my 2022 F-150, I learned real quick what “rolling mass” really means. All I can say is thank goodness for Discount Tire’s patience and return policy.

The moment I drove away from Discount Tire, I could feel it, slower acceleration and noticeably heavier steering around town and parking lots. Could I learn to live with it, sure, but a week later I was back swapping them out for RG SLs.

I tow about 4,000 lbs several times a month without any issues, and I regularly drive moderate, rocky, washboard dirt roads to and from the dike bike riding trails. Still no problems. The SL tire rating actually exceeds the rating of my truck.

That said, if I were towing a house, I’d probably accept the extra rotating mass in exchange for the stiffer sidewalls.


Just my $0.02.

Do you have Ridge or recon grapplers?

 

[TexasTruck]

Do you have Ridge or recon grapplers?

Recon… Jeep has Ridge; slightly deeper and wider lugs than the Recon.

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