FightinTXag
07-26-2002, 13:33
Can somebody explain how they come up with the load range ratings? I've been looking at tire sizes and from what I've read, going with the stock rims, LT255/85R16's seem like they would give a better look without the problems some people are seeing with the 285's. However, I don't think anybody makes this size in load range E. If you look at Cooper's web site they've got this chart for the Discoverer LT:
http://www.coopertires.com/tire_cooper/ltsuv.asp?id=174
LT255/85R16 is load range D with max load 3000
Stock size (245/70R16) is E with max load 3042
LT285/75R16 is load range D with max load 3305
So why is the 285 a load range D when it's max load is 10% more than the E-rated 245? How do they come up with these ratings? My stock 245 Steeltex A/T's are E-rated, but what's the max load? If it's 3042 like the same size Cooper, who cares about giving up 84lbs to get the size tire you want?
I'm sure there's more than 42lbs of uncertainty in these things. I'd bet you could load these tires up to twice the max load before worrying about failure. They have to build in safety margins to handle variability in manufacture and insure the tire will be able to carry the max load throughout its service life.
http://www.coopertires.com/tire_cooper/ltsuv.asp?id=174
LT255/85R16 is load range D with max load 3000
Stock size (245/70R16) is E with max load 3042
LT285/75R16 is load range D with max load 3305
So why is the 285 a load range D when it's max load is 10% more than the E-rated 245? How do they come up with these ratings? My stock 245 Steeltex A/T's are E-rated, but what's the max load? If it's 3042 like the same size Cooper, who cares about giving up 84lbs to get the size tire you want?
I'm sure there's more than 42lbs of uncertainty in these things. I'd bet you could load these tires up to twice the max load before worrying about failure. They have to build in safety margins to handle variability in manufacture and insure the tire will be able to carry the max load throughout its service life.