Tire Load Range D vs E Rating

Those who own a car have concerns about tires and their sizes. You need to buy tires according to the type of vehicle and the required weight capacity. It is a crucial task because the tires bear the weight load of any vehicle. So it is necessary to have a proper idea of what load capacity of tires is required for your vehicle.

There are a huge variety of tires with different load capabilities. They are named- Load Range B, C, D, E, etc. The alphabetical order represents the increasing capability of loading. Load Range D and E tires are stronger and have heavy load capability. But which one is the best? Let’s find the answer.

Tire Load Range D vs E

Load Range D Features: 

• Trailer tire, not suitable for light trucks.
• Enhanced controllability.
• Fuel efficient driving experience.
• Longer lasting tread life.
• Promotes great all-weather traction.
• Reduced rolling resistance ensures fuel efficiency and environmentally friendly drive as it lowers the towing vehicle’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
• The tread design and advanced tire compound ensure extended usability and durability.

Load Range E Features:

• Suitable for light trucks.
• Aggressive, attack tread design with hook-shaped blocks.
• Shaped and designed for reduced noise.
• Abrasion-resistant.
• Computer-optimized tread design.
• Advanced production technology for uniformity.
• Highly durable.

Who is the Winner? 

There is no winner between load range D and E. There are some differences between their features and structures. But those are not that significant. The only significant difference between them is their load capacity.

If you plan to buy tires and are confused about the tire sizes and which one is better for your vehicle, you will need to determine the load capacity of the tire you need. Then you need to compare the sizes and load capacity of the tires. It is also better to ask the opinions of the professionals on this matter.

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How to measure tire load capacity? 

If you are going to buy tires for your car, you may be wondering what load capacity of tires you need for your car and how to measure the load capacity.

There is the easiest way to measure the load capacity of tires. You need to measure the gross weight of your car. Then you have to divide the gross weight of the car by four. Suppose if the gross weight of your car is 4500 pounds, each tire would be able to bear 1125 pounds safely.

How to read tire load info?

Maximum alphanumeric tires have a load range of B. It indicates that they are restricted to the load that can be carried at a maximum inflation pressure of 32 psi. On the other hand, Range C, D, or E tires can handle greater loads. Most of them are for LT applications.

The load-carrying capacity of tires is rated as either Standard or Extra Load. Standard load tires are limited by the load supported with a maximum inflation pressure of 35 psi. On the other hand, Extra Load-rated tires are limited to the load that can be carried at a maximum inflation pressure of 41 psi.

Will 10 ply tires last longer?  

Mostly, 10-ply tires are long-lasting than the others. The reason for that is they have harder rubber compounds. But 6-ply or 8-ply tires are also much more durable. But if you need to drive on any harsh and risky road often, then 10-ply tires or load range E are preferable to use.

Is Load Range E good for towing?

While towing, in other words, while carrying any heavy load, it is safe to use 10-ply tires because of their strong structure. They are also safe to use in all seasons with temperature variations. Load range D and E tires feature double sidewall and are designed for improved wet-braking performance, better ride quality and handling, longer tread life and consistent highway performance. So 10 or 8-ply tires are best for towing even on long journeys all over the year.

Do bigger tires affect towing?

The bigger size of any tire decreases the towing efficiency of it. To increase any tire’s towing capacity and performance, you need to stay near-stock diameter with E rated tires for sidewall stiffness and load capacity.