Whats the difference between D and E rated BFG AT's in 285's? - Diesel Forum

creto1 · 10-16-2006, 06:20 PM

Thanks to you guys I've settled on 285's. Now I have to decide to get the D or E rated tires. Both of these are rated for more weight than the 235 E rated tires I have now. Will one tire "air down" better for deep sand driving? I'm thinking the E range may be heavier and get worse milage than the D rated tires overall. What would you suggest? Thanks.

**DIESELDUTTON** · 10-16-2006, 06:48 PM

I was told the difference is in the sidewall, the e's have more plies wich is better for towing a fifth wheel/goose neck. I bought kelly safari's with a e rating , it rides pretty hard but i guess the front add a leaf and the timbren air springs dont help. Hope this helps

Frank

Nit · 10-16-2006, 07:01 PM

I beleive they are all d rated in that size, if not get the E as the side wall has more plys.

danjreed · 10-16-2006, 07:18 PM

Since your truck is a '97 4x4, I'm assuming it is single rear wheel. If you tow very much at all, I'd say go for the E's. The extra price is worth the stability. If you don't tow/haul much, go for the D's. The biggest difference is in the sidewall.
Both will 'air down' for sand, but the E's will have a firmer ride for a given air pressure.
I have not seen any proof of worse mileage for E rated tires, but it is "theoretically" possible. Probably less that .01%. Most of that would be due to weight.
But under load the Es would not squat as much, reducing the friction.
Unless you only haul a little bit, the Es are the way to go.

Daniel

spaceballs · 10-17-2006, 07:58 AM

I bought the E's. I figured that it was worth it to spend the little it of extra money on them. They ride well, and I didn't notice much decrease in mileage when I moved up from some 265's.

creto1 · 10-17-2006, 07:26 PM

I'll probably get the E rated, just a few bucks more. Thanks.