BFG AT - Real difference between load range D & E? - Diesel Forum

ScaldedDog · 10-19-2007, 01:25 AM

I've got 285/75 D's on our Excursion, and have loved them for 45K, plus. They need to be replaced, though, and I'm thinking of going with load range E in the same size. Other than the weight carrying capability, max PSI and tread depth differences from the data sheet, how much of a real difference am I going to see, both towing and not?

The only problem I'm trying to fix is an annoying instability when braking with the trailer, which I'm not sure has anything to do with the tires. What I don't want to give up is the way the old ones behaved in the snow. Even mostly worn out, they got me out of the neighborhood when everyone else could only watch.

My towing setup is a 2001 PSD Excursion with a 6500lb flatbed/4Runner and a WD hitch.

Thanks!

Mark

Flywheel · 10-19-2007, 07:30 AM

Interesting you should ask now.

I have done about 5 months of research on this same question - and yesterday finally pulled the trigger on the E range.

So, for the last 50k miles, I had the BFG 285/75R16D at 60psiF and 65psiR. I tow a 12k 4 horse slant with LQ, 25 - 35' floats filled with hay (14k - 20k), so I have really put these tires to use. I have had no problems with these tires - even running overloaded through fields, down the roads, etc.

But since they came out with the E range - I have been really interested to know what the difference I would feel is.

Night and day, so far. I had them put 65F and 75R and so far it is a different truck - just feels much tighter. Some of this maybe perceived and some just because they are new tires - but so far I have been extremely pleased.

They seem narrower - but I was measuring from the used tire - which may be narrower - they just look it though - but again - I think it is more perception. They definately don't balloon out as much at the sidewall - which I think has more to do with the lack of the rim guard, than anything - and possibly having more air in them - but I only have about 5 and 10psi more than I had anyway.

I have not towed with them yet, but so far I am really happy with the feel - there just seems to be less slop. I took an off ramp pretty fast yesterday and it really did feel a lot different - like it took less steering to get the desired result - which might make sense if there is less tire flexing.

Anyway - it'll take some getting used to the black sidewalls - but besides that - I would highly recommend the upgrade.

On edit: These tires have never let me down in the rain - so I also did not want to give up performance. My tire choices came down to Michelin A/T2, Goodyear Wrangler SA, or these - I believe I will have the same performance inthe weather as the D rated - so you are not giving anything up here - it sure is neat to see a deep tread on my rig again.

Also, I was suprised at the weathering between the treads - I hope these will run cooler.

MarkEkberg · 10-19-2007, 08:07 AM

They will be stiffer and harder to carry the weight. I am going with these as well soon. They will not do as well in the snow, but I doubt you will notice.

The D's are a great tire and I assume the E's are better.

ScaldedDog · 10-19-2007, 10:28 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MarkEkberg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They will not do as well in the snow, but I doubt you will notice.</div></div>

Why is that, other than 2mm less tread depth, when new?

Mark

ScaldedDog · 10-19-2007, 10:31 AM

Flywheel, you able to tell if there was any noticable difference in the compound or tread pattern between the D's and E's?

Mark

MarkEkberg · 10-19-2007, 10:44 AM

The will not do as well in the snow because they have less flex in the sidewall and are a harder compound to hold the weight.

Flywheel · 10-19-2007, 11:29 AM

I do not believe the rubber tread compound is any different - in fact, I believe that is is the EXACT same tire EXCEPT that it is missing the rim protector and it has larger belts. The tire has the same number of belts as the D rated tire, they are just larger. There is no perceivable difference in weight - not did I notice any difference in the sidewall stiffness when both the E and D were sitting oin the floor unmounted - in fact - I was suprised at the suppleness of the E.

I don't think you will have ANY difference in traction in the snow (I am from Maine - I know snow...) The tires have the same siping and same size blocks. The difference in a 16th of tread depth will be negligeable.

Also, I have never adjust air pressure for snow - in fact the only thing that would likely help in the snow is a narrower tire - but that is a different topic.

In my short experience with the tire - you should see nothing but a benefit going to the E rated. Of course, being that it is new - it is nice an quite and I did not find it harsh, either - in fact with more tread - it seemed to be riding much nicer. It feels like a more comfortable / confident tire.

Flywheel · 10-19-2007, 11:34 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MarkEkberg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The will not do as well in the snow because they have less flex in the sidewall and are a harder compound to hold the weight. </div></div>

Actually, the tire only has two purposes: to provide traction and to hold the air. The air is what supports the load. The more air you can put into a tire, the more load you can carry. The tire just needs to be able to contain the air pressure without deforming or coming off the rim.

This tire will not perform any differently for the given conditions then the D rated tire.

TXGooseneck · 10-19-2007, 05:57 PM

Mark, I would seriously look at the Michelin LTX AT 2's. I switched over to these tires from BFG A/T's and love them. According to Michelin they are a premium tire vs the BFG which is considered to be Michelin's mid grade.

Personally, I've always had better luck, longer life and less issues with E-rated tires.

ScaldedDog · 10-19-2007, 07:05 PM

I picked up the E-rated BFG's this afternoon. Discount Tire claimed that the D's are being discontinuted, though I'm not sure that's true. In the 7 miles I've driven so far, I'm happy. :-)

TXG, you know what sold me on the BFG's? We got 30" of snow in one storm last winter, and my wife had to be at work the next morning, long before the streets were plowed. My BFG's - with 35-40K on them at the time - got us out. Let me tell you, there's nothing better for a marriage than having your wife sitting next to you while all the other husbands in the neighborhood are clapping as you drive out. Gold above ground, that is. :-)

Mark

TXGooseneck · 10-19-2007, 07:18 PM

I'm from just west of Colorado Springs and that was the tire I always ran on everything because of the traction in the snow.

But just from the performance in the mud thus far, I'm happy with the Michelin's. I get through the Texas muck just as easy with the stock size Michelin's as I did with my 35" BFG's.

I'll give a snow report as soon as I head to my cabin in Colorado this winter [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif[/img]

firesoutmatt · 10-19-2007, 07:40 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Flywheel</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MarkEkberg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The will not do as well in the snow because they have less flex in the sidewall and are a harder compound to hold the weight. </div></div>

Actually, the tire only has two purposes: to provide traction and to hold the air. The air is what supports the load. The more air you can put into a tire, the more load you can carry. The tire just needs to be able to contain the air pressure without deforming or coming off the rim.

This tire will not perform any differently for the given conditions then the D rated tire. </div></div>

Oh your misinformed . D rated has 2 less plys than the E rated tire . This is what gives you the higher payload not just by adding more air pressure.

bogg · 10-19-2007, 07:42 PM

You should feel a big improvement in the E rated when pulling your trailer. They came standard on my 03 and at that time I pulled a 9k# tt. At 65k miles I switched to D rated while on a trip. We noticed a big difference right away with sway and bounce. I traded back to E's 1k miles later.

Mr_Roboto · 10-20-2007, 05:53 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: firesoutmatt</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Flywheel</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MarkEkberg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The will not do as well in the snow because they have less flex in the sidewall and are a harder compound to hold the weight. </div></div>

Actually, the tire only has two purposes: to provide traction and to hold the air. The air is what supports the load. The more air you can put into a tire, the more load you can carry. The tire just needs to be able to contain the air pressure without deforming or coming off the rim.

This tire will not perform any differently for the given conditions then the D rated tire. </div></div>

Oh your misinformed . D rated has 2 less plys than the E rated tire . This is what gives you the higher payload not just by adding more air pressure. </div></div>

Getting down to brass tacks. The higher ply tire can hold more pressure which can support more weight. A lighter ply tire cannot hold the pressure to carry the weight.

96STROKE · 10-20-2007, 11:12 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Flywheel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I do not believe the rubber tread compound is any different - in fact, I believe that is is the EXACT same tire EXCEPT that it is missing the rim protector and it has larger belts. The tire has the same number of belts as the D rated tire, they are just larger. There is no perceivable difference in weight - not did I notice any difference in the sidewall stiffness when both the E and D were sitting oin the floor unmounted - in fact - I was suprised at the suppleness of the E.

</div></div>

My 'E' range BFGs have the same rim protector as the 'D's they replaced.

The 'D's are a 8 ply tire, the 'E's are a 10 ply, they are noticibly stiffer, driving empty and towing 13k. I am very pleased with mine. I have had them since the 'E' range came out a year or two ago.

I do think that the ride is a bit harsher, but that could be me. I think the truck ride rough any way. (I guess I am getting too use to the chevy in the garage, much nicer ride)
But when it come to towing I am very happy with the 'E' range.