Tire Load Range C or D?

[F350Bronco]

I am trying to decide on what tires to replace the factory Goodyears with. I have a 24 Wildtrack with the stock 315/70-17 AT tires. I have the MT Baja Boss ATs on a F350 and really like the tires. I am looking at the MT Baja Boss AT in 35/12.5-17 D rated and the Toyo Open Country RT Pro in 35/12.5-17. The only reason I have not replaced the stock tires with the MTs is they are load range D. Some people complain about the ride quality with the heavier load range.

I live in north Mississippi so there is no rock crawling, just a little mud during the hunting season so a good AT / RT tire will work fine. I just don't want to sacrifice to much ride quality for 90% of the year.

The MTs will be better for most of the year and are fine for the light mud, but I do not want my teeth rattling if the ride quality is going to be a lot rougher.

How bad is the ride difference going from load range C to D?

TIA

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[CalvinT]

I think all Bronco tires are load range C. A good tire shop will know for sure. My K02 tires are load range C and ride quite nicely.

 

[CitrusBronco]

The load D alone does not make a tire hard riding, other factors in construction determine this.
My experience is in your application and tire choices the tire pressure will affect the ride quality more than anything else.
I have D rated on mine and it rides nice and smooth on the road at 40 psi and off-road I go to 32 psi. This is the same psi I used with the factory Goodyears.

 

[jjack50]

I had load range E KO2s on my '22 Black Diamond and they rode fine. As long as the tires are properly balanced and inflated for your use the load range shouldn't matter in the ride.

 

[TruckCamper]

Every tire carcass is different. But if durability is a concern Load D is better.

Many load C tires have 2 ply sidewalls even in the same brand/model. Just need to verify depending on use.

 

[Brian_B]

I've had both and can't tell a huge difference between them to be honest. Air pressure played a bigger factor in ride quality than anything.

But apart from the ride - want to make sure you have enough side wall to handle whatever terrain you are in. Some areas will absolutely chew up tires.

 

[TheSquatch]

I am running BFG KM3 M/T 37/12.5/17 Load D on my Badlands and they are a better ride and quieter than the stock Sasquatch Goodyears. Don’t let the load rating fool you. $$$$ but great tires!

I also run a BFG KM3 M/T 37/12.5/18 Load E on my F250 and got the same results…a better ride than the stock tires.

 

[23OBX2.7]

Firestone Destination XT 275-70/18 at 34 lb ride very nicely with comfort level on par with pedestrian Michelin LTX Trail.

Excellent grip wet and dry, great at speed standing water dispersion, very good snow and slush performance. Even smooth over smashing speed bumps and small curbs. Normal curbs are a breeze. Can take the hits.

Balance with nil weight. Highly recommend. Made in Canada with subsidized labor and factories so the value is great if don't have to pay the extra duty / tax.

 

[Oldhippie]

I have “D” rated Micky Thompson tires on my bronco…rides fine…I think d rated tires are the best fit for a bronco…good luck!

 

[rdg04578]

Run nothing but E rated tires since sidewall strength and puncture resistance is what matters up here. I never could tell the difference in the ride--I mean look at what your driving--a bronco is not known for it's luxurious ride characteristics. That being said you would not run them at 80 psi either. At 40 to 45 psi I do not think you would feel any difference in ride between C,D or E rated tires, however you would be less likely to cut a sidewall or puncture the tread off road.

 

[Valhalla]

Offroad and trucks need D in my opinion as the sidewalls see a lot more debris that can puncture them. Ford put C on to keep overall weight down for emissions. (and they are cheaper as they are made with less.)

 

[BlueWaffle]

I noticed no difference in ride quality between the factory C rated rubbers and the E's I put on it shortly after bringing it home.

 

[AirportDave]

Just put D rated 35x12.5/17 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT's on my 2025 Sasquatch- love them! Tread width is about 1.25" wider than the stock Territory RT's, and they ride great at 32 psi- very quiet on road. Average MPG went from about 19 to 17 with the Procal 91 2.7L tune. Have yet to wheel with them, but they've got great reviews!

 

[CalvinT]

Offroad and trucks need D in my opinion as the sidewalls see a lot more debris that can puncture them. Ford put C on to keep overall weight down for emissions. (and they are cheaper as they are made with less.)

I think the tire makes a big difference. For example Goodyear Wranglers tend to have a thinner sidewall than Goodrick K02s. (personal experience)

 

[23OBX2.7]

Keep in mind E sidewall robustness will also improve cornering stability. It seems the E ride stifness is largely pressure related I can tell a difference between 36/37 and 34.

I will only do E tires from now on.

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