C20 Load Range C or E?

[Feldsine]

Hi all. My 71 C20 has the heavy duty springs front and rear options, with leafs in the rear, which I believe brings the max weight for the rear end to 5500 lbs according to the tag in the driver door frame.

It is time to buy new wheels and tires, as what is on there is a mix of 16" and 16.5" split rims with 20 year old tires.

I'm trying to decide if I should put "C" or "E" load range tires. I'm getting the Cooper Discoverer A/T3 tires. I can't ever imagine that I would be hauling more than 2000 lbs in the bed, and if I have this figured right, "C" tires would handle that just fine....? I'm not going to use this as a heavy hauler, just for firewood or hay for the horses.

Does that sound right, or should I just go for the "E"s? My logic is swirling around the possibly false idea that "C"s are going to give me a better ride in the already bouncy C20.

[72MARIO]

If your going to work the truck I would go with E rated tires. Air pressure plays a huge role in how the truck rides. Up front in my 1967 c20 I run 58psi and out back 65psi unless I know there is a heavier then usual load. Then they get bumped up to 70psi. but it rides rough at 70.

[Mike C]

There is a "D" option in there as well. I ran 265 75 16 D rated Michelins on my 70 C2500 and thought they were a great fit for how I used the truck.

[Feldsine]

Thanks, I'll consider the "D" option as well!

[Feldsine]

Incidentally, I'm going for 275/70R17s for the tires. The shop is going to make sure they don't rub, and if they do, the 265/75R17s are the second choice.

[Feldsine]

Well, went down to my local tire shop, and they had a 285/70/17 tire and wheel off a Dodge Truck. They put it on the front, and it went lock to lock with no rubbing anywhere. Didn't drive it so it is possible it might still under compression like a turn into a driveway.

The 285 is a 32.7 x 11.2 tire.

I feel pretty safe going with a 275/70/17 tire, and I'm going with the Cooper Discoverer AT3s with the 10 Ply E rating. The 285 just looked like it was too big stuffed in there.

The 275 is a 32.2 x 10.83 tire.

[72_K10_Vegas]

Got a logging claim up the 96, I always get Yreka and Eureka jacked up! I am closer to the border. Nice stock.

[Acorn]

I have always had good results with the Cooper at3. Plus they are one of the last remaining American owned/based and American made tire companies out there.
I have had a set of the 10 ply on a 3/4 truck and they rode surprisingly well.
Like 72mario said, air pressure is makes a world of difference.
Post some pics when you get them installed!

[Feldsine]

I'll post some pics when I get them installed. Ordered a set of these wheels to go with them.

[Feldsine]

Well, I got the above wheel in. It was too wide for one thing, 17x9. Second, the offset set it too far outboard. We mounted up a 275/70xR17 tire and when turning it rubbed on the front side of the fender.

Shop is working with me though, and we reordered some 17x8s, with less offset to bring it in. Since the stock Dodge wheel fit without rubbing with a 285/70R17 tire we ordered the new wheel with the same offset as the stock Dodge wheel.

Wheel see how it does when it comes in. Here is a pic of the new wheel we ordered.

[Grumpy old man]

E rated tires are the only way to go on work /hauling/ or towing trucks we run Michelins on all our daily drivers and yes they cost a bit more but I got 90,000 miles out of the last set I ran on a 1995 3/4 Z-71 and it works for a living . E rated tires are a firmer ride but, Hey there trucks .

[special-K]

WOW! 90,000 miles on a set of tires on a truck that hauls? What's your trick? I've run some sets of Michelins on trucks and never came near. I've never heard of any tire on anything go anywhere near that far. I'm amazed!

[72.4me]

Please post pictures when mounted, i'm interested

[Grumpy old man]

Originally Posted by special-K

WOW! 90,000 miles on a set of tires on a truck that hauls? What's your trick? I've run some sets of Michelins on trucks and never came near. I've never heard of any tire on anything go anywhere near that far. I'm amazed!

1) I buy Michelins
2) I drive that truck like a Grumpy old man the last time it spun the wheels is when my son drove it home from the dealership .in 1995 238,000 and still rolling ! and he's still not allowed to drive it

[master 1969 c10]

Hi, I work at the biggest IndependeI tire chain in the US For 35 Years Until I Hurt My Back. But here is my 2 cents worth. I would go with load Range E they will last a bit longer and max psi is 80 when your not Hauling a load keep 60 psi in them .i Would get The radial tire. Between load range d or e ride will be about the same. If u want more of my help let me no. I have help randy ( Teeitup) and a few others out talk to you later Doug

[special-K]

I have never done a burn out. Not even on my thumper Harley. I respect my equipment. Burnouts are for the staging area. I got 335k from my factory order '92 that was never at net weight on original motor. That's very impressive miles from a set of tires is all I'm saying. I'm easy on the machinery, too. I used to wonder if I'd ever grow up. Now I know I never will, but have gotten wiser. I'm 60

[Grumpy old man]

I don't know, I guess I just keep them rotated and I hate buying tires because I know it's going to cost me another grand . I'm the guy who pulls over and lets those who like to tailgate pass .I'm not in that much of a hurry anymore . The last time I put new tires on that truck was 2010 and they still look new (when the mud from the farm gets cleaned off ) That truck runs and drives better than our new Dodge ram it's a real pleasure to drive on the interstate even when towing the trailer loaded that's why I still drive it everyday . Heck it's still a new truck it's only 21 years old with 238,000 bone stock and that's new compared to most of the stuff I have . I still really like the body style and they are VERY popular around here

[72.4me]

Remember that the tires have a shelf life...check the date..they may look new but could be trouble.

[Sicklajoie]

I've always gotten 80K-90K out of all my sets of Michelins. Would never buy anything else.

[Feldsine]

Alright! Got a nice looking set of Motorsport Ultra 175B Rouge wheels, and the tires are 275/70R17 Load Range E. Looks great, I'm real happy with this setup. The truck actually rides a lot smoother than what were previously the stock 8.5 x 16 tires on the back.

[Ed F]

I am part of the Michelin camp too. On my 1/2 ton trucks and SUV's I have had great luck getting around 90,000 or a little better with the LTX. Had a set of 20" on the last motor home but didn't have a chance to put many miles on those. Keep them balanced, rotated and inflated and they will serve you well.