Been lurking for awhile, figured it was time to join in the fun. I have a 1999 F250 Superduty 4x4 crewcab short bed. It came new from the dealer with LT235/85R16 120/116Q E load range (10-Ply) General Grabber AW tires on 16x7 wheels. There has been discussion of putting larger tires (>265) on the stock rims. My question is about the E load range rating. The largest E load range tire I can find is a 265, I would like a 285 width but it is only a D load range. I feel that since I don't use this truck for heavy hauling except 3-4 times per year dropping to an 8-ply tire would be fine. I wanted to hear some other Superduty drivers opinions.

Thanks.

 

tucker_bmd,

My new 2002 F2504x4 Super Cab will come with the same size tires. I should get my truck some time on the week of 11/26. I bought a tire and wheel package from http://www.4wheelparts.com
It includes (4) 305x70x16's ProComp All Terrains and (4) American Eagle Alloy 1439 Wheels which are 16"x8".

My friend has 285x75x16 BFG A/T's on his 16"x7" factory wheels on his F-150 4x4 and they look pretty good. I think that is about as big as you would want to go with the 16"x7" wheels.

 

If you check the weight capacity you'll see that a 285x75x16 D is 3300 pounds(or so) at 65psi. It's about 100 pounds less than the 265x75x16 E's.(3400 @ 80psi) A 235x85x16 E is rated at 3042 pounds at 80psi. The 285 size is a popular upgrade. Go for it. You could also use a 265x75x16 D which are 3000 pounds at 65psi. 255x85x16's are another choice. All of these will fit the stock wheel. One advantage to the 265's is that they are darn near the same hight as the 235's which means you won't have to get the speedo recalabrated. I would recomend it if you go larger.