Tire Load Ranges

bmcgc

bmcgc

TJ Enthusiast
Joined
Dec 13, 2023
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Georgia
Shopping for tires for the TJ.

Most metric tires are a SL load range with 4 plys and a max inflation of 44 psi.

Most flotation tires are a C1 load range with 6 plys and a max inflation of 50 psi.

The 255 70 18 Bridgestones are coming off. 32" tall.

The next couple years, driving will be nearly all on paved roads and towed behind the RV in the summer.

I like the 255-70-15 vs the 30 9.5 15. The 255 is lighter, beefer, .5" wider tread width and an inch shorter.

I like the 265-75-15 vs the 31-10.5-15. The 265 is lighter, an inch narrower tread, same height.

The 255-70-15 and the 265-75-15 both have a 7.7" tread width. Less rolling resistance than a 31-10.5, and I like the tall narrow look.

Should I be concerned with a 4 or 6 ply tire and the max inflation psi?
 
Switch from metric to inch-size tires and you'll have a much easier time finding TJ appropriate Load Range C tires. Don't worry about their max inflation psi, that's never the correct tire pressure to use. Higher D and E load range tires are designed for heavier vehicles and they both ride more stiffly and have to be aired down to much lower air pressures for offroad use to allow them to flex more easily around uneven terrain for better traction and a better ride.
 
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In general terms the more plys in a tire the stiffer and stronger it is, and thus it can hold a higher max psi. 4 ply is good for everyday driving on paved roads. Higher plys are recommended for towing, heavy loads, and off road use. If you are only driving on paved roads and not towing anything 4 ply tires will be fine and give you a smoother ride.
 
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bmcgc said:
Shopping for tires for the TJ.

Most metric tires are a SL load range with 4 plys and a max inflation of 44 psi.

Most flotation tires are a C1 load range with 6 plys and a max inflation of 50 psi.

The 255 70 18 Bridgestones are coming off. 32" tall.

The next couple years, driving will be nearly all on paved roads and towed behind the RV in the summer.

I like the 255-70-15 vs the 30 9.5 15. The 255 is lighter, beefer, .5" wider tread width and an inch shorter.

I like the 265-75-15 vs the 31-10.5-15. The 265 is lighter, an inch narrower tread, same height.

The 255-70-15 and the 265-75-15 both have a 7.7" tread width. Less rolling resistance than a 31-10.5, and I like the tall narrow look.

Should I be concerned with a 4 or 6 ply tire and the max inflation psi?
Click to expand...

Not on a TJ.
 
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I'm with mrblaine on the E rated tire thing now. The tire type is more relevant than the tire rating. They ride much better than the worn ouI just bought E rated tires for my wife's WJ
 
TheBoogieman said:
I'm with mrblaine on the E rated tire thing now. The tire type is more relevant than the tire rating. They ride much better than the worn ouI just bought E rated tires for my wife's WJ
Click to expand...

I missed that. Or forgot it. Can you say more, or post a link?

@mrblaine
 
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