I messed up and bought load range E tires

connor grimes

connor grimes

TJ Enthusiast
Supporting Member
Joined
Oct 24, 2018
Messages
365
Location
Los Angeles
Just installed new 35 inch tires as some of you saw my previous post spent the better part of an hour looking at my tires wondering why they seemed narrower than my 33’s only to find that I bought load range E tires. Tried airing them down to 26 PSI but still can’t get a flat contact patch I doubt I can take them back to the tire shop what are my options guys? Thanks
 
I think knowing what brand, type (AT, MT, ETC?) and actual sizes in numbers of both the 35" and the 33" tires may help us help you.

I don't think load range itself has much to do with it. I could again be wrong, we'll see.
 
BFG all terrains 35x12.5x15 on 15x10 rims . You can see at 26psi they are still round

B2DDB30B-D662-4462-B9FA-809ACD6E50EE.jpeg
 
Did you try the chalk on the tread trick to see if you have a flat tread pattern? I’ve never done it but there are a few videos on the subject.
 
In all seriousness , what’s the best option , run them at 20 ? I just want even wear at the very least , I can live with the mistake of getting wrong load range tires and sacrificing ride quality if I can at least get the right life out of these tires
 
connor grimes said:
In all seriousness , what’s the best option , run them at 20 ? I just want even wear at the very least , I can live with the mistake of getting wrong load range tires and sacrificing ride quality if I can at least get the right life out of these tires
Click to expand...
All that matters is where they hit the road ...air em down and see...they will relax some too.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bedhed
First, not many tire treads are designed to be totally in contact with the ground and that one doesn't appear to be.

So far as getting the inappropriate Load Range E tire for your TJ, I'd go back to the dealer and complain that they let you install the wrong load range without any counsel that it was incorrect and that a Load Range C should have been what you received. That may not work but it's the only thing I can think of. Some tire dealers have a guarantee that you'll be happy with your purchase, it's worth checking out.
 
  • Like
Reactions: lowranger, LieutenantJohnson, Daryl and 2 others
This was a mom n pop type shop , I’ll try tomorrow but I doubt they’ll take them back as they aren’t corporate. Will keep u guys updated
 
connor grimes said:
BFG all terrains 35x12.5x15 on 15x10 rims . You can see at 26psi they are still round

View attachment 136782
Click to expand...

Just because the top of the tire looks not flat. Doesn't mean it's not flat at where it contacts the ground. Your tire under load is going to flatten out on the bottom. Best to use the chalk trick.

Air down to 20psi and see how the ride is. I have not heard you complain about the ride yet. If the ride is to harsh even at 20 psi. I'd consider taking them off now and selling them as near new. And get yourself a set of C range tires. The hundred bucks you'll lose will be put towards "I don't have to learn this lesson again!".

I know it's a sick pit in your stomach. But this will work out.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AndyG and Oldguy
Let more air out. Not sure why 20psi has become the magic number. But the answer is very likely to be less than your current 26psi. We are also assuming that your gauge is accurate.

If less psi helps, also know that tires soften up as they get used.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AndyG
You can’t judge a radial tire by anything but the contact patch (the part of the tire touching the ground). You’re thinking about it too much. At 24psi you probably have the correct contact pattern. I’m guessing the BFG engineers have done their homework and have it right.
 
@Nimbley yeah but a load range e tire belongs on a f350 not on a Tj . I’m sure the contact patch is designed with the weight of the vehicle in mind . Hoping for the best outcome
 
  • Like
Reactions: matkal
Top Bottom
Back