I noticed that Ford started shipping the 2026 Ford Expedition Max with 18 inch Load E tires. I have never driven on or experienced Load E tires. Please let me know your thoughts in terms of comfort, wear and overall reliability of these Load E tires. I have read the ride is a bit stiffer than the usual XL tires put on full sized SUVs.
Load E versus XL tires
- Thread starter Navi
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Heavy, stiffer, carries more load. I've also found that it is harder to get a 'street' tire in a load E. Most of them are more suited for offroad, although not all.
E rated on everything including my daughter’s 2022 3.6L Acadia. 245/70r17 General Arctic on 17x8 +35 offset wheels.
Bit extreme isn't it? Seems like it would make it feel like you're driving a boat anchor around. That and added unsprung weight.
I've used both on pickups. If you need the extra weight capacity due to carrying heavier loads, then use Load E rated tires. Otherwise, use P rated.
I realize that this isn’t your question however…
Buy tires(or a vehicle with tires) for the way that you will use the vehicle the majority(>95%) of the time and not for that once in a while that you might(MIGHT) use it or push it to a higher limit or over load it…which may never happen!
Buy tires(or a vehicle with tires) for the way that you will use the vehicle the majority(>95%) of the time and not for that once in a while that you might(MIGHT) use it or push it to a higher limit or over load it…which may never happen!
If you carry a lot of weight, including passengers in a 3 row SUV or 12/15 passenger van, or tow heavy loads, they’re a good idea. Air pressure can be reduced to 45 PSI running empty, but they’re not going to give the cushiony ride of P-metrics.
The tires match up with the 15w40 HD engine oil and Rough Country lift kit.
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
Many like to say they ride good AFTER they made the mistake
(Defensive posture) …
I did it 3 times: 1st time, same time, and no time after
Navi, you've got the concept wrong. XL and Load Range E are about load carrying capacity, not comfort, wear, and reliability. If the vehicle is heavier, then it's likely XL tires aren't going to work. There are a number of ways to do this and Ford chose that way.
So basically
So basically you took away all the qualities away buying a vehicle like that to begin with. Why not a 4Runner?
This is my general philosophy for winter tires. I tend to get crucified for it.
Load E means 10 ply rated, D was 8 ply. XL is heavy duty passenger tire like they used on 1/2 ton pickups, Suburbans, etc. Learned that from days/years selling light duty trucks. Truck tires were either on road highway tires or extra cost on/off road tires.
I remember load E tires on my heavy duty cutaways and vans if I remember correctly 8 ply made to carry weight
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- Dec 7, 2022
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yeah should have said car tires. Lack of proof reading skills on my part.
