Tire Load Range for a Jeep

[Ranger1]

I have a 2008 Jeep Liberty that is getting close to needing new tires. Currently, it has P225/75R16 and Standard Load Range...and these Wrangler ST are junk IMO. If I switch to BFG ATs in this size, then they are Load Range E. I have been told that going up to Load Range C is OK, but any higher might be way too stiff. I am used to riding in 4x4 pickups, so a bouncier ride or road noise is not a big issue for me.

Other than a rougher ride, would going up to Load Range E cause other handling issues or other problems in general? Recommendations???

 

[BillyMarr01]

you could try the BFG rugged trail.

 

[Boomer]

You have to realize that LT tires have to be run at higher pressures than P rated tires or they will overheat. Lots on the Internet about this and on this site where I have posted a reference to it. You will have to run about 45 psi in these at least and it will ride like a buckboard unless you run softer springs. Some don't mind this but as I get older, I do. Why not get P rated Goodyear Silent Armor or the General Off Road tire (see there site) in a P rated tire. TYread looks almost like a Goodrich AT. They get a good rating on Tire Rack, BTW.

 

[mrsilv04]

You really don't want a load range E on anything less than a 3/4 ton pickup.

I had some on a 3/4 ton extended cab pickup with an 8 foot bed that pulled a 28 foot trailer, and they were still plenty stiff. Your Liberty is nothing close to that.

That said, load range C is still overkill on something as light as a Liberty.

Why are you so eager to ditch a standard load tire on a little SUV?

 

[gomes512]

Stiffer ride maybe. My old rig already jostled the heck out of me so driving anything other then it feels cush.

We switched our work truck to E's. I have to say it noticeably reduced sway on corners. I guess those extra psi's really help. As I mentioned, like you, I'm numb to road noise, etc, so I can't comment on that stuff.

Other than the cornering can't say I've noticed any traction issues.

 

[Ranger1]

It's not that I want a higher load range. My Wrangler ST tires never seemed to have good traction (especially in bad weather), and the Jeep felt skittish going down the highway. (I have seen their poor rating on Tirerack too.)

In looking for better traction, I wanted a reasonably agressive AT tire (tread pattern) and deeper tread too. (But, not a Mud-Terrain) I wouldn't mind a wider tire, but didn't necessarily want to change tire size. (The optinal factory size was 235/70R16....which surprisingly also happen to be easier to find in lower load ranges.)

With that, most 225 tires with the "better" tread, just naturally have the higher load ranges.

Now, the General Grabber AT2 are XL (and a great bang for the buck), but I know people who have them and say they do not wear well (even). So, while looking at other tires, I wanted to learn if there was something else that I was missing.

 

[river_rat]

I'm real happy with the Firestone Destination AT.

 

[dgee]

Toyo Open Open Country. Good traction, smooth ride, super quiet.
That's alot to expect from an all terrain tire but Toyo Open Country gets it done

 

[meep]

loved destination LE's on my 93 grand. stiff but comfy and great driveability.

The b-stone Revo's currently get top marks on the jeep GC forums with on and off road use.

 

[RageOfFury]

Originally Posted By: river_rat
I'm real happy with the Firestone Destination AT.

+1

Been running them on my Liberty since Oct 09. Awesome tire. Night and day compared to the OEM Wrangler HPs.

 

[cool_breeze]

Love my firestone destination mt's, a smooth ride for a 315/75r16 so im sure a smaller tire would be great. My previous were toyo open country at's, very quiet and strong but [censored] off road in the mud/rocks if that means anything to you.