Tire load rating?

Looking at some new tires for my tundra. Size wise going 305/55r20, it’s what I currently have. Fits nice with my lift. I am looking at nitro terra grapplers. I know some people don’t like them. I had them on another truck and they worked great so I am going for it again. But my question is there are two different tire load rating in this size. 305/55r20 116s xl or 305/55r20 E 121/118s. The 166s xl are almost 10 pounds lights and would likely give a better ride. Will I be giving anything up by using these? I use my truck most highway. But I do haul a trailer once or twice a month and have stuff in the bed (construction materials) about the same amount. Off roading not that often or anything too extreme. I would like the lighter tire if I am not giving anything up. Any one have experience here?

 

Since you are not towing a lot and do not indicate you have concerns about puncturing a tire on rough terrain/sharp rocks, I think you'll be fine with the XL rating. The XLs likely have a higher load rating than what came on your Tundra from the factory. The E range tires will be tougher and have a much higher load capacity but given your description of use, I think you'll get more benefit (acceleration and better MPG) from the lighter tires.

 

^^^^ what Adam said

 

Stock tires on a Tundra are SL- standard load. Both the choices you listed are heavier duty than what the factory installs so you will have no issue running either load rating. And you are correct, load E on a Tundra are overkill, but folks run them because that is what available in the size and tire they want to run. There are few non E load tires in larger sizes for our trucks.

 

I agree with the others. You'll be fine with the XL load tires for your needs as you described. I had same nitto terra grapplers and same size in xl on my other tundra with no issue.

 

Yup. They only came in "E" in the make and model I wanted

Bigger, heavier, but I run on a lot of gravel roads so don't mind.

 

Thanks for the help guys.