Experience with C load tires? (1 Viewer)

[KAR120C]

There’s nothing like cold weather to give me too much time to go down another rabbit hole. This time it’s on tires. Specifically, C load tires.

I’ve been absorbing a lot of info on offroad tires the last few days. The cases for E load and for SL tires seem pretty clear cut. However, the C load tire seems more mysterious. Does it really fill the void between SL and E when it comes to light offroad use, or is it just a fluff variable I should ignore?

I have a couple of questions for people in the know about this load rating.

Let’s say I that want to keep the total tire diameter about the same as my OEM OT+. So I go to a 17” wheel and use a 285/70/17 tire. Same diameter tire, but with extra sidewall to make up for the smaller wheel diameter. This tire size has multiple C load tires available

Question 1) Compared to an OEM wheel/tire combo, will the taller sidewall mitigate the harsher ride from a C load tire?
Question 2) Is there enough increase in offroad durability with a C load on mild/medium trails to even switch to C from SL?

I’d love to hear your real world experiences.

 

[Bluegill]

I have bought dozens of off road tires for various trucks and I always went with E load tires for increased durability. But they are heavy and can ride really rough. For this GX550, I went with C load tires size 35x12.5x17 for the first time ever and I'm very pleased. I've taken the tires off road quite a bit and they are fine. I have the Toyo AT3.

 

[leopard print]

I’m getting 17” KO3s in C load on Sunday. I’ll let you know how they feel compared to the stock 18” OT tires.

 

[KAR120C]

I’m getting 17” KO3s in C load on Sunday. I’ll let you know how they feel compared to the stock 18” OT tires.

Thanks!! What size are you going with?

 

[leopard print]

285/70/17.

Thanks!! What size are you going with?

 

[leopard print]

Had the tires installed this morning and drove about 30 miles so far. The ride is a little rougher, but the difference is marginal compared to stock in my opinion. I really have to be thinking about it to notice.

Can’t answer your question about off-roading though.

 

[KAR120C]

Thanks! I just saw your pix! Very nice.

 

[nonamex]

I have Toyo AT3 285/75R17 C Load tires and I just came back from White Rim Trail. The tires did absolutely fine. Have used the tires on the sand dunes of Oceano, Racetrack Playa and various trails at Death Valley, Big Bear trails, and various routes in Anza Borrego.

The tires have been fantastic to say the least. C Load tires, in general, provide a good balance of offroad prowess while providing a good level of comfort on paved roads.

 

[KAR120C]

I have Toyo AT3 285/75R17 C Load tires and I just came back from White Rim Trail. The tires did absolutely fine. Have used the tires on the sand dunes of Oceano, Racetrack Playa and various trails at Death Valley, Big Bear trails, and various routes in Anza Borrego.

The tires have been fantastic to say the least. C Load tires, in general, provide a good balance of offroad prowess while providing a good level of comfort on paved roads.

That's great to hear! White Rim is about as 'off road' as I'd ever get. Were you able to do that in a day or did you stay overnight?

 

[nonamex]

That's great to hear! White Rim is about as 'off road' as I'd ever get. Were you able to do that in a day or did you stay overnight?

I did a 3-day, 2-night trip. Arrived on Nov. 27 and exited on Nov. 29. Not advisable to drive White Rim in one day in November unless you want to drive in the dark. It wouldn't be much fun either driving 11 hours or so.

I'll write a full report in the coming days for those interested in driving it soon.