[newenglander]

Mostly paved road driving, occasionally dirt roads to back fishing spots but certainly no "off-roading". Not towing anything, no heavy loads to speak of
except those runs to Home Depot for 600 lbs of fertilzer and stuff like that.
Don't really think I need an E rated tire, but will they handle better than "D" or a rougher ride...
Thanks in advance.

 

[briangp]

'Letter ratings' are directly related to the tire ply correct? I've never used this system to choose.

I usually look for a 4-6 ply tire with good tread for A/T

 

[SMEbay]

Mostly paved road driving, occasionally dirt roads to back fishing spots but certainly no "off-roading". Not towing anything, no heavy loads to speak of
except those runs to Home Depot for 600 lbs of fertilzer and stuff like that.
Don't really think I need an E rated tire, but will they handle better than "D" or a rougher ride...
Thanks in advance.

Most likely all you 'need' is Load Range C. Passenger tires ride nice, but might be just a little too light-duty.

I am running load range D, a little on the harsh side, but tolerable. I guess it also depends on the tire, make, etc.

I remember seeing folks who have installed load range E complaining about the harsh ride. There is one guy who drives a lotta miles over rocky terrain. He likes the E. I would say stay away unless you really know what you're doing, and why you're doing it.

You can also expect D and E to be heavier, reducing your mpg's even further. My stock Bridgestones were 39lbs, my load range Ds are 54lbs!

 

[lotust]

Mostly paved road driving, occasionally dirt roads to back fishing spots but certainly no "off-roading". Not towing anything, no heavy loads to speak of
except those runs to Home Depot for 600 lbs of fertilzer and stuff like that.
Don't really think I need an E rated tire, but will they handle better than "D" or a rougher ride...
Thanks in advance.

Not unless your driving a full size PU or a dump truck.

 

[Pb]

Mostly paved road driving, occasionally dirt roads to back fishing spots but certainly no "off-roading". Not towing anything, no heavy loads to speak of
except those runs to Home Depot for 600 lbs of fertilzer and stuff like that.
Don't really think I need an E rated tire, but will they handle better than "D" or a rougher ride...
Thanks in advance.

C rated is ideal for midsize trucks. I wouldn't go over a D unless you really want to kill your gas mileage or you do rock crawling.

 

[roboots21]

Mostly paved road driving, occasionally dirt roads to back fishing spots but certainly no "off-roading". Not towing anything, no heavy loads to speak of
except those runs to Home Depot for 600 lbs of fertilzer and stuff like that.
Don't really think I need an E rated tire, but will they handle better than "D" or a rougher ride...
Thanks in advance.

I agree with everyone else....no need for E rated unless you really need the extra sidewall strength. Up here in new england, I would suggest either Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revos, of BFG A/T's. I just put 265/70-17 Load Range C on my Tacoma, and they are great. I actually feel that they ride better than the stock Dueler H/T, I don't know why, but they just feel like they do. The Revos can be had in either a P rating, or an E rating for the stock sport tire size (265/65-17), but for those I would recommend the P tires, as E would be overkill.

Any way you choose, as stated before, C should be the most you would need, as others have already pointed out. Just thought I would give you a couple of tire suggestions in case you hadn't checked into what tire to much yet.

 

[newenglander]

Okay, thanks all. That's what I was thinking too, just wanted to make sure
before I put new stuff on. Couple guys at work have Nokain Vatiiva's A/T and love them.