My 2009 F-250 SCAB XL Long Bed 4x4 truck came from Ford with LR E tires.
It is a daily driver and is used for towing our 5th wheel RV.
Can I legally and safely replace those LT245/75/17 LR E tires with LT285/70/17 LR D tires?
I'm thinking that as long as the load carrying capacity is equal or greater then I should be ok.
Thanks for all replys.

 

You can put whatever the hell you want to on the truck. Will it be right, no. Could it be a problem? Yes.

If the vehicle calls for load range E tires, stick with load range E tires.

I've found Goodyear Wrangler DuraTracs ride softer than what the load range designation on the tire would lead you to believe it would ride like.

I put a set of DuraTracs in a 305/70R16 load range E on my girlfriend's dad's F250 FX4, and he just drove to the Kentucky/Tennessee border and back last weekend, and he said they rode extremely smooth, and nothing like the BFG load range E's he had on the truck before.

I subscribe to, and always tell my customers at work, if the vehicle calls for a specific load range tire, put that on the vehicle. I have no problem going heavier if they want to, but I'll never go lighter.

 

Even if you found a D tire with the capability, you will sacrifice handling and capabilty over the E. If the D tire is rated for it, there may not really be a safety concern, but it won't handle the task as well. You bought a 250 for a reason obviously, use it for that.

Just like jdc just mentioned, I have 305/70 16 Wranglers in an E and they ride no different than my last D tire did. No sacrifice in ride quality at all...I literally can't tell a difference.

 

I went from an E-rated (10ply) to a 6ply and it made a huge difference. Its a softer ride and the tires are lighter. I don't hardly tow or haul though, so your needs may differ.