Quick Answer
Load Range E is a 10-ply equivalent marking. In Bridgestone's 2023 data book an LT265/70R17 load range E is rated 3,195 lb (1,450 kg) single and 2,910 lb dual at 80 psi cold. Load range C is 6-ply, 2,470 lb at 50 psi; load range D is 8-ply, 2,910 lb at 65 psi.
Bridgestone says there is no industry-wide definition of ply rating: the marking identifies the load and inflation limits of that tire. Use the pressure on your vehicle's placard and the sidewall of your tire.
From Cotton Plies to Modern Equivalency
Ply rating is a marking, not a count of layers. Bridgestone's data book explains that while there is no industry-wide definition of ply rating, truck tires are frequently marked with a ply rating and equivalent load range. These markings are used to identify the load and inflation limits of that particular type of tire when used in a specific type of service.
| Load Range | Ply Rating |
|---|---|
| A | 2-ply |
| B | 4-ply |
| C | 6-ply |
| D | 8-ply |
| E | 10-ply |
| F | 12-ply |
| G | 14-ply |
| H | 16-ply |
| J | 18-ply |
| L | 20-ply |
| M | 22-ply |
Source: Bridgestone Truck Tire Data Book 2023, "Ply Rating/Load Range" table.
Load Range Reference Table: C through M
Maximum pressure belongs to the size and load range, not the letter alone. These are the pressures that appear in Bridgestone's data book for the example sizes.
| Load Range | Ply Rating | Max Pressure (data book) | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 6-ply | 50 psi | LT265/70R17: 2,470 lb single |
| D | 8-ply | 65 psi | LT265/70R17: 2,910 lb single |
| E | 10-ply | 80 psi | LT265/70R17: 3,195 lb single |
| F | 12-ply | 95 psi | 225/70R19.5: 3,640 lb single |
| G | 14-ply | 110 psi (105 psi for 11R22.5 and 11R24.5) | 295/75R22.5: 6,175 lb single |
| H | 16-ply | 120 psi | 295/75R22.5: 7,160 lb single |
| J | 18-ply | 120 psi | 275/70R22.5: 6,940 lb single |
| L | 20-ply | 120 to 130 psi | 445/50R22.5: 10,200 lb at 120 psi; 315/80R22.5: 10,000 lb at 130 psi |
| M | 22-ply | 130 psi | 455/55R22.5: 11,700 lb single |
SL and XL are passenger tire load markings, separate from LT load ranges. Tires marked XL (extra load) have a higher load rating than a standard-load tire of the same size.
Load Range C vs D vs E — Same Size, Different Capacity
LT265/70R17 from Bridgestone's Commercial Light Truck Radials load and inflation table. Each load range is a different tire marking with its own maximum load and pressure.
| Load Range | Load Index (single/dual) | Max Load (single) | Max Load (dual) | At Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | 112/109 | 2,470 lb (1,120 kg) | 2,270 lb | 50 psi |
| D | 118/115 | 2,910 lb (1,320 kg) | 2,680 lb | 65 psi |
| E | 121/118 | 3,195 lb (1,450 kg) | 2,910 lb | 80 psi |
Load by cold inflation pressure (LT265/70R17)
| Pressure | Single (lb) | Dual (lb) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 psi | 1,890 | 1,720 | |
| 40 psi | 2,075 | 1,890 | |
| 45 psi | 2,255 | 2,050 | |
| 50 psi | 2,470 | 2,270 | Load range C maximum |
| 55 psi | 2,595 | 2,360 | |
| 60 psi | 2,760 | 2,510 | |
| 65 psi | 2,910 | 2,680 | Load range D maximum |
| 70 psi | 3,005 | 2,735 | |
| 75 psi | 3,100 | 2,820 | |
| 80 psi | 3,195 | 2,910 | Load range E maximum |
Load index is derived from the listed loads using Bridgestone's International Load Index table. Michelin's Truck Tire Service Manual says the capacity for duals is usually between 5 and 13% less than twice the single capacity depending on tire size.
Using Your Own Vehicle's Information
- NHTSA says to find the correct size and pressure in your owner's manual or on the Tire and Loading Information label on the driver's door edge or post, and to measure pressure when tires are cold, meaning the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours.
- Ford's manual warns to replace wheels and tires with the exact original brand, size and construction, and says other combinations, even with identical size ratings, may result in insufficient running clearances, tire rubbing and eventual puncture.
- Manuals list heavy-duty truck sizes with load ranges: the 2025 RAM 2500 manual names LT245/70R17E, LT285/70R17D, LT275/70R18E and LT285/60R20E.
- NHTSA says poor tire maintenance, including not having enough air, can lead to a flat tire, a blowout or the tread coming off. The UTQG regulation adds that excessive speed, underinflation or excessive loading can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
To look up a letter such as E or D without reading the tables, use the load range to ply rating converter. The number after the size is a load index, listed in pounds and kilograms on the tire load index chart, and the truck tire guide covers truck tire sizes in more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does load range E mean on a tire?
Load range E corresponds to a 10-ply rating. Bridgestone says there is no industry-wide definition of ply rating: truck tires are marked with a ply rating and equivalent load range to identify the load and inflation limits of that tire. For an LT265/70R17 load range E, the Bridgestone data book lists 3,195 lb single (1,450 kg, load index 121) and 2,910 lb dual (118) at a maximum of 80 psi cold.
What is the difference between ply rating and load range?
They are two markings for the same thing. Bridgestone's table pairs them: 2-ply A, 4-ply B, 6-ply C, 8-ply D, 10-ply E, 12-ply F, 14-ply G, 16-ply H, 18-ply J, 20-ply L and 22-ply M. The marking identifies the load and inflation limits of that particular tire; it does not tell you how many layers the tire contains.
Can I inflate a lower load range tire to a higher pressure?
No. The load and pressure limits belong to the particular tire. The Bridgestone table for LT265/70R17 shows load range C at 2,470 lb at 50 psi, D at 2,910 lb at 65 psi and E at 3,195 lb at 80 psi; the maximum pressure for each load range is the one listed for that tire and printed on its sidewall. Use the pressure on your vehicle's tire placard or in the owner's manual.
Is the same load range always the same pressure?
No. In Bridgestone's data book load range G is rated at 110 psi for 295/75R22.5 but 105 psi for 11R22.5 and 11R24.5, load range H at 120 psi, and load range L at 120 psi on 445/50R22.5 and 130 psi on 315/80R22.5. Check the sidewall or a data book for the size.
Why is the dual load rating lower than the single rating?
Bridgestone's LT265/70R17 load range E is rated 3,195 lb single and 2,910 lb dual. Michelin's Truck Tire Service Manual says tires in dual share the axle load unevenly, so the capacity for duals is not twice the single capacity but usually between 5 and 13% less depending on tire size, and that duals should be within 1/4 inch of each other in diameter.
What should I use my own vehicle's tire information for?
NHTSA says to check your owner's manual or the Tire and Loading Information label on the driver's door edge or post for the correct size and pressure, and to measure pressure when tires are cold (not driven for at least three hours). Ford's manual warns to use the exact original brand, size and construction, and the RAM 2500 (2025) manual lists LT245/70R17E, LT285/70R17D, LT275/70R18E and LT285/60R20E for its trims.
What happens if tires are underinflated or overloaded?
NHTSA says poor tire maintenance, including not having enough air in the tires, can lead to a flat tire, a blowout or the tread coming off. UTQG labeling adds that excessive speed, underinflation or excessive loading, separately or together, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Do ST (trailer) tires follow the same load range system?
Special Trailer tires are marked ST and use load range letters too, but we do not have a data book source for ST load tables, so we do not give ST figures on this page. Follow your trailer manufacturer's label and the tire maker's load and inflation table for your ST tire.
Related Load and Tire Tools
Load Range & Ply Rating Calculator
Convert load range letters to ply equivalents
Load Index Calculator
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Safe Tire Deals Guide
5 checks before buying discount tires — includes load index and load range verification
Trailer Tire Guide
Trailer tire sizing and load guidance
Disclaimer:Figures on this page come from the Bridgestone Truck Tire Data Book 2023, Michelin's Truck Tire Service Manual, NHTSA and the owner's manuals named. Always follow your vehicle placard, owner's manual and the tire maker's load and inflation table for your tire, and consult a qualified professional.