Tire weight ratings?

[mp18d]

Hello
I have an 03 F350 7.3 SRW. A buddy just put a set of snowplow springs under the front end...Now I need to fill up the wheelwells. Nothing in life is free......
So while looking at different tires, 33-35" tall, I see similar weight ratings for some 10ply as well as 8ply tires. There seems to be a greater availability in D rated tires in these sizes, but we haul livestock, hay etc on gooseneck trailers so need the towing capacity and I have a tendancy to "overbuild"; I hate getting flat tires!
So the question is: if the weight ratings are similar even tho the PSI may be different (generally 40-60 in D's vs 80 in E's) are they equal in safety and durability?
It appears that Micky Thompson makes the only 35" E rated tires at ~300 buck each, but there are many 35" D rated tires with very similar weight ratings....Make sense?
Thanks!
Mike

 

[maw88]

A BFG all-terrain will never fail you. I went to a 16.5 wheel because the tires are alot cheaper. I run 35 X 12.50's and have never had a problem with them. When towing my gooseneck loaded with a ford 5k and a 5-ton spreader they perform well. The last ones I got it was buy 3 get 1 free from 4 wheel parts.

 

[MidwestOffroad]

If you look a little moer you will find more 285 or 295s in d and e ratings.. nitto,bfg,mickey,toyo, all have them,. you may want more height to run 35s or plan on modifying the valance and rubbing the wheel wells and springs.

 

[mp18d]

Thanks!
Ended up going w/315-70x17. I thot the 16.5 would be without tires pretty soon as it is kind of an odd size....
Now just gotta see about getting the speedo reset.
Did a little trimming, about 5mins worth and no problems now!
Thanks for the help!
Mike