New BFG AT's are load rating E - does anyone know Why ?

Hi Phil

Do you think so - something doesn't add up to me , all my other sets

Bighorns, Mtr's , Cooper st are all "D" and 65psi rated in this size.

Only just noticed this and haven't looked into but I note that D694's
come in 2 load ratings "D" and "E" for same size and its a bit of a trap
as some think they are getting a better price when they aren't buying the same thing.

But Bridgestone down rate the D694 speed rating from "S" to "R" with higher load , whereas BFG maintain higher "S" speed rating - so I am wondering what they actually did because tyres appear no heavier.

Yep, have another look at your examples:
Cooper ST used to be available in both 8 and 10 ply, but a look at their website says only 10 ply (LI 123) now.
Goodyear MTRs (8 ply) have been replaced by the 10 ply Kevlars.
Goodyear Silent Armours have been 10 ply since they were released 5 years ago.
Bridgestone released the LT versions - in 10 ply - upgraded from the 8ply that are not LT.

10ply, Load Index 123, Load Range E, is what sells A/T tyres because on paper they are "stronger". The downsides of harsher ride or less mileage aren't an issue for most buyers.

Not sure what BFG did to keep the faster speed rating, but our friends over the Pacific are pretty good at keeping the numbers looking good. They are still a good tyre - they just stake too easily in the western deserts for my liking.

AFAIK MTrs have always been 10 ply rated E

I have the old ones on the back and the new ones on the front. there is no difference in load ratings and the new ones have the 1 ply of kevlar in the sidewall and 1 less tread ply compared to the old MTrs

Davoe,
It varies with the size - 265/75 MTRs were 8 ply (LI 119) and many other sizes, including your 235/85 are 10 ply.

May be of note.............. my current conveyance has 5 year old Cooper ATR 265/75/16's, per favour of the first owner. They are load range E.

you sure? i would be surprised if the 265x75 were 8 ply as i know the 235x85 and 285x75 are both 10 ply and E rated,

you dont mean some original equpment size such as 265x70 do you? quite a few lighter 4wds come out with them and its pretty hard to get a full strength tyre in that size with most people upping them to 265x75

Yep, I owned a set of 265/75 MTRs and I have the brochure from back then which confirms Load Index 119 and load range D. The 285's also were Load Range D (LI 122). On the same brochure, the 235/85 and 245/75 were load range E. They never made a 70 profile MTR.

Just a squiz at mine in passing - may be of further note there.
Cooper Discover ATR M+S LT 265/75 16, Made in USA - Load Range E, Single 550kg @80 psi, Tread plies: 1 Nylon, 2 steel, 2 polyester - Sidewall: 2 polyester.
Wear seems to suggest they would easily do 100,000k + without towing and staying on the blacktop - seeing that I'm now often towing 2.5T and on gravel at times, I'll be lucky to make 90.000 before the BFG's go on (I've been a BFG devotee for years - can't find a reason to go off them).