Tires: Do replacement tires need to be the same load rating?, bfgoodrich all terrain, alloy rim

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I am trying to buy new tires for my 1999 GMC Sierra ExtCab 4X4.  I was hoping to by the BFGoodrich All Terrain TA.  My current size tire is 245/75/16.  The fellow in the store says that BFG tire is rated for load E and my stock alloy rim will not handle the pressure.  Do I need to limit my search for new tires by the load rating and size?

Specs:
Model K15753
GVWR 6400lbs
GAWR FRT 3925lbs
GAWR RR 3750lbs

Tire size is the same for Front and Back
LT245/75/R16C
RIM 16X7/6.5J
Cold tire pressure 50 psi

Thanks
ANSWER: Jeff,

According to my book, there are only 2 possibilities - a P246/75R16 and a P265/70R17 - not an LT245/75R16.  I'm guessing you didn't tell me what the placard said for tire size - you told me what tires are on the truck and what max pressure is written on the sidewall.

If that is true - you don't need an LT tire - you can use a P metric tire.  And that should be considerably less expensive.

So if the guy at the tire shop gives you a hard time about the P metric's - show him the vehicle placard.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sorry fella, your book does not change the placard on the truck that says LT245/75R16C.  

Back to the original question.... Does the load rating on the tire need to match the load rating the the truck has?

Thanks

Answer
Jeff,

So my book is wrong.  Again.  I think I need to talk to the publishers.  If found other mistakes, and they don't correct their mistakes in later editions.

OK, I'm glad we are on the same page.

So, yes, you need to have at least the same load carrying capacity as the original tires - and the Load Range E's have that in abundance - and you can use them at 50 psi without worry - the higher Load Ranges have the same load carrying capacity at the lower pressures, but have more capacity because they are capable of handling higher pressures.