Tires: load range swap- E to D, michelin ltx m s, stock rims

Question
Thank you for considering my question. I was just handed down a 2004 chevy 2500hd 4 door short bed 4X4 and it currently has michelin ltx m-s lt265/75/16 load range "E" that are almost worn out and I have a set of bfg mud terrain ta/km lt285/75/16 load range "D" with 80+ % tread life left laying around. I use the truck to tow a 38' bumper pull travel trailer fairly often (usually in off road conditions) My question is can I get away with a tire swap like this on this truck? (I do know that the tires will fit the fender wells)I appreciate your time. Thanks

Answer
Ryan,

If my book is correct, your vehicle had 6 1/2" wide rims as originally supplied.  The largest tire that fits on those rims is: ...[Drumroll]...LT245/75R16!  This means the LT265/75R16's are too large for the rims.  That also means the LT285/75R16's are too larger for the rims.

So the proble isn't load carrying capacity!  The problems is that using a ri the is too narrow will cause the tread to "arch".  This might cause tracking and directional stability issues.

So unless you are using non-stock rims, I don't think this is a good idea.