Max load vs. load rating?

[EODguyJake]

OK, so I don't claim to be an expert, but I thought that pretty much any tire load rated for over 3000lbs was load range E? Case in point, take a look at the link below. In particular, the tire sizes 315/75R16 and the 35x12.50R17. Both are load rated at 3197lbs, and very close to being the same size.

General Tire - Off-Road and Performance Tires - The Tires - Light Truck

So, here are my questions:

1. Am I wrong about a tire rated at over 3000lbs always being a load range E tire?

2. If I am wrong, WTF is the difference that allows 2 tires of almost the same size, and the same load rating to be classified differently?

3. How can one size tire load rated at 300-400lbs less than the same tire of the same rim size, be a load range E, when the higher load rated tire is a D? See tires in the 16in rim sizes here:

General Tire - Off-Road and Performance Tires - The Tires - Light Truck

Long post, I know, but everything I thought I knew is all jacked up.

[Coda]

I've wondered this as well. All I can think of is the number of plies in the tire being different?

I'm fixin to get some 40" Procomps that are Load range E and are rated to like 4675 lbs per tire.

Wondering if they're gonna jar my teeth on the road but couldn't pass up the deal.

[SS4Matt]

Originally Posted by Coda

I've wondered this as well. All I can think of is the number of plies in the tire being different?

I'm fixin to get some 40" Procomps that are Load range E and are rated to like 4675 lbs per tire.

Wondering if they're gonna jar my teeth on the road but couldn't pass up the deal.

that is correct. i believe load range D are 8 plies and the E's are 10 plies. or one is 10 and the other is 12. something like that, I know for example some tires of the same brand/size you can get in either a load E or D. BFG all terrains of some sizes if I recall correctly are like that...