Tires - Replace Load Range D with E ??

[Wendell]

Time for tires on my 2005 Chevy BT Cruiser. Came with Uniroyal Laredo 225/75 16 Load Range "D". But D's are getting kinda scarce (limited choices). This rig rides and handles great and I don't want to spoil it. After only 5 years, Uniroyal sidewalls are cracked beyond safe. I bought it used, so I don't know how they were cared for (covered, pressure, etc.) I'm sure E's will not hurt the handling (will probably help), but I'm concerned about the ride. It's only a 21 footer, with a max of less than 7000 lbs on the duals fully loaded and 3000+ on the front. Has anyone gone from D to E? If so, was there a noticable difference in the ride? I'm also undecided on brand. Looking at Firestone Transforce, among others. Hope I'm not opening a pandora's box here! Two tire dealers told me Uniroyal and Michelin are the worst for cracking...!?! I had always been a Michelin fan.

[Wendell]

Update: Replaced OE Uniroyal Laredo HDH load range D, with Toyo HT load range E. Toyo's are much more quiet; barely notice change in ride (LRE is slightly stiffer than LRD); but the handling did not improve with the Toyos - they seem to be a little more sensitive to side winds and road variations. But handling is still fantastic compared to our previous MH - 35' Pace Arrow. Overall - I think the Toyos were a good choice. And we feel better with the extra load capacity with the load range E, even though we were not overloading the load range D's.