My posh Michelin soft-roading tires bit the dust yesterday, snagging a rock on a mild dirt road in 90F temps and ripping a 4/3" gash in the side wall.

It's time for 265/75/R16s.

My main question is Load Range. I'm primarily using the disco for desert areas in Utah, so sidewall flex is important on the slickrock in Moab, but can be a susceptibility in mountain areas.

Are LT tires too weak in the sidewall (they are significantly cheaper) or should I stick to C/D/E Load Ranges?

Thoughts?