Load Rating Chart For Trailer Tires

What Does Load Range Mean

The load-carrying capacity of light trucks is categorized by their load range. The load range letter of each tire determines the maximum load pressure a single tire can handle. Depending on this letter, the tires have more or less durable constructions.

Tires with higher load ranges are able to carry heavy loads, as the tire’s plies maintain their ideal tire shape. As the tires do not deform, they are able to also offer better traction, even with LT flotation models. Furthermore, the load range letter will also determine the maximum allowable PSI levels of the specific tire.

Typically light truck, trailer, and commercial truck tires require the highest load ranges available on the tire market. But, what is the max load capacity of these tires? Let’s take a look.

What Is The Rv Tire Speed Rating

You may see a letter or number on the sidewall when looking at a tire, which is the speed rating. It indicates the maximum speed at which you can drive the tire safely driven. It is not a recommendation of how fast to drive the vehicle.

The speed rating system was developed in Europe to regulate a tires safe performance at certain speeds. In the original rating system, the maximum speed rating was the Unlimited V category .

The rating scale in the USA is set by the United States Department of Transportation . The letters and numbers correspond to a speed limit for the tire. For example, if you see H on a tire, that means the maximum speed for that tire is 130 mph.

Not all tires are equal. A higher-speed-rated tire will typically cost more than a lower-speed-rated one. Its essential to match the correct speed rating for your vehicle and driving habits.

Few Truck Tire Changes Over The Years

Little has changed related to truck tires over the past ten years, including additional load range values, super single tires, and more truck modification.

In the past ten years, some additional Load Range values have been implemented to increase load-carrying capacity of certain tire sizes. Manufacturers have added 10,000-pound load capacity to 315/80R22.5 Load Range L tires, increasing from the 9,090-pound load capacity in the past. This is achieved by implementing a speed restriction on the tire, said Keller of Continental. Continental and other tire manufacturers have also invested in developing Load Range H variant products, which have an increased load capacity compared to the same tire in a Load Range G variant. These products help fleets carry more payload each trip, reducing the overall number of trips.

Super Single tires have also been added to the market to assist fleets with fuel savings as well as additional payload to reduce shipments.

Additionally, todays trucks are requiring the ability to carry more payload.

The load rating requirements on light trucks continue to increase. Because of this, Toyo Tires offers three of its light truck tires with sizes available in Load Range F. Those are flotation-style products designed for use on late-model pickups which require 80-psi pressures, said Bergeson of Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.

Modifications on trucks have also become more popular, resulting in a need for changes to truck tires.

Also Check: Discount Tire San Tan Valley

Common Trailer Tire Questions

Felling Trailers Parts & Service team field many questions on parts and trailer repairs each day, the most popular by far is about trailer tires. Here are the five most common trailer tire questions and the answers from our Trailer Tires Parts & Service experts.

How long do trailer tires last?

Trailer tires can last 3-4 years or 10,000-12,000 miles. The tire life may vary depending on the tires quality, the type of roads and terrain it travels on, and the load weight that is being carried.

Can you put regular car tires on a trailer? Why?

No, regular car tires cannot be put in a trailer. This can be dangerous. Tire tread on car tires is different than the tread designed for trailers, which can cause irregular wear on the tire and will blow. Load ratings are also carefully chosen for car or truck tires and completely differ from trailer tires.

What is a load range on a trailer tire?

The load range is the load capacity of the trailer tire. A tires load range is located on the sidewall of the tire. The load range is rated with a single letter, such as B, C, D, etc. If you have two tires of the same size but one with a load range of B and D, the D range tire will have a higher weight capacity. Keep in mind that going to a higher capacity tire does not increase the capacity of the trailer.

For help determining your potential load ranges based on the tire size, take a look at our chart below.

Do you need to balance your trailer tires?

Are Load Range E Tires The Most Popular Light Truck Tires

When it comes to light truck tires, and even some trailer tires, models with the tire load rating E are among the most popular ones. There are good reasons for this!

The E ply rating offers the necessary maximum load pressure durability for LT tires. This optimizes vehicle performance, the tire load-carrying capacity, and versatile surface grip, all without hindering the tire’s durability.

Combine with their wider range of speed rating options and tire sizes, E-rated tires offer all desired characteristics light truck owners are looking for. Just remember, it is important for all four tires to have the same load range for the vehicle to securely perform.

You May Like: Utv Wheel And Tire Package

The Difference Between E1 And E2 Load Range

Let’s complicate things even more! Did you know that E1 and E2 load range ratings exist?

Generally speaking, both of these ratings offer the same maximum load and performance. However, the difference is between their sizes.

E1-rated tires have lower than 305mm footprint widths. They require 80 PSI to perform at the desired level and load capacity. This type of tire is perfect for on-road use, as its footprint optimizes its road gripping ability. Whether they are trailer tires or are used for towing, they will offer excellent driving safety for the vehicle.

On the other hand, E2-rated tires are tire sizes that feature 305mm and wider footprints. They run at lower PSI levels than E1 tires, as they need only 65 PSI to perform. This improves their flotation, which is important for off-road use.

You might have heard of flotation tires regarding agricultural equipment. These tires use less air pressure levels to offer the same performance and traction, without ruining the soil and field quality. E2-rated tires are similar, as they use LT-flotation to grip the surface and optimize their off-road traction.

Yet, even at lower PSI levels, load range E2 tires offer the same max load-carrying capacity.

Impact Of Truck Tire Ply In Load Ratings

A throwback to days gone by, truck tire ply rating is no longer a meaningful measurement today.

Before the adoption of load ranges, ply ratings were used to identify the relative strength by indicating the actual number of cotton casing plies. A higher numeric rating or ply count identified tires featuring stronger, heavier duty constructions, said Todd Bergeson, senior manager, Product Planning & Technical Services for Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.

Materials used in the construction of modern truck tires have improved significantly, and therefore fewer body plies are required to achieve the strength requirements.

Tire ply ratings are a throwback to the old system when bias ply truck tires were prevalent, which measured a truck tires carrying capacity by the number of plies in the carcass or body. Todays radial truck tires have only one steel ply in the carcass, but it is still used as a measure of their carrying capacity. For example, 14-ply tires carry more weight than 12-ply tires, said Walt Weller, senior vice president of Double Coin Tires.

When bias tires first came about, the strength of the tire casing was built by adding layers of cotton fabric. Ply rating related to the number of layers of cotton in the tire. Each layer was placed with the thread at an angle to each other. This system added strength due to even tension distribution.

The alphabetical Load Range rating was created in 1972 as a new standard since the cotton-ply rating has become irrelevant.

Don’t Miss: Best Places To Buy Tires

Tire Tips : Load Range Vs Weight Rating And More

Fully Loaded: What tire load ratings really mean.

If you are like us, the first thing you might do with your new rig is add a leveling kit or suspension lift and larger tires. But when you do this, are you actually decreasing the towing capacity of your truck? If you don’t pay close attention to what you are purchasing, that is certainly a possibility.

Some trucks, like the current Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, come with P-metric tires instead of LT tires. In this situation there is nowhere to go but up. The P-metric tires have lower load ratings than LT tires, and the sidewalls are not nearly as tough. So why do manufacturers use them? For starters, they cost less, but they also generally weigh less. For manufacturers trying to meet strict fuel economy requirements a lighter tire can help them reach their targets.

A tire’s load rating is the maximum weight the tire is designed to carry at a given pressure. The maximum load range of an LT tire is designated by a letter that corresponds to the maximum pressure the tire is designed to hold. In contrast, P-metric sizes aren’t load-rated.

Bias Ply Trailer Tires

Different in construction from that of a radial trailer tire, a bias ply tire features an inner layer of cross-hatched nylon and steel cords, which sit at a 30 to 45-degree angle from the tread center line. In general, bias ply tires have stronger side walls than radials, which promotes stability and less trailer sway. Rolling down the road, a bias ply tires more rigid construction tends to make them run straighter than radials. Theyre also typically more affordable than the equivalent radial option.

Recommended Reading: 2012 Ford Escape Tire Size

Using The Tire Load Index Chart

The tire load index lets you know the load carrying capacity of a tire. In other words, its the amount of weight your tire can support safely.

For example, if a tire has a load index of 92, it can support 1,389 pounds at maximum air pressure. Multiply that by four tires to get your cars maximum load carrying capacity. Never install tires with a lower load carrying capacity than the original tires that were factory installed on your vehicle.

How To Read Tire Speed Rating And Load Index

Tire speed ratings are set by the tire manufacturers and are an indication of the tires maximum speed capability in ideal conditions. The tire load index rating communicates how many pounds a tire can safely carry. Put together, they make up the service description.

Knowing this service description information is highly recommended whenever youre replacing Original Equipment tires. Even if you dont plan on pushing limits in speed or load categories, matching or improving the speed rating and load index of your factory tires will help keep your vehicles performance characteristics consistent.

Recommended Reading: Spare Tire Mount Under Trailer

How Is Tire Speed Rating Established

Speed rating is established under controlled testing where once again, under optimal conditions the tire is verified as capable of safely running at the indicated miles per hour. Heavily worn, damaged, punctured, or repaired tires would all be considered sub-optimal, and no longer capable of safely accomplishing their max speed rating.

X4 Garage Video Series Episode : Updating A 1988 Ford Bronco Suspension

In episode 1 of the new video series 4×4 Garage, host Christian Hazel tears down the suspension of a 1988 Ford Bronco for a 6-inch Superlift system and dives into the axles to prep them for new 4.88 gears and Eaton TrueTrac differentials to support the 37×12.50R17 Falken A/T3W all-terrain tires for awesome performance. Want to see more?

Trending Pages

Read Also: 2016 Jeep Patriot Tire Size

How To Determine The Speed Rating

There is a specific testing machine to determine a tires speed and heat capacity. The manufacturers perform these tests based on the Economic Commission for Europe or ECE standards.

The test involves spinning an adequately inflated tire for 10 minutes. The starting speed should be 40 km/h slower than the proposed rating level, and it will be gradually increased to the target level. The ideal temperature of the testing environment is 77º F.

A tire will pass the speed rating if it does not show any damage after the testing. Some higher-quality tires that meet the Society of Automotive Engineers or SAE standards undergo more rigorous testing.

Why Is Tire Load Index So Important

Disaster can strike when you overload your tires, whether thats in the form of gradual damage or a completely flat tire. Just think about what would happen if someone handed you a cardboard box and then started filling it up with bricks. At a certain point, your legs would buckle under the weight . When you put too much weight on your tires, they can wear down prematurely and even give out completely. Dont risk it. Dont overload your tires!

Read Also: Best Rated All Season Tires

Is There A Load Range Chart For Trailer Tires

Question:

Is there a chart listing the various load range letters for utility trailers? This chart would show each lettered load range and the second column would show the actual load range in pounds for each letter. This is a very simple question, but I cannot find anything like this on your site or on the entire internet!

asked by: Stephen S

Expert Reply:

The reason that you cannot find a list of all load ranges and the weight capacity for each in regards to trailer tires is because it will be different for each size. For example, a 205/75-15 tire like part which has a load range D rating is rated for up to 2,150 lbs whereas a 225/75-15 tire like part which also has a load range D rating is rated for up to 2,540 lbs. We currently offer load ranges from B-J in a variety of different seizes which I have attached for you below. In order to make sure you get the correct load range you will need to find out the GWVR of the trailer and then select the load range that covers this.

Understanding Tires Load Index Vs Load Range

The numbers you see on the sidewall of a tire, contain valuable details about the tire. The alphanumeric code holds in itself the complete description of the tires, which helps people decide whether a tire is suitable for their vehicle or not.

A typical code on a Light Truck & SUV tire looks like 35×12.5R20 E and our tires will have another spot on the tire with Load Index and Speed Rating. A speed rating will be an alphabetic number ranging from L-Z stating how fast the tire is rated for. Load Index will be numeric and will run from 0 – 150. The load index is typically found next to the speed rating. The load index will tell you the load capacity of the tires and will typically be first before the speed rating. For instance, our Claw 35×12.5R20 E has a load index of 121 and a speed rating of Q. To understand the actual meaning of the code, you need to read a tire load capacity chart.

Don’t Miss: Bf Goodrich Tires For Sale

Stick With The Same Tire Size

Regardless of whether or not you choose radial or bias ply trailer tires, its best to stick with the trailer manufacturers recommended tire size. To this extent, keep the load range the same . Also refrain from mixing and matching different tires. Different brands, models and types may wear differently and have varying load carrying ability. Also make sure that your spare is the same size and has an identical load carrying capacity. If you need the spare and it cant handle the same weight as the others you could wind up on the side of the road again.

Tire Tips: Load Range E Weight Capacity

What is the load range E weight capacity? Is there any relationship between it and tire load index capacity? Lets figure it out in this guide.

When looking at the sidewall of a tire, you can see different numbers, which contain important details about your tire. For example, the alphanumeric code includes an entire description of the tire, helping you determine if the tire is right for your vehicle or not.

There are different definitions when it comes to this, including tire load index capacity and load range. For instance, you might see E on a light truck and SUV tire. But what is the load range E weight capacity? This guide will help you understand the actual meaning of the load range E and other numbers on the tire,

You May Like: Minimum Tread Depth For Tires

Understand Trailer Tire Speed Rating: The Detailed Explanation

Vehicle tires are designed to handle different types of loads and speeds. The trailer tire speed rating is the maximum speed a travel trailer tire can travel while carrying a load. Also, some vehicles may have a speed limit because of their tires speed and load index. Its essential to carefully choose the speed rating on trailer tires when buying new ones, as not all tires are created equal.

Special Trailer Tire Load And Inflation Table

Tire load and inflation table for Special Trailer tire sizes with corresponding tire inflation pressures and load carrying capacities.

Trailer tires feature heavy-duty construction with a greater load range and tire inflation to be used on utility trailers. Maximum load capacity and maximum tire inflation depend on tire’s load range and load index. Most trailer tires come with a load range of B, C, D, E, F or G. For trailer tires with dual load index values, first load index is for a single tire appliation, and second load index is for a dual tire appliation. Dual tire load capacity value is generally lower due to safety reasons .

Inflating trailer tire over its maximum inflation pressure will not increase its load carrying capacity.

Recommended Reading: 2005 Honda Odyssey Tire Size