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Commercial truck tire sizes


Quick Guide to Semi Truck Tire Size

Having the correct semi-truck or 18-wheeler tire size is vital in the operation of any size fleet of trucks. Properly operating tires impact the bottom line regarding the amount of time the trucks can be on the road and the safety of your operators and others on the road. Having the wrong semi-truck tire size can mean that general wear and tear happens faster. The size matters when understanding how the placement of each tire. More maintenance or less time on the road means your payload is not being delivered. 

Common Semi-Truck Tire Sizes 

Over the last few years, the most common truck tire sizes include but are not limited to 295/75R22.5, 275/70R22.5, and 225/70R19.5. While these cover average truck tire sizes and the list is good information to have, it is not ultimately helpful if you don’t understand what these numbers mean to you and your truck/s.

If we take that first size, 295/75R22.5 and explain how semi-truck tires are sized, those numbers break down into several informative categories.

Truck Tire Sizes Explained

Tire Width - The first number in the series denotes the tire width. Semi-truck tire width can be displayed in terms of inches or millimeters. In this case, a 295-inch wide tire would be massive, so a quick assumption can be made that this is a millimeter marking. Having the correct semi tire width is vital as it is literally where the rubber meets the road.

Aspect Ratio - The second notation (75) after the slash mark is the aspect ratio. It represents the percentage of the length of height to width. This number is an important sizing calculation in tire fitting, and along with rim diameter will help you determine your best tire and wheel combinations. 

Tire Construction Type - In this example, the letter R stands for radial (this notates that the steel belts inside are running 90-degrees from the direction the tire is facing). If you see a dash, then the tire is bias-ply (this notates that the nylon belts running anywhere from 30 to 45-degrees from the direction the tire is facing). Much less common are B for bias belt and D for diagonal.

Rim Diameter - The following number, in this case, 22.5, is the diameter. This does not apply to the diameter of the whole tire, but rather the semi-truck wheel diameter (the hole in the center of the tire). You would need a 22.5-inch wheel to fit this tire.

When reading the sidewall, you will encounter two additional numbers.

Load index - This number will indicate how much weight or load carrying capacity a single tire can hold. For example, 89 = 1,279 pounds, while 88 = 1,235 pounds.

Speed rating - You will see a speed rating letter at the end of the string. This indicates how fast the tire can go under its maximum load. A tire can go faster than this number at a lower load, but typically the tires can withstand a higher speed than the speed limits you will encounter.   

How Can GCR Help You Find the Right 18-Wheeler or Semi-Truck Size Tire?

No matter the size of your fleet or the needs that your trucks meet, we have the right tires for you. Whether you are looking for steer tires, drive tires, trailer tires or all position tires, we can outfit every wheel position of your commercial truck. Whether you’re looking for a top-tier fuel-efficient tire or a more economical option, we carry a wide variety of brands and semi-truck tire sizes, and we can get you and your truck back on the road quickly.

FIND A GCR DEALER NEAR YOU

Top Commercial Truck Tire Sizes Identified - Maintenance

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association has identified the most popular sizes of commercial truck tires.

Photo via Canva

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association has identified the top original-equipment manufacturer and aftermarket tire sizes in its latest fact book that covers the 2018 calendar year, according to a report on ModernTireDealer.com.

The top sizes of truck tires added to new trucks include 295/75R22.5 (28.4%), 11R22.5 (24.9%), 275/80R22.5 (13. 1%), 225/70R19.5 (8.6%), and 11R24.5 (5.8%). These tire sizes have been the top five for the past four years.

The top replacement sizes include 295/75R22.5 (24.3%), 11R22.5 (22.3%), 11R24.5 (9.7%), 225/70R19.5 (7.4%), and 275/80R22.5 (6.9%). These sizes have also been the top five for the past four years.

Prior to 2015, size 275/80R22.5 was grouped with size 295/75R22.5 in the USTMA system because they had identical applications, said an association spokesperson. From 2015-2017, they were reported as two different sizes. In 2019 (USTMA Factbook 2020), the association will return to its pre-2015 reporting "to more fairly represent the full market for this application."

It goes without saying that tires used on commercial trucks need to comply with high standards of durability and performance in order to withstand the rigors of road wear. Commercial truck tires should be evaluated according to multiple criteria, including traction, maximum speed, load capacity, heat and wear resistance, and tread design. In general, commercial trucks require greater tire width, compared with average truck tire sizes, to ensure optimal traction and vehicular stability.

Using the wrong type of tire on a commercial truck can have catastrophic consequences, as it increases the likelihood of a road accident. Even if that never happens, tires that aren’t suited for applicable truck loads and performance needs will probably wear down faster and rack up maintenance bills. That’s why it’s extremely important to fully understand truck tire specifications customarily used in the commercial trucking industry. To do that, you need to be able to interpret all those letters and numbers printed on the sidewall of the tire.

A typical truck tire size code reads as follows:

LT295/75R22.5

This code actually consists of five distinct components:

  1. Tire type: The letter(s) at the beginning of the code denote the type of tire. “LT” stands for light-duty trucks, while “P” stands for passenger—and neither of these tire options are generally suitable for commercial trucks. Tires for commercial trucks often have a “C” at the end of the code. Not all tire codes begin with a letter, however.
  2. Width: The first number you encounter on the code—“295” in our example—refers to the section width of the tire (in millimeters). 
  3. Aspect ratio: The number after the slash—“75” here—is the ratio of sidewall height to tire width, expressed as a percentage. In our example, the sidewall height is 75% of the tire width.
  4. Tire construction type: This refers to the tire's internal construction. “R” is for radial tires, “B” is for bias belt tires, and “D” or a dash is for bias ply tires (or diagonal tires). Tires that have no letter here are frequently cross ply tires.
  5. Diameter: This is the rim diameter (in inches).

Immediately to the right of this alphanumeric code you often see a number and a letter. These are the load index (a two- or three-digit number) and the speed rating (usually a single letter).

Knowing how these codes relate to tire size and construction is vital for keeping your fleet of trucks on the road in good operating condition. Tire positions are also worth touching on briefly as a matter relevant to selecting commercial truck tires. Steer tires, drive tires, and trailer tires have differing performance needs, although many trucking fleet managers prefer all-position tires for their versatility and cost-effectiveness.

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Commercial tires: choosing the right model

Buses, minibuses, trucks, car shops - almost no modern city can do without commercial vehicles. Commercial vehicles transport goods and people, and therefore stability and safety are especially important for them. Therefore, the choice of tires for commercial vehicles should be treated with special attention.

Before buying tires for commercial vehicles, it is necessary to take into account the type of equipment on which they will be installed, loads, seasons and conditions in which the machine will work. Commercial tires can vary in their construction, tread pattern, and many other characteristics.

Design and size of tires for commercial vehicles

All commercial tires, depending on their purpose, are divided into passenger cars and trucks. Passenger tires are used on passenger cars, small trucks and trailers, minibuses. Cargo commercial wheels are put on buses, heavy trucks and trailers.

  • Size . Whether you are going to buy tires for commercial vehicles of a car or truck type, first of all, they must match the size of the wheels. For example, for trucks with a 15-inch disc diameter, commercial tires of size 8.15-15 are suitable. And for a passenger truck, you can use commercial tires R16: 185/75/R16, 195/65/R16 etc.
  • Construction. Distinguish between diagonal and radial type of construction. The plies of the cord on diagonal tires overlap each other, while on radial tires they are located along the radius of the wheel. Bias commercial tires have stronger sidewalls and more damage resistance, making them suitable for off-road vehicles such as dump trucks. Radial tires for commercial vehicles provide the car with stability, control and maneuverability, which is especially important for vehicles carrying passengers.
  • Presence of a camera. Commercial wheels are available with or without tubes. Tubeless commercial tires are more reliable. For passenger transport, the safety of the car in case of damage to the tire is important. Unlike a tubed tire, which will immediately lose pressure, air from a tubeless tire will gradually escape through the damage site.
  • Ply. For many types of commercial vehicles, the load capacity of tires is important, and therefore, when choosing them, it is necessary to pay attention to the ply rate of tires.

Choosing commercial tires according to the season

Rain, snow, heat - commercial tires have to work in different weather and climate conditions. If you decide to buy tires for commercial vehicles, it is worth considering the time of year when the car will have to work, and the tread pattern of the tires. There are summer, winter and all-season commercial tires.

  • Summer tires . Summer tires for commercial vehicles have weak transverse grooves and well-defined longitudinal grooves. These tires are not suitable for use on slippery roads. They are designed for temperatures above +7 degrees.
  • Winter tires . Winter tread type commercial tires provide good grip on snow and ice. Such rubber is used at temperatures below +7 degrees.
  • All season tires . All-season commercial wheels are suitable for both dry and wet roads and can be used on snowy surfaces. However, they wear out faster than summer tires.

Multi-purpose tires are also often used as tires for commercial vehicles. Large selection of tires for excavators loaders, tires for wheel loaders, wheels for excavators and other types of special equipment. Delivery is carried out in all regions of Russia.

Commercial vehicle tires must meet stringent government standards. Only high-quality tires guarantee safety and comfort during cargo and passenger transportation. Reinforced tires marked ... read more

Commercial vehicle tires must meet stringent government standards. Only high-quality tires guarantee safety and comfort during cargo and passenger transportation.

Heavy duty tires marked "C" or "LT" are used on light trucks and vans. This technique is called commercial vehicles. It has tire sizes similar to passenger tires, but experiences an increased load.

If you are interested in tires for large trucks and buses - see the section "Tyres for trucks and trailers" .

Sort by: popularity Price Ascending ↓ Descending prices ↑ Number of reviews Brenda (A-Z) Brenda (Z-A) Name (A-Z) Name (Z-A)

Tire A-12 AShK 185/75 R16C

Code: 185/75 R16C all Order code: 979460 Tire width: 185 • Height (profile): 75 • Fitting diameter: 16 • Seasonality: All season • Spike: No • Manufacturer: ALTAYSHINA

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4 590 ₽

25

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Forward Professional 156 AShK tubeless tire 185/75 R16C

Code: 185/75 R16C all Order code:

9 Tire width: 185 • Height (profile): 75 • Fitting diameter: 16 • Seasonality: All season • Spike: No • Manufacturer: ALTAYSHINA

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4 590 ₽

45

1

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CORDIANT Business CA 185/75 R16C

Code: 185/75 R16C all Order code: 669532 Tire width: 185 • Height (profile): 75 • Bore diameter: 16 • Seasonality: Summer • Manufacturer: CORDIANT

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5 660 ₽

40

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Tire KAMA EURO-131 185/75 R16C

Application: show Code: 185/75 R16C all Order code: 605487 Tire width: 185 • Height (profile): 75 • Fitting diameter: 16 • Seasonality: Summer • Spike: No • Application axis: Universal • Manufacturer: KAMA

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5 220 ₽

85

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CORDIANT Business CA 185 R14C

Code: 185 R14C all Order code: 762617 Tire width: 185 • Height (profile): 80 • Bore diameter: 14 • Seasonality: Summer • Studding: No • Manufacturer: CORDIANT

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6 040 ₽

36

1

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CORDIANT Business CA 195/75 R16C

Code: 195/75 R16C all Order code: 728206 Tire width: 195 • Height (profile): 75 • Bore diameter: 16 • Seasonality: Summer • Studding: No • Manufacturer: CORDIANT

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6 520 ₽

69

1

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CORDIANT Business CA 205/65 R16C

Code: 205/65 R16C all Order code: 730730 Tire width: 205 • Height (profile): 65 • Bore diameter: 16 • Seasonality: Summer • Studding: No • Manufacturer: CORDIANT

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8 630 ₽

4

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Tire SATOYA SU-022 with inner tube and tape 8. 25 R16C

Code: 8.25 R16C all Order code: 705679 Tire width: 8.25 • Bore diameter: 16 • Season: All season • Studding: No • Application axle: Universal • Manufacturer: SATOYA

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15 690 ₽

56

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CORDIANT Business CA-2 185/75 R16C

Code: 185/75 R16C all Order code: 861118 Tire width: 185 • Height (profile): 75 • Bore diameter: 16 • Seasonality: Summer • Studding: No • Manufacturer: CORDIANT

- Add a review

6 130 ₽

74

1

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Tire KAMA-218 225/75 R16C

Code: 225/75 R16C all Order code: 056881 Tire width: 225 • Height (profile): 75 • Fitting diameter: 16 • Seasonality: All season • Studding: No • Manufacturer: KAMA

- 1 review A year ago, I bought 4 tires 225/75 16 C from your official dealer, after 3,000 km of run, all 4 wheels exploded in turn as a result of an internal . ..

8 340 ₽

31

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Tire SATOYA Cargo S 185/75 R16C

Code: 185/75 R16C all Order code: 783012 Tire width: 185 • Height (profile): 75 • Bore diameter: 16 • Season: All season • Studding: No • Manufacturer: SATOYA

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5050 ₽

143

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Tire KUMHO KRS-02 7.50 R16C

Code: 7.50 R16C all Order code: 178845 Tire width: 7. 5 • Height (profile): 50 • Bore diameter: 16 • Season: All season • Studding: No • Manufacturer: KUMHO

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25 990 ₽

7

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Tire CORDIANT Business CW-2 spike. 185/75 R16C

Code: 185/75 R16C all Order code: 431860 Tire width: 185 • Height (profile): 75 • Bore diameter: 16 • Season: Winter • Studding: Yes • Manufacturer: CORDIANT

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6 710 ₽

8

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Tire SATOYA SD-070 drive axle PR16 with inner tube and belt 8. 25 R16C

Code: 8.25 R16C all Order code: 778913 Tire width: 8.25 • Bore diameter: 16 • Season: All season • Studding: No • Application axle: Drive axle • Manufacturer: SATOYA

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16 150 ₽

27

1

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KUMHO tire CW-51 225/75 R16C

Code: 225/75 R16C all Order code: 431873 Tire width: 225 • Height (profile): 75 • Bore diameter: 16 • Seasonality: Winter • Studding: No • Manufacturer: KUMHO

- Add a review

13 010 ₽

2

1

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Tire SATOYA SU-022 with inner tube and tape 7. 50 R16C

Code: 7.50 R16C all Order code: 705678 Tire width: 7.5 • Bore diameter: 16 • Season: All season • Studding: No • Application axle: Universal • Manufacturer: SATOYA

- Add a review

16

1

wholesale prices ?

KUMHO tire KS-53 225/75 R16C

Code: 225/75 R16C all Order code: 538717 Tire width: 225 • Height (profile): 75 • Bore diameter: 16 • Seasonality: Summer • Studding: No • Manufacturer: KUMHO

- Add a review

12 320 ₽

8

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Tire KUMHO KC-53 215/70 R16C

Code: 215/70 R16C all Order code: 9

Tire width: 215 • Height (profile): 70 • Bore diameter: 16 • Seasonality: Summer • Studding: No • Manufacturer: KUMHO

- Add a review

10 360 ₽

4

1

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Tire SATOYA SU-022 with inner tube and tape 7. 00 R16C

Code: 7.00 R16C all Order code: 705677 Tire width: 7 • Bore diameter: 16 • Seasonality: All season • Studding: No • Application axle: Universal • Manufacturer: SATOYA

- Add a review

13 290 ₽

24

1

wholesale prices ?

KUMHO KC-53 tire 215/75 R16C

Code: 215/75 R16C all Order code: 9

Tire width: 215 • Height (profile): 75 • Bore diameter: 16 • Seasonality: Summer • Studding: No • Manufacturer: KUMHO

- Add a review

9 710 ₽

4

1

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KUMHO tire KS-53 205/75 R16C

Code: 205/75 R16C all Order code: 538716 Tire width: 205 • Height (profile): 75 • Bore diameter: 16 • Seasonality: Summer • Studding: No • Manufacturer: KUMHO

- Add a review

9 650 ₽

12

1

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KUMHO tire CW-51 215/70 R15C

Code: 215/70 R15C all Order code: 977504 Tire width: 215 • Height (profile): 70 • Bore diameter: 15 • Seasonality: Winter • Studding: No • Manufacturer: KUMHO

- Add a review

9 700 ₽

4

1

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KUMHO KC-53 tire 215/70 R15C

Code: 215/70 R15C all Order code: 9

Tire width: 215 • Height (profile): 70 • Bore diameter: 15 • Seasonality: Summer • Studding: No • Manufacturer: KUMHO

- Add a review

9 520 ₽

4

1

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Tire SATOYA SD-070 drive axle PR14 with inner tube and belt 7. 50 R16C

Code: 7.50 R16C all Order code: 742565 Tire width: 7.5 • Bore diameter: 16 • Season: All season • Studding: No • Application axle: Drive axle • Manufacturer: SATOYA

- Add a review

13 250 ₽

32

1

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NOKIAN TIRES Hakka Van 215/70 R15C

Code: 215/70 R15C all Order code: 202185 Tire width: 215 • Height (profile): 70 • Bore diameter: 15 • Seasonality: Summer • Studding: No • Manufacturer: NOKIAN

- Add a review

8 550 ₽

4

1

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CORDIANT Business CA 215/75 R16C

Code: 215/75 R16C all Order code: 777929 Tire width: 215 • Height (profile): 75 • Bore diameter: 16 • Seasonality: Summer • Studding: No • Manufacturer: CORDIANT

- Add a review

8 750 ₽

4

1

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KUMHO tire CW-51 205/70 R15C

Code: 205/70 R15C all Order code: 431865 Tire width: 205 • Height (profile): 70 • Bore diameter: 15 • Seasonality: Winter • Studding: No • Manufacturer: KUMHO

- Add a review

9 020 ₽

1

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CORDIANT Business CA 225/75 R16C

Code: 225/75 R16C all Order code: 851176 Tire width: 225 • Height (profile): 75 • Bore diameter: 16 • Seasonality: Summer • Studding: No • Manufacturer: CORDIANT

- Add a review

8 520 ₽

4

1

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BRIDGESTONE RD-613 185 R14C

Code: 185 R14C all Order code: 131171 Tire width: 185 • Bore diameter: 14 • Seasonality: Summer • Studding: No • Manufacturer: BRIDGESTONE

- Add a review

8 210 ₽

4

1

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KUMHO KC-53 tire 205/70 R15C

Code: 205/70 R15C all Order code: 9 Tire width: 205 • Height (profile): 70 • Bore diameter: 15 • Seasonality: Summer • Studding: No • Manufacturer: KUMHO

- Add a review

8 470 ₽

8

1

wholesale prices ?

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The availability of goods in warehouses and stores, as well as the price of the goods are indicated on 04/09/2023 16:30 .

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