Tire weight ratings [Archive] - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums

: Tire weight ratings


SnowDrift
06-18-2005, 03:41 PM
This is an "FYI" but I hope someone can add to this (or that it helps someone else).

The weight rating on the side of semi tires are minimum ratings. They are really capable of more weight under certain conditions. For example, if the speed is kept to a stated rate (ex. 50 mph) and the pressure at a stated rate (10 psi over normal), the weight capacity the manufacture will allow goes up. Those of you running over your tire's capacity according to the sidewall stamp may be able to run heavier if you reduce your speeds when hauling over that limit. It's not as significant with only four tires on the truck (two carrying a load), but with a semi trailer with 12 tires, the gains are multiplied and are the difference between a highway inspector grounding the truck, or letting it through.

As I said, though, this is for heavy duty tires on semis, trailers, and such. I would think that the same would hold true for other tires, as well, but I hope someone else can say for sure.

SnowDrift

Sidebite252
06-19-2005, 12:35 AM
Safety factors are built into about everything. I know that wire rope (cable) carries a 5 to 1 safety factor. With that said I'm sure you can exceed manufacturers recommendations of ratings on just about anything - BUT - if you have any problems I'm sure it would at least void any warrenty or liability of the manufacturer if these numbers are exceeded. I choose to stay with the 10 ply tires on my truck even though I don't come close to those kind of loads. Piece of mine ya know!