Topic: Option sized tires and load capacity

[davidy]

My truck's owners manual notes the following tire sizes in the 4x2 configuration:

1. P195/70R14
2. P215/70R14
3. P225/70R14 * matches the drivers side door panel and my current tire size

The typical load capacities of the above tire sizes range from 90 to 98. This is quite the range from a loading view point. Does that mean that I can switch tire sizes among these three (or other similar sizes) without a concern for load capacity issues? Currently, I am considering replacing my 4 ply Goodyear Wrangler AT/S (98) with a 6 ply BFG AT KO (95). However, I still have doubts about the apparent "reduced" load capacity. However, if the truck can support a P195 tire with it's much lower load capacity, then I should be fine....right?

Dave

[mrthompson]

Do you often carry heavy loads which would require a tire requiring extra load carrying capacity?

[davidy]

Not usually. In the winter, I add a couple hundred pounds (7-9 bags typically) of sand bags for added traction at the rear end. The rest of the year, I use the truck for transporting yard waste and miscellaneous items on a periodic basis. Will be using my truck during my next move....in the process of buying a house.

Dave

[mrthompson]

Not sure if this will help...(from Nokian's website)

[morty]

What type of truck is it?

[davidy]

Mort,

It's a 1996 Mazda 3.0L extended cab pickup. Basically a restyled Ford Ranger.

Dave

[davidy]

The owner's manual notes that, for a 4x2, the Gross Axle Weighting Rating (GAWR) is up to 2550 and 2750 pounds at the front and rear, respectively. Total Gross Vehicle Weighting Rating (GVWR) is up to 4880 pounds. Therefore, the worst case is 2750 pounds over two wheels....or 1375 pounds per wheel. That would work out to a 92 load rating. Any tire with a 92 rating or higher should be satisfactory from a loading standpoint, right?

Dave

[capriracer]

What is listed in the owners manual covers ALL the models - the regular cab, the 4X4's, etc.

But the placard on your vehicle is specific to your vehicle - so that's the right answer!

So you looked up the GAWR's?  Have you ever heard the phrase "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing"?

Well - For P metric tires used in light truck application the rated load of the tire needs to be derated by 10%.

That means with a GAWR of 2750, you need a tire that has a load capacity of 1503 # - 96 Load Index.

BUT, are you sure what's in the manual applies to your vehicle?  So find the placard (driver's doorpost) and read the GAWR's there.  I'll bet they say something different.

Hope this helps.

[davidy]

On the door, the GAWR rear is listed as 1247 kg = 2750 pounds....a tire with a load index of 95 should suffice. Thanks, CR.

Dave