It’s All About Weight
Not all tires do the same thing. Specialty tires are designed for specific applications, work conditions and environments. One critical area often overlooked by consumers and dealers as well is the carrying capacity or weight load of the tire. All tires have maximum weight loads and that information is usually located on the tire sidewall. Most specialty tires start with B load rating right on up through H load or higher. For example, “B” would be the lightest load capacity and H would be much heavier load.
Weight load is the maximum weight a tire can carry at the manufacturers recommended air pressure. For example: A boat trailer has four tires and the maximum weight capacity of the tire, size ST225/75R15 C load, is 2,150lbs at maximum air pressure of 50psi (pounds per square inch). That means the four tires will carry a maximum load of 8,600lbs. That includes the weight of the trailer, the boat and the supplies on the boat, including your beer! : )
Many tires sizes are available in more than one load range. In the above example, an ST225/75R15 comes with a C, D or E load rating. An “E” load rated tire can carry an extra 680lbs per tire at 80psi or 2,720lbx (680lbs x 4 tires)… more load and more air pressure.
Here’s a tip:
If you under or over inflate a tire it will not carry the maximum weight. In both cases the tire will carry LESS weight, not to mention that is it dangerous and could cause the tire to explode.
So, it is all about weight when buying any tire. That’s why you need to talk to a seasoned tire professional and most importantly, ask questions!.
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Brian
