NEW TIRE WEIGHT CODE CHART

I think this is a good thing. Unfortunately the people who build "tiny homes" on trailer frames will not read this. Most of those "tiny homes" that I have seen have got to be WAY over weight for both the chassis and the tires.

Does it seem odd to have a 7.00 class C light truck tire on a camper?


7.00 by Corvett crzy, on Flickr

So mine say "ST175/80R13". I hate to ask but which is the "code"? 80? It also gives a weight capacity on it but I wondered if I could tell from the numbers (the weight capacity is 1380).

This is a reprint of the post mentioned above I am being told no one can find it.

Just a simple explanation of tire markings. on the side of your tire you will find the brand name followed by a series of letters and numbers. Example P215/65R15 95H M&S P=PASSENGER CAR USE (DO NOT USE ON TRAILERS). 215 = NOMINAL WIDTH OF TIRE IN MILLIMETERS. /65 is Aspect ratio (height to width). R= radial. 15 = rim diameter. 95H = load index and max speed symbol (contact your tire dealer to have decoded). M+S indicates this tire has some mud & snow capabilities ALL TRAILER TIRES MUST BE MARKED WITH LT OR ST (LT MEANS LIGHT TRUCK OR TRAILER ST MEANS TRAILER USE ONLY). Some tires will show their max load rating in small letters next to the wheel This is the max load if inflated to the listed max air pressure, as air pressure drops this figure drops dramatically. The DOT number found in next to the wheel indicates it meets federal standards, the next two numbers are the plant code where manufactured, the last four numbers tell when it was built such as 3197 means the 31st week of 1997. If tire has a heat code A is highest B is next then C each is a lower heat rating so if comparing two tires and everything was the same except the heat letter A would be the best.
Older tires will be marked differently. Tires older than four years should be replaced.
Hope this information proves useful.

This is the latest federal spec changes probably many shops have not experienced them yet. I haven't seen tires marked with the new weight code yet but it is supposed to be coming. It may take several months for old stock to be sold and new to show up. Manufactures, distributors, and shops will sell exist new tires before you see the change. I just posted the info so that you will know what it means when it arrives.

At Discount Tire outlet they knew the tire goes on a rim and the rim goes on a car.

The woman sales person admitted she started two weeks ago but the two men tried to bluff their way through it with macho swagger. The moral of the story...memorize the info above before shopping for tires.