Replacement new-tire manufacturers offer tire choices spanning several GVWR classes to allow the fleet manager and truck dealer to choose the right size within that model to accommodate the truck’s load after upfitting. A Class 5 through Class 7 chassis, for example, could be modified into various vocational uses as a dump truck, tow truck or other set-up with specifications provided by the fleet manager. As a result, new tires for medium-duty trucks don’t always match up to GVWRs.
“The GVWR does not translate directly to an application, nor do tire dimensions and sizes correlate to a specific class,” said Paul Crehan, director of product marketing for Michelin Truck Tires. “Rather, a specific tire can actually span several vehicle classes.”
That being said, here’s an overview of new-tire offerings and a tire chart showing offerings from leading tire manufacturers. We’ll cover tires offered for these trucks in Class 4 through Class 7, including tires for cabovers that now mostly fall into Class 5.
How GVWR Plays Into Tire Selection
Truck tire selection in Class 5 through Class 7 is key to ensuring your truck can accomplish the job at hand.
A Class 5 truck typically carries a GVWR range from 16,001 to 19,500 pounds. This Class would cover single-unit trucks with two axles and six tires, including trucks with dual rear wheels. Some examples of these trucks would include city delivery trucks, large walk-ins, bucket trucks, and vehicles similar to a Ford F-550.
The Class 6 GVWR ranges from 19,501 to 26,000 pounds and includes single-unit trucks with two axles including beverage trucks and regional delivery trucks.
Vehicles in Class 7 span a GVWR of 26,001 to 33,000 and include single-unit trucks with two or three axles at that weight range. These trucks on a single frame would include refuse and furniture delivery trucks.
Medium-duty tire manufacturers classify new replacement truck by use or application, such as urban, regional, transit, military, coach, or line haul. The vehicle manufacturer’s dealer selects a tire type and dimension based on the GVWR of the modified vehicle. Tire manufacturers want fleets to work closely with dealers when selecting tires.
“We recommend that truck fleets and owners always consult with their local Goodyear commercial tire dealer, who can evaluate their trucks’ individual needs and make the most appropriate tire recommendations,” said Mike Manges, Goodyear’s manager of commercial/off-highway tire communications.
The tire size equates with the vehicle load that’s determined by the number of axles, distribution of weight, and expected weight. The tire selected for the truck is picked based on operating conditions such as off-road or urban road use.
Tires for heavier medium-duty trucks are often sold as either steer or drive tires, while cabovers and lighter trucks would be fitted with all-position tires. These tires would usually be replaced at between 25,000 to 50,000 miles. A busy city fleet truck can see 40,000 miles annually, and may need new tires each year.
Most medium-duty trucks use a tire fitted to a 17.5-inch or 19.5-inch wheel.
A larger city delivery truck or beverage hauler may increase the size to 22.5 inches. Most heavy-duty trucks have migrated to a 22.5-inch size for improved fuel economy. Medium-duty tires would operate between 80 psi on the low end and 125 psi on the higher end of the range depending on load and usage pattern. As with all fleet tires, pressure maintenance can extend the life of replacement tires or retreads.
