Truck Tire Size Guide: 12R22.5 vs 315/80R22.5 vs 12.00R20

13 November 2026 · Tires

Three size families cover most heavy truck fitments in export markets, and they are not interchangeable. Reading the sidewall correctly prevents the most common ordering error: a tire that is the right diameter but the wrong width, or the right width on the wrong rim.

How to read the three notations

12R22.5 and 315/80R22.5 are close in overall diameter but differ in width and rim. A 12R22.5 normally sits on an 8.25–9.00 inch rim; 315/80R22.5 usually calls for 9.00. Fitting the wrong rim changes the contact patch and is a safety issue, not a comfort issue.

When each family is used

• 12R22.5 — the most common tubeless highway size for drive and trailer axles in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. In this catalogue it appears on 8 patterns across long haul, regional and on/off service.
• 315/80R22.5 — widely used on European-style tractors and heavy tippers; higher load capacity per tire than 295/80R22.5.
• 12.00R20 — tube-type size common on mining, construction and mixed-service trucks where a steel rim and thicker casing are preferred.

Other sizes in the catalogue

What the size does not tell you

Two tires of the same size can carry different load indexes and have different tread depths and casing constructions. Always pair the size with three more numbers:

• Ply rating / load index / speed symbol — for example 20PR / 160 / L.
• Tread depth — drive patterns usually run deeper than steer patterns.
• Overall diameter — matters for gearing, speedometer and dual spacing.

All three are listed on every pattern page in our catalogue.

Mixing sizes on one vehicle

Do not mix sizes across an axle, and avoid mixing different overall diameters on a tandem. Even a small diameter difference makes one tire carry more load and scrub, which shortens casing life. If you are changing size deliberately — for example moving from 12.00R20 to 12R22.5 — confirm rim, dual spacing and speedometer correction before the order.

Ordering checklist

1. Size from the sidewall, not from memory.
2. Rim width from the wheel stamping.
3. Load index and speed symbol required by the vehicle plate.
4. Axle position and road condition.

Browse all 46 patterns by size · Send us your size and required load index