Semi Truck Tire Sizes
11R22.5 vs 11R24.5
The 11R22.5 and 11R24.5 are both traditional bias-derived radial sizes still widely used in commercial trucking, but they mount on different rim diameters: 22.5-inch for the 11R22.5 and 24.5-inch for the 11R24.5. These are not interchangeable sizes — you cannot mount an 11R24.5 on a 22.5-inch wheel.
The 11R24.5's larger rim and overall diameter make it taller than the 11R22.5. That height difference affects fifth-wheel height, fender clearance, and gearing. Both remain in active production, but the 22.5-inch platform has seen more conversion to metric sizes like 295/75R22.5 and 275/80R22.5.
Size comparison (typical ranges)
| Dimension | 11R22.5 | 11R24.5 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rim diameter | 22.5 inch | 24.5 inch | Not interchangeable — different wheels required |
| Section width (inflated, unmounted) | ~10.8–11.0 inch | ~11.0–11.2 inch | Similar width; minor difference |
| Overall diameter (inflated, unloaded) | ~41.2–41.5 inch | ~43.3–43.7 inch | 24.5 is about 2 inches taller |
| Revolutions per mile (approx.) | ~494–500 | ~471–477 | 24.5 has fewer rev/mile — affects speedometer if mixed |
| Typical approved rim widths | 7.5–9.0 inch | 7.5–9.0 inch | Similar rim width ranges; confirm for specific tire model |
Application and use context
| Factor | 11R22.5 | 11R24.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Most common use | Widespread across steer, drive, and trailer | Drive and trailer positions; less common on steer today |
| Vehicle height impact | Lower overall height than 11R24.5 equivalent | ~2 inch taller than 11R22.5 — affects clearances and fifth-wheel height |
| Wheel inventory | Shared with 285/75R22.5, 295/75R22.5 and other 22.5 sizes | Requires separate 24.5-inch wheel inventory |
| Spare logistics | More common wheel size — easier to source spares | Fewer common sources; important for over-the-road planning |
| Metric alternatives | 295/75R22.5 and others widely available on 22.5 wheels | 285/75R24.5 and 11R24.5 share 24.5-inch wheels |
The wheel inventory question
Many fleets standardize on either 22.5-inch or 24.5-inch wheel diameters to simplify spare tire logistics and wheel inventory. Mixing the two rim sizes in a fleet requires managing two separate wheel sizes, which adds complexity for roadside service. Fleets that operate only 22.5-inch equipment can use any 22.5-inch tire size across their assets; fleets with 24.5-inch equipment need 24.5-inch compatible tires and wheels specifically.
Load ratings
Both sizes are available in Load Range F, G, and H. Load ratings and maximum pressures are the same across sizes for the same load range — but the actual load capacity for a specific tire must come from the manufacturer's load and inflation table for that exact model and size. The 11R24.5's larger diameter does not automatically mean higher load capacity — capacity comes from the load range and the manufacturer's table.
Size Verification Checklist
- Confirm wheel rim diameter before ordering tires — 22.5 and 24.5 are not interchangeable.
- Check fifth-wheel height and clearance impact if switching between the two sizes.
- Review spare tire logistics if the fleet uses both rim diameters.
- Use the manufacturer's load/inflation table for the specific model, not the rim size.
FAQ
Can I put an 11R24.5 on a 22.5-inch rim?
No. The 22.5-inch and 24.5-inch refer to the wheel rim diameter. A tire designed for a 24.5-inch rim cannot be mounted on a 22.5-inch rim and vice versa. These are fundamentally different wheels. A truck equipped with 22.5-inch wheels requires tires in 22.5 sizes (11R22.5, 295/75R22.5, etc.), and a truck with 24.5-inch wheels requires tires in 24.5 sizes (11R24.5, 285/75R24.5, etc.).
Which is better — 11R22.5 or 11R24.5?
Neither is universally better. The 11R24.5's larger diameter provides slightly more ground clearance and a larger air volume, which can benefit heat management in certain heavy applications. The 11R22.5's 22.5-inch rim diameter is shared with a wider range of metric sizes, simplifying fleet standardization and spare logistics. In practice, the choice is usually determined by what the vehicle was built for, fleet wheel inventory, and route or application fit — not by an inherent performance advantage of one size over the other.
Are 11R24.5 tires being discontinued?
No. The 11R24.5 remains in active production from major manufacturers and is widely used in vocational, dump truck, and heavy-haul applications where its larger rim diameter and overall height are advantageous. The 22.5-inch platform has seen more metric size alternatives emerge, while the 24.5-inch platform maintains a strong presence in certain heavy-duty segments. Both sizes remain available and in current production as of this page's review date.
Source Notes
- Manufacturer Michelin Truck Tire Data Book / Load and Inflation Resources
- Manufacturer Goodyear Commercial Truck Tire Resources
- Manufacturer Bridgestone Commercial Truck Tire Resources
- Site note TruckTireGuide.com editorial notes