11.00R20 truck tyres: choosing the right variant for each route

What does 11.00R20 mean?

The 11.00R20 marking is read in order: 11.00 is the nominal section width in inches, R is the radial construction, and 20 is the rim diameter in inches. It is usually followed by the ply rating and load index, for example 18PR 152/149. A full character-by-character reading is given in the guide to reading truck tyre specifications.

Short answer: 11.00R20 is a radial tyre on a 20-inch rim for heavy-duty trucks. At 18PR ply rating, load index 152/149 means each tyre carries 3,550 kg in single fitment and 3,250 kg in dual fitment.

Where does 11.00R20 sit in the TBR size range?

In the truck tyre range, 11.00R20 belongs to the large-size group: larger than the light truck sizes 6.50R16 – 7.50R16 and the medium group 8.25R16 – 10.00R20, but smaller than 12.00R20 – 12.00R24. It is a common size for 3 – 4 axle rigid trucks and heavy-duty tippers.

19 11.00R20 variants currently available

The catalogue currently lists 19 11.00R20 variants, split between the SAMSON and ADVANCE brands and mostly at 18PR ply rating. The table below lists all of them so they can be matched against the tread pattern already in use on the vehicle.

Choosing an 11.00R20 tread pattern by axle position

The same 11.00R20 size uses different tread patterns for the steer axle, drive axle and trailer. The final letter of the tread code indicates the fitment position: S for steer axle, D for drive axle, T for trailer, A for all positions.

• Steer axle (S) and all positions (A): favour a rib pattern with multiple longitudinal grooves to resist shoulder wear. Examples: GL278A, GL283A, GL618A+.
• Drive axle (D): requires a lug or block pattern to transmit traction. Examples: GL663D, GL686D, GL269D.
• Trailer (T): rib or light mixed pattern, prioritising low rolling resistance.
• Mixed site and asphalt operation: choose a mixed pattern and accept slightly higher noise in exchange for cut resistance.

What to check before ordering 11.00R20 tyres?

1. Correct ply rating: 18PR is the most common, but some variants are available only in 16PR with a lower load index (150/147). Check the actual axle load before choosing.
2. Correct load index: each tyre must be rated above the actual load on that wheel. Use the tyre selection tool by load to calculate quickly from axle load.
3. Correct packaging type: some variants come both as a tube-and-flap set and as a bare tyre; where the vehicle uses a sealed rim, choose tubeless.
4. Correct inflation pressure: inflate according to the load table for that exact variant and measure with the tyre cold. See truck tyre pressure.
5. Inspect the casing on delivery: no cracks, no bulges, bead not separated, recent production date.

How does 11.00R20 differ from 12R22.5?

These are the two most common large truck tyre sizes, but they use different measurement systems and serve different purposes. 11.00R20 measures both section width and rim in inches, whereas 12R22.5 has an inch width but a 22.5-inch rim — the standard tubeless rim for container prime movers. Details are in 12R22.5 tyres for prime movers.

What determines the price of an 11.00R20 tyre?

The price of an 11.00R20 variant varies with brand, tread pattern, ply rating and order quantity. Because this website only presents products and receives quotation requests, we do not list fixed prices. How to calculate the real cost per km is covered in truck tyre prices and how to calculate real cost.

Frequently asked questions

How much load can an 11.00R20 18PR tyre carry?

With load index 152/149, each tyre carries 3,550 kg in single fitment and 3,250 kg in dual fitment, at the corresponding pressure in the load table for that variant.

Are 11.00R20 and 11R22.5 interchangeable?

No. The two sizes differ in rim diameter (20 inch versus 22.5 inch) and in rim type, so they cannot be fitted interchangeably.

Should 16PR be used instead of 18PR to reduce cost?

Only if the actual axle load falls within the 16PR limit. Reducing the ply rating while still carrying full load makes the tyre run hot and fail early.

How often must 11.00R20 tyres be replaced?

There is no fixed mileage threshold. Replace when tread depth falls below 3 mm, the casing is cracked or bulging, or the tyre has been retreaded several times.