Tire Load Rating vs. Max PSI?

SCSJeff · Mar 24, 2017

Hey all,

I looking at Kenda HTRs in 27". I know Kenda doesn't advertise them as being for SxSs. I did email them and asked about that and their reply was as long as the load rating was high enough to support the weight of the vehicle it would be fine.

Looking at the specs for the 27":

27x9x12: Load Rating = 440lbs, Max PSI = 7
27x11x12: Load Rating = 493lbs, Max PSI = 7

The first thing I notice is that the load ratings combined would probably be close to the max with 2 people and gear in the Wolverine. That being said, I'm sure those load ratings are at least as good (most likely better) than the OEM Tires.

Now comparing that to say the Blackwater Evolutions in 27":

27x9x912: Load Rating = 1230lbs, Max PSI = 32
27x11x12: Load Rating = 1520lbs, Max PSI = 34

Now, I know most people run around 10 PSI (give or take) in their SxS's. So can I assume those load rating numbers are only at their max psi? And that the load rating on the Evos at 10 psi would be much less (say closer the the Kenda's)?

That also brings up the question regarding PSI. I see a few comments from people who have the HTRs that they are running at or around 10 psi. Wouldn't this be dangerous running higher than the recommended max psi?

Thanks for any input. Just trying to compare apples to apples.

Jeff

Hammer · Mar 24, 2017

Max load is definitely at max PSI. your car (or truck) tires are the same way. Lower pressure = lower load rating

Most guys run their tires around 10 PSI so that a stiff tire, like the EVO, will flex over obstacles.
The load rating on an ATV tire would be critical if you are planning to carry a lot of weight in the bed for extended periods or operate at highway speeds (getting the tires hot) for extended periods. The load rating of the HTR should be fine for the average off road application. I know guys who have used the HTR's on other SxS's and liked them. One was a 4 seat Teryx with a large man driving it. They held up fine over rough terrain

Rockit401 · Mar 24, 2017

I have 27" HTR's on my 900 Ranger and I run 8 psi in them so they will flex and ride better. Even at that pressure they have very little bulge in the sidewall. The maximum pressure for bead seating purposes is 32 psi, the same as all the others no matter the load rating so I am not worried about them blowing up at the pressure I will be using. If I want to haul a heavy load I will just up the pressure to accommodate.
I have Maxxis Bighorns on another rig and it has two ratings on the sidewall, 7 psi for ATV use and 12psi for SXS use.
I read all the posts about how the HTR's are only rated for xxx pounds at 7 psi. I don't worry about that at all. A tire for an ATV can only be rated for 7 psi because of a federal specification about the legal definition of an ATV and these were obviously built for ATV sales. Some tire manufacturers use the ATV and NHS ratings on their sidewall and some don't. I have never heard of a problem with using Kenda Bearclaw HTR's on heavy rigs so that is why I use them and they are great tires.
I just let the worriers worry and I cruise on down the trail on my 8 ply HTR's. I have them mounted on 7" beadlock rims and the overall diameter is 27 1/2 on the 9" fronts and 27 3/4 on the 11" rears at 8 psi so you need to plan for the oversize if that is what you end up with.

SCSJeff · Mar 31, 2017

Hey all,

Thought I'd follow up with what I did...

Just bought a leftover '16 Blue R-Spec. The dealer had also swapped the aluminum rims from a '17 blue base model onto this machine for no additional charge. I figured I better purchase the tires from them while they had it. I knew I wouldn't feel like coming back later for tires and any money I would have saved by buying tires online would have been spent having the dealer mount them. (Can't find any place around here other than dealers who will touch aluminum ATV Rims). As it turned out they gave me a pretty nice deal on Sedona RipSaw RT's installed. I ended up listening to my wiser self and staying with 26x9x12 & 26x11x12. (Every time I upgraded to larger tires in the past, I regretted the power loss). I didn't check the tire pressure yet, but they only measure 25.5" tall as they are right now on the machine. I am a bit disappointed by that. But, I still think they look good on the machine and they are still a tad taller than the OEM.

SCSJeff · Mar 31, 2017

Hah, how about that... I just looked at the ratings for these tires. They're actually not quite as good as the HTR's (which are on the light side for a UTV). I just assumed from the good reviews about these tires and how tough they are that they are actually rated for UTVs... Oh, well. The dealer had the same tires on Sedona rims installed on a '17 base model in the showroom (that's the one I got the factory aluminum rims from). I guess if they are good enough for the dealer to sell and support...

Tire Load Rating vs. Max PSI?

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