These specific measurements refer to a common size of commercial truck tires. The “11” indicates a tire width of approximately 11 inches. The “R” signifies a radial construction, a standard design for durability and performance. The “22.5” denotes the rim diameter in inches, which is the size of the wheel the tire is mounted on. This type of tire is frequently used on the drive axles of heavy-duty vehicles like semi-trucks and trailers due to its ability to handle substantial weight and torque. A typical application would be the rear wheels of a tractor-trailer responsible for propelling the vehicle forward.
Properly sized and maintained tires are critical for safe and efficient operation of commercial vehicles. These components significantly influence fuel economy, handling characteristics, and braking performance. Historically, bias-ply tires were more common, but radial tire construction offered significant advancements in load-bearing capacity, longevity, and rolling resistance, leading to their widespread adoption. The selection and maintenance of appropriate tires contribute significantly to minimizing operational costs and maximizing vehicle uptime in the transportation industry.