Tire Size Comparison 16 vs 14 vs 15.5

[M1075]

I get a lot of questions regarding tire sizes. Here is a comparison pic to show the difference between 16R20, 14R20, 15.50/80R20, all in the Michelin XL tread pattern. They measure about 52", 49" and 46", respectively. Any of these sizes will work as super singles on a 5 ton, with only the 15.5 tires being suitable for 6x6 deuce.

 

[skark_burmer]

Its nice to get a real world view of the tires side by side.

Thanks!

 

[M1075]

Its nice to get a real world view of the tires side by side.

Thanks!

No problem! I have explained it to customers many times. Most have a hard time grasping the fact that 15.5 is smaller than 14.00. Next time, I need to throw in a "tiny" 11R20 for real comparison!

 

[cranetruck]

The aspect ratio should always be taken into consideration. Like the "/80", which means that the tire is only 80% of the width in height.
The 15.5/80R20 should be 44.8 inches tall going by the numbers, while the 100% aspect ratio 14R20 should be 48.0 inches tall on a 20 inch wheel. Real world measurements will be different, no doubt, depending on tire pressure, wear and tread pattern.

The tires on my 8x8 are actually 16/70-20, which makes them only 42.5 inches tall while they are 16 inches wide (image below compared to 1100-20 NDCC).

 

[Csm Davis]

more please

 

[No.2Diesel]

Hi,

Thank you for taking the time to take measurements & post pics.

Two questions:

1.) Are the 15.5" 80R20s still in production, if not then on a scale of 1-5 (five being the most difficult) how hard are they to source?

2.) I'm wondering out loud if the above tire can be run as duals in the back for a 5ton application?

 

[11Echo]

Pic previously posted by someone.

 

[M1075]

Pic previously posted by someone.

Yeah that someone was me.

 

[M1075]

Hi,

Thank you for taking the time to take measurements & post pics.

Two questions:

1.) Are the 15.5" 80R20s still in production, if not then on a scale of 1-5 (five being the most difficult) how hard are they to source?

2.) I'm wondering out loud if the above tire can be run as duals in the back for a 5ton application?

1) Easy to source. They are used on M1076 PLS trailer and are heavier ply (1 than 395/85r20 tires. I usually have some.

2) You should be able to run these as duals on a bridge truck. There would not be enough clearance on a regular 5 ton.

 

[M1075]

The aspect ratio should always be taken into consideration. Like the "/80", which means that the tire is only 80% of the width in height.
The 15.5/80R20 should be 44.8 inches tall going by the numbers, while the 100% aspect ratio 14R20 should be 48.0 inches tall on a 20 inch wheel. Real world measurements will be different, no doubt, depending on tire pressure, wear and tread pattern.

The tires on my 8x8 are actually 16/70-20, which makes them only 42.5 inches tall while they are 16 inches wide (image below compared to 1100-20 NDCC).

Thanks Bjorn. What is strange is that 15.5/80r20 is the same size as 395/85r20. It is weird that they have different aspect ratios.

 

[cranetruck]

Thanks Bjorn. What is strange is that 15.5/80r20 is the same size as 395/85r20. It is weird that they have different aspect ratios.

The 395s would be 46.44 by the numbers, so they are a bit taller than the 15.5s, but then again, the real world numbers may differ.....

 

[No.2Diesel]

Hi,

Thank you for the clarifications....Do bridge trucks have wider backing plate to backing plate dimensions than a std. 5ton? Different backspacing on the wheels?

Thanks again a picture is worth a bunch of words

 

[PawnShopEd]

Still new to this - a stock 6x6 duece can fit up to a 46 or 49"
A bobbed duece can fit a max of ??

 

[cranetruck]

Hi,

Thank you for the clarifications....Do bridge trucks have wider backing plate to backing plate dimensions than a std. 5ton? Different backspacing on the wheels?

Thanks again a picture is worth a bunch of words

Picture.

 

[No.2Diesel]

Thank you again.....come to think of it.....the Oshkosh had a wheel spacer to kick out the rears to track inline with the front. These were removed as shown in these pics.

 

[11Echo]

Yeah that someone was me.

I knew it was someone. Glad I could help!




A pic of a Michelin 16R20 XZL at 53" versus an 11R20 XZL at 43".

 

[jimbo*]

Do the 15.5's have the same style of bead as the 14.00 and 16.00?
I have a few of the smaller 14.50R20's, and they have the automotive style bead. I see them mounted on combat wheels, but they are not designed for that (truck) style wheel.

 

[tsmall07]

Anyone have a pic of a 5 ton running the 14R20s? I was planning to run the 16r20s (on the 5 ton I don't even have yet) but am interested in impacting the power less as long as it still looks/performs BA.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Pawnshoped, 46 is the largest for a deuce un-modded.

 

[Andy1234]

Anyone have a pic of a 5 ton running the 14R20s? I was planning to run the 16r20s (on the 5 ton I don't even have yet) but am interested in impacting the power less as long as it still looks/performs BA.

Here you go...14.00x20 Michelin XL's on an M818.

Andy