The correct 275/80R22.5 tire pressure cannot be selected from size alone. This size appears with Load Range G and H references, as well as higher-load service descriptions such as 149/146L. Each version has its own approved load, speed and inflation limits.
The safe method is to weigh the loaded vehicle, identify single or dual fitment, read the complete sidewall marking and use the current load-and-inflation table for the exact tire product. The highest pressure printed in a databook is a capacity endpoint, not a universal operating target.
What changes between G, H and 149/146L?
| Reference | Single load | Dual load | Published pressure | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental Load Range G endpoint | 2,800 kg/tire | 2,575 kg/tire | 110 psi | Do not continue the G rating into higher H rows |
| Continental Load Range H endpoint | 3,150 kg/tire | 2,800 kg/tire | 120 psi | Higher casing capacity than the G reference |
| Hankook 149/146L example | 3,250 kg/tire | 3,000 kg/tire | 130 psi | Product-specific high-load rating with L speed symbol |
The service description 149/146L is not merely another way to write Load Range H. Load index 149 represents 3,250 kg in single fitment, while 146 represents 3,000 kg per tire in dual fitment. The L symbol corresponds to 120 km/h. All parts of that marking must stay together when the rating is quoted.
Suggested image: 275/80R22.5 sidewall showing size, load index and speed symbol.
Alt text: 275/80R22.5 tire pressure and 149/146L sidewall marking
275/80R22.5 load and inflation table
The table below reproduces the published Continental cold-pressure steps for this size. Values are per tire. Multiplying the single value by two gives the theoretical capacity of a balanced two-tire axle; multiplying the dual value by four gives the theoretical capacity of a balanced four-tire axle.
| Cold pressure | Single kg/tire | Single axle kg | Dual kg/tire | Dual axle kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 psi | 2,040 | 4,080 | 1,860 | 7,440 |
| 75 psi | 2,140 | 4,280 | 1,950 | 7,800 |
| 80 psi | 2,240 | 4,480 | 2,060 | 8,240 |
| 85 psi | 2,340 | 4,680 | 2,130 | 8,520 |
| 90 psi | 2,440 | 4,880 | 2,220 | 8,880 |
| 95 psi | 2,500 | 5,000 | 2,300 | 9,200 |
| 100 psi | 2,620 | 5,240 | 2,390 | 9,560 |
| 105 psi | 2,710 | 5,420 | 2,470 | 9,880 |
| 110 psi | 2,800 (G) | 5,600 | 2,575 (G) | 10,300 |
| 115 psi | 2,890 | 5,780 | 2,630 | 10,520 |
| 120 psi | 3,150 (H) | 6,300 | 2,800 (H) | 11,200 |
Notice the non-linear final step in the published table. It must not be treated as permission to interpolate any pressure or load between rows. A Load Range G tire remains limited by its own 110 psi endpoint even though the size table also contains H-rated values at 120 psi.
Example using actual axle load
Suppose a steer axle weighs 5,120 kg in its normal loaded condition. Dividing by two gives 2,560 kg per tire. In the table above, 95 psi supports only 2,500 kg per tire, while 100 psi supports 2,620 kg. Therefore 95 psi is insufficient for that measured load and 100 psi is the first published row that carries it. The fleet must then apply its approved operating reserve and confirm all vehicle and wheel limits.
For a dual axle weighing 9,700 kg, the nominal load is 2,425 kg per tire. The 100 psi dual row supports 2,390 kg and is insufficient; the 105 psi row supports 2,470 kg. Do not use the single column for this calculation.
Product specification can exceed the generic H endpoint
Hankook lists a 275/80R22.5 example with a 149/146L service description, 3,250 kg single capacity and 3,000 kg dual capacity at 130 psi. That does not change the Continental H values above. It demonstrates why a fleet must use the table and sidewall specification belonging to the installed product instead of borrowing a higher rating from another brand.
The same size is also marketed for all-position, steer, drive and city applications. Tread pattern, casing construction, speed symbol and duty cycle remain selection criteria even when two products can carry a similar load. The truck tire sidewall markings guide explains how to read the full service description.
Suggested image: comparison graphic for Load Range G, Load Range H and 149/146L.
Alt text: 275/80R22.5 Load Range G H and 149/146L comparison
Cold-pressure operating rules
- Measure pressure before driving, when the tire is at ambient temperature.
- Do not bleed a hot tire back to its cold target; normal operation raises pressure.
- Keep dual tires matched for approved size, construction, remaining diameter and pressure.
- Investigate recurring pressure loss rather than repeatedly topping up the assembly.
- Respect the lowest limit among tire, rim, valve, axle and vehicle.
Pressure control works best as a repeatable fleet process rather than a visual inspection. See the practical pressure-management workflow for truck fleets. Manufacturer-specific guides, including the Hankook truck tire pressure chart, can help locate the correct source, but the exact product and market edition still govern.
Technical caveats
- Published table pressure is the minimum cold pressure for the listed load under the stated conditions.
- Maximum pressure is not automatically the recommended fleet pressure.
- Never apply the 120 psi H row to a G-rated casing or the 130 psi 149/146L rating to a different product.
- Axle weights can conceal side-to-side imbalance; individual wheel-position weights are preferable.
- No PSI or load value between manufacturer rows has been inferred here.
Frequently asked questions
There is no universal PSI. Use the measured axle load, single or dual fitment, and the current table for the exact tire product and service description.
No. The published table shows 120 psi as a Load Range H endpoint, while Load Range G ends at 110 psi. Other product-specific ratings may differ.
In the cited table, G reaches 2,800 kg single and 2,575 kg dual per tire at 110 psi, while H reaches 3,150 kg single and 2,800 kg dual at 120 psi.
It identifies load index 149 for single fitment, 146 for dual fitment and an L speed symbol. A cited Hankook example is rated for 3,250 kg single and 3,000 kg dual per tire at 130 psi.
Divide a balanced axle load by four and use the dual column for the exact product. Select a published cold-pressure row that supports at least that per-tire load.
