Most pressure questions I get from fleets come down to one thing: how much weight can this tire carry at this pressure? The answer sits in the manufacturer’s load and inflation table, and the 2026 Continental Product Data Guide for commercial tires is a good example of how to read one properly. This article walks through that table for common truck sizes, shows how I use it to choose a pressure from the axle load, and explains the limits you should respect. All figures below come from the Continental guide; always check the latest edition and your own tire’s sidewall before you set pressure.
What the Continental Load and Inflation Table Shows
The table is titled “Tire Load Limits at Various Cold Inflation Pressures.” For each size it lists the maximum load a tire can carry at each cold inflation pressure, in kilograms and pounds, and separately for dual and single fitment. Dual means two tires side by side on the same hub, which share the load. Single means the tire runs alone, as on a steer axle, so it is allowed to carry more. The letter in brackets, such as (G) or (H), marks the load range and the pressure at which the tire reaches its rated maximum.
Continental also states that its tables follow industry standards (Tire and Rim Association for some sizes and ETRTO for others), and it reminds users to consult the rim manufacturer’s load and inflation limits. That last point matters. A tire can be rated for a pressure that the rim, or your own policy, does not allow.
Example: 11R22.5 Load by Cold Inflation Pressure
The 11R22.5 is one of the most common truck sizes, so I use it to show how the numbers change with pressure. These are the values from the Continental table, in pounds per tire.
| Cold pressure (psi) | Dual load (lbs) | Single load (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | 4,380 | 4,530 |
| 80 | 4,760 | 4,990 |
| 90 | 5,205 | 5,510 |
| 100 | 5,625 | 5,950 |
| 105 (load range G) | 5,840 | 6,175 |
| 110 | 5,895 | 6,320 |
| 120 (load range H) | 6,005 | 6,610 |
Three things stand out. First, the capacity changes a lot with pressure: a single 11R22.5 carries 4,530 lbs at 70 psi and 6,175 lbs at 105 psi, which is about 36% more. Second, between 90 and 100 psi each extra psi adds roughly 44 lbs of single-tire capacity, but from 105 to 120 psi each psi adds only about 29 lbs. Past a point, extra air buys little capacity and mainly makes the tire harder. Third, a dual tire is rated lower than a single one at the same pressure because of how the pair shares the load.
How I Choose a Pressure From the Axle Load
This is the method I teach fleets. It takes a few minutes and replaces guessing.
- Weigh the axle, or use the loaded axle weight from a scale ticket.
- Divide by the number of tires on that axle to get the load per tire.
- Open the manufacturer’s table for your exact size and find the load per tire in the dual or single row.
- Choose the pressure whose load is equal to or just above your figure.
- Set that pressure cold, and apply it to every tire on the axle.
Drive axle example
A drive axle carries 20,000 lbs on four 11R22.5 tires in dual fitment. That is 5,000 lbs per tire. In the dual row, 85 psi supports 4,950 lbs, which is just short, and 90 psi supports 5,205 lbs. So 90 psi is the pressure to use for this load.
Steer axle example
A steer axle carries 12,000 lbs on two single 11R22.5 tires. That is 6,000 lbs per tire. In the single row, 100 psi supports 5,950 lbs, which is slightly short, and 105 psi supports 6,175 lbs. So the steer tires need 105 psi.
These are worked examples for the method, not a recommendation for your vehicle. Your own tire, rim and axle rating decide the real answer, and many fleets also set their own policy on top of the table.
Maximum Load by Size and Load Range
The product pages in the same guide list the maximum load and the pressure at which it applies. Here are values for some popular sizes.
| Size | Load range | Max single (lbs) | Max dual (lbs) | Pressure (psi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 295/75R22.5 | G | 6,175 | 5,675 | 110 |
| 11R22.5 | G | 6,175 | 5,840 | 105 |
| 11R22.5 | H | 6,610 | 6,005 | 120 |
| 12R22.5 | H | 7,390 | 6,780 | 120 |
| 245/70R19.5 | G | 4,540 | 4,300 | 110 |
| 225/70R19.5 | G | 3,970 | 3,750 | 110 |
Notice that two different sizes, the 295/75R22.5 and the 11R22.5, share the same single-tire maximum in load range G but reach it at different pressures (110 and 105 psi). This is why a pressure that works for one size can be wrong for another, even when the load looks similar. For size-specific guidance, see our guides to 295/75R22.5 tire pressure, 11R22.5 tire pressure by axle load, 12R22.5 and 245/70R19.5.
Why the Table Is Only the Starting Point
- Cold pressure only. The table uses cold inflation pressure. A tire that has been running is warmer and reads higher, and that is normal. Do not release air from a hot tire to reach the table figure.
- Load range and speed. The table covers normal service. Continental publishes separate load limits at different speeds, so fast or special operation can change the allowed load.
- Rim limits. Check the rim rating, because it can be lower than the tire’s maximum pressure.
- Dual matching. Keep both tires of a dual at the same pressure, otherwise the larger one carries more of the load.
- Tire condition. A tire that has run low for long can have hidden damage, so it should be inspected before it goes back to normal use.
What Underinflation Costs
The same Continental guide notes, citing the Wheel Study Group, that running as little as 10 psi low reduces fuel economy. I treat that as a useful reminder rather than an exact figure for your trucks, because the effect depends on load, speed and route. What I do see consistently is that fleets that follow the table for each axle have fewer heat-related failures and more casings that qualify for retreading. If you want to follow how this fits a wider cost picture, read our article on truck tire total cost of ownership.
Continental also offers digital monitoring that reports over-inflation, under-inflation, rapid pressure loss and slow leaks, which is helpful for catching problems between manual checks. A gauge in the hand is still the final check.
Practical Checklist for Fleets
- Download the current table for each tire brand you run, and keep it with the workshop procedures.
- Record the loaded axle weights of your main vehicle types, so you know the load per tire.
- Set pressure by load, not by habit, and write the chosen pressure on the inspection sheet.
- Check pressure cold before each trip, and look at valves and caps.
- Review the table again when you change tire size, load range or operating conditions.
- Keep a master reference such as our truck tire pressure chart handy for quick comparisons across sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the pressure on the sidewall the pressure I should run?
No. The sidewall shows the maximum pressure for the tire’s maximum load. If your load is lower, a lower pressure from the table can be correct.
Why is the dual load lower than the single load?
Two tires side by side share the load unevenly and sit closer together, so the standard rates each one lower than a tire that runs alone.
Can I use the Continental table for other brands?
Use it as a general guide only. Tires of the same size can have different load ratings by brand and pattern, so use the table from your tire’s maker.
Conclusion
A load and inflation table turns a vague question into a simple lookup: find the load per tire, then read the pressure. Using the Continental 2026 guide, an 11R22.5 gains about 36% more capacity between 70 and 105 psi, and the same load can need different pressures on different sizes. Weigh the axle, use the table for your exact tire, check cold pressure often and respect the rim and speed limits. That routine protects safety, tread life and fuel economy at almost no cost.
