Quick answer
12R22.5 is a tubeless radial truck tyre about 12 inches (roughly 300 mm) wide for 22.5-inch rims, with a tall sidewall similar to a 90-series tyre. It is popular on tippers, construction trucks and drive axles that run on and off road, because the tall sidewall and deep tread handle rough surfaces. It is commonly rated 16 or 18 ply, with load indexes around 152/149.
What 12R22.5 means
12R22.5 uses an older, inch-based way of writing tyre sizes:
- 12 is the nominal section width in inches (about 300 mm).
- R means radial construction.
- 22.5 is the rim diameter in inches. 22.5-inch rims are tubeless.
Because no aspect ratio is written, the sidewall is taller in proportion than on an 80-series tyre. A mounted 12R22.5 stands about 1,085 mm tall, slightly taller than a 315/80R22.5.
You may also see 1200R22.5 or 12 R 22.5. These are the same size. Do not confuse it with 1200R20 (or 12.00R20), which fits a 20-inch rim and normally uses a tube and flap.
Where 12R22.5 is used
| Application | Why 12R22.5 suits it |
|---|---|
| Tippers and dump trucks | Tall, strong sidewalls and deep tread cope with quarries, building sites and loose surfaces. |
| Construction and mine-service trucks | Mixed-service patterns resist cuts and stone damage on site roads. |
| Drive axles on mixed routes | Good traction on gravel and wet roads while still running on tar. |
| Some horses and rigids | Fitted as an alternative to 315/80R22.5 on certain Chinese and European trucks. |
For heavier tipper work, 13R22.5 is the next size up, with more width and load capacity. Both are on our truck tyres page.
Ply rating and load index
12R22.5 tyres are often sold by ply rating, such as 16PR or 18PR. Ply rating is an older measure of casing strength. A higher ply rating means the tyre is built to carry more load at a higher pressure. Today the load index is the more precise figure.
| Typical marking | Single load | Dual load (per tyre) |
|---|---|---|
| 16PR, 150/147 | 3,350 kg | 3,075 kg |
| 18PR, 152/149 | 3,550 kg | 3,250 kg |
Ratings differ between brands, so read the sidewall of the tyre you are replacing and match or exceed it. Tipper operators who load heavily should choose the higher rating.
12R22.5 vs 315/80R22.5
| 12R22.5 | 315/80R22.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Width | about 300 mm | about 315 mm |
| Overall diameter | about 1,085 mm | about 1,076 mm |
| Sidewall | Taller and more flexible over rough ground | Lower and stiffer, steadier at highway speed |
| Best for | Tippers, on/off-road drive axles | Long-haul steer and drive axles |
The diameters are close, but the two sizes are not interchangeable on the same axle. If you want to change a whole truck from one to the other, check rim and clearance approval first. For long-haul horses, see our 315/80R22.5 guide.
Choosing a 12R22.5 tread pattern
- Mixed-service drive pattern: deep, open blocks for traction in mud, sand and gravel. The usual choice for tipper drive axles.
- Mixed-service steer or all-position pattern: ribbed centre with stronger shoulders, for front axles that leave the tar.
- Highway pattern: for trucks that stay on good roads, giving better mileage and fuel use.
On sites with sharp stone, ask for a cut- and chip-resistant compound. It costs little extra and saves casings.
Buying tips
- Confirm the exact size from the sidewall: 12R22.5 and 1200R20 are often confused.
- Match the ply rating or load index to your heaviest working load.
- Buy the pattern for the axle and the ground you work on.
- Fit duals in matched pairs and keep them at equal pressure.
- Check stones between duals daily on tipper work. A trapped stone can cut both sidewalls.
- Check pressures often. Tippers that run underinflated on site roads suffer sidewall damage.
12R22.5 tyres from Proclassic
We supply 12R22.5 and 13R22.5 tyres for tippers, construction trucks and mixed-service fleets from our Harare and Mutare branches, with delivery across Zimbabwe. Tell us the truck, the axle and the kind of work it does, and we will match the pattern and confirm stock and price on WhatsApp.
Get a price on WhatsApp
Send us these four details and we will reply with stock and today’s price:
- Tyre size, from the sidewall (12R22.5)
- Quantity
- Vehicle or equipment, make and model
- Delivery location, or collect in Harare or Mutare
Or call +263 716 194 485 · info@proclassicgroup.com