2019 Kenworth W900 Tire Size & Pressure

Quick Answer

• OEM Tire Size: Varies significantly based on configuration. Common steer axle sizes include 11R22.5 and 295/75R22.5. Drive axle sizes often match steer axles or can be wider, such as 11R24.5 or 285/75R24.5.
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure: Refer to the tire placard located on the driver's side door jamb or inside the glove compartment. Pressures can range from 100-120 psi for steer tires and 85-105 psi for drive tires, depending on tire size, load, and application.
• Bolt Pattern: Typically 10-hole, 285.75mm bolt circle for most heavy-duty truck wheels.
• Wheel Size: Common wheel diameters are 22.5" and 24.5". Widths vary, but typical steer wheels are 8.25" wide, and drive wheels can be 8.25" to 9.0" or wider for super singles.
• Load Index/Speed Rating: Load indexes are very high for commercial truck tires, typically 140 and above (e.g., 146/143L). Speed ratings are generally L (75 mph) or M (81 mph), as these vehicles are not designed for high speeds.
• Spare Tire Size: Spare tires are uncommon on most commercial trucks. Fleets typically rely on roadside assistance or carrying a mounted spare wheel and tire assembly matching their specific needs.
• TPMS Frequency: 433 MHz is a common frequency for heavy-duty truck TPMS systems.

Tire Sizes by Axle and Application

The Kenworth W900 is a highly customizable heavy-duty truck, and tire sizes will vary significantly based on its intended application, axle configuration, and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). There isn't a single "standard" OE tire size.

Recommended Replacement Tires

When replacing tires on a 2019 Kenworth W900, it's crucial to select tires that match or exceed the original equipment's load capacity and speed rating, and are appropriate for your specific application (e.g., long haul, regional, vocational, heavy haul).

• Michelin X Line Energy Z (Steer) / D (Drive): (Premium Price Tier) – Excellent for long-haul applications, focusing on fuel efficiency and long tread life. Michelin is a top choice for many fleets due to its proven performance and retreadability.
• Goodyear Fuel Max LHD (Drive) / LHS (Steer): (Premium Price Tier) – Another strong contender for long-haul and regional applications, designed to optimize fuel economy and provide reliable traction.
• Bridgestone M799 (Steer) / M770 (Drive): (Mid to Premium Price Tier) – A versatile option often favored for mixed-service and regional hauling, offering good durability and all-weather traction.
• Continental Hybrid HS3 (Steer) / HD3 (Drive): (Mid to Premium Price Tier) – Known for a balance of fuel efficiency, mileage, and traction in various applications.
• Sumitomo ST719 (Steer) / ST908 (Drive): (Value Price Tier) – A more budget-friendly option that still provides solid performance for regional and some long-haul operations.

Always ensure new tires are compatible with your truck's wheel size and axle weight ratings.

When to Inflate to Max Load PSI

For heavy-duty trucks like the Kenworth W900, "max load PSI" refers to the maximum cold inflation pressure that the tire manufacturer recommends for a given tire when carrying its maximum rated load. It is critical for safety and tire longevity to always maintain correct tire pressure.

• Refer to the Tire Placard: The primary source for recommended cold tire inflation pressure for your specific truck configuration is the tire placard (door jamb sticker). This placard specifies the minimum pressure required to safely carry the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
• Weigh Your Truck: For optimal performance and tire life, it's best practice to weigh your truck and trailer (loaded) to determine the actual weight on each axle. Tire manufacturers publish load/inflation tables that correlate specific pressures to specific loads.
• Do NOT Overinflate: Inflating beyond the recommended pressure on the placard or the tire manufacturer's load/inflation table for your actual load can lead to an overly harsh ride, accelerated center tread wear, reduced traction, and increased susceptibility to impact damage.
• Do NOT Underinflate: Underinflation is a major cause of tire failure in commercial vehicles, leading to excessive heat buildup, increased rolling resistance (poor fuel economy), rapid shoulder wear, and potential blowouts.
• Max Load PSI vs. Operating PSI: While a tire might have a "max PSI" molded into its sidewall (e.g., 120 psi), this is the maximum permissible pressure for that tire