2017 Volvo VNL Tire Size, Pressure & Wheel Specs

Quick Answer: 2017 Volvo VNL Tire & Wheel Specs

When outfitting a Class 8 commercial truck like the 2017 Volvo VNL, exact specifications are critical for safety, fuel economy, and DOT compliance. Here are the core factory wheel and tire specifications for the 2017 Volvo VNL lineup:

• OEM Tire Size: 295/75R22.5, 275/80R22.5, or 11R22.5 (steer and drive positions).
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure: Steer tires: 105–110 psi / Drive tires: 95–100 psi (Check driver’s door jamb or B-pillar placard for your specific axle ratings).
• Bolt Pattern: 10-lug hub-piloted (10x285.75mm).
• Wheel Size: 22.5" x 8.25" (standard) or 24.5" x 8.25" (optional/heavy duty).
• Load Index / Speed Rating: Load Range G (14-ply) or Load Range H (16-ply), typical load index 144/141 (up to 149/146 for steer tires) and L speed rating (75 mph).
• Spare Tire Size: Heavy-duty trucks rarely carry a mounted spare from the factory; if equipped, it matches the steer or drive size (e.g., 295/75R22.5).
• TPMS Frequency: 433 MHz (Factory or Bendix SmarTire system, if equipped).

Tire Sizes by Configuration

The 2017 Volvo VNL is highly customizable based on application (regional haul, long haul, heavy haul). Tire sizes generally depend on the wheel option selected by the original purchaser rather than the cab trim (e.g., 300, 430, 630, 670, 780). Below are the most common configurations:

Recommended Replacement Tires

When replacing tires on a Class 8 tractor, application dictates the tread pattern. Steer tires need decoupling grooves to resist irregular wear, while drive tires require open lugs for traction. Here are highly recommended options for the 2017 VNL:

• Premium Steer ($$$): Michelin X Line Energy Z – An industry-leading low-rolling-resistance steer tire. Exceptional tread life, excellent fuel efficiency, and great highway tracking.
• Premium Drive ($$$): Bridgestone M713 Ecopia – A closed-shoulder drive tire optimized for tandem-axle long-haul operations. Maximizes fuel economy without sacrificing wet traction.
• Mid-Tier Steer/Drive ($$): Yokohama 101ZL (Steer) / 712L (Drive) – A fantastic balance of price and performance, offering deep tread depths, great retreadability, and solid casing durability.
• Value Tier ($): Sailun S668 (Steer) / S768 (Drive) – Ideal for owner-operators on a strict budget or regional haulers that scrub tires out before they wear down. Excellent value for the cost.

When to Inflate to Max Load PSI

Because the 2017 Volvo VNL is a heavy-duty Class 8 truck, tire pressures must be tailored to the axle load. The placard pressure (e.g., 105 psi for steers, 95 psi for drives) is designed for standard 12,000 lb steer / 34,000 lb tandem drive DOT limits.

You should inflate to the maximum cold pressure listed on the tire sidewall (typically 110 psi to 120 psi) only when operating under heavy-haul or over-dimensional permits where axle weights exceed standard DOT limitations (e.g., 13,200+ lb steer axles or 40,000+ lb drive tandems). Running max PSI on an empty or lightly loaded trailer will result in severe center-tread wear, reduced traction, and a harsh ride that can damage suspension components.

Lug Nut Torque & Pattern

The 2017 VNL utilizes standard commercial heavy-duty hubs.

• Lug Nut Style: Hub-piloted with two-piece flange nuts.
• Torque Specification: 450 – 500 lb-ft (610 – 680 Nm).
• Torque Sequence: A standard 10-lug star pattern (1, 6, 3, 8, 5, 10, 2, 7, 4, 9).
• Re-Torque: Always re-torque lug nuts after the first 50 to 100 miles of driving following a wheel installation.

Common Tire Issues for This Vehicle

1. Irregular Steer Tire Wear (Rivering / Cupping): A common issue on all aerodynamic Class 8 trucks, including the VNL. It is heavily influenced by worn kingpins, bad shock absorbers, or incorrect toe alignment. Frequent 3-axle alignments are highly recommended.
2. Inside Drive Tire Cupping: Often caused by mismatched dual tire pressures or mismatched tread depths on the tandem axles.
3. TPMS Sensor Corrosion: For VNLs equipped with Bendix SmarTire systems or internal sensors, road salt and moisture in the air system can corrode the sensor bands inside the tire.

Need new tires or a heavy-duty alignment? Find a trusted commercial truck shop on Repairius.