The best tires for semi trucks depend on the axle: use a steer-rated tire up front, drive tires on the drive axles and trailer tires on the trailer. In this list the Continental Conti EcoPlus HS3+ is the steer and all-position pick, the Gladiator QR99-PD, Firestone FD609, BlackHawk BDO89 and FitParts D755 sets are drive tires, and the Arisun AT563 is a trailer tire. Match the size, load index and position rating before you buy.
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| FitParts D755 295/75R22.5 16 Ply Semi Truck Tires |  | Drive set (4 tires) | Tire Size: 295/75R22.5 | Ply Rating: 16-ply | Construction: Radial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read the details |
| Gladiator QR99-PD Premium Drive 11R22.5 146/143M H Commercial Tire |  | Drive tire | Tire Size: 11R22.5 | Ply Rating: 16-ply | Construction: Commercial radial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read the details |
| Firestone FD609 295/75R22.5 G |  | Drive tire | Tire Size: 295/75R22.5 | Ply Rating: 14-ply | Construction: Radial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read the details |
| BlackHawk BDO89 11R22.5 148/145G H |  | On/off-road drive tire | Tire Size: 11R22.5 | Ply Rating: 16-ply | Construction: Radial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read the details |
| Arisun AT563 295/75R22.5 144/141L G Commercial Tire |  | Trailer tire | Tire Size: 295/75R22.5 | Ply Rating: 14-ply | Construction: Radial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read the details |
| FitParts D755 295/75R22.5 16 Ply Semi Truck Tires | | Drive set, size unclear | Tire Size: 295/75R22.5 or 11R22.5 | Ply Rating: 16-ply | Construction: Radial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read the details |
| Continental Conti EcoPlus HS3+ 295/75R22.5 149/146L H Commercial Tire |  | Steer / all-position | Tire Size: 295/75R22.5 | Ply Rating: 16-ply | Construction: Radial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read the details |
More Details on Our Top Picks
FitParts D755 295/75R22.5 16 Ply Semi Truck Tires (drive set)
The Amazon listing describes a set of four FitParts D755 drive tires in 295/75R22.5, 16-ply radial with a reinforced cord structure, an M speed rating and a listed capacity of about 6,600 lb per tire. We could not confirm the D755 specs from a manufacturer page, so check the load index, maximum pressure and warranty terms on the listing before you order.
- Tire Size:295/75R22.5
- Ply Rating:16-ply (per listing)
- Set:4 drive tires
- Capacity:About 6,600 lb per tire (per listing)
- Speed Rating:M (per listing)
- Position:Drive
Pros
- Four-tire set for one dual-wheel drive axle
- Common 295/75R22.5 size
Limits
- Load index and max pressure not confirmed here
- Warranty and return terms should be checked on the listing
Gladiator QR99-PD Premium Drive 11R22.5 146/143M H Commercial Tire
The QR99-PD is a drive-axle tire. The Amazon title shows 146/143M, but retailer spec pages list the 11R22.5 Load Range H (16-ply) QR99-PD as 148/145M, so confirm the load index on the exact listing. Retailers describe a nondirectional tread, reinforced sidewalls and a heavy-duty compound, and the Amazon listing mentions stone ejectors.
- Tire Size:11R22.5
- Load Range / Ply:H / 16-ply
- Load Index:148/145M (retailer); 146/143M (Amazon title)
- Max Load:6,944 lb single / 6,393 lb dual (retailer)
- Max Pressure:Not listed
- Position:Drive
Pros
- Dedicated drive-axle design
- 16-ply Load Range H
- Stone ejectors mentioned in the listing
Limits
- Load index differs between sources
- Max pressure not listed on the retailer page checked
Firestone FD609 295/75R22.5 G
The FD609 is a drive-axle tire. Retailer specs list Load Range G (14-ply), 144/141, 110 PSI maximum, and 6,175 lb single or 5,675 lb dual capacity. Listings describe a solid shoulder with tie bars, aggressive center lugs and multiple gripping edges for long-haul, regional and pickup-and-delivery work, with a retreadable casing.
- Tire Size:295/75R22.5
- Load Range / Ply:G / 14-ply
- Load Index:144/141
- Max Load:6,175 lb single / 5,675 lb dual
- Max Pressure:110 PSI
- Position:Drive
Pros
- Solid shoulder and tie bars listed to fight irregular wear
- Retreadable casing listed
- Used for long-haul, regional and delivery work
Limits
- 14-ply Load Range G has a lower load index than the H-range picks
BlackHawk BDO89 11R22.5 148/145G H
The BDO89 is a drive-axle tire for demanding on/off-road service such as mining, construction and logging, so it is a vocational pick rather than a typical line-haul tire. Retailer specs list Load Range H (16-ply), 148/145, 123 PSI maximum, a G speed rating and a deep tread of about 30/32 inch. Listed features are a cut- and chip-resistant compound, large tread blocks and stone ejectors in the grooves.
- Tire Size:11R22.5
- Load Range / Ply:H / 16-ply
- Load Index:148/145 (G speed)
- Max Pressure:123 PSI
- Tread Depth:About 30/32 inch (retailer)
- Position:Drive (on/off-road)
Pros
- Cut- and chip-resistant compound listed
- Deep tread with large blocks
- High 148/145 load index
Limits
- Built for on/off-road work, so check it suits your line-haul duty cycle
Arisun AT563 295/75R22.5 144/141L G Commercial Tire (trailer axle)
The AT563 is made for the trailer axle, not for steer or drive positions. Retailer specs list Load Range G (14-ply), 144/141L, 110 PSI maximum, and 6,175 lb single or 5,675 lb dual capacity. Listed features are a siped rib pattern, circumferential grooves that clear water, and a self-cleaning tread that resists stone retention.
- Tire Size:295/75R22.5
- Load Range / Ply:G / 14-ply
- Load Index:144/141 (L speed)
- Max Load:6,175 lb single / 5,675 lb dual
- Max Pressure:110 PSI
- Position:Trailer
Pros
- Dedicated trailer-axle tire
- Circumferential grooves to clear water
- Self-cleaning tread listed
Limits
- Trailer positions only
FitParts D755 16 Ply Semi Truck Tires (second listing, size unclear)
This second FitParts listing has 295/75R22.5 in its title, while the description text we saw refers to 11R22.5 drive tires, so it is unclear which size you would receive. Both are 22.5-inch sizes but they differ in height, so confirm the size on the listing before you order. As with the other set, we could not confirm D755 specs such as load index or maximum pressure from a manufacturer page.
- Tire Size:295/75R22.5 or 11R22.5 (listing conflicts)
- Ply Rating:16-ply (per listing)
- Set:4 drive tires
- Capacity:About 6,600 lb per tire (per listing)
- Position:Drive
Pros
- Four-tire drive set
- 16-ply per the listing
Limits
- Title and description disagree on size
- Specs not confirmed here
Continental Conti EcoPlus HS3+ 295/75R22.5 149/146L H Commercial Tire
The Conti EcoPlus HS3+ is the steer and all-position pick in this list. In 295/75R22.5 it is Load Range H (16-ply) with a 149/146 load index: 7,160 lb single and 6,610 lb dual, with a 123 PSI maximum. Listings describe it as SmartWay verified for low rolling resistance, retreadable, with a cut- and tear-resistant compound and about 19/32 inch of tread. For more steer options see our steer tires for semi trucks guide.
- Tire Size:295/75R22.5
- Load Range / Ply:H / 16-ply
- Load Index:149/146 (L speed)
- Max Load:7,160 lb single / 6,610 lb dual
- Max Pressure:123 PSI
- Position:Steer / all-position
Pros
- Highest load index in this list
- Listed as SmartWay verified
- Listed as retreadable
Limits
- The 123 PSI maximum is higher than most others, so set pressure from the load and inflation table
Spec Comparison by Axle Position
Values come from retailer and manufacturer listings and can differ by listing, so confirm them on the product page before you buy.
| Tire | Size | Load range / ply | Load index (single/dual) | Max PSI | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental Conti EcoPlus HS3+ | 295/75R22.5 | H / 16-ply | 149/146 | 123 | Steer / all-position |
| Gladiator QR99-PD | 11R22.5 | H / 16-ply | 148/145 (retailer) | Not listed | Drive |
| Firestone FD609 | 295/75R22.5 | G / 14-ply | 144/141 | 110 | Drive |
| BlackHawk BDO89 | 11R22.5 | H / 16-ply | 148/145 | 123 | Drive (on/off-road) |
| FitParts D755 sets | 295/75R22.5 (one listing unclear) | 16-ply (listing) | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Drive |
| Arisun AT563 | 295/75R22.5 | G / 14-ply | 144/141 | 110 | Trailer |
How to Choose Tires for a Semi Truck
Match the tire to the axle position
Steer, drive and trailer tires are built for different jobs. Steer tires prioritize steering response and even wear, drive tires prioritize traction, and trailer tires are built for load and low maintenance. Do not put a drive or trailer tire on the steer axle unless the manufacturer lists it for steer use. Our steer tire guide and drive tire guide go deeper on each position.
Check size and load index
Read the size from the sidewall or your fleet spec. The 295/75R22.5 and 11R22.5 sizes are both for 22.5-inch wheels but differ in height, so keep matched sizes on an axle and in a dual pair. The load index has two numbers, single and dual. Per the listings above, 149 equals 7,160 lb, 148 equals about 6,940 lb and 146 equals 6,610 lb per tire. Compare it with your axle rating.
Know the tread-depth rules
Under 49 CFR 393.75, steer-axle tires need at least 4/32 inch of tread, and other positions need 2/32 inch. Replace a tire sooner if you see sidewall cuts, bulges, exposed cord or irregular wear.
Set pressure for the load
Use the tire maker’s load and inflation table for your real axle load, and check pressure cold. The maximums on the tires above run from 110 to 123 PSI, and a maximum is a limit, not a target. See our truck tire pressure guide and semi truck tire inflator guide.
Weigh fuel use and retreading
The Continental HS3+ is listed as SmartWay verified for low rolling resistance. Stone ejectors and retreadable casings, listed for several tires here, matter if your fleet retreads. Ask your tire dealer about your retread program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tires for semi trucks?
It depends on the axle. Use a steer-rated tire up front, a drive tire on the drive axles and a trailer tire on the trailer. In this list the Continental HS3+ is the steer and all-position pick, the Gladiator QR99-PD, Firestone FD609 and BlackHawk BDO89 are drive tires, and the Arisun AT563 is a trailer tire.
Can I use drive tires on the steer axle?
Not unless the manufacturer lists the tire for steer use. Drive tires such as the Firestone FD609 are built for traction, while steer and all-position tires are designed for steering loads. Check the manufacturer application guide.
What is the minimum tread depth for semi truck tires?
Federal rules (49 CFR 393.75) require at least 4/32 inch of tread on steer-axle tires and 2/32 inch on other positions. Replace a tire sooner if it has sidewall damage, bulges or exposed cord.
What size tires does a semi truck use?
Two common sizes are 295/75R22.5 and 11R22.5, both for 22.5-inch wheels. They differ in height, so check your current tires or fleet spec and keep matched sizes in each dual pair.
What does a 149/146 load index mean?
The first number is the load index for a single tire and the second is for a tire in a dual pair. For the Continental HS3+, listings show 7,160 lb single and 6,610 lb dual. Compare these with your axle rating.
Are retreaded tires safe on a semi truck?
Retreads are widely used on drive and trailer positions when they come from a reputable retreader and are inspected. Many fleets avoid them on the steer axle, so check your fleet policy and ask your tire dealer.
Which Semi Truck Tires Should You Buy?
Start with the axle position, then confirm size, load index and maximum pressure. From this list, the Continental HS3+ suits steer duty, the Gladiator QR99-PD, Firestone FD609 and BlackHawk BDO89 are drive options, and the Arisun AT563 is for trailers. Treat the FitParts sets as unverified until you have confirmed their specs on the listing.
