Truck Tire Capacity
Have ordered a 2015 GMC one ton CC SRW SB 4x4 truck. It comes with Michelin LT265/70R18E tires that are rated at 3525 lbs for a rear axle of 7050 lbs. Although I should be OK with stock tires, I would...
Forum Discussion
Typical cold rolled steel has yield strengths ranging from 30 ksi – 150 ksi, and ultimate strengths ranging from 50 ksi – 200 ksi.
T6 6061 Aluminum has yield strengths ranging from 15 ksi – 70 ksi, and ultimate strengths ranging from 30 ksi – 90 ksi.
So, there is some overlap, but in general, steel is ~2x stronger. So for wheels that are commercially available, steel wheels will be stronger for any given size than aluminum wheels. While aluminum is generally 1/2 as strong, it is 1/3 as heavy. So the strength-to-weight ratio is higher for aluminum. If aluminum is “strong enough” for your application, you can save some weight. The challenge for those of us carrying heavy truck campers is we are limited to what we can fit under our trucks and getting the strongest wheel available to fit that space.(Fit = not only the physical space, but mating components as well; hubs, brakes, etc.).
Hope this helps, Bill
T6 6061 Aluminum has yield strengths ranging from 15 ksi – 70 ksi, and ultimate strengths ranging from 30 ksi – 90 ksi.
So, there is some overlap, but in general, steel is ~2x stronger. So for wheels that are commercially available, steel wheels will be stronger for any given size than aluminum wheels. While aluminum is generally 1/2 as strong, it is 1/3 as heavy. So the strength-to-weight ratio is higher for aluminum. If aluminum is “strong enough” for your application, you can save some weight. The challenge for those of us carrying heavy truck campers is we are limited to what we can fit under our trucks and getting the strongest wheel available to fit that space.(Fit = not only the physical space, but mating components as well; hubs, brakes, etc.).
Hope this helps, Bill
