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Tires size 1200 20

(213 products available)

About tires size 1200 20

Complete Guide to 1200 20 Tires: Types, Specifications, and Maintenance

Everything you need to know about choosing, maintaining, and replacing 1200 20 tires for trucks and commercial vehicles

Types of Tires Size 1200 20

The 1200 20 tire size is a common tire size for trucks and commercial vehicles. The size indicates the tire's width and aspect ratio, which affects how the vehicle handles and rides. Understanding the different types will help you select the right tire for your specific needs.

Expert Tip: The "1200 20" designation means the tire is 12 inches wide with a 20-inch rim diameter. This large size provides stability and load-bearing capacity for heavy vehicles.

All-Season Tires

Designed for versatility across multiple conditions including dry, wet, and light snow.

Best for: Highway driving and long-distance transportation

  • Long tread life
  • Low rolling resistance
  • Decent grip on various surfaces
  • Year-round usability

Limited performance in extreme winter or summer conditions.

Summer Tires

Optimized for warm weather performance with excellent grip and braking capabilities.

Best for: High-performance trucks requiring stability at speed

  • Superior grip on dry and wet roads
  • Enhanced cornering capability
  • Better fuel efficiency
  • Improved high-speed stability

Not suitable for use below 7°C (45°F) as performance diminishes significantly.

Winter Tires

Specially formulated for cold weather performance with unique tread patterns.

Best for: Regions with regular snow and ice conditions

  • Deep treads with biting edges
  • Special cold-weather rubber compounds
  • Superior traction on snow and ice
  • Better stability in freezing conditions

Poor performance and accelerated wear in hot weather.

All-Terrain Tires

Balanced design for both on-road and off-road applications.

Best for: Trucks that travel on mixed surfaces regularly

  • Moderate tread patterns
  • Good traction on loose surfaces
  • Acceptable highway performance
  • Versatility across environments

Slight compromise in performance compared to specialized tires.

Mud-Terrain Tires

Aggressive design focused on maximum off-road capability.

Best for: Off-road enthusiasts and specialized industry applications

  • Aggressive self-cleaning tread pattern
  • Reinforced sidewalls
  • Excellent traction in mud and loose dirt
  • Puncture resistance

Noisy operation and reduced fuel efficiency on highways.

Highway Tires

Optimized for long-distance travel on paved roads.

Best for: Commercial transportation and long-haul trucking

  • Symmetrical tread pattern
  • Even wear characteristics
  • Low rolling resistance
  • Good fuel economy

Limited wet traction and braking performance at high speeds.

Tire Type Best Application Key Strengths Limitations
All-Season General purpose trucking Versatility, longevity Mediocre in extreme conditions
Summer High-performance on dry/wet roads Grip, handling, efficiency Poor cold weather performance
Winter Snow and ice conditions Cold weather traction Rapid wear in warm weather
All-Terrain Mixed on/off-road use Versatility across surfaces Compromised specialized performance
Mud-Terrain Serious off-road applications Maximum off-road traction Road noise, fuel consumption
Highway Long-distance transportation Fuel efficiency, even wear Limited wet performance

Specifications of Tires Size 1200 20

Understanding the technical specifications of 1200 20 tires is crucial for ensuring proper vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency. These heavy-duty tires are engineered with specific parameters to handle commercial applications.

Load Capacity

1200R20 tires typically have a load rating of 6,175 pounds per tire, making them suitable for carrying heavy loads on trucks and commercial vehicles. This robust capacity makes them ideal for construction and mining operations where substantial weight-bearing ability is required.

Speed Rating

These tires generally carry an M speed rating, indicating they're designed to safely operate at speeds up to 81 mph (130 km/h). This rating balances the need for highway travel capability while maintaining structural integrity under heavy loads.

Aspect Ratio

1200R20 tires feature a lower aspect ratio, providing a wider and more stable footprint on the road surface. This characteristic enhances handling precision and stability during cornering and straight-line travel, especially important for tall, heavy vehicles.

Tread Depth

With a typical tread depth of 32/32 inches, these tires offer excellent traction on various surfaces including slippery and muddy terrain. The deep tread pattern also contributes significantly to the tire's wear resistance and longevity in demanding applications.

Performance Characteristics by Tire Type

Performance Attribute All-Season Summer Winter All-Terrain Mud-Terrain Highway
Dry Road Traction Good Excellent Fair Good Fair Excellent
Wet Road Traction Good Excellent Good Good Fair Good
Snow Performance Fair Poor Excellent Good Good Poor
Off-Road Capability Poor Poor Fair Good Excellent Poor
Tread Life Excellent Good Fair Good Fair Excellent
Fuel Efficiency Good Excellent Fair Fair Poor Excellent
Road Noise Low Low Moderate Moderate High Low

Maintenance of Tires Size 1200 20

Proper maintenance of 1200 20 tires is essential for maximizing their lifespan, ensuring optimal performance, and maintaining safety. Following these maintenance guidelines can help you get the most value from your investment.

Safety Warning: Improperly maintained 1200 20 tires can lead to blowouts, vehicle instability, and accidents. Never ignore tire maintenance on commercial vehicles or heavy equipment.

Tire Pressure

Maintain the recommended pressure of 120 psi for 1200R20 tires. Check pressure when tires are cold, at least monthly and before long trips. Proper inflation improves fuel efficiency by up to 3%, extends tire life, and ensures optimal handling and braking performance.

Tread Depth Monitoring

New 1200R20 tires have a tread depth of 32/32 inches. Replace tires when tread depth reaches 16/32 inches. Use a tread depth gauge for accurate measurement. Inadequate tread depth significantly reduces traction on wet surfaces and increases hydroplaning risk.

Visual Inspection

Conduct weekly visual inspections for cracks, bulges, foreign objects, and sidewall damage. Check for uneven wear patterns which might indicate alignment issues. Early detection of problems can prevent catastrophic failure and extend tire life significantly.

Rotation

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles to promote even wear. For dual-wheel setups, use a cross-rotation pattern. Regular rotation can extend tire life by up to 20% by distributing wear more evenly across all tires in the set.

Alignment

Check wheel alignment every 10,000 miles or when experiencing uneven tire wear, pulling to one side, or steering wheel vibration. Proper alignment prevents premature tire wear, improves fuel economy, and ensures safer handling characteristics.

Balancing

Balance tires every 10,000 miles or when experiencing vibration. Unbalanced tires cause irregular wear patterns and can damage suspension components over time. Professional balancing equipment is required for the large 1200 20 tire size.

Seasonal Considerations

Adjust maintenance schedules based on seasonal changes. In hot weather, check pressure more frequently as heat increases internal pressure. In cold weather, pressure typically decreases, requiring adjustment to maintain optimal performance.

Professional Inspection

Have tires professionally inspected annually or after any significant impact or damage. Commercial fleets should implement regular inspection protocols as part of their safety management system to identify issues before they lead to downtime.

Maintenance Task Frequency Benefit Professional Help Needed?
Tire Pressure Check Weekly/Monthly Improved fuel economy, even wear No
Tread Depth Check Monthly Maintained traction and safety No
Visual Inspection Weekly Early problem detection No
Tire Rotation Every 5,000 miles Extended tire life Recommended
Wheel Alignment Every 10,000 miles Prevented uneven wear Yes
Tire Balancing Every 10,000 miles Smooth operation, even wear Yes
Professional Inspection Annually Comprehensive assessment Yes

Professional Tip: Create a maintenance log for each 1200 20 tire, tracking pressure readings, rotation dates, and observed wear patterns. This data can help identify recurring issues and optimize maintenance schedules for your specific operating conditions.

How to Choose Tires Size 1200 20

Selecting the right 1200 20 tires for your commercial vehicle or equipment is a critical decision that impacts safety, performance, and operating costs. Follow these guidelines to make an informed purchase decision.

Understand Vehicle Requirements

Before purchasing, identify your vehicle's specific needs:

  • Check the manufacturer's recommendations for load capacity requirements
  • Verify the appropriate speed rating for your typical operating conditions
  • Consider the primary terrain and weather conditions where the vehicle operates
  • Review any specialized requirements for your industry or application

Key consideration: Never compromise on load capacity requirements

Brand Selection & Quality

Not all tire brands deliver the same performance or durability:

  • Research manufacturer reputation and market longevity
  • Read customer reviews focusing on durability and performance
  • Consider warranty coverage and terms
  • Evaluate the manufacturer's quality control processes
  • Check for industry certifications and compliance with standards

Value tip: Premium brands often offer lower total cost of ownership

Tread Design Selection

Choose the right tread pattern based on your application:

  • Highway tread for primarily paved road operations
  • All-terrain tread for mixed-use applications
  • Aggressive tread patterns for predominantly off-road use
  • Winter-specific treads for cold weather operations
  • Consider noise levels, especially for urban operations

Performance note: More aggressive treads reduce fuel efficiency

Purchase Considerations

Strategic purchasing decisions can maximize value:

  • Compare prices across multiple authorized dealers
  • Consider purchasing complete sets for uniform performance
  • Evaluate included services like mounting and balancing
  • Check availability of road hazard warranties
  • Inquire about fleet discounts for bulk purchases

Budget tip: Factor in expected lifespan when comparing prices

Selection Factor What to Consider Impact on Performance
Load Index Maximum weight capacity per tire Safety, tire longevity, legal compliance
Speed Rating Maximum safe operating speed Heat resistance, stability, safety
Tread Pattern Design optimized for specific conditions Traction, handling, fuel economy
Rubber Compound Material composition of the tire Durability, grip, temperature resistance
Sidewall Construction Reinforcement and flexibility Puncture resistance, load handling
Price Point Initial investment versus longevity Total cost of ownership, downtime

Industry Insight: Many fleet operators find that spending 15-20% more on premium 1200 20 tires results in 30-40% longer service life and fewer incidents of downtime, ultimately reducing the total cost per mile.

How to DIY Replace Tires Size 1200 20

Replacing 1200 20 tires on trucks and heavy equipment can be performed as a DIY project with the right tools and safety precautions. Follow this comprehensive guide to safely change your tires.

Safety Warning: Tire replacement for large commercial tires involves heavy components and potentially dangerous situations. If you're uncertain about any step, seek professional assistance. Always prioritize safety over convenience.

Required Tools and Equipment

  • Heavy-duty hydraulic jack (rated for your vehicle's weight)
  • Jack stands (minimum of two, properly rated)
  • Wheel chocks
  • Lug nut wrench with extension
  • Torque wrench capable of high torque settings
  • Tire pressure gauge (commercial grade)
  • Tire inflator or compressor (heavy-duty)
  • Penetrating oil (for rusty lug nuts)
  • Wire brush (for cleaning mounting surfaces)
  • Gloves and safety glasses

Preparation

Park the vehicle on a level, solid surface. Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks on the opposite end of the vehicle from where you're working. Inspect the new tire to confirm it's the correct size (1200 20) and free from damage before beginning.

Loosen Lug Nuts

Before lifting the vehicle, use the lug wrench to break the initial tension on the lug nuts by turning them counterclockwise. Don't remove them completely at this stage—just loosen them enough to make removal easier once the tire is off the ground.

Position the Jack

Locate the designated jacking point on your vehicle's frame or axle. Position the hydraulic jack under this point and slowly raise the vehicle until the tire is approximately 2-3 inches off the ground. Place jack stands under secure frame points for additional safety.

Remove the Old Tire

Completely remove the lug nuts, storing them safely where they won't get lost or dirty. Carefully pull the wheel straight off the hub, being mindful of the significant weight of 1200 20 tires. You may need assistance for this step due to the tire's size and weight.

Clean the Mounting Surface

Use a wire brush to clean the wheel hub surface, removing any rust, dirt, or corrosion. Check for damage to studs or mounting surfaces. Apply a thin layer of anti-seize compound to the hub (not the studs) if working in areas prone to corrosion.

Mount the New Tire

Carefully lift and align the new 1200 20 tire with the wheel studs. Push it straight onto the hub until it sits flush against the mounting surface. This may require significant effort due to the tire's weight.

Install and Tighten Lug Nuts

Hand-thread the lug nuts onto the studs, ensuring they turn freely. Once all nuts are in place, begin tightening in a star or cross pattern (not in circular sequence) using the lug wrench. This ensures even seating of the wheel.

Lower the Vehicle

Carefully remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle until the tire contacts the ground but isn't bearing full weight. At this stage, use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications (typically 450-500 ft-lbs for 1200 20 applications).

Final Torque and Pressure Check

Lower the vehicle completely and remove the jack. Perform a final torque check on all lug nuts following the cross pattern. Use your tire pressure gauge to verify the tire is inflated to the recommended 120 psi (or manufacturer's specification).

Disposal and Follow-up

Take the old tire to an appropriate recycling facility. Many tire shops will accept used tires for a small fee. Re-check the lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving, as settling may occur during initial use.

Professional Insight: When replacing 1200 20 tires, consider adding valve extensions to make regular pressure checks easier. This small investment significantly improves maintenance accessibility and encourages more frequent pressure monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are 1200 20 tires used for?

1200 20 tires are heavy-duty tires primarily used on commercial trucks, buses, and specialized equipment. They're designed for applications requiring significant load-bearing capacity such as:

  • Long-haul trucking and freight transportation
  • Public transportation vehicles including city and interstate buses
  • Construction equipment and dump trucks
  • Concrete mixers and specialty construction vehicles
  • Agricultural equipment and heavy farm machinery

Their robust construction makes them suitable for demanding applications where reliability and durability are essential.

Q2: Can 1200 20 tires be used off-road?

Yes, 1200 20 tires can be used off-road, particularly when selected with appropriate tread patterns. Many manufacturers offer specialized off-road variants in this size category.

For off-road applications, look for:

  • Mud-terrain or all-terrain tread patterns with aggressive lugs
  • Reinforced sidewalls to resist punctures from rocks and debris
  • Self-cleaning tread designs that expel mud and stones
  • Cut-resistant rubber compounds for improved durability

These tires perform well in rural settings, mining operations, forestry applications, and construction sites where vehicles frequently travel on unpaved surfaces.

Q3: What is the load capacity of 1200 20 tires?

The load capacity of 1200 20 tires varies by specific model and ply rating but typically ranges from 8,000 to 10,000 pounds (3,600 to 4,500 kg) per tire at recommended inflation pressures.

Load capacity is influenced by:

  • Ply rating (higher ratings provide greater capacity)
  • Internal construction (bias vs. radial design)
  • Inflation pressure (capacity increases with proper inflation)
  • Speed rating (capacity decreases at higher speeds)

Always check the tire's sidewall for the specific load index and consult the manufacturer's load-inflation tables for precise capacity information at various pressures.

Q4: Are 1200 20 tires suitable for electric trucks?

Yes, 1200 20 tires are compatible with electric trucks, though considerations specific to electric vehicles should inform selection:

  • Low rolling resistance variants help maximize battery range
  • Electric vehicles' instant torque delivery requires tires with good traction characteristics
  • The increased weight of battery packs may necessitate higher load ratings
  • Quieter operation may be desired to complement the reduced noise of electric powertrains

As electric commercial vehicles become more common, tire manufacturers are developing specialized versions of 1200 20 tires optimized for their unique requirements and performance characteristics.

Q5: How often should 1200 20 tires be replaced?

Replacement intervals for 1200 20 tires depend on multiple factors:

  • Tread Wear: Replace when tread depth reaches 16/32 inches (from original 32/32 inches)
  • Age: Most manufacturers recommend replacement after 6-10 years regardless of tread depth
  • Visual Damage: Immediate replacement needed for sidewall damage, bulges, or significant cracking
  • Performance Degradation: Consider replacement if experiencing handling, braking, or traction issues

Commercial fleet operators typically establish replacement schedules based on mileage thresholds tailored to their specific application and operating conditions, often between 50,000-100,000 miles depending on usage patterns.