Understanding Vehicle Load Rating for Wheels
Wheel load rating is an important safety consideration when selecting wheels. This article explains what wheel load rating means, how it is calculated, and how to determine whether a wheel is appropriate for your vehicle and intended use.
What Is Wheel Load Rating?
Wheel load rating is the maximum weight a single wheel is engineered to safely support without structural failure. The maximum weight includes the vehicle, passengers, and cargo. A wheel must meet or exceed the minimum required load rating for the vehicle to be considered safe. The rating is based on the vehicle's gross "axle weight" rating (GAWR) and not the gross "vehicle weight" rating (GVWR). The front and rear axle weight ratings are typically different and wheels are engineered to meet or exceed the heaviest rating of the two axles.
Understanding load rating requires knowing the difference between GVWR and GAWR.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 
GVWR is the maximum total operating weight of a vehicle, as determined by the manufacturer, including its curb weight, fuel, fluids, passengers, and cargo. GVWR represents the total combined weight across all four wheels.
Gross Axle Weight Rating
GAWR is the maximum weight that a single vehicle axle (including tires, wheels, and suspension) can safely support as determined by the manufacturer. It ensures that each axle is not overloaded, preventing potential axle, wheel, tire, or structural failures.
The important difference is that GAWR accounts for temporary weight shifts that occur during braking, turning, towing and acceleration which can transfer load.
This example shows how GAWR exceeds GVWR:
How Wheel Load Rating Is Calculated
Wheel load rating requirements are derived from the GAWR, not the GVWR.
Minimum wheel load requirement is determined using the following formula:
Min Wheel Load = Highest GAWR / 2
Example:
Let’s say a vehicle has the following factory GAWR ratings:
Front: 3,200 lbs
Rear: 3,000 lbs
Divide the higher GAWR by two [wheels} to determine the minimum wheel load rating required.
3,200 ÷ 2 = 1,600 lbs
Result: Each wheel must have a minimum load rating of 1,600 lbs to safely support this vehicle.
Conversely, you could take the load rating of a wheel and multiply x2 to ensure it meets or exceeds the highest of the two GAWRs.
Example:
You have a wheel that indicates a max load rating of 1,750 lbs. Let’s use the same vehicle that has the following factory GAWRs:
Front: 3,200 lbs
Rear: 3,000 lbs
Multiply the max wheel load x2
1,750 × 2 = 3,500 lbs
Since 3,500 lbs exceeds the highest 3,200-lb GAWR, the wheel meets and exceeds requirements and is safe to run.
Common Mistake to Avoid
A common error is dividing the GVWR by four to determine wheel load rating.
This is incorrect and does not account for axle-specific weight distribution or temporary load shifts.
Wheel load ratings should always be evaluated using largest GAWR, not GVWR.
How to Find the Correct Load Rating
We've done the work for you. The year, make and model search on our website will only populate wheels that have the proper load rating for your vehicle.
You can also find a wheel's load rating on our website by looking at the specifications chart at the bottom of the product page.
Note: If you already have a wheel, simply look at the stamp on the back of the wheel indicated as "Max Load"
Do You Demand More of Your Vehicle?
Modifications and usage may require additional load carrying capacity. Examples include:
Heavy towing
Overlanding or camping setups that increase vehicle weight
Track use with hard cornering, and aerodynamic modifications that increase downforce
Off-road driving where impacts place high loads directly on the wheel
Heavy loads including commercial tool boxes
Consult your local wheel specialist if you're unsure whether or not you need to increase your wheel load capacity.
Still need help?
If you have questions about wheel load rating or want help selecting the right wheel for your vehicle, contact us at 800.260.2522 Mon thru Fri 9:00am to 8:00pm EST or submit a request.
Providing your vehicle information and intended use helps us give accurate recommendations.