Flotation tires, or high flotation tires, are essentially an alternate format of tire sizing. Flotation tire sizes are typically larger truck tires, but ATV/UTV tires, golf cart tires, and agricultural tires (like tractor tires) also fall into this category. Even drag, competition and NASCAR dirt track tires are often manufactured in flotation tire sizes!
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FLOTATION AND METRIC TIRES?
So, what's the difference between high-flotation tires and metric tires?
While they may look black and round like any other tire on the street (or off it), flotation tires are distinct in various ways. First, they're called flotation tires because they're designed to "float" over softer soils, hence their usage in off-road and agricultural driving conditions.
Second, flotation tires are measured in inches, while metric tires are measured in millimeters, other than the wheel diameter, which is always measured in inches.
Most flotation tire sizes have an equivalent metric tire size. For example, a flotation tire size of 31x10.50R15 has a metric tire size equivalent to 265/75R15. And the standard dimensions aren't the only distinction between flotation and metric tires.
While metric tire sizes provide you with the section width, aspect ratio and wheel diameter, flotation tire sizes include the total tire diameter (or tire height), the tire width, and the wheel diameter. You can see that here with our example tire size of 31x10.50R15:
- 31=31 inches tall (diameter)
- 10.50=10.5 inches wide (tire width)
- 15=15 inch wheel (wheel diameter)
Some of the most popular flotation sizes for pickups, SUVs and Jeeps are:
Wondering how tire construction plays into flotation tires?
Flotation tires are built in both radial and bias construction. While it isn't used as often as in the past, some extreme off-road tires use a bias ply construction because it provides strength and durability while also conforming to driving surface irregularities, giving you more traction in off-road conditions. You can also find the bias ply construction in trailer tires.
Are you looking for a fresh set of off-road tires? Check out our inventory of all-terrain and mud tires to find the perfect set of off-road rubber for your next adventure!
Where bias ply tires are durable and sturdy, radial tires, on the other hand, provide more comfort and overall longevity. While it’s a newer tire construction type, most modern tires – even high flotation tires – are built with a radial construction.
FLOTATION-TO-METRIC CONVERSION
As we said earlier, most flotation tires have a direct metric equivalent. Here are some of the more common examples of flotation tire sizes and their metric equivalents:
| Flotation Tire Conversion | |
|---|---|
| 14" Tire Sizes | |
| Flotation | Metric |
| 27x8.50R-14 | 215/75R-14 |
| 15" Tire Sizes | |
| Flotation | Metric |
| 26x7.50R-15 | 195/70R-15 |
| 27x8.50R-15 | 215/70R-15 |
| 30x9.50R-15 | 255/70R-15 |
| 31x10.50R-15 | 265/75R-15 |
| 17" Tire Sizes | |
| Flotation | Metric |
| 33x12.50R-17 | 315/70R-17 |
| 18" Tire Sizes | |
| Flotation | Metric |
| 33x12.50R-18 | 305/60R-18 |
| 35x11.50R-18 | 295/70R-18 |
| 35x12.50R-18 | 325/65R-18 |
| 20" Tire Sizes | |
| Flotation | Metric |
| 33x11.50R-20 | 285/60R-20 |
| 33x12.50R-20 | 305/55R-20 |
| 35x11.50R-20 | 295/65R-20 |
| 35x12.50R-20 | 315/60R-20 |
| 22" Tire Sizes | |
| Flotation | Metric |
| 33x12.50R-22 | 305/45R-22 |
Do you know what tires you’re looking for? You can save time and money when you buy and book online! It’s as simple as using Treadwell, our tire buying guide, to find the tires for your needs, and then scheduling an appointment for your tire installation. Get a shorter wait time in-store when you book and buy online!
If you have any other questions about flotation tires or what tire might be the right option for you, we’ve got you fully covered. Visit any of our America's Tire locations and we'll get you taken care of!