How important of the XL bit?

[Samro]

I understand the load and speed rating of tyres and also the fact that "XL" stands for extra load meaning that the side walls at reinforced more heavily.
What I don't understand is how important is the XL part is when selecting tyres.
For example:
I need a full set of tyres an I am toying with ordering the following but there is no reference to XL:

Michelin 255/45 R19 (104Y) PILOT SPORT 4 ACOUSTIC | Costc...

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 has been designed for high performance and sport oriented vehicles. It is the latest in a line of high performance Michelin tyres designed to offer drivers excellent road-holding and braking performance, engineered specifically for high powered, sporty drivers and...

www.costco.co.uk

Am I better to plump for another set of Goodyears which are marked XL or go with the Michelins, seeing as they are of a suitable load rating?

 

[Gavinda]

As far as I know it tends to be used when the same tyre is manufactured in more than one load rating for that particular size, as much marketing as anything really. Either way, if a tyre has a high enough load rating that's all that matters.

 

[moomin-j]

I understand the load and speed rating of tyres and also the fact that "XL" stands for extra load meaning that the side walls at reinforced more heavily.
What I don't understand is how important is the XL part is when selecting tyres.
For example:
I need a full set of tyres an I am toying with ordering the following but there is no reference to XL:

Michelin 255/45 R19 (104Y) PILOT SPORT 4 ACOUSTIC | Costc...

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 has been designed for high performance and sport oriented vehicles. It is the latest in a line of high performance Michelin tyres designed to offer drivers excellent road-holding and braking performance, engineered specifically for high powered, sporty drivers and...

www.costco.co.uk

Am I better to plump for another set of Goodyears which are marked XL or go with the Michelins, seeing as they are of a suitable load rating?

@Samro - I bought Michelin Pilot Sport 4's for my Bus from Costco, although not the acoustic version they were XL:



Is it just that Costco have left the XL bit from the description, but the actual tyres are XL?

 

[moomin-j]

@Samro

Just checked for you - if you click on the "Specification" tab, it tells you they are XL

 

[Samro]

@Samro - I bought Michelin Pilot Sport 4's for my Bus from Costco, although not the acoustic version they were XL:

View attachment 220454

Is it just that Costco have left the XL bit from the description, but the actual tyres are XL?

I'm sure manufacturers make up and change the branding as they go along! That is a very similar tyre that I am looking at but my search results show 104Y from Costco.

Either way, if a tyre has a high enough load rating that's all that matters.

Thanks. I shall just worry about the load rating and not worry about the XL.

 

[Samro]

@Samro

Just checked for you - if you click on the "Specification" tab, it tells you they are XL

View attachment 220455

I pressed the button on the Goodyears in the end as they were a couple of hundred quid less expensive in the end. They have to last longer than the Avon's that I am replacing.........11k of summer miles and they are worn out across their middle - even at 36-37 PSI. I note I'm not the only one that has noted this problem on the forum. I was almost tempted to buy another set of Avon ZV7's again as they are load rated and "XL" and run them at 33PSI. The reason I didn't is that this pressure seems way too low for a van!

 

[jadatis]

Standard load maxload is given for 2,5 bar/ 36 psi.
XL/reinforced /extraload maxload is given for 2.9 bar/ 42psi.
For XL you need slighly higher pressure for the same axleload, because a little less lbs/kg per psi.

Most low hight/width division tires for higher speed are XL//.

Copied list for your tire, I made for Tesla forum once.
Now you " ONLY" have to determine your axleloads in your use 99% acurate, and look them back in my made list for needed cold pressure. Determining those is the most tricky part in it all, and your responcibility.
Carmakers nowadays give for GAWR's and max technical carspeed. But also often referencepressure of here 42 psi.
In normal use axleloads are lower and speed not above 99mph, wich yustifies a lower pressure, for savety of tires alone, so tire-material wont overheat, wich is main goal of pressure determination.

List is made with maximum reserve, at wich comfort and gripp is still acceptable.
For that I give 90% of calculated axleloadcapacity for the cold psi. For max speed 160kmph/99mph.
If you want it for higher speed used(wich you wont go over for even a minute) I have to make a new list.

XL LI 104 / maxload 900kg/1984lbs AT 42 psi upto 160kmph/99mph

Kg axleload/cold psi/ Lbs axleload
835 kg/ 20 psi / 1842 lbs
872 kg/ 21 psi / 1922 lbs
908 kg/ 22 psi / 2002 lbs
944 kg/ 23 psi / 2082 lbs
980 kg/ 24 psi / 2161 lbs
1016 kg/ 25 psi / 2241 lbs
1052 kg/ 26 psi / 2320 lbs
1088 kg/ 27 psi / 2399 lbs
1124 kg/ 28 psi / 2478 lbs
1160 kg/ 29 psi / 2557 lbs
1195 kg/ 30 psi / 2636 lbs
1231 kg/ 31 psi / 2714 lbs
1266 kg/ 32 psi / 2793 lbs
1302 kg/ 33 psi / 2871 lbs
1337 kg/ 34 psi / 2949 lbs
1373 kg/ 35 psi / 3027 lbs
1408 kg/ 36 psi / 3105 lbs
1444 kg/ 37 psi / 3183 lbs
1479 kg/ 38 psi / 3261 lbs
1514 kg/ 39 psi / 3338 lbs
1549 kg/ 40 psi / 3416 lbs
1584 kg/ 41 psi / 3493 lbs
1620 kg/ 42 psi / 3571 lbs/maxloadpressure
1655 kg/ 43 psi / 3648 lbs
1690 kg/ 44 psi / 3725 lbs
1725 kg/ 45 psi / 3802 lbs
1759 kg/ 46 psi / 3879 lbs
1794 kg/ 47 psi / 3956 lbs
1829 kg/ 48 psi / 4033 lbs
1864 kg/ 49 psi / 4110 lbs
1899 kg/ 50 psi / 4186 lbs
1934 kg/ 51 psi / 4263 lbs

 

[jayc001]

Standard load maxload is given for 2,5 bar/ 36 psi.
XL/reinforced /extraload maxload is given for 2.9 bar/ 42psi.
For XL you need slighly higher pressure for the same axleload, because a little less lbs/kg per psi.

Correct. The key thing to take from XL tyres are the need to run higher pressures. If you run an XL in the 30 something psi band which is more usual for average road car then it's load carrying ability is greatly reduced which generally equates to tyre damage, deformation and poor mileage.

 

[dubber36]

I'm confused now. Is there a difference between say a 103 and a 103 XL?

Like @Samro I had Avon ZV7's. 104 XL, but even at 36PSI they wore out the centres in 10-11k miles.

 

[ginkster]

I’m pretty certain you need XL (or C). Have a look on the tyre pressure sticker to see what tyres are required. I’m pretty certain that a C or XL (depending on size) tyre is needed for a T6. Fitting non reinforced tyres could cause issues if you needed to make an insurance claim or had an accident if the manufacturer specifies reinforced tyres. Unless you tell them beforehand of course.

I’ve attached 2 pictures of tyre stickers. One from my T28 PV and another from a California. Both show C and XL tyres.

 

[Gavinda]

I'm confused now. Is there a difference between say a 103 and a 103 XL?

Like @Samro I had Avon ZV7's. 104 XL, but even at 36PSI they wore out the centres in 10-11k miles.

I don't think you'll ever find a 103/104 without the XL tag. For example you can get 235 55 17 in a 99 rating without the XL tag and the same size 235 55 17 in 103 rating with the XL tag.
I've had Avons before on a Transit and they wore out in half the miles of any of the other tyres I used, so probably just use a soft compound.

 

[Samro]

Standard load maxload is given for 2,5 bar/ 36 psi.
XL/reinforced /extraload maxload is given for 2.9 bar/ 42psi.
For XL you need slighly higher pressure for the same axleload, because a little less lbs/kg per psi.

Most low hight/width division tires for higher speed are XL//.

Copied list for your tire, I made for Tesla forum once.
Now you " ONLY" have to determine your axleloads in your use 99% acurate, and look them back in my made list for needed cold pressure. Determining those is the most tricky part in it all, and your responcibility.
Carmakers nowadays give for GAWR's and max technical carspeed. But also often referencepressure of here 42 psi.
In normal use axleloads are lower and speed not above 99mph, wich yustifies a lower pressure, for savety of tires alone, so tire-material wont overheat, wich is main goal of pressure determination.

List is made with maximum reserve, at wich comfort and gripp is still acceptable.
For that I give 90% of calculated axleloadcapacity for the cold psi. For max speed 160kmph/99mph.
If you want it for higher speed used(wich you wont go over for even a minute) I have to make a new list.

XL LI 104 / maxload 900kg/1984lbs AT 42 psi upto 160kmph/99mph

Kg axleload/cold psi/ Lbs axleload
835 kg/ 20 psi / 1842 lbs
872 kg/ 21 psi / 1922 lbs
908 kg/ 22 psi / 2002 lbs
944 kg/ 23 psi / 2082 lbs
980 kg/ 24 psi / 2161 lbs
1016 kg/ 25 psi / 2241 lbs
1052 kg/ 26 psi / 2320 lbs
1088 kg/ 27 psi / 2399 lbs
1124 kg/ 28 psi / 2478 lbs
1160 kg/ 29 psi / 2557 lbs
1195 kg/ 30 psi / 2636 lbs
1231 kg/ 31 psi / 2714 lbs
1266 kg/ 32 psi / 2793 lbs
1302 kg/ 33 psi / 2871 lbs
1337 kg/ 34 psi / 2949 lbs
1373 kg/ 35 psi / 3027 lbs
1408 kg/ 36 psi / 3105 lbs
1444 kg/ 37 psi / 3183 lbs
1479 kg/ 38 psi / 3261 lbs
1514 kg/ 39 psi / 3338 lbs
1549 kg/ 40 psi / 3416 lbs
1584 kg/ 41 psi / 3493 lbs
1620 kg/ 42 psi / 3571 lbs/maxloadpressure
1655 kg/ 43 psi / 3648 lbs
1690 kg/ 44 psi / 3725 lbs
1725 kg/ 45 psi / 3802 lbs
1759 kg/ 46 psi / 3879 lbs
1794 kg/ 47 psi / 3956 lbs
1829 kg/ 48 psi / 4033 lbs
1864 kg/ 49 psi / 4110 lbs
1899 kg/ 50 psi / 4186 lbs
1934 kg/ 51 psi / 4263 lbs

I sort of understand this, but my Avon ZV7 tyres were XL and would have needed to be run at around 33 psi if I were to get anything like even wear, as the centres are pretty much fully worn at 36 PSI. Given your post, I wouldn't therefore think that the Avon's are really suitable for even a T28?

 

[Samro]

Standard load maxload is given for 2,5 bar/ 36 psi.
XL/reinforced /extraload maxload is given for 2.9 bar/ 42psi.
For XL you need slighly higher pressure for the same axleload, because a little less lbs/kg per psi.

Most low hight/width division tires for higher speed are XL//.

Copied list for your tire, I made for Tesla forum once.
Now you " ONLY" have to determine your axleloads in your use 99% acurate, and look them back in my made list for needed cold pressure. Determining those is the most tricky part in it all, and your responcibility.
Carmakers nowadays give for GAWR's and max technical carspeed. But also often referencepressure of here 42 psi.
In normal use axleloads are lower and speed not above 99mph, wich yustifies a lower pressure, for savety of tires alone, so tire-material wont overheat, wich is main goal of pressure determination.

List is made with maximum reserve, at wich comfort and gripp is still acceptable.
For that I give 90% of calculated axleloadcapacity for the cold psi. For max speed 160kmph/99mph.
If you want it for higher speed used(wich you wont go over for even a minute) I have to make a new list.

XL LI 104 / maxload 900kg/1984lbs AT 42 psi upto 160kmph/99mph

Kg axleload/cold psi/ Lbs axleload
835 kg/ 20 psi / 1842 lbs
872 kg/ 21 psi / 1922 lbs
908 kg/ 22 psi / 2002 lbs
944 kg/ 23 psi / 2082 lbs
980 kg/ 24 psi / 2161 lbs
1016 kg/ 25 psi / 2241 lbs
1052 kg/ 26 psi / 2320 lbs
1088 kg/ 27 psi / 2399 lbs
1124 kg/ 28 psi / 2478 lbs
1160 kg/ 29 psi / 2557 lbs
1195 kg/ 30 psi / 2636 lbs
1231 kg/ 31 psi / 2714 lbs
1266 kg/ 32 psi / 2793 lbs
1302 kg/ 33 psi / 2871 lbs
1337 kg/ 34 psi / 2949 lbs
1373 kg/ 35 psi / 3027 lbs
1408 kg/ 36 psi / 3105 lbs
1444 kg/ 37 psi / 3183 lbs
1479 kg/ 38 psi / 3261 lbs
1514 kg/ 39 psi / 3338 lbs
1549 kg/ 40 psi / 3416 lbs
1584 kg/ 41 psi / 3493 lbs
1620 kg/ 42 psi / 3571 lbs/maxloadpressure
1655 kg/ 43 psi / 3648 lbs
1690 kg/ 44 psi / 3725 lbs
1725 kg/ 45 psi / 3802 lbs
1759 kg/ 46 psi / 3879 lbs
1794 kg/ 47 psi / 3956 lbs
1829 kg/ 48 psi / 4033 lbs
1864 kg/ 49 psi / 4110 lbs
1899 kg/ 50 psi / 4186 lbs
1934 kg/ 51 psi / 4263 lbs

Can I just confirm that this is for 255/45R19 (XL)?
If so, this is very useful to me!

Do you happen to have an easy way to get the same info for 225/65R17's as I am using 42psi all round for this size and would value your input to see if the pressures could be dropped at all?

 

[jadatis]

Yes this list is for 255/45 R19 XL, but can be used for every size with 104 loadindex in XL, so AT 42 psi.

The 225/65R 17 I googled and found in loadindex 102,wich ten must be standard load AT 36 psi and 106, wich then must be XL.

Strange then higher maxload then the 255/45R19, larger rimm, wider tire, only 45 Aspect ratio instead of 65.

But if you can check the loadindex and XL on you tire first, I can make a list for that too. Mayby this size is 106 LI in C-load AT 50 or 55 psi.
Yust write how you want it, KG or LBS, bar or psi, and if for higher speed, or other reserves. Made spreadsheet for making these lists.

 

[jadatis]

I'm confused now. Is there a difference between say a 103 and a 103 XL?

Like @Samro I had Avon ZV7's. 104 XL, but even at 36PSI they wore out the centres in 10-11k miles.

If you have same size tire, the SL wont have same loadindex as XL. Average size XL 4 LI steps higher then SL ( standard load). So if larger sise has 103 loadindex in SL, then maxload is allowed upto 160kmph/99mph AT 36 psi, and the smaller size XL LI 103 AT 42 psi.