9.5R17.5 Medium-Duty Truck Tires

The imperial medium-duty standard for Latin American delivery and distribution fleets — dimensionally close to 245/70R17.5 and still widely used across Mexico, Central America, and Colombia on medium-duty trucks, P&D vehicles, and urban distribution operations. 3 Hanksugi models available.

LATAM Medium-Duty Imperial Standard 3 Models
Request Fleet QuoteDirect-to-fleet pricing See Models3 Hanksugi options
By Juan Manuel Uribe Saenz, National Fleet Accounts Director

9.5R17.5 is the imperial medium-duty tire size that has served Latin American delivery and distribution fleets for decades. As the imperial equivalent of the modern metric 245/70R17.5 (and close cousin of 235/75R17.5), the 9.5R17.5 remains a critical size for LATAM fleets operating medium-duty trucks where wheel and rim inventories are standardized around imperial dimensions. Whether you run urban delivery vehicles, regional P&D (pickup and delivery) trucks, beverage distribution fleets, or medium-duty regional haulers, 9.5R17.5 delivers the load capacity and maneuverability that medium-duty LATAM operations demand. Hanksugi offers 3 models in this size — covering steer, drive, and all-position applications — with direct-to-fleet container pricing that provides substantial savings versus Michelin, Bridgestone, and Continental alternatives.

What 9.5R17.5 Actually Means

Reading the sidewall: 9.5 is the section width in inches — approximately 241 mm. Unlike metric tire designations, imperial sizes use a single number for section width without an explicit aspect ratio. R indicates radial construction with steel belt reinforcement. 17.5 is the rim diameter in inches. A 9.5R17.5 uses a standard profile design with an aspect ratio of approximately 82-85%, meaning the sidewall height is roughly 82-85% of the section width. This produces an overall diameter of approximately 31.4 inches and a tire weight of 75-90 lbs, making it dimensionally close to the modern metric 245/70R17.5.

The 9.5R17.5 size dates to the era when all commercial truck tires used imperial inch-based designations. As the industry transitioned to metric naming conventions in the 1980s and 1990s, 245/70R17.5 and 235/75R17.5 emerged as modern replacements. However, because Latin American fleets operate medium-duty equipment across much longer lifecycles than North American or European counterparts, significant numbers of delivery trucks across Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and other LATAM markets still run on rims and wheels standardized for 9.5R17.5. For these fleets, 9.5R17.5 tires remain essential.

Hanksugi 9.5R17.5 Models for LATAM Fleets

Hanksugi offers 3 medium-duty models in 9.5R17.5 covering steer, drive, and all-position applications. Direct-to-fleet container pricing starts at $180 per tire with full-container loads of approximately 400 tires.

Technical Specifications

All Hanksugi 9.5R17.5 tires share the same core dimensional and load specification, with tread pattern and compound varying by model:

Specification 9.5R17.5
Section Width241 mm (9.5 in)
Aspect Ratio~82-85% (standard profile)
ConstructionRadial, all-steel belt
Rim Diameter17.5 in
Overall Diameter~31.4 in (798 mm)
Recommended Rim17.5 x 6.75 in
Ply Rating14 (Load Range G)
Load Index129/127L
Max Load Single4,300 lbs (1,950 kg)
Max Load Dual3,970 lbs (1,800 kg)
Max Cold Pressure120 psi (830 kPa)
Speed RatingL (75 mph / 120 km/h)
Weight (per tire)75-90 lbs (34-41 kg)
RetreadableYes (1-2 caps typical)

Understanding 9.5R17.5: Complete Size Guide

Imperial vs Metric Designation

The 9.5R17.5 designation uses the older imperial naming convention for commercial truck tires. The number 9.5 represents the section width in inches (approximately 241 mm), R indicates radial construction, and 17.5 is the rim diameter in inches. Unlike metric designations such as 245/70R17.5 or 235/75R17.5, the imperial format does not include an explicit aspect ratio number. Instead, 9.5R17.5 uses a standard profile design where the sidewall height is roughly 82-85% of the section width, producing a medium-height sidewall that balances ride comfort with cargo stability — critical for urban delivery and P&D operations where frequent loading and unloading demands predictable vehicle handling.

9.5R17.5 and 245/70R17.5: The Relationship

9.5R17.5 is the imperial equivalent of the modern metric 245/70R17.5. Both sizes share similar overall dimensions — approximately 31.4 inches in overall diameter — and comparable load capacities. The 245/70R17.5 is slightly wider (245 mm vs 241 mm) and uses the modern metric convention with an explicit 70% aspect ratio. Another close metric equivalent is the 235/75R17.5, which is slightly narrower (235 mm) but has a taller sidewall (75% aspect ratio), producing a very similar overall diameter. In Latin American markets, fleets operating older medium-duty equipment continue to purchase 9.5R17.5 because their wheel and rim inventories are standardized for imperial tires. Newer trucks arriving from manufacturers like Hino, Isuzu, and Freightliner typically ship with metric-size wheels, which is why 245/70R17.5 and 235/75R17.5 are gradually replacing 9.5R17.5 on new equipment.

Common Applications in Latin America

9.5R17.5 remains a vital size across Latin America for medium-duty delivery, distribution, and urban service operations. Common vehicle platforms include older International, Freightliner M2, Kenworth T270/T370, Hino 500 series, Isuzu FTR/FVR, and various regional delivery chassis. Applications include urban package delivery, beverage and food distribution, furniture and appliance delivery, small parcel carriers, utility service trucks, and medium-duty regional haul routes. In markets like Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and parts of the Caribbean, 9.5R17.5 tire demand remains strong because medium-duty fleet replacement cycles are longer and rim conversion costs are significant relative to the vehicle value.

The Hanksugi Advantage for 9.5R17.5

Hanksugi manufactures 3 models in 9.5R17.5 covering steer, drive, and all-position applications. Each model uses all-steel radial construction with retreadable casings designed for 1-2 cap cycles. Direct-to-fleet container pricing at approximately 400 tires per container delivers 30-40% savings versus Michelin, Bridgestone, and Continental retail pricing, making Hanksugi the preferred supplier for cost-conscious LATAM medium-duty fleets that need reliable 9.5R17.5 tires without paying premium-brand prices.

9.5R17.5 vs 245/70R17.5 vs 235/75R17.5

Fleet managers comparing imperial and metric medium-duty sizes typically evaluate 9.5R17.5 against 245/70R17.5 (modern metric equivalent) and 235/75R17.5 (alternate metric equivalent). Here is the specification comparison:

Metric9.5R17.5245/70R17.5235/75R17.5
Section Width241 mm (9.5 in)245 mm (9.6 in)235 mm (9.3 in)
Aspect Ratio~82-85%70%75%
Overall Diameter~31.4 in~31.5 in~31.3 in
Load Index (single)129L136M132/130M
Max Load Single4,300 lbs4,960 lbs4,410 lbs
Designation TypeImperialMetricMetric
LATAM AvailabilityWidely availableGrowingGrowing
Recommended ForMedium-duty, older platformsMedium-duty, new platformsMedium-duty, new platforms

Ready to Equip Your Fleet with 9.5R17.5?

Hanksugi offers 3 models in 9.5R17.5 with direct-to-fleet container pricing and delivery across all Latin American markets. Get steer, drive, and all-position tires from a single supplier.

Request Your 9.5R17.5 Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 9.5R17.5 mean?

In the designation 9.5R17.5, 9.5 is the section width in inches (approximately 241 mm), R indicates radial construction, and 17.5 is the rim diameter in inches. Unlike metric sizes, imperial designations do not include an explicit aspect ratio. The 9.5R17.5 uses a standard profile design with an overall diameter of approximately 31.4 inches, making it a medium-duty tire suitable for delivery trucks, urban distribution vehicles, and regional P&D operations.

What is the metric equivalent of 9.5R17.5?

The 9.5R17.5 is approximately equivalent to the metric 245/70R17.5 or 235/75R17.5. The 245/70R17.5 has a section width of 245 mm with a 70% aspect ratio, while the 235/75R17.5 has a 235 mm section width with a 75% aspect ratio. Both metric sizes produce similar overall diameters and load capacities. In Latin American markets where imperial sizing persists, 9.5R17.5 and its metric equivalents are often used interchangeably on medium-duty truck platforms.

Why is 9.5R17.5 still used in Latin America?

9.5R17.5 remains popular in Latin American markets — particularly Mexico, Central America, and Colombia — because many medium-duty fleets operate older vehicles originally equipped with imperial-size tires and wheels. Converting rim inventories is expensive relative to the vehicle value, so operators continue purchasing 9.5R17.5. Additionally, LATAM tire distributors and retreaders maintain strong 9.5R17.5 casing inventories, ensuring consistent availability across the region.

What trucks use 9.5R17.5 tires?

9.5R17.5 tires are used on medium-duty trucks (GVWR classes 5-7) across Latin America including older International, Freightliner M2, Kenworth T270/T370, Hino 500, Isuzu FTR/FVR, and various regional delivery platforms. Common applications include urban delivery, P&D (pickup and delivery), beverage and food distribution, furniture delivery, small package carriers, and medium-duty regional haul routes.

What is the load rating for 9.5R17.5 tires?

9.5R17.5 tires typically carry a load index of 129/127L with a 14-ply rating (Load Range G). The single-tire maximum load capacity is approximately 4,300 lbs (1,950 kg) and the dual-assembly maximum load is approximately 3,970 lbs (1,800 kg) per tire at maximum cold inflation pressure of 120 psi (830 kPa). The L speed rating permits sustained operation up to 75 mph (120 km/h).

How much does a 9.5R17.5 tire cost?

Hanksugi 9.5R17.5 medium-duty truck tires are priced direct-to-fleet at $180-$290 per tire depending on model, tread pattern, and order volume. Full-container pricing at approximately 400 tires per container delivers 30-40% savings versus Michelin XZE2, Bridgestone M710, and Continental HSC1 retail pricing for Latin American medium-duty fleets.

Compare 9.5R17.5 Tires from 37+ Brands

Shopping for 9.5R17.5 medium-duty truck tires? Use the Hanksugi tire comparison tool to compare specs, pricing, and tread life across 37+ brands including Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, and Pirelli. Filter by steer, drive, or all-position to find the right medium-duty tire for your LATAM fleet.

Compare 9.5R17.5 Tires Now

Related Resources

Get Your LATAM Fleet Quote Today

Ready to switch your 9.5R17.5 fleet spend to Hanksugi? Reach out for direct-to-fleet pricing and container delivery across all Latin American markets.

Contact Hanksugi Fleet Sales

Need 9.5R17.5 Tires for Your Fleet?

Get competitive pricing on Hanksugi 9.5R17.5 commercial truck tires. Volume discounts available for fleet orders.

Get a Quote Find a Dealer