National Trailer & Towing Association

Trailer Speed Symbols

The SPEED SYMBOL indicates the speed at which the tyre can carry a load corresponding to its Load Index under service conditions specified by the tyre manufacturer. For caravans and light trailers see conditions specified by E.T.R.O 1991, passenger car tyres section 13, reproduced below.

Speed Symbol Maximum car speed for which tyre is suitable
km/h mph
J 100 60
K 110 69
L 120 75
M 130 81
N 140 87
P 150 93
Q 160 100
R 170 106
S 180 113
T 190 118
U 200 124
H 210 130
V 240 150

E.T.R.T.O. 1991 – Section 13 – Caravans & Trailers:

An increase of 10% over the load capacity quoted in the tables is permitted when tyres are fitted to caravans and light trailers with a maximum operating speed up to 100 km/h. (60 m.p.h.). The basic inflation pressure should be increased by 3 p.s.i. / 0.2 bar.

This 10% bonus loading is widely used in the U.K. light trailer industry, but should only be used on trailers that are to be sold within the U.K. The caravan industry in the U.K. tends to ignore this bonus loading and use loadings at 130 km/h / 81 m.p.h.