C, LT and CP: van, light-truck and camper tyres (235/65 R16C 115/113R)
A tyre approved under the commercial-vehicle rules, for vans, light trucks or motor caravans. The two load indices are for single and twin fitting: 115/113 = 1 215 kg single, 1 150 kg each when twinned.
What to do with it
Replace like with like: a van specified on C tyres needs C tyres of at least the specified load indices, not car tyres marked XL. For a motor caravan, the CP marking is for tyres designed for that use.
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- What it looks like
- A C, LT or CP straight after the rim size (R16C, R16LT, R15CP), or LT in front of the width (LT265/75R16), usually with two load indices like 115/113R.
- Set by
- UN Regulation No. 54, paragraphs 2.27, 3.1.13, 3.1.14 and Annex III; 49 CFR 571.139, S3 and S5.5(d)
In detail
- UN R54 3.1.13: the C or LT suffix after the rim size is optional for tyres with a single load index of 121 or less that also allow dual fitting, and mandatory for single-fitment tyres with a load index of 122 or more.
- UN R54 3.1.14: CP after the rim size is mandatory on tyres with a single load index of 121 or less specifically designed for motor caravans.
- Its Annex III example, 255/70 R 22.5 148/145 J, carries 3 150 kg single and 2 900 kg twinned at 100 km/h. A second service description inside a circle gives a second load/speed combination the tyre is approved for.
- In the US, an LT tyre is one its maker designates as primarily for light trucks or multipurpose passenger vehicles, and it carries a load range letter (Load Range C, D, E …). Pirelli explains the letter as the old ply-rating equivalent: load range C = 6-ply.
What it does not mean
C does not mean a car tyre with more load; it is a different class of tyre. The second load index is not a lower-quality rating: it is per tyre in a twin pair.
Markings that go with it
Sources
Each document was fetched and read on the date shown; the clause is the one that sets this marking.
- UNECE, as published in the Official Journal of the EU: UN Regulation No. 54 — Uniform provisions concerning the approval of pneumatic tyres for commercial vehicles and their trailers (OJ L 183, 11.7.2008) — paragraphs 2.27, 3.1.13, 3.1.14 and Annex III: “The suffix ‘C’ or ‘LT’ after the rim diameter marking” — optional for single-and-dual tyres with index ≤ 121, “mandatory … having a load capacity index higher or equal to 122”; ‘CP’ is “specifically designed for the equipment of motor caravans”. Checked 2026-09-28.
- US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on eCFR: 49 CFR 571.139 — Standard No. 139, New pneumatic radial tires for light vehicles — S3 and S5.5(d): “Light truck (LT) tire means a tire designated by its manufacturer as primarily intended for use on lightweight trucks or multipurpose passenger vehicles”; LT tyres carry “the letter designating the tire load range”. Checked 2026-09-28.
- Michelin (UK): When to use reinforced tyres? — utility vehicles: Vans “do not use XL tyres. Their tyres have their own specific marking designated by the letter C”. Checked 2026-09-28.
- Pirelli (UK): Tyre Markings: Understanding Writing and Codes — load range: “A tyre with a load range of C, for example, is the equivalent of a 6-ply tyre.” Checked 2026-09-28.