Wheel is Rated for a Lower psi Than New Tires

Question:

Hello: I just bought 5 new tires for my fifth-wheel and found out, after removing the first tire from the rim, that the tire is rated for 110psi and the rim is rated for 80psi. Im wondering if this rim Dexstar Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel - 16inch x 6inch Rim - 8 on 6-1/2 - White Powder Coat is appropriate for a ST235/85/R16 tire. And my tires say that they fit a 6.5inch rim. Does this rim come in a 6.5inch size or will a 6.5inch tire fit on a 6inch rim? Thanks for your help.

asked by: Kurt B

Expert Reply:

As long as the tires that you bought are confirmed to fit the wheels that you have then all you will need to do is upgrade your valve stem.

Since your wheel has a psi rating of 80 then that means it has a rubber valve stem, like part # AM20904. Wheels usually come with a valve stem that complements the psi rating of the tire that comes on it. If your original tires only had a psi rating of 80 (or under 80) then the valve stem that came with it would have reflected that.

For a valve stem that will make your wheel compatible with your 110 psi rated tires you will need to use part # AM20906. This can handle tires that have a psi rating of over 100. I spoke with our tire and wheel guy here at etrailer and he said that wheels will be able to handle the psi rating of any tire that will fit on it; it just needs the appropriate valve stem.

There are 2 other things that you will need to look at to ensure that your wheel will allow you to use your tires to their maximum potential. You will need to check the weight capacity for your wheels and that the tire is the correct fit. You will want to keep in mind that your weight capacity is that of the lowest rated component of your setup. So if your wheel is rated lower it will be the deciding factor, but if your tires is rated lower then it will be the deciding factor for weight.

expert reply by: Jon G