Are 6-Lug Rims Compatible with 110 psi

Question:

I have 6-lug aluminum rims on my 2018 34 foot Crusader fifth wheel rated for 80 psi. I would like to upgrade from the OEM load range E 80 psi tires to a load range G 110 psi tire but apparently thats not as simple as it sounds. My tires are 235/80/R16s. I have the following questions for the experts: a Are there 6 lug wheels rated to handle 110 psi? b Can I just put a steel valve on my current 80 psi aluminum wheels and then fill it to 110 psi? c Am I better off buying a load range G 110 psi tire and just running it at 80 psi? Thanks!

asked by: Chris C

Expert Reply:

Great questions! I will answer your questions and then give a recommendation on what to do.

a - The valve stem is more or less what determines the max psi rating for a wheel. So yes, there are wheels that can handle 110 psi as long as they have a metal valve stem.

b - You definitely can swap out your current rubber valve stems and replace them with metal valve stems like part # AM20906. If your current tires are only rated for up to 80 psi and you were to fill them to 110 you would be over inflating them which would result in less-than-ideal situations (heat build-up, uneven tread wear, loss of traction).

c - You are better off purchasing a tire with a 110 psi rating like the Provider ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire # PRG80235, but you always want to fill it to the psi rating on the sidewall of the tire to sure that it will work properly.

No matter what you are messing with on your trailer, you are always limited weight-wise by the lowest rated component of your trailer. So even if you were to use the recommended tire with your current wheels (that would now have the metal valve stems on them) but your wheels are rated for less weight than your 5th wheel trailer then that would be your limiting factor.

Since you will be getting new tires anyways I recommend putting metal valve stems on your current wheels and then replacing your tires with the Provider that I referenced. Just be sure not to overload your tire or wheel when it comes to both weight and psi.

I have attached a link to our helpful articles about trailer tires/wheels but if you have any additional questions just let me know!