Recommendation to Replace 235/80R16 Tires and Determining Need to Replace Valve Stem
Question:
I have 13k fifth wheel that came with E rated China bomb tires. Wanting to up grade so I’m not on side of interstate changing tires again. It has 235/80/16’s on aluminum rims. Looking at the F rated tires but don’t know if rims will hold up to the 110 psi. How do I find out?
asked by: Charles H
Helpful Expert Reply:
When determining if you can increase the psi on your wheels it's not the wheel itself you need to worry about but the valve stem that's being used. Typically aluminum wheels like what you have are fitted with standard valve stems that are rated for 65 or 80 psi. To verify what your valve stem is rated for you really just need to look at its construction. If it is rubber all the way up it's most likely rated for 65 psi. If it has any metal at all (but still some rubber too) then it's likely around 80 psi.
Basically if you see any rubber on your valve stem you will need to replace it with a higher rated unit like the Americana Metal # AM20906 so that it can handle the higher psi of a Load Range F tire. This particular valve stem has a maximum air pressure of 200 psi.
The Kenda Karrier ST235/85R16 # AM10501 that you referenced is a great choice to replace what you have. It features a Load Range F which is a maximum load of 3,960 pounds at 110 psi and has a speed rating of 81 mph.
This Load Range E tire has a maximum load of 3,420 pounds at 80 psi. This would give you a combined load capacity on the tires of 13,680 pounds (assuming you have a tandem axle setup) which still gives you a nice safety margin even when your trailer is loaded to its max.
I have attached a couple video reviews on these options that you can check out as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Americana Metal, Bolt-In Valve Stem - 1-1/4" Long
- Tire Repair Tools
- Valve Stems
- Bolt-In Stem
- 10 Inch Tire
- 12 Inch Tire
- 13 Inch Tire
- 14 Inch Tire
- 15 Inch Tire
- 16 Inch Tire
- 17.5 Inch
- Chrome
- 200 psi
- Silver
- Americana
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range F
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Radial Tire
- Load Range F
- 235/85-16
- 16 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- Kenda
more information >
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