Can Wheels from ST205/75R15 Load Range C Tires be Used with Same Size Load Range D Tires

Question:

Hi. I have a 2016 Keystone Passport 2450RLWE and the tires are ST205/75R15 load rate C. Ive been looking at your Goodyear Endurance tires and would like to upgrade to the load rate D tires and am unsure if my rims can handle 65 psi. Theyre PDW 15x5 wheels cant find info on them but they are stamped with a max load of 2150 lbs. That corresponds to the load rate of D rated tires at 65 psi. Does that mean that my wheels can handle 65 psi? Also, should I upgrade the spare as well? Can I use a C-rated spare along with the D-rated tires if I get a flat? Thanks in advance.

asked by: Todd

Expert Reply:

The Provider ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D, Item # TR20515D will be an excellent upgrade to the current tires on your 2016 Keystone Passport 2450RLWE. Not only do they have the higher load range D (2,150 lbs at 65 psi) and the fastest speed rating on the market at 81 mph.

As far as the psi rating goes you should be just fine. Wheels are designed to handle the psi rating of any tires that fits them so what it really boils down to is the rating of your valve stem. Luckily the lowest rated valve stem that would be on a wheel is 65 psi like part # AM20903 so just make sure you don't go over that and you'll be good to do. If your valve stem has more of the metal showing (when you put the cap on) then that means they are rated highed than 65 psi so that's even less you have to think about.

Technically you could get away with using a load range C tire as a spare as long as it's the same size. This is something that would only be good if there is a trailer shop in the next town over at the most so that you can get the correct tire back on your trailer. Even different load ratings can cause unusual wear on the tires so I recommend picking up an extra Goodyear tire with the load range D just so that it's one less thing you have to think about if you ever need to use the spare.

expert reply by: Jon G