Can You Run 110 psi Tires on Wheels with an 80 psi Rating

Question:

I have 16 inch HWT rims that came on a Sierra 356RL with 11,600 lbs devided by 4 per tire based upon trailer weight. The rims are 6 lug 6 inch wide rims. I run ST235/80R16 tires on them at 80 PSI. I would like to purchase Goodyear G614 tires which are 14 ply. They require 110 psi pressure for the max load rating of 3580 lbs. I need to know if I can run 110 psi in these rims provided I do not increase the load above the original 11,600/4. How can I tell what rims I have? They were installed in 2010. What could happen if I ran 110 psi rated tires inflated to 110 psi on the rims without knowing what pressure they are rated for?

asked by: Rick E

Expert Reply:

I spoke with one of the engineers at HWT and he told me that the psi rating for an HWT wheel and tire assembly is only limited by the valve stem and tire. If your current wheels or new wheels have a psi rating under 110 psi, it is okay to use tires with a 110 psi rating as long as you are using a metal valve stem that can handle 110 psi.

We offer the Americana Metal Valve Stem, # AM20906. It is 1-1/4 inches long and it will fit a .625 inch (5/8 inch) rim hole diameter. You will want to compare these dimensions to your current wheels to determine if it will fit.

As you stated, you should not exceed the weight capacity of the wheels or axles, which ever is lower, even with the G614 tires. The weight capacity of your wheels will be stamped on the inside of the wheel.

expert reply by: John H