How Do I Know If My Wheels Will Handle Higher PSI Tires?

Question:

I replaced the original tires on my 2020 Arctic Fox 27-5L 5th wheel with a ST235/80R16. The psi rating is 110psi on the new tires. My question is the wheel a proper fit for that psi tire? I have a slow leaking wheel right by the valve stem and I have to replace the wheel. In other words a cracked rim soon to fail.

asked by: George B

Expert Reply:

The wheel on a trailer will typically always be higher than any tire that can be mounted. The limiting factory is the valve stem. A solid metal one, like the Americana Metal, Bolt-In Valve Stem # AM20906, will be rated to to 200 psi, whereas a valve stem that is either partly or completely rubber, it will at the very most be rated up to 100 psi. If your valve stems are not currently all metal ones, I highly recommend replacing them with the # AM20906.

However, from the picture you sent, it does not look like the valve stem is the part that failed. Odds are there was some kind of impact or defect in this part of the wheel that is causing the leak.

expert reply by: Lazer S