Can Trailer Tires Rated for 95 psi Be Used on Aluminum Wheels Rated for 90 psi

Updated 06/12/2015 | Published 06/11/2015

Question:

My 41foot 5th wheel fully loaded is almost 16,000. lbs. My wheels are rated at 90 psi. My wheel size is 235/80/ R16. I want to get a better tire since having 3 blowouts on my RV with the factory tires. My question is can I use a 95 psi tire with a 90 psi wheel without causing problems. I have alum. wheels

asked by: Janell H

Helpful Expert Reply:

A difference of 5 psi is not much so going to a tire rated for 95 psi shouldn't pose a problem. I would not go over 5 psi though.

How many axles are on your trailer? If it is a tandem axle then to support the whole weight of the trailer the tires would have to be rated for 4,000 pounds each. It is likely that the trailer manufacturer is attributing some of the weight at the pin so the truck is carrying some of the weight. This is a common practice.

What can happen is that if the trailer rides high in the front that puts more weight on the axles. Make sure the trailer is being towed level by adjusting the hitch and/or pin box height on the trailer.

expert reply by: Michael H