How to Determine the PSI Rating of an Aluminum Trailer Wheel
Published 11/26/2012
Question:
I have a previously owned 2011 Keystone Alpine 3500RE Fifth Wheel GVWR 15000 with factory aluminum wheels rated at 3580 lb load rating and bolt in 100+ psi valve stems. The tires are Kenda LT 235/85-R16 G rated tires which state 3960 lbs at 110 psi max. The tires replaced original ST 235/85-R16 E rated tires rated at 3520lbs. Will my wheels withstand the 110 psi or what is the max psi the wheels can handle without damage to the wheels? I understand lower psi lowers the weight capacity but if the load capacity is lower than the 3960 rating of the tire and you run a lower psi such as 80 psi will the tire wear or fail prematurely? What is the max psi I should run with this combination? I really dont want to buy new wheels or tires if i dont have but i want to be safe. Thank you.
asked by: John S
Expert Reply:
Without knowing the psi capacity of your wheel it is hard to say whether or not you will exceed its rating. I have talked to our trailer wheel manufacturers before and they have said that the wheel almost always will have a higher psi capacity than any tire that will fit the rim. Of course there are exceptions.
If you check your current wheels you should be able to find the rating. On alloy wheels, it is usually stamped into the metal on the back of the wheel somewhere. It can be difficult to find though, especially on a dirty wheel.
You should be okay to run the max psi of the tire you are running, but you will want to verify that your wheel can handle the psi by checking it. We always recommend running max tire psi also, you will get the best handling and wear characteristics. Check out the FAQ article I attached on trailer tires.
