Aluminum Wheel Air Pressure Capacity When Using Higher Rated Tires

Updated 10/06/2014 | Published 10/04/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E

(2230)

$189.80

Americana High Pressure Rubber Snap-In Valve Stem - 1-1/2" Long - Up to 80 psi

(280)

$6.19

Americana Metal, Bolt-In Valve Stem - 1-1/4" Long

(600)

$21.95

Question:

I have a 2010 35 ft Montana 5 wheel w/ 16inch cast aluminum rims . 235/80/16 I cannot find a brand name on these rims. I was thinking about going to your 235/85/16 G rated tire but Im concered about the rating on the rim for air pressure . Can you help?

asked by: R W

Expert Reply:

I checked out the aluminum wheels we offer to see if there were large variances concerning tire pressure. For wheels that have a 6 on 5-1/2 bolt pattern, the psi rating was either 80 or 85. For wheels that had an 8 on 6-1/2 bolt pattern the psi rating varied from 80 to 110.

I also spoke with our resident tire and wheel expert. They told me that if you use a tire on an aluminum wheel that has a higher psi rating than the wheel, you need to use a heavy-duty valve stem. Even though the tire may be rated to carry more weight, you would still need to make sure you do not exceed the lowest rated part of the system.

If you were to place a tire like part # AM10295 on one of the aluminum wheels like part # AM22657, you would not be able to exceed the 3,200 lb rating on the wheel.

You could use a valve stem like part # AM20906, and inflate the tire to 95 lbs like the # AM10295 uses, but you would not be able to go over the 3,200 lb rating. we also offer a valve stem that is capable of handling tire pressure between 65 and 100. That is part # AM20904.