PSI rating of trailer wheels

[Metolius]

Looking to replace my ST205/75R15 load range C trailer tires. My local tire dealer is offering me Hercules trailer tires, load range D tire in the same size. My existing steel wheels are stamped for the max load of 1870 lbs that the C rated tires are rated to carry at 50 psi, their max inflation, which is the pressure I run in them. The D rated tires will need to be run at 65 psi, which are a max load of around 2300 lbs each tire. My concern is are my wheels rated for 65 psi? I can't find a max pressure rating anywhere on them. The trailer weighs 4500 lbs loaded, so the C rated tires are more than sufficient for the job. Should I continue my search elsewhere to find C rated tires, just to be safe? Tire dealer says, no problem, they'll work, but I'm not so sure. Thanks!

 

[DemoFly]

Wheels don't have a tire pressure rating. Stepping up a load range means additional ply construction. On a passenger vehicle or truck that would make for a rougher ride and can complicate finding the correct tire pressure to run. But this is a trailer, it will be totally fine.

 

[Rand]

Wheels are rated for load/weight, not psi.. no problems.

 

[wwillson]

Wheels are rated for load/weight, not psi.. no problems.

My trailer wheels do say "Max PSI 130" and "6005 LBS". The tires are load range H.

https://rvthe.us/community/threads/checked-disc-brakes-on-all-four-wheels.911/

 

[Number_35]

Looking to replace my ST205/75R15 load range C trailer tires. My local tire dealer is offering me Hercules trailer tires, load range D tire in the same size. My existing steel wheels are stamped for the max load of 1870 lbs that the C rated tires are rated to carry at 50 psi, their max inflation, which is the pressure I run in them. The D rated tires will need to be run at 65 psi, which are a max load of around 2300 lbs each tire. My concern is are my wheels rated for 65 psi? I can't find a max pressure rating anywhere on them. The trailer weighs 4500 lbs loaded, so the C rated tires are more than sufficient for the job. Should I continue my search elsewhere to find C rated tires, just to be safe? Tire dealer says, no problem, they'll work, but I'm not so sure. Thanks!

How many wheels does your trailer have? If only two, the C-rated tires would inadequate for maximum-rated trailer load. (2 x 1870# < 4500#/2.)

Good question about the pressure rating of steel wheels - I've never thought about that before.

Calling @CapriRacer !

 

[Metolius]

It's got 4 wheels. Came from the factory with C range, per the sticker on the side of the trailer.

 

[CarbonToast]

I don't see 15psi as a significant difference. I would run em!

 

[CapriRacer]

First, there are no US regulations requiring markings on wheels. It is entirely voluntary.

2) It is my understanding that it's the load which is important, not the tire pressure.

3) I've gathered that the bolt pattern indicates the max load the wheels will ever see, so wheels are tested accordingly. Which is probably why there are no marking regulations - no need as it is self policing.

And lastly, when you change load ranges, you don't change inflation pressures. The load carrying capacity of a Load Range C is the same as a Load Range D (or E) AT THE SAME PRESSURE. The difference is how much the max is.

 

[Metolius]

I

First, there are no US regulations requiring markings on wheels. It is entirely voluntary.

2) It is my understanding that it's the load which is important, not the tire pressure.

3) I've gathered that the bolt pattern indicates the max load the wheels will ever see, so wheels are tested accordingly. Which is probably why there are no marking regulations - no need as it is self policing.

And lastly, when you change load ranges, you don't change inflation pressures. The load carrying capacity of a Load Range C is the same as a Load Range D (or E) AT THE SAME PRESSURE. The difference is how much the max is.

I wondered about running 50 or 55 psi in a LR D trailer tire. I have always had the "run max psi allowed" on trailer tires beat into my brain, regardless of load range.

 

[Nick1994]

I put Load Range D tires on my trailer in hopes it’s a better constructed tire. No problems yet.

First, there are no US regulations requiring markings on wheels. It is entirely voluntary.

2) It is my understanding that it's the load which is important, not the tire pressure.

3) I've gathered that the bolt pattern indicates the max load the wheels will ever see, so wheels are tested accordingly. Which is probably why there are no marking regulations - no need as it is self policing.

And lastly, when you change load ranges, you don't change inflation pressures. The load carrying capacity of a Load Range C is the same as a Load Range D (or E) AT THE SAME PRESSURE. The difference is how much the max is.

So I guess I should run 50 psi in my trailer tires instead of 65? Load Range D’s are overkill for me. I haven’t weighed it but it’s probably around 2,200 pounds. Should soften the ride.