Time for new tires for the 5ver. In the brands I am looking at there is a choice in the 225-75R15 of load range D or E... inflation specs of 65 and 80 respectively. I have always heard to make sure the rim is rated for the max inflation of the tire going on it - OK, makes sense, don't want the rims to come apart... but how do I tell what my rims are rated for? They look like typical trailer rims - 6 lug white spoke wheels. The only markings I can find on them are: DOT T 15X6 J. Haven't been able to find anywhere to decypher the code to see if it tells me anything. I suspect the J is a pressure rating??? I asked at the local Goodyear Store and Bubba told me - "Oh, you'll be OK, it takes a lot of pressure to blow up a rim..." They did say they would mount either tire for me without any issue... they hadn't even seen the rims. Didn't leave me with a great feeling of confidence, but guess they are willing to assume some liability. I would rather not tempt fate if I shouldn't in this case, so I will defer to the wisdom of the group to set me straight. Am I OK with those rims at 80 psi?

 

I suggest taking off the spare tire to look at the stamp or sticker on the inside of the rim. (under the tire) As I doubt they would be good to 80 psi but you never know.

 

What tires are on it now? Why not replace with the same tire?

 

When I bought the 30' toyhauler, it came with two modular round hole wheels on one side, and two wagon wheel type wheels on the other.

Upon closer inspection, a couple spokes were cracked through on the wagon wheel type.

The tire guy at Les Schwab was very informative, and pointed out that the wagon wheel types I had were rated for considerably less weight than the modulars. I belive it was stamped inside the wheel. After he pointed that out, I could see the steel on the modulars was notably thicker.

Anyway, trailer wheels tend to get chipped up and beat looking and replacements aren't that expensive so I just put on 4 new modulars. That and some chrome nut/hub covers really improved the looks of the unit. Also, the spokes that were cracked through were kind of spooky...

 

Typically a spoke or modular wheel in a 15 x6 6-5.5" bolt circle are rated 2600 lbs. at 75 psi, a conventional wheel is rated 2600 lbs. at 70 psi. Every rim is required to have a load and psi rating. I have yet to ever find the 80 psi wheel for the 22575R15E tire, except for those made in the eastern orient (which I have found will stamp about anything on the side of the wheel to make you buy it).

 

Thanks everyone for the good feedback. I will pull the spare off the rim and see what is stamped inside the wheel - didn't think of that. Judging from the other feedback I'll then probably end up sticking with an exact replacement in the load range D anyway, that's certainly good enough for what I'm towing. I was suprised to find E rated in that size and started sucumbing to the lure of more must be better...

Happy towing,

Will

 

One other thing to consider is inflating tire to 80 psi is a pain. My compressor is a 20 gal 2 HP and it cycles on at 80 psi so the last 5 pounds of air are a real pain to archive. We bought another 5ver in the fall and it has D rated 16tires on it inflated to 65 psi. I was going to change them out to E rated but after a little thought I'm going to give them a try as they will certainly be easier to maintain.

 

Everyone complains about ST tires, but few take the time to investigate the wheels they are mounted upon.

Sadly, I see the same kind of arguments about tire/wheel balance and that shock absorbers are optional.