Matching Tire and Wheel Capacities (follow up)
The short of my question... Can I have a tire/wheel combination where the load capacity of the tire exceeds the load capacity of the wheel?
Now the long version... I currently have the usual 14x5.5 steel wheels stamped for 1870 lbs. My current tires are ST205/75R14, Load Range C, 1760 lbs, 50 psi, 65 mph. The weight of my trailer is well within these capacities. I'm not worried about that at all. Nevertheless, the tires are old and wearing thin. I'm interested in upgrading to Load Range D. Load Range D specs are more like 2100 lbs, 65 psi and 80 mph. What really interests me is the higher speed rating. Not that I plan to go 80 mph, but I like that margin of error. That is, I'd rather go 60-65 mph on 80 mph tires versus going 60-65 mph on 65 mph tires. That's my motivation. So then... Can I put the Load Range D tires on my old wheels? I though I once read something about not exceeding the psi rating of the wheel (which in turn dictates the tire selection), but I see no psi information on the wheel.
Thanks!
Now the long version... I currently have the usual 14x5.5 steel wheels stamped for 1870 lbs. My current tires are ST205/75R14, Load Range C, 1760 lbs, 50 psi, 65 mph. The weight of my trailer is well within these capacities. I'm not worried about that at all. Nevertheless, the tires are old and wearing thin. I'm interested in upgrading to Load Range D. Load Range D specs are more like 2100 lbs, 65 psi and 80 mph. What really interests me is the higher speed rating. Not that I plan to go 80 mph, but I like that margin of error. That is, I'd rather go 60-65 mph on 80 mph tires versus going 60-65 mph on 65 mph tires. That's my motivation. So then... Can I put the Load Range D tires on my old wheels? I though I once read something about not exceeding the psi rating of the wheel (which in turn dictates the tire selection), but I see no psi information on the wheel.
Thanks!
