Wheel strength question

[ExpySport]

I'm sure I have nothing to worry about, as the quality which goes into wheels these days is superior, but thought I'd ask anyway.

I've been reading a lot about these ways to increase mileage, including increasing the tire pressure 5 to 10psi. My 2002 Expy has the Sport Appearance Package, which includes the 17" aluminum wheels. In stock form, the sticker on the door jam says tire pressure should be 30psi front and 35psi rear with the P-rated tires. I've upgraded to an LT-rated tire and have been running them at 40psi cold, which is where they ride the smoothest, IMO. Max pressure, as on the sidewall, is 50psi.

If I choose to try and up the pressures to attain more mileage, can my wheels safely handle 45 or 50psi? That's a 15-20psi jump over the stock recomended pressures. I know it's a totally different scenario, but I know adding too much air to a bicycle tire causes a loud "boom".

Will I be safe or should I limit my pressures to around where I am at now with 40psi? Thanks!

[sbclemens]

Remember that as the tire heats up, the pressure will increase. You need to leave yourself a safety margine.

[rockstate45]

Hmmm your wheels can take it. The tires you might not want to run any higher than that.

I run 50/50 in my BFG AT T/A KOs on my Tundra and that seems to be alright (need to take a look at it to see how my tread is wearing though). I think my door jamb says 30/33 or something like that.

However, your tires are now an LT tire vs the P tire (same as mine). Mine are a 10 ply (not sure what yours are) so it's going to require more PSI to keep 'em stable as SBClemens said - the same goes for lower pressure equaling heat. That's why Ford and Firestone had the big tire fiasco.

Run your tires at what gives you the best wear. That will give you a good PSI to go off of.

Hope this helps.

-rockstate

[ExpySport]

After I posted originally, I got to thinking about the tire heating up and the pressure increasing, too. Good point. My tires are a 6-ply (Load Range C). I've had excellent wear running them at 40psi, so maybe I'll just stick to that pressure and find another way to try and increase mileage. I've already done the throttle body cleaning, air filter change & fuel injector cleaning. I know the fuel filter is due and I'm changing the oil this weekend. Thanks for the replies and input!