Tires: tire and rim size, 9 rims, size rims

Question
I am considering 31x10.50x15 tires for my Ranger pickup with 15x7 rims as I am in need of carrying higher loads. The various tire manufacturer's specs claim this size tire will work with 7" - 9" rims. As my rims are on the permissible limit, is there a down side to this tire & rim combo? Should I instead look to different size rims in order to get comparable carrying capacity?

Answer
Joe,

First, in order to carry more load, you need to use more inflation pressure - and that has many implications - among them ride, grip, and the ability to absorb bumps in the road.

I also think you should reconsider this course of action.  If you need more load carrying capacity, then get a bigger truck.  The vehicle manufacturer designed the truck to carry a specific load.  If you try to overload your truck, the springs, axle, frame, brakes, transmission, etc. could break and that not only would be expensive to fix, it would be unsafe as well.