Towing cars is a tough job on its own. So when you do not have the proper tools, like the right trailer or even the right tires, the job can get even harder.
These tiny details play a vital role in the towing world. You always need to be sure that the tires and trailer that you have chosen can take a good amount of weight and is of good quality.
So, to make it easier for you to choose the best trailer tires, we have compiled a few of our favorite picks and have also included some more information that will come in handy while making the purchase.
Our Picks for the Best Trailer Tires to Consider
Here are a few of the trailer tires that we think are worth taking a look at. One of these will be fit for your trailer:
1. Maxxis M8008 ST Radial Trailer Tire Review
- Made with double steel belt for more power
- Ensures stability while towing
- Absorbs shock for a smoother experience
- Capable of handling heavyweight
- Rolling resistance is lowered by the improved tread compound
- Upgraded fuel economy
- Available in many sizes
- Expensive
With a high load capacity and extreme power and durability, this tire will surely make you happy. The Maxxis M8008 has a new and improved tread compound that not only makes it last longer but also helps lower the rolling resistance. So, you get a very smooth ride without a drag force pulling you backward.
A better tread compound also means that you won’t have to change the tire as often as you would with any normal trailer tires. This tire stays good as new for a very long time.
As the tire is constructed with a double steel belt, it is capable of taking heavy weights without any trouble. This makes the tire great for towing cars of any weight. The tire also helps keep the trailer stable during your towing sessions and is also shock absorbing. This product is truly one of the best radial trailer tires.
You can also save up on fuel with its advancements made to the fuel economy. This, along with the lowered rolling resistance, makes sure they are not using the minimum amount of fuel required.
We would highly recommend this if you travel a lot on highways and have to go on long drives. This tire will ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
Although this one is a bit on the expensive side, it is very durable and well constructed. If you are willing to spend a bit more for a high-quality tire, this is the one to go for.
2. Carlisle Sport Trail LH Bias Trailer Tire Review
- Helps maintain trailer stability
- Prevents damage from heat
- Available at an affordable price
- Great for roads that are not smooth, like farms or the countryside roads
- Rough use won’t affect the integrity of the tire
- Versatile use
- Not good for long drives
- Not as durable as other ones
A bias-ply tire like this one is a great option if you take short trips and do not want to spend a lot on the tires. Although this is an affordable option, this does get the job done perfectly.
If you do not work in the city area or you have no need to drive on highways for hours, you probably don’t need to spend that much money on the tires. In a situation like this, the Carlisle sport trailer tire can be a great option for you.
These tires are made to have a stiff structure that allows them to drive smoothly on rocky or bumpy roads. They are capable of supporting your trailer and keeping the trailer and its contents stable during a trip on a bumpy road.
As they are made for rough use, the tire has great heat protection. Its structure does not allow any heat buildup and thus makes the tires last a long time.
When it comes to bias vs. radial trailer tires, radial tires usually win the battle because of their longevity. But this product is made with high-quality material, and its hard and thick form makes it one of the best bias ply trailer tires.
This product is also well known for its high performance in cargo hauling, construction, and also agriculture. Not only can the thing be used on the road but mud and construction sites, as well. The versatility of this tire is also something that makes it stand in the crowd.
We reviewed some of the Best Carlisle Trailer Tires. You can check the article.
3. Freestar M-108+ Trailer Radial Tire Review
- Enhanced tread structure
- Added cooling layout
- Strong tire made out of complex rubber compound
- Deep grooves that help eliminate any water buildup
- Affordable
- Smoother breaks thanks to the great grip and traction system
- Compatible with a lot of popular brands
- No deformation
- Bloated sidewalls
This trailer tire is made with a complex rubber compound, which makes the product very durable and strong. The tire is capable of supporting regular trips on highways and long drives with heavyweights.
There are no chances of deformation or flat spots to worry about. With its high quality and longevity, this is one of the best-rated trailer tires. No chances of unexpected flat tires with this one!
The improved tread structure and the deep grooves in the tire makes sure that water does not build up inside. This protects the tire from wearing out and also dry rotting.
Designed to have a great grip and traction, this tire works with the perfect amount of friction needed for a strong and smooth break. A feature like this will come in handy if you work in areas that have frequent rainfalls or wet roads in general, as breaking with heavy objects on board can be quite difficult.
This lowers the time needed to break heavy trailers and can also make the driving experience smoother.
Compatibility is not an issue with this tire as it works quite well with trailer brands like Continental, Sea Ray, Quality Trailers, Triple Crown, and many more. So this is a great option if you need a quick replacement and don’t have time to browse for compatibility.
All these features make this tire a great option for trailers. To top it all off, this one comes at a fairly affordable price as well.
4. Carlisle Radial Trail HD Trailer Tire Review
- Compatible with a lot of different trailer brands
- Heat protected
- Rubber tread compound adds to the heat protection and makes the product long-lasting
- Tread is more durable due to its interconnected block structure
- Resistant to damage
- Known to be very durable
- Difficult to assemble
- Not affordable
Getting a tire that is compatible with your trailer and the other components that you use is one of the most difficult and frustrating things to do. There is a lot of research involved, and the process is quite time-consuming.
Well, this is not a problem with this Carlisle radial trailer tire. This product is compatible with most trailers. So if you do not want to spend too much time finding a compatible tire, you can take a look at this one.
This tire is designed with innovative materials and has a very durable structure thanks to its interconnected tread blocks. A structure like this is very modern and new to the market and increases the longevity of your tires. Better tread structure also means better and smoother rides.
To add to the longevity, the wheels have an ozone protection layer and also weathering. But one of the main things that make this so durable is the heat protection. The rubber tread compound, which is a newly added feature, makes sure that the heat buildup is decreased and the damage is minimized.
Heat is known to cause the most amount of damage to tires. So, a feature like this is great to have. All of these features make this tire quite resistant to damage, so this product will not wear any time soon. It is one of the best-rated trailer tires and is worth its price.
Types of Trailer Tire
Two types of tires are available in the market for a trailer. Both of them are unique and have their advantages and disadvantages.
Radial
Radial tires are the kind that is made with piles, cords, or steel belts that work in 90 degrees or perpendicular to the direction of movement.
This helps in reducing the heat that is built up during travel and helps in the longevity of the tires. You can tell the difference between radial and bias tires by inspecting the tire size that is printed on your tire. Radial tires usually have the letter R written on them.
- Good if you work with high speed
- Good for long drives
- Reduces heat build-up
- Smoother drive
- Lasts a long time
- Long hours of parking won’t cause any flat spots
- Expensive
- Good for smooth roads not for rough or bumpy roads
Bias Ply
These are built with nylon belts or piles that are placed on top of each other in a crisscross pattern. Also, this type of tire works at a 45 to 30-degree angle with the direction of movement.
- An affordable option
- The stiffer surface gives a less bumpy ride
- Good for use on rough, rocky, and bumpy roads
- Great for short drives
- Not as long-lasting as the radial ones
- Gets flat spots and wears faster
In case you’re in a hurry, Check the video
Key Considerations for Your Buying Decision
Although the type of trailer tire that is the best for you will depend on your towing type and needs, here are some of the factors to keep in mind that most good quality tires should have anyway.
Load Capacity
The tire that you choose should be able to carry a lot of weight without being affected by it. And the best trailer tire for heavy roads will never get flat spots if parked for a long time with a heavy car on the trailer. Checking the weight capacity of your tire is also important as it affects the longevity of your tire.
Size
Size is something that you cannot get wrong at any cost in a situation like this. If you get tires that are too small for your trailer, you will not get the proper balance, and the tire will also not be able to take the load and pressure that you put on it.
This could cause the tire to deflate or wear even while you are on the road. So to avoid a risky situation like this, check if the size of the tire is compatible with your trailer before your purchase.
Material
If the tire you are buying is made out of cheap material, your tire might deflate or wear sooner than expected.
As these tires are also not that cheap, if the tire needs to be replaced frequently, it could cause some serious damage to your wallet. Tires made with good material will last a long time and is a better option as it will prevent the need for frequent change and also prevent accidents.
Durability
A strong and sturdy tire will be your best friend while towing cars. Carrying cars that are very heavy and huge might be a part of your job.
This puts a lot of pressure on your tires, so it is important to see if the tire that you are willing to purchase can take the load and pressure that it might have to face. Getting tires that reduce the heat buildup is also a good idea, as it prevents the tires from damage and makes them more long-lasting.
Compatibility
Getting a tire that fits perfectly into your trailer is crucial. Getting a tire that is too small or big for your vehicle can cause a lot of unnecessary trouble. So one of the main things you while buying the tire should be compatibility.
Usually, trailers come with instruction manuals and guidelines on which tires to choose and which tires work best with them. The best idea would be to get recommendations from your local mechanic or online.
Regularity
Trailers are usually always on the go. They rarely get any breaks and are always in use.
So you need to be sure that the tire is going to be able to face that challenge of always being in use without showing any signs of wear or damage. A good quality tire will never be affected by regular or frequent use.
Few scratches and detriments are expected after a long time of use, but few months of regular usage should not damage the tires.
Speed
Your need for speed will differ and vary depending on your location. If you are towing a car or traveling on the highway, you will be moving at a much higher speed than say if you were in the countryside or on a farm.
These types of locations usually have a lot of bumps, and the roads are not as smooth, so you need a lower speed.
If you travel on the highway, getting radial tires will be a better option for you as they are good for high speed and long drives. On the other hand, if you do not need to move at such a high speed with your dirt bike, there is no need for you to spend that much money on tires, and you can just go for bias tires.
Tread
The tread on your tire will wear off with use. This is normal. But the difference in how fast the tread decreases is what decides which product is the better one.
When the tread reaches a certain depth, you will have to replace the tire. So always check the longevity of this factor before buying as it will decide how often you need to replace your tires.
Shock Absorption
This is a must-have feature if you work in the countryside or areas that do not have smooth roads. A shock absorber will absorb the excess compression and give you a less bumpy and smoother road. Not only is this for your comfort, but it is also beneficial for your health as this reduces the pressure on your lower back.
—Frequently Asked Questions—
Here we have some of the most commonly asked queries regarding trailer tires:
How often should I check the tire pressure?
It is always a good idea to check the tire pressure on your trailer once a month. This is an important task, as it will let you know if your tires need to be filled up.
What is the highest load range for a trailer tire?
The highest load range that can be taken by a trailer tire is 4080 lbs, and it is by a 16-inch trailer tire.
Can I put a car tire on a trailer?
Car tires are not designed to take the load and pressure of such heavyweights. So it is never a good idea to put a car tire on a trailer as it will cause accidents and damage to both your trailer and the car or material on top.
Should I run my trailer tires at max pressure?
For better fuel mileage and longevity of tires, it is always a good idea to run your tires at max pressure. This will reduce the flexibility and bounce and help save the structure of your tire for a longer time.
How long do trailer tires last?
Their durability depends on the quality and brand of the product. A good quality tire will give you more use. The estimated lifespan of a trailer tire is 3 to 8 years.
What is the difference between 205 and 225 tires?
The main difference is in the size. A 225 tire is approximately 20mm wider than a 205 tire.
How do I keep my trailer tires from dry rotting?
Apply a tire dressing after cleaning your tires at least once a month and also keep them fully inflated at all times.
You can check our full guide of How Do I Protect My Trailer Tires?
Should tires be stored flat or upright?
Storing tires upright will put less pressure on them and is better for their structure.
Final Words
Now that you know what separates a good tire from a bad one, you will have no problem choosing the best trailer tires.
As we have mentioned before, which tire is the best for you depends on the type of work and towing that you do. But this guide gives you a general and overall idea of what to look for in these tires. We also give you four spectacular options, one of which will surely be a perfect match for your trailer.