Traveling with a trailer can be an exciting and fun activity. You go on different adventures and see places you have probably only heard of. You might be traveling to visit your family or going somewhere else. Whatever your purpose of moving, it is crucial that you keep safety as your number one priority. Without the right trailer tires, your adventure could quickly become a nightmare. You could put not just yourself and your family in danger, but also other road users. Responsible drivers, therefore, ensure that the tires they use are the best trailer tires available.
There are so many trailer tires available on the market. To find the safe one and that will suit your needs, a lot of research is required. Fortunately for you, however, we have taken the time to review the trailer tires available and have come up with this review of the ten best trailer tires you can buy. This review will help to narrow your choices to 10 high-quality tires.
In addition, we have compiled a buyers’ guide to help you know all the important factors you ought to consider before buying trailer tires.
Read on to find out more!
Features to Consider in Good Trailer Tires
The quest for the best trailer tires can be a very frustrating process. Tires come in different sizes and forms and have inscriptions and specifications that you might not understand. Thus, it is vital to have an experienced guide to help you navigate the market and find your desired tires. Thankfully, we are here to help you with just that.
It is important to invest in the right trailer tires. It protects you, your family, and other road users, and it also makes your journey smoother and more enjoyable. No matter how good a driver you are, having bad tires can mar your experience. If you own a boat trailer or an RV, the quality of your tires will affect your safety and comfort.
Before you storm the market to find the best trailer tires for you, it is good you know what trailer tires are. How are they different from regular tires? Let us find out.
What are Trailer Tires?
Many folks that travel around the country have erroneously assumed that trailer tires are the same as car tires. However, they are quite different. Knowing the differences between the two can save you a lot of stress and precious time. Aside from the inconvenience, using the wrong tires can be dangerous. Using automobile tires on trailers is very dangerous, and the use is strongly discouraged.
Difference between Trailer Tires and regular tires
Trailer tires are inherently different from car or light truck tires. For one, these tires do not steer. They do not transmit any power from the engine to the road.
Other tires, like light truck tires, carry out these functions. Hence, automobile tires need flexible sidewalls. This keeps the tread on the tire anchored to the road.
Trailer tires are installed beneath stiff suspensions, and the smaller trailers don’t even have brakes. Contrast this with automobile tires that are coupled to suspension, braking, and steering mechanisms.
Trailer tires have more load capacity than automobile tires. They can easily carry up to 40% of the load passenger car tires carry and 10% more than light truck tires. It is clear from this the danger that exists when passenger car tires are used for trailers.
Trailer tires are also specially designed for the wheels of trailers. They might be bigger, but they are narrower and have shallower treads than the tires of light trucks or passenger cars. These features mean that they do not wobble as much as the other tires, they have better heat dissipation and improve fuel economy.
In simple words, trailer tires are the trailers that are attached to the wheels of your trailer. When buying a trailer tire, it is vital that you consult the manual of your trailer. The manual contains essential information like the wheel width.
Trailer tires are also usually made of heavy-duty materials that make them far more durable than your automobile tires. They also come with stiffer sidewalls to ensure the stability of the trailer.
Top 10 Best Trailer Tires 2020
1. Maxxis M8008 Radial Trailer Tire
Editor’s Rating:
Design
The Maxxis M8008 Radial Trailer Tire is designed in such a way to ensure that all your tire worries are a thing of the past. It is a radial tire that has crisscrossing steel belts that provide that your ride is very smooth. It also features perpendicular polyester plies that serve the same purpose.
Another design feature of the Maxxis M8008 Radial Trailer Tire is the advanced tread compound. This feature makes it work really impressively. It gives the tire, and by extension, the vehicle extra stability.
Merely looking at the tire, it is clear that it is no ordinary trailer tire. The quality is near-immaculate, and the quality is very clear to see. The tire has 7 lbs. Per corner, something that generic, low-quality tires don’t have.
Performance
Considering how good the tire looks, it is very pleasing to discover that the tire offers superb performance. The reviews show how durable it is, with users complimenting the excellent wear on the tires. The radial construction on this tire ensures that it is near-noiseless and smooth. Furthermore, this makes sure it gives higher speed durability.
The advanced tread compound found on the tire reduces rolling resistance, and the results are quite outstanding. Throughout testing, we have almost zero issues with this wonderful tire. The full nylon cap on the tire makes it uniform and adds even another layer of durability.
It offers the smoothest ride and a long lifespan to boot. With the overall design, fuel is saved. The 6-ply rating also adds to the allure of this tire. Without a shadow of a doubt, we are convinced that if you can afford to buy this tire and do so, you will be as impressed as we are with the wonderful performance.
Pros
- The advanced tread design makes it durable and improves fuel economy
- The full nylon cap increases the stability
- Overall impressive performance
Cons
- It is an expensive tire
2. Carlisle Radial Trail HD Trailer Tire
Editor’s Rating:
Design
These radial tires come with a sturdy build. It has a rubber tread compound that increases its resistance to wear and tear, as well as heat.
Furthermore, the tire comes with interconnected tread blocks. These thread blocks are great because they assist the tread on the tire to last for longer compared to similar tires. It is generally made of strong, sturdy materials that can take a beating without losing their functionality.
The tire uses a patented heat / wear-resistant tread compound that is super-effective. The high-tensile steel belts that are used in the tire also give it reduced rolling resistance. This improves fuel economy and is an excellent shock absorber.
Performance
During testing, we observed that the tires are built to lose very little pressure despite the enormous amount of force being exerted on them.
We thoroughly enjoyed testing these tires. During testing, we used these tires for a variety of purposes. We used it for different vehicles and still enjoyed the excellent performance. When tested on a towable recreational vehicle, there were zero issues. You can use it for your utility trailers, cargo trailers, boat trailers, and so on.
The tires have a bearing capacity of up to 2,150 lbs. Therefore, they can withstand a lot of pressure without any problems. The multiple plies of the tire make this possible. They are also great to use on even tricky terrains.
If you live in areas where the heat has always been a problem for your vehicles’ tires, the Carlisle HD trailer radial tire has a dedicated weathering and ozone protection. Therefore, the tires are heat-resistant.
Pros
- These tires are very versatile and can be used for different vehicles
- They are very durable due to the interconnected tread blocks
- Special weathering and ozone protection
- They can carry large amounts of load
Cons
- It is a bit hard to install
- It is relatively expensive
- It doesn’t have a wheel
3. Wheels Express 15 15″ White Spoke
Editor’s Rating:
Design
The Wheels Express 15″ White Spoke tires are different from most of the tires on this list of the best trailer tires. They have a tread pattern that is different from the rest of their contemporaries. Nevertheless, despite this inherent difference, they still do their job admirably.
The tires come in a trailer wheel and tire combination. Hence, they are effortless to install on your vehicle. They are ready to install immediately they are out of the box.
They are quite good-looking and will draw appreciative glances from those who see them.
Performance
The Wheels Express 15″ White Spoke tires come pre-balanced. Hence, they don’t need any adjustments from you. We found this great because it ensured that during testing, we had a very smooth ride.
There is also no need to guess the amount of pressure these tires require for optimum performance. They come pumped up with the right pressure for them. All these make them ready for use at any time. If they aren’t your main tires, they are the best spares you can have tucked away.
As these tires are boat tires, they deliver their best performance when used on utility and boat trailers. This doesn’t mean they can’t be used on other trailers, but these are the best for these tires.
Pros
- They come in a tire and wheel combination
- Relatively high load-bearing capacity
- Easy to install and mount
- Steel wheel is durable and corrosion-resistant
Cons
- Comes with a different thread pattern
- One bolt pattern of installation
4. TRAILER KING ST Radial Tire
Editor’s Rating:
Design
These tires are one of the latest tires from Trailer King, and their design shows the progressive strides the company continues to take in this industry. The tires have a nylon overlay construction. Just as the other tires on this list with this feature, it adds strength to the tires.
Furthermore, the tires have a groove in their center that grants them stability. These tires come in different sizes, so it shouldn’t be hard for you to find one that will suit your vehicle just fine. Aside from the different sizes, they also come in up to 3 load ranges.
These robust tires are quite impressive, and despite being put through a lot of stress, they still manage to remain in good shape.
Performance
After seeing the nice design on these tires, we were eager to hit the road and test them. First of all, we must admit that we didn’t find the tires easy to mount. However, once we were able to surmount this obstacle, we didn’t encounter any other issues.
These tires perform well in different weathers and circumstances. It can be used in different trailers from those made for fifth wheels, and even boats.
The shoulder design on these tires is nice, and it helps in dissipating heat. And as tire experts know, heat is a significant reason for the quick wear and tear of tires. Since the heat dissipation system is more effective, these tires last longer than your average tires.
As we tested the tires, we observed that the grooves located in the center of the tires help to ensure smoother tracking.
Pros
- These tires are very durable
- The improved shoulder design improves heat dissipation
- The tires come in different sizes and load ranges
- The grooves located in the center of the tires make for smoother tracking
Cons
- It is hard to mount
5. Freestar M-108 6 Ply C Load Radial Trailer Tire
Editor’s Rating:
Design
The first thing you will notice about this tire is the heavy-duty construction. There is no messing around with this tire. It has a sturdy and robust construction that implies that no matter the terrain, no matter the weather, this tire has got your back.
It comes in different sizes as well, and it is capable of going many miles without any issues. It has a rubber compound that makes it stronger and more durable than other tires. Furthermore, the refined tread on this tire, as well as the heat management system, are pretty impressive.
Coming in at a relatively low price, it is no surprise that many folks have these tires.
Performance
With the refined tread on these trailer tires, the tires have a stable grip. Therefore, even on wet roads, we observed that the tires were very responsive and efficient. The deep grooves that run along the length of the tires ensure that water does not stay on the tire for long.
We tested these tires for several vehicles, and in all our tests, we observed the tires work just great. They are in the C load range, which makes them the go-to tires for different types of trailers. Furthermore, they perform well even on rough or uneven terrains.
Pros
- Deep grooves improve traction and dispel water
- The price is quite affordable
- The rubber compound enhances strength and durability
- The tires are available in different sizes
Cons
- It doesn’t come with rims
6. 15″ Silver Mod Trailer Wheel
Editor’s Rating:
Design
The modular design of the steel wheel is a welcome inclusion in the design of this tire. As this is a wheel and tire assembly, this makes the tire sturdier and more balanced. The nylon material that overlays the tires ensures that the tread remains intact. This improves lifespan.
The wheel is made of metal that is resistant to corrosion. With a load-carrying capacity of up to 1820 lbs. this tire is ideal for trailers.
Another design feature is the double polyester cords and steel belts that improve the overall strength of the tires.
As for the rim, it is made of materials that are resistant to corrosion. It is powder-coated to improve both appearance and durability.
Performance
The tire might look good, but where it really shines is in the performance. The high load-carrying capacity of the tire means that, during testing, we used it quite comfortably with a trailer.
We got a smooth ride from using it. We like the tread depth bars that allowed us to keep up with the rate of the trend’s wear.
Pros
- The load-carrying capacity is quite high
- It delivers a smooth performance
- The wheel is rust-resistant and sturdy
- The tire itself is quite durable
Cons
- It can only be used on trailers.
7. Carlisle Sport Trail LH Bias Trailer Tire
Editor’s Rating:
Design
These tires are a budget option. Therefore, they do not boast of all the high-quality and premium materials used in making more expensive tires. Nevertheless, the design does not make it fall so far behind premium options.
It looks good, which is a surprise considering the price. It comes with rather heavy sidewalls, which makes heat dissipation very effective. Furthermore, the tread design on this tire is different from others and looks efficient.
It comes in a number of sizes and load ranges from B to F.
Performance
During testing, we observed that the stout walls of the tire made heat to dissipate rather efficiently. This makes the tires to last longer. The unique tread design on the tire, as long as the low rolling resistance make moving very smooth. Furthermore, the low rolling resistance reduces the amount of fuel consumed, thus saving money.
A significant difference between this tire and the other tires is that it is bias belted. Overall, while the performance isn’t stunning, it is efficient enough to carry out your basic requirements.
Pros
- Heat dissipation is impressive
- It can be used on different trailers
- It is very affordable
Cons
- The narrow tread makes it unsuitable for heavy-duty use
8. Tredit Rim & Tire Assembly
Editor’s Rating:
Design
The Tredit Rim 7 Tire Assembly comes in a really nice design that looks quite attractive. It comes in a tire and rim setup, which makes it pretty easy to install on your vehicle. Despite coming in at a low price, many folks like the way it looks. It looks sleek and far more expensive than its actual price.
The steel rim is corrosion resistant and is durable. The tires too are quite durable.
Performance
The tire gives excellent performance. Of over 122 reviews on Amazon, the tire has a rating of 4.9 stars. That alone should show you that despite the price, many people find it very good to use. If you are on a budget, you can’t go wrong by using this tire.
Nevertheless, since it is class B ranged tire, it cannot carry very heavy loads. The load-carrying capacity of 780 lbs. is just sufficient for light work and not heavy-duty.
Pros
- The tire looks good
- It is a durable tire
Cons
- It is not suitable for heavy-duty situations
9. New Premium DURUN Trailer Tires
Editor’s Rating:
Design
The New Premium DURUN Trailer Tires that we tested is a pair. This pair of tires has a rim width of 5.5 inches. The rims are great-looking and are coated to remain resistant to corrosion and inclement weather. The tires themselves feature an 8-ply construction. Thus, they are built to last for a long time, come what may.
Performance
The tires work smoothly. We tested these tires on a couple of vehicles and still got smooth performance. We also used the tires to transport some cargo over a relatively long distance, and we are glad to say we enjoyed every minute spent with the wheels.
The adverse road conditions did not affect the smooth operation of these tires. The tires have a load-carrying capacity of up to 2150 lbs, which makes carrying cargo and other heavy-duty functions viable.
Pros
- Large load carrying capacity
- Good performance over difficult terrain
- Durable and robust construction
Cons
- It doesn’t come with rims
10. eCustomRim Trailer Tire On Rim
Editor’s Rating:
Design
The tire and rim are designed in such a way as to be quite appealing. It features a steel construction that impacts positively on the durability of the tire. The model we tested comes at a 16″ height, although there are different sizes you can choose from.
The rim is made of steel and is already attached to the tire. Hence, you do not have a lot to worry about when you want to install it.
Performance
During our test, we did not notice any problems with the tires. There was hardly any wobble. The 5-lug pattern allows for easy mounting of the tire on your trailer.
It has a weight capacity of 1820 lbs, which isn’t low, although there are other tires on this list that have a higher load-carrying ability. Nevertheless, this capacity is often suitable for your needs.
It comes at an affordable, which makes this great tire very desirable.
Pros
- High-quality trailer tire and rim
- High load-carrying capacity
- Easy to mount
- Durable steel construction
Cons
- It isn’t as durable as others on this list
- It has a 6-ply rating which is lower than its contemporaries
Guide to Buying the Best Trailer Tire
In the review above, you have been given a rundown of the ten best trailer tires available on the market. By considering these products, it will be easier for you to choose from the multitudes of trailer tires on the market. Before buying the best trailer tires, there are factors that you must consider.
As you have seen in the mini buyers’ guide, there are several differences between trailer tires and automobile and light truck tires. There are still several features that you need to look out for that will make your driving experience more comfortable and safer. Here are some of these factors.
1. The Type of Tire
This feature does not refer to trailer tires, passenger car tires, or light truck tires. We have seen that one significant difference is that trailer tires are followers, that is, they do not transmit power from the engine and neither do they steer or swerve.
This feature refers to the types of trailer tires. It is essential to know the types of tires there are because this will help you know which is right for your trailer. The two types of trailer tires are:
- Radial Tires
- Bias Tires
Radial Tires
Radial Trailer tires come with plies that are designed perpendicularly across the tires. This type of tires features steel belts that run under the tread around the circumference of the tire.
They are widely considered superior to the bias type of trailer tires because of their durability. They can last for up to 40,00 miles or even more before the tread wears off. They have better heat dissipation than bias trailer tires and are less prone to having flat spots when left at a point for a long time.
Experts recommend this type of tires for trailers that ply the highway or that see a lot of action. They have the better towing ability, even at high speeds.
Bias Trailer Tires
Unlike the radial trailer tires that have their plies running perpendicularly, these tires have plies running at an angle of 30 degrees.
They have a high load-carrying capacity due to their steep sidewalls.
Their advantage over radial tires is the price. They are more affordable than radial tires. However, they are not as durable as radial tires and do not perform as superbly.
2. Weight & Size
The weight and size are very important factors aside from the types of tires. If the tire is too large or too small, this can be a serious safety hazard.
The size of the tires you should buy should match the rim diameter of the trailers’ wheels. This information is available on the trailer’s manual.
As for the weight, you must know the exact limits of the tires carrying capacity. Since the tires will carry the weight of the trailer and the other things in the trailer, it is better to choose tires that are more than the ratings of the trailer. It is better to have more than to have less. That way, you can rest assured that no matter the loads on the trailer, the tires are capable of handling them.
The weight and size of tires are usually printed into the tire. Thus, you should check before buying.
3. Load Rating
The load rating of the trailer tire is another essential feature you need to consider. Every single tire ever manufactured has a load rating. To check the load rating of your trailer tire, check the print on the sidewall of the tire.
The importance of this feature is that it tells you the maximum amount of load the tire can safely carry.
Going through our review of the ten best trailer tires, you will see that each of them has a load rating. This rating ranges from B to E. If your tire is rated as load range C, this means that you simply multiply the load-carrying capacity by a factor of 2 to get the towing capacity. For example, if the tire can carry up to 200 lbs. then you can tow up to 4000 pounds. This formula works for a trailer with a single-axle.
If the trailer is a double-axle trailer, you must subtract 12% from the load rating.
4. Purpose of the Tire
This factor refers to the intended use of the trailer tire. You need to consider if you will be using it very often, perhaps every day. Some trailer tires are not built to withstand everyday use. You also need to consider the distances you will be covering with the trailer tires. Are you going on short trips, or you are going the distance?
As we saw earlier in this review, radial trailer tires are the best options when going on long trips. And this factor is related to the load-carrying capacity. You should consider the amount of weight you will put on the tires. It is not smart to buy trailer tires that cannot carry the intended weight.
5. Durability
Trailer tires are often more expensive than “normal’ tires. Therefore, buying tires every month is both stressful and costly. With this in mind, it is important that you buy tires that have a reputation for being durable.
The tires on our list of the ten best trailer tires are durable and will last for a long time.
Aside from the inconvenience and expense, tires that are not durable are dangerous. Using them puts you and your family, as well as other road users in danger. Thus, invest in a couple of high-quality and durable tires today.
6. Brand
There are many brands on the market with each of them claiming to produce trailer tires that are safe and great to use. When buying your tire, it is vital that you choose a reputable brand. Some of these brands are featured in our review.
By choosing a reputable brand, you can relax a bit concerning the quality of the tires. Furthermore, if any issues arise, these brands usually have excellent customer support services that can help to deal with any problems.
Conclusion
With the different types of trailer tires on the market, with each one having varying features and characteristics, there is plenty to think about and research before buying. If you are on a budget, you can find trailer tires on our list that will deliver excellent service. And if you are looking to splash some cash, we have also got the best premium trailer tires available on the market.
We are sure that our review and buyers’ guide will help you choose the right trailer tires for your trailer. By matching your needs with our recommended products, you are likely to find trailer tires you can use for the next couple of years. We hope you use this review and guide of the best trailer tires!
Source: Tools - autoquarterly.com
