Trailer Tire Guide 2026 | Sizes, Types, Ratings & Top Brands

Trailer tires are not interchangeable with regular car or truck tires. Trailer tires (ST) are engineered for a specific job: carrying sustained loads, resisting sidewall flex, and remaining stable while being towed for long distances. Using the wrong type of tire on a trailer, such as a standard passenger tire, is one of the most common causes of blowouts, handling instability, and premature tire failure.

This guide explains how trailer tires differ from passenger and light truck tires, which types are best for different trailers, and how to choose the correct size, ply rating, and load capacity. This article will give you the full context needed to make a safe and informed decision if you are considering common sizes such as 205/75R15, 225/75R15, or 235/80R16, or researching travel trailer tires and heavy-duty 14-ply-rated options.  

Are Trailer Tires Different Than Regular Tires?

Yes. Trailer tires are purpose-built and differ significantly from passenger car (P-metric) and even light truck (LT) tires in construction and performance priorities.

The most common trailer tire type is marked ST (Special Trailer). ST tires are engineered to handle vertical load and lateral forces created when a trailer sways, corners, or tracks unevenly behind a tow vehicle. Unlike car tires, which are designed to provide traction, steering, and braking, trailer tires are designed to carry weight and remain stable under constant load.

How ST Tires Differ:

• Stiffer sidewalls
  Trailer tires use reinforced sidewalls to reduce flex. This limits sway and improves tracking, especially on single-axle and tandem-axle trailers.
• Higher load capacity for the same size
  An ST tire can typically carry more weight than a passenger tire of the same dimensions.
• Different heat management priorities
  Trailer tires are optimized for sustained load rather than comfort. Excessive flex in a car tire creates heat, which accelerates failure when used on a trailer.
• No steering or drive requirements
  Trailer tires do not need to provide grip for acceleration or braking, allowing engineers to focus on load durability instead.

These design differences are why trailer manufacturers and tire brands consistently warn against substituting passenger tires for trailer tires. The table belowshows the key differences between ST and passenger tires:

Can You Use Car Tires on a Trailer?

No, using car tires on a trailer is not recommended and should only be a temporary or emergency solution. Car tires have deep, flexible tread patterns designed to grip the road for steering and braking. On a trailer, this extra tread depth leads to "tread squirm," where the rubber blocks flex back and forth. This movement generates significant internal heat, which is the #1 cause of tire blowouts.

Because trailers are top-heavy and prone to swaying, the soft, "cushy" sidewall of a car tire allows the trailer to "wobble" over the wheels. ST tires act more like rigid pillars to keep the trailer tracking straight.

Using LT tires on trailers

In limited cases, LT (Light Truck) tires may be acceptable on certain trailers, particularly heavy utility or equipment trailers, provided:

• The LT tire meets or exceeds the trailer's required load rating
• The trailer manufacturer permits LT tires
• Inflation pressure and usage conditions are strictly followed

However, for most trailer drivers, ST-rated tires remain the safest and most appropriate option.

Using a standard car tire on a trailer in an emergency

If you ever find yourself in an emergency needing to use a car tire to get to a shop:

1. Consider the 10% Derating Rule: This is the most important technical step. A passenger tire's weight capacity is reduced by about 10% when used on a trailer. For example, if the car tire states it can hold 2,000 lb, you must treat it as if it can hold only 1,800 lb. If your trailer load exceeds this "derated" limit, the tire may fail almost instantly.
2. Reduce Speed: Stay under 50 mph.
3. Monitor Heat: Stop frequently to touch the tire; if it’s hot to the touch, let it cool down.

What Type of Tire Is Best for a Trailer?

The best trailer (ST) tire depends on trailer type, load demands, and use patterns. There is a recommended category for each application, as explained below:

Utility and Cargo Trailers

For small to medium utility trailers (landscape trailers, enclosed cargo haulers, or car haulers), the focus should be on tire Construction Type (1) and Load Range (2).

1. Radial vs. Bias-Ply Construction Types

Choosing the right internal structure is the first step in finding the "best" tire for your trailer's specific use:

• Radial Tires (Recommended for Highway): Radial tires (most coon these days) have plies that run perpendicular to the direction of travel. They run cooler, offer better fuel economy, and are less prone to "flat-spotting" after sitting in storage.
• Bias-Ply Tires (Recommended for Work Sites): These tires have plies that crisscross diagonally. They have even stiffer sidewalls and are more puncture-resistant, making them ideal for short trips, off-road use, or farm and construction sites.

2. Matching Load Range to Your Cargo

ST tires are categorized by Load Range (letters C, D, E, etc.). It is vital to ensure the combined capacity of your tires exceeds the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your trailer. See the table below showing the load range for trailer tires sized 15'': 

Common Sizes and Maintenance

Common sizes for utility and cargo trailers include 205/75R15 and 225/75R15. Because these trailers often carry shifting or variable loads, maintaining proper inflation is the single most important factor in preventing failure.

• The Max PSI Rule: Unlike car tires, ST (Special Trailer) tires should almost always be inflated to the maximum PSI listed on the sidewall. This ensures the tire can handle its full rated capacity and prevents excessive sidewall flexing, which can lead to overheating and blowouts.
• The 3-to-5 Year Rule: Always check the DOT Code - a 4-digit number (example: "1225" meaning the 12th week of 2025) located on the sidewall. Regardless of tread remaining, ST tires should be replaced every 3 to 5 years. This is because trailers often sit idle, making the rubber more susceptible to UV damage and internal "dry rot" (oxidation) than tires used daily.

Travel Trailers (RVs and Campers)

Travel trailers carry "live-in" weight that is often near the tire's maximum load rating. These tires must manage sustained highway speeds and high heat.

• Construction: Radial tires are almost always the best choice here. They dissipate heat better than bias-ply tires during long-distance highway hauls.
• The Capacity Gap: Travel trailers are rarely as light as the manufacturer's "dry weight" suggests once you add gear and water. To prevent tire strain, it is common to upgrade to a higher-capacity Load Range, which provides a "safety cushion" that helps tires run cooler and last longer.
• Common Sizes: 225/75R15 and 235/80R16.
• Key Note: To prevent sidewall tears, choose tires with built-in scuff guards. This extra-thick rubber layer protects your tires from damage if you accidentally rub against a curb or stone marker while backing into a campsite.

Boat Trailers

Boat trailers are especially tough on tires because tires are regularly submerged in water and then left to sit for extended periods.

• Water and Sun Damage: Saltwater and harsh sunlight are a tire's biggest enemies. The best boat trailer tires use special rubber blends designed to stay flexible and resist dry rot (the cracking you see on the sidewalls).
• The "Sitting" Problem: Because boats often sit unused for months, the tires can develop permanent flat spots where they touch the ground. For small boats that only go a few miles to the local ramp, bias-ply tires are a popular choice because they are very stiff and hold their shape better during long storage.
• Time vs. Miles: Unlike a car, a boat trailer tire almost never wears out its tread. Instead, the rubber simply gets too old and brittle to be safe.
• Maintenance Tip: Even if the tread looks brand new, you should replace boat trailer tires every 3 to 5 years to avoid a blowout on the road.

Heavy-Duty and Equipment Trailers

For dump trailers, flatbeds hauling machinery, or commercial car haulers, the priority shifts entirely to raw weight capacity.

• High-Ply Ratings: These applications often require 12-ply (Load Range F) or 14-ply-rated (Load Range G) tires. These tires are significantly heavier and stiffer than standard passenger-grade tires.
• All-Steel Construction: Many "best-in-class" heavy-duty ST tires use all-steel carcasses (steel plies in both the tread and the sidewall), whereas standard tires mostly use polyester in the sidewall.
• Common Sizes: 235/80R16 and 235/85R16.
• PSI Requirements: These tires often require 95 to 110 PSI. Using a standard gas-station air compressor may not be sufficient; you likely need a high-volume commercial compressor to properly maintain these. 

Summary Table: Choosing Your Category

For more information about commercial tires, see our dedicated article Commercial Tires: Best Tires for Trucks & Trailers.

Best Trailer Tire Brands for 2026

While many brands produce tires, those that specialize in ST (Special Trailer) designs often offer better warranties and specialized rubber compounds. Brand selection should always prioritize load rating and speed symbols over marketing claims. Check the most noticeable brands for trailer tires in the U.S market: 

Carlstar Trailer Tires

Carlstar, formerly known as Carlisle, is one of the most recognizable names in the industry and is often used as the "Original Equipment" (OEM) tire for new trailers.

• Best For: General utility trailers, boat trailers, and cargo haulers.
• Why Drivers Trust Them: Carlstar offers a massive range of sizes in both Radial and Bias-Ply. Their Radial Trail HD line is particularly popular for its heat-resistant technology and increased tread life.
• Key Strength: Excellent availability; you can find a replacement Carlstar tire in almost any U.S town if you have a blowout during a trip.

Goodyear Trailer Tires

Goodyear is positioned as a premium "performance" trailer tire manufacturer, particularly through its Endurance line.

• Best For: Long-distance travel trailers, high-value car haulers, and heavy RVs.
• Why Drivers Trust Them: The Goodyear Endurance is one of the few ST tires made in the USA. It features a specialized inner liner to prevent air loss and "Durawall" technology to resist sidewall cuts.
• Key Strength: Higher speed ratings (often N-rated up to 87 mph), providing more confidence for highway driving in warmer climates.

Other Notable Specialists

• Hercules: a well-regarded manufacturer of trailer tires, known for durability, enhanced safety features, and good value for the price in the replacement tire market.
• Maxxis: Highly regarded in the RV community for its M8008 Plus radial, which is known for exceptional longevity and stability under heavy loads.

Brand Comparison at a Glance

Common Trailer Tire Sizes and Loads Explained

Choosing the right trailer tire size isn't just about what fits the rim; it’s about matching the tire’s physical dimensions to the job it needs to do.

Understanding Wheel Sizes: 15-Inch vs. 16-Inch

• 15-Inch Tires: These are the industry standard because they are cost-effective and widely available. They are perfect for 90% of trailer drivers. However, they have a "ceiling" for weight; once a trailer’s total weight generally exceeds 7,000-10,000 lbs, 15-inch tires usually can’t handle the pressure.
• 16-Inch Tires: These are the upgrade path for heavy-duty applications. The jump to 16 inches isn't just about size; it allows you to use tires with much higher ply ratings (like Load Range E, F, or G) that simply aren't possible on smaller 15-inch wheels.

205/75R15 Trailer Tires

This is the standard "workhorse" size for light-to-medium towing.

• Commonly used on: Single-axle utility trailers, small enclosed cargo trailers, and some lightweight "teardrop" campers.
• Why it’s used: 205/75R15 tires are compact enough to fit under smaller wheel wells while providing a smooth ride.
• Capacity Tip: Most 205/75R15 tires are Load Range C (50 PSI). If you find your trailer is consistently near its weight limit, look for a Load Range D (65 PSI) tire of the same size for added safety margin.

225/75R15 Trailer Tires

This is arguably the most popular trailer tire size on the market today.

• Commonly used on: Medium utility trailers, tandem-axle car haulers, and mid-sized travel trailers.
• Why it’s used: It is slightly wider and taller than the 205, which allows it to carry significantly more weight. Because 225/75R15 tires are so common, you can find replacements at almost any tire shop in an emergency.
• Versatility: These are well-suited to tandem-axle setups, providing excellent stability and tracking at highway speeds.

235/80R16 Trailer Tires

These are "heavy-duty" tires designed for serious weight and long-distance travel.

• Commonly used on: Large travel trailers (RV fifth wheels), heavy equipment flatbeds, and horse trailers.
• Why it’s used: The 16-inch diameter allows for a larger air volume, which helps the tire stay cooler during long highway hauls. They are built with much stronger internal cords to handle the stresses of heavy loads.
• Key Advantage: 235/80R16 ST tires offer significantly higher heat tolerance and better "footprint" on the road for improved braking and stability.

14-Ply Trailer Tires (Load Range G)

14-Ply or Load Range G trailer tires are the "heavyweights" of the trailer tire world, designed for maximum durability.

• Commonly used on: Commercial flatbeds, dump trailers, and high-end luxury fifth wheels.
• Maximum Strength: Load Range G tires are engineered for extreme load capacity, with sidewalls significantly stiffer than standard passenger tires or even common trailer tires. This construction makes them nearly immune to the sidewall "squirming" that causes blowouts under heavy loads.
• The PSI Requirement: These tires often require 110 PSI. You must ensure your wheels (rims) are rated for the high pressure before installing them, as a standard rim could actually crack under that much force.

Trailer Tire Safety and Maintenance Tips

When it comes to towing, your trailer tires are the only thing connecting your cargo to the road. Unlike passenger tires, Special Trailer (ST) tires are engineered specifically for vertical load-bearing, lateral stability, and long-term durability - not ride comfort or high-speed cornering grip.

To get the most out of your choice: 

• Always use ST-rated tires for trailers to ensure stiffer sidewalls that combat "trailer sway."
• Don't just match the numbers on the sidewall; ensure the Load Range (C, D, E, etc.) matches or exceeds your trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
• Never substitute passenger tires for trailer tires, as the flexible sidewalls of standard tires can lead to overheating and blowouts under constant load.
• Opt for high-quality brands such as Hercules or Carlstar that offer heat management, load capacity, and durability. 

The safest trailer tire always offers a capacity margin above your actual load. Prioritizing this safety buffer is the best way to avoid roadside failures and ensure a worry-free trip. Drive safe and choose your trailer tires wisely!