Key takeaways
- Read the size from the existing tire or the trailer placard (for example, a size such as ST225/75R15 follows a standard format). Match diameter, width and load range.
- Inflate to the pressure on the tire sidewall or in the trailer manual when the tires are cold. Underinflation is a leading cause of blowouts.
- Check lug nut torque to the trailer maker’s spec after the first miles on new tires.
- Replace tires in axle pairs, and do not mix radial and bias on the same axle.
- Inspect for cracks, bulges and uneven wear. Uneven wear can point to alignment or bearing problems that a trailer shop should check.
- Carry a matching spare and the tools to change it.
For most trailer owners, the Goodyear Endurance is the premium pick for frequent highway towing, the Carlisle Radial Trail HD is the value pick for general use, and the Maxxis M8008 ST Radial suits heavily loaded car haulers and equipment trailers that sit under weight. Whichever you choose, buy a special trailer (ST) tire with the correct size and load range for your axle rating, and replace by age as well as by tread wear.
Our top picks
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Trailer Tires at a Glance
| Tire | Best for | Key stated traits | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goodyear Endurance | Travel trailers, frequent highway use | Load ranges D and E; M speed rating (81 mph); a 6-year warranty is reported by roundups | Premium budget tier |
| Carlisle Radial Trail HD | General-purpose value | M speed rating (81 mph); widely sold sizes | Reviewers describe it as value-focused rather than top-end |
| Maxxis M8008 ST Radial | Heavy, constantly loaded trailers | Typically 65 mph rated per industry practice; some listings show L (75 mph) | Lower speed rating; mixed opinions among roundups |
| Sailun S637 | Mid-range alternative | Appears on some lists as a lower-cost radial | Less commonly reviewed |
| Trailer King / Westlake | Budget tier | Basic ST radials for light use | Shorter expected life; reviewers urge caution with age and storage |
How to Choose Trailer Tires
Use ST tires on trailers
Special trailer tires are built with stiffer sidewalls to resist sway and carry load on a non-steering axle. Passenger or light-truck tires have different construction and generally are not what trailer makers specify. Check the trailer’s tire placard for the original size and load range and stay with those or an engineer-approved equivalent.
Load range and capacity
Load range letters (C, D, E and so on) correspond to ply ratings and maximum pressure and load. The combined capacity of the tires on an axle should exceed the axle’s loaded weight with margin. Roundups list Goodyear Endurance in D and E; consult the maker’s chart for a given size. Do not run a lower load range than the trailer’s placard calls for.
Speed rating
ST tires carry a speed rating that sets their upper limit. The Goodyear Endurance and Carlisle Radial Trail HD are described with an M rating (81 mph). Maxxis M8008 is commonly described as limited to 65 mph in industry practice, though some listings show a higher letter. Tow within posted limits and within the tire’s rating, and slow down when the trailer is fully loaded or temperatures are high.
Radial versus bias
Radials run cooler and typically ride better on long highway trips, which is why most guides lean toward them for travel trailers and heavy haulers. Bias-ply tires can still suit short, slow trips such as a utility trailer used near home, and they cost less, but they tend to wear faster and heat up more at speed.
Age and storage
Trailer tires often age out before they wear out. Many manufacturers advise replacement around five to six years regardless of tread, and the date code on the sidewall (four digits showing week and year) is how to read age. UV exposure, low pressure, and long storage on the same spot all shorten tire life. Covers and periodic movement help.
Top Picks by Use
Premium: Goodyear Endurance
Most 2026 roundups place the Endurance first or near first. Car Care Total names it a top pick, and others call it the safest choice for owners who can pay more. Reviewers cite its D and E load ranges, M speed rating, and a 6-year warranty, which they describe as unusual for ST tires. It is a strong fit for RV and travel trailer owners who tow long distances.
Value: Carlisle Radial Trail HD
TireAdvise calls the Radial Trail HD the best all-around value, handling most trailer types without a big jump in budget. The Tire Reviews lists it as its best budget pick. It carries an M rating and widespread size availability, making it a practical option for campers and mid-size cargo trailers.
Heavy loads: Maxxis M8008 ST Radial
Maxxis M8008 is recommended by TireAdvise for car haulers and equipment trailers that stay loaded, and The Tire Reviews ranks it best overall. Opinions are mixed across roundups, and its lower speed rating (commonly 65 mph) means it suits owners who tow at moderate speeds. Retail reviewer scores vary by size and seller.
Other options
Sailun S637 appears on some lists as an in-between choice, while Trailer King and Westlake are budget names. Budget tires can be fine for light, local use, but buyers who tow long distances often prefer the established premium and value options above.
Pick X If… Decision Table
| If your trailer is… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A travel trailer on long highway trips | Goodyear Endurance | Higher speed rating, long warranty reported |
| A general-purpose camper or cargo trailer | Carlisle Radial Trail HD | Value tier with common sizes |
| A car hauler or equipment trailer | Maxxis M8008 | Heavy-load construction, moderate speeds |
| A light utility trailer used locally | Budget ST radial | Lower cost where speed and load are modest |
| A boat trailer | ST radial with correct size | Follow trailer placard; rinse after salt water |
Budget Tiers
The budget tier covers brands such as Trailer King and Westlake. The mid-range tier covers Carlisle Radial Trail HD, Maxxis M8008 and Sailun. The premium tier is led by Goodyear Endurance. Because tires are a safety item and trailers often use two to six of them, many owners spread the cost across seasons rather than skipping a replacement that is overdue.
Fit, Pressure and Safety Notes
- Read the size from the existing tire or the trailer placard (for example, a size such as ST225/75R15 follows a standard format). Match diameter, width and load range.
- Inflate to the pressure on the tire sidewall or in the trailer manual when the tires are cold. Underinflation is a leading cause of blowouts.
- Check lug nut torque to the trailer maker’s spec after the first miles on new tires.
- Replace tires in axle pairs, and do not mix radial and bias on the same axle.
- Inspect for cracks, bulges and uneven wear. Uneven wear can point to alignment or bearing problems that a trailer shop should check.
- Carry a matching spare and the tools to change it.
Alternatives to Consider
Some owners upgrade to a higher load range for margin, provided the wheels are rated for the higher pressure. Light-truck (LT) tires are used on a few trailers, but should only be fitted if the trailer maker or tire shop approves. A tire pressure monitoring system for trailers is a worthwhile add-on for RV owners because it can warn of slow leaks. Finally, a tire cover and a thorough pre-trip inspection routine do as much for lifespan as the brand.
Reading a Trailer Tire Sidewall
A size such as ST225/75R15 breaks down into a few parts. The letters ST mean special trailer. The first number is the section width in millimetres, the second is the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width), R means radial, and the last number is the wheel diameter in inches. After the size you will find the load index and speed symbol, and a load range letter. Together they tell you how much each tire can carry and how fast it may be driven. Compare the load index of two tires of the same size rather than relying on the brand name.
Why trailer tires fail
Industry commentary and the reviewers cited above point to a few repeating causes: overloaded axles, underinflation, age, and heat from sustained high speed. Sun exposure cracks sidewalls on trailers parked outside for long periods, and flat-spotting can occur when a trailer sits on the same tire patch for months. Regular pressure checks, a quick look at sidewalls before each trip, and tire covers when parked reduce risk. After a blowout, inspect the fender and wiring, because debris from a failed tire can damage them.
Weighing your trailer
The only reliable way to know whether your tires have enough capacity is to weigh the loaded trailer at a certified scale and compare each axle with the combined capacity of its tires. The weight listed on the sticker is a maximum, and owners often add gear without noticing. If the scale shows you near the limit, step up one load range, if the wheels allow, or reduce the load.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put passenger tires on a trailer?
Generally no. Trailer makers specify ST tires because of their sidewall stiffness and load design. Follow the placard unless the maker or a qualified shop approves an alternative.
How often should trailer tires be replaced?
Many makers advise replacement at roughly five to six years regardless of tread, sooner if cracks or damage appear. Read the date code on the sidewall.
What does load range E mean?
It is a letter code for ply rating, associated with higher maximum pressure and load than C or D. Always compare the tire’s rated capacity to your axle weight.
What pressure should I run?
Use the pressure listed on the sidewall or in the trailer manual, measured cold. Do not guess from a passenger-car habit.
Why do some ST tires have a 65 mph limit?
Industry practice sets conservative speed limits on some ST sizes, and roundups note this on the Maxxis M8008. If you tow faster, choose a tire rated for it and stay within posted limits.
Is a premium tire worth it?
For frequent long highway trips, many reviewers say yes, because the extra budget buys a higher speed rating and warranty. For short local use, a mid-range tire is often sufficient.
