Interested in getting out to the wilderness, but don’t want to leave your master suite at home? What if you need to truck your Clydesdales across the country, or maybe just tote some junk to the local transfer station? Whatever your towing needs, your trusty trailer – be it a simple dolly or glamorous fifth-wheel – has you covered. But safe towing isn’t possible without the right tires.
Purchasing quality trailer tires that are not only the right size tire for your trailer, but are also properly inflated and installed, is essential for smooth and safe towing. And yet there’s plenty of debate as to who makes the best trailer tires. Opinions abound on the internet.
We compared dozens of trailer tires to identify the best of the best. In the end, the MILLION PARTS Set of 2 15″ Trailer Tires came out as the best trailer tire due to its built-in rims and high-grade rubber material.
Our Expert’s Top 5 Trailer Tires
Here are the top trailer tires for every purse and purpose. Compare the ratings and features of these different models to choose the tire right for you.
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating | Load Rating | Speed Rating | Radial/Bias | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | MILLION PARTS Set of 2 15" Trailer Tires | C | M | Bias | 15-inch | |
| Best Budget Buy | Roadstar Trailer Tires & Rims | B | n/a | Bias | 12-inch | |
| Best 15-inch | AutoForever Trailer Tire | C | n/a | Bias | 15-inch | |
| Best for Boat Trailers | VanAcc Boat Trailer Bias Tire | E | J | Bias | 10-inch | |
| Best Radial | Wheels Express Inc 15" Silver Mod Trailer Tire | D | M | Radial | 15-inch |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Buy Trailer Tires
- Trailer owners. Quality trailer tires are essential for those who tow and haul in any capacity. It doesn’t matter whether you own a boat, RV, or flatbed trailer – a good set of trailer tires are a must.
Who Should Not Buy Trailer Tires
- Other vehicle owners. As there are key differences between regular tires and trailer tires, it’s downright dangerous to use a trailer tire on your car. These specialty tires should only be used with trailers and not on cars or other vehicles.
Research Tips (from an Expert)
Tires, be they for trailers or cars, are not a one-size-fits-all type of purchase. Each trailer has specific requirements based on total weight, weight distribution, speed it can be safely towed, and so on. You’ll need to keep all these factors and more in mind as you shop for the correct trailer tires for your application. As you begin your research, you’ll want to consider all the following:
- Check the tire type. You can quickly work out the type of tire by the first letter in the identifying code: P means passenger car, LT means light truck, and ST indicates special trailer. Trailer tires will start with ST, such as ST 225/75R15.
- Verify the tire width. Next, you’ll need to ensure the correct width. The number listed after the tire type indicated is the width of the tire in millimeters. If the code is ST 225/75R15, the width of the tire is 225 mm.
- Verify the tire height. When dissecting the tire sizing code, check the middle number between the slashes, which represents tire sidewall height as a fraction of the width. In our example, ST225/75R15, the height of the tire is 75% of its width of 225 mm.
- Verify the wheel diameter. The last number in the sequence is the diameter of the wheel in inches. In our example, ST225/75R15, the wheel is 15 inches in diameter.
- Consider the construction. Radial tires have rubber-coated steel cables running perpendicular across the tire and are better for long distance travel; they also feature lower rolling resistance, improved cooling, and a longer tread life compared to bias-ply tires. Alternatively, diagonal bias tires use layers of nylon textile cords crisscrossing at 30° angles, and are better for shorter distances or off-pavement situations. Diagonal bias tires have a shorter tread life than radial tires, and are indicated by the letter D in the tire code.
- Check the load rating. All trailer tires will have a maximum recommended load. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the gross weight capacity of the trailer is evenly distributed across tires that can handle such weight.
- Check the speed rating. If you plan on running your trailer tires down the highway, you’ll want to choose a tire with a higher speed rating. Newer trailer tires indicate their speed rating with a letter on the sidewall, with M for 81 mph, L for 75 mph, and J for 62 mph. Note that most trailer tires typically encourage drivers to cap their cruise control at around 65 mph to mitigate any chance of premature tire failure.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $50 and $100For most trailer tires, you can expect to pay between $50-$100 and still get a quality product. A major component of price is tire construction – whether or not the tire is constructed radially or diagonal bias can have a significant effect on price, as will the load and speed rating. The size of a trailer tire is also something to keep in mind when analyzing prices. Oh, and was a rim included? If so, you’re certain to pay more than a comparable tire sans rim. The best and priciest trailer tires will cost you upwards of $200.
The Best Trailer Tires: Full Reviews
The MILLION PARTS Set of 2 15″ Trailer Tires might be the best trailer tires on the market. Featuring a five lug bolt pattern, they come as a set of two for added value and ease of installation. These trailer tires have a 15-inch rim diameter and a 6-inch rim width. They have a load range of C and a 6-ply construction.
As a bonus, they conveniently feature a built-in rim. They are constructed of a high-class rubber compound that many reviewers have found to be excellent over long distances. For $183, this pair of rim-mounted trailer tires takes the guesswork out of long interstate trips. They’re an excellent, highly-rated option that should provide invaluable on your next towing adventure.
- High-class rubber material for durability
- Rims included for added stability
- Anti-slip pattern for increased control
- Great combination of quality and value
- Some reviewers found the sidewall blew out prematurely
- Some reviewers found the tread wore quickly
The Roadstar Trailer Tires & Rims have you covered if you’re looking for a budget-friendly trailer tire solution. This two-tire set comes complete with rims, yet it costs just a hair over $100. It’s a steal in the world of trailering, and yet the quality hasn’t been overlooked in the effort to achieve a great price. In fact, the company claims the tires were lab- and field-tested in order to confirm consistent wear and highway stability.
These tires have a diameter of 12-inches and a width of 4-inches, with a maximum load of 785 pounds at 50 PSI. They utilize 4-ply construction and a four bolt lug pattern. These tires are compatible with popular boat trailer brands as well as popular utility and cargo trailer manufacturers.
- Compatible with popular boat, utility, and cargo trailer brands
- Durable steel rims
- Bias construction
- Wider shoulder for better road contact under loaded conditions
- Some reviewers found the tread wore poorly
- Paint issues with rims are not unheard of
Made of durable rubber material, the AutoForever Trailer Tire boasts a larger 15-inch diameter and a five bolt lug pattern. It has a durable 6-ply construction and a width of 6 inches. Pump up these tires to 50 PSI and you’ll unlock a maximum 1820-pound max weight rating per tire; with a set of tour tires, that means towing a 7,280-pound trailer is possible. This makes it a great choice for larger boat and RV trailers that demand a strong, high-quality rim and tire.
Unlike the tires featured above, this tire is sold as a single unit, though we recommend purchasing it as a pair for traction and safety purposes. A rim is included, and the bolt pattern makes it compatible with many popular boat trailer brands.
- Rim included
- Load range C
- Designed with a strong rim
- Compatible with popular trailer brands
- Single tire
- Some reviewers felt this was best only as a spare
- Painted rim could chip and rust
For those looking for a tire specifically for boat trailers, the $105 VanAcc Boat Trailer Bias Tire is an excellent choice. It features a load range of E and a speed rating of J. If boating isn’t your thing, this tire can also be used for pop-up campers and motorcycles.
One look at this tire inspires confidence thanks to its meaty eight-inch total width, which helps with its 1,520-pound load capacity, It fits onto a large 10×6-inch rim (not included); along with the enhanced tread pattern, this endows this tire with exceptional stability and handling. What’s more, it’s DOT-approved and comes with a 2-year warranty for added peace of mind. It is sold as a single unit, but you can also order two, three, or four tires for progressively better savings.
- Can also be used for pop-up campers and motorcycles
- Heavy 10PR construction
- Advanced low profile tread design
- Directional wide grooves expel water
- 2-year warranty included
- Rim not included
- Sold individually, not as pair
The Wheels Express Inc 15″ Silver Mod Trailer Tire features a load range of D, and at 65 PSI it boasts an impressive 2,540-pound maximum load-bearing weight per tire. The radial construction provides improved wear and handling; a six-lug bolt pattern and a 15-inch diameter round out the key specs.
Compatible with popular boat trailer brands as well as popular utility and cargo trailer brands, this tire comes complete with a steel rim. It only weighs 38 pounds with the included rim, making it easy to roll around the garage or lift into place during a tire change. The $154 price tag for just one tire might feel steep compared to some of the other tires on this list, but its maximum weight load merits that price. With four tires, expect to support a trailer weighing over 10,000 pounds.
- Rim included
- Compatible with popular boat, utility, and cargo trailer brands
- 2,510-pound maximum weight rating per tire
- Includes a 5-year warranty
- Wheel is not galvanized
- Some reviewers were disappointed in the shallow tread
- High price
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bias ply tires better for trailers?
How long do trailer tires last?
How do you know what size trailer tires to buy?
Do trailer tires have to be balanced?
