Best Trailer Tires in 2026: 15 Picks by Specs
The Carlisle Radial Trail HD is our top pick for owners of 15-inch boat and utility trailers. It combines a radial construction with a 15-inch fit and a stated max pressure of 65 psi. We chose the other 14 from a pool of 60 trailer tire listings based on rim size, ply count, and construction.
15 picks from 107 tires that match this guide with a price we can quote today. The prices below are current and each carries its read time.
Quick picks
The best fit for you
- For small utility trailers: You haul a small boat, lawn equipment, or a 4x8 utility trailer with 8-inch rims. Look for bias ply tires like the Kenda K371 or Carlisle Sport Trail that match your load capacity. See pick 12
- For 15-inch tandem trailers: You own a tandem-axle boat or car hauler with 15-inch wheels. A radial tire like the Free Country Prem or Transeagle ST II gives a stable ride at highway speeds. See pick 3
- For heavy 16-inch trailers: You pull a large equipment trailer or gooseneck with 16-inch rims and need extra load capacity. All-steel or 16-ply options like the Mastertrack UN or Transeagle ST handle heavy loads. See pick 6
Our 15 picks
1 Best overall
Carlisle Radial Trail HD Trailer Radial Tire
- Vehicle
- Trailer
- Rim size
- 15 in
$127.99 price as of 2026-10-05 05:32 UTC (Details)
This Carlisle radial fits the most common 15-inch trailer size and comes from a maker that focuses exclusively on trailer tires. Its stated 65 psi max pressure and load index 113 suit a wide range of single-axle and tandem setups.
Pros
- Radial construction for highway stability
- 15-inch fit matches many boat and utility trailers
- Stated max pressure of 65 psi
- Load index 113 from the size designation
Cons
- Ply count not stated by the seller
- Only one tire per listing
Good fit if
- Owners of 15-inch single-axle trailers
- Those who prefer a radial tire for highway towing
Skip if
- You need a tire for 14-inch or 16-inch rims
- You require a tire with a stated ply count
Verdict: A dependable 15-inch radial that covers most light to medium trailer needs.
2 Best for 14-inch trailers
Goodyear Endurance All Season ST215/75R14 108N Trailer Tire
- Vehicle
- Trailer
- Tread
- All Season
- Rim size
- Up to 14 in
$181.99 price as of 2026-10-05 05:46 UTC (Details)
Goodyear's Endurance line is built specifically for trailers. This 14-inch ST tire has an all-season tread and is a good match for small boats, jet skis, and utility trailers with 14-inch wheels.
Pros
- All-season tread pattern
- ST designation from a major tire maker
- 14-inch fit for common small trailers
Cons
- Ply count not stated by the seller
- Only one tire per listing; sets require separate orders
Good fit if
- Owners of single-axle 14-inch trailers
- Buyers who want a recognized brand
Skip if
- You need a tire for 15-inch or larger rims
- You prefer a radial construction over bias
Verdict: A solid 14-inch ST tire with a recognizable name behind it.
3 Best 15-inch 10-ply
Free Country Prem Trailer Tires ST225/75R15 10PR LR E 117N /Scuff Guard
- Vehicle
- Trailer
- Rim size
- 15 in
$176.67 price as of 2026-10-05 05:42 UTC (Details)
This Free Country tire provides a 10-ply count in a 15-inch size, giving it more capacity than standard 6-ply options in the same size. The included scuff guard adds a small layer of protection.
Pros
- 10-ply count, load range E
- 15-inch fit for tandem trailers
- Scuff guard noted in the name
Cons
- No tread type specified
- Single tire listing; need to order multiples
Good fit if
- Tandem-axle 15-inch trailers needing load range E
- Owners who want a scuff guard for curb protection
Skip if
- You only need a tire for a light single-axle trailer
- You require a set of four in one order
Verdict: A heavy-duty 15-inch tire that provides extra reserve capacity.
4 Best 15-inch all-season
Transeagle ST II ST225/75R15 117/112N All Season E
- Vehicle
- Trailer
- Tread
- All Season
- Rim size
- 15 in
This Transeagle ST II is an all-season radial with a 10-ply count in a 15-inch size. It competes with the Carlisle but offers a similar specification at a lower price point, making it a sensible pick for budget-conscious owners.
Pros
- All-season tread
- 10-ply count, load range E
- 15-inch fit
- Load index 117 from the name
Cons
- Lesser-known brand compared to Carlisle
- No scuff guard mentioned
Good fit if
- Owners who want a 15-inch radial with 10-ply capacity
- Buyers looking for an all-season tread
Skip if
- You prefer a brand with more trailer-specific history
- You need a tire with a scuff guard
Verdict: A functional 15-inch all-season radial that gets the job done.
5 Best 16-inch set of four
Set of 4 UN203 ST235/85R16 125N 10 Ply Load Range E Radial Trailer Tires
- Vehicle
- Trailer
- Rim size
- 16 in
- Sold as
- Set of 4
$432.26 price as of 2026-10-05 06:15 UTC (Details)
This listing includes four UN203 tires, making it a drop-in solution for a tandem trailer with 16-inch wheels. The 10-ply count and radial construction suit heavier loads, and the set pricing simplifies the purchase.
Pros
- Set of four in one order
- 10-ply count, load range E
- 16-inch fit for tandem axles
- Radial construction
Cons
- No tread type specified
- Brand is not a major trailer tire maker
Good fit if
- Owners of 16-inch tandem trailers who need all four at once
- Buyers who want a matched set for even wear
Skip if
- You only need one spare or a single axle replacement
- You require a tire with an all-season tread
Verdict: A convenient set for a 16-inch tandem trailer at a reasonable spec level.
6 Best all-steel 16-ply
Mastertrack UN-All Steel ST235/85R16 16 Ply 133N Trailer Tire
- Vehicle
- Trailer
- Rim size
- 16 in
$201.41 price as of 2026-10-05 05:59 UTC (Details)
This Mastertrack uses all-steel construction and a 16-ply count, the highest in this list for a 16-inch tire. The load index 133 indicates a very high capacity for heavy trailers.
Pros
- All-steel construction
- 16-ply count
- Load index 133
- 16-inch fit
Cons
- Heavier construction may reduce ride comfort
- No tread type stated
Good fit if
- Owners of heavy equipment trailers or goosenecks
- Those needing maximum load capacity without going to duals
Skip if
- You have a light utility trailer that does not need 16-ply capacity
- You prefer a radial with a lower ply count for a softer ride
Verdict: The highest-capacity 16-inch tire here, built for severe service.
7 Best all-steel with high load index
Double Coin RT500 All Steel All-Season Premium Trailer Radial
- Vehicle
- Trailer
- Tread
- All Season
- Rim size
- 16 in
$202.89 price as of 2026-10-05 05:37 UTC (Details)
Double Coin is a commercial tire maker, and its RT500 all-steel radial has a load index of 129, which is higher than most 10-ply options in the 16-inch class. It suits heavy single or tandem axles where durability matters.
Pros
- All-steel radial construction
- Load index 129
- 16-inch fit
- All-season tread
Cons
- Ply count not stated by the seller
- Single tire listing
Good fit if
- Heavy equipment and utility trailers with 16-inch rims
- Buyers who want a commercial-grade tire
Skip if
- You need a tire for a light recreational trailer
- You require a stated ply count for insurance purposes
Verdict: A high-capacity all-steel radial from a commercial-focused brand.
8 Best 16-inch 10-ply set
Set of 4 Travelstar HF288 ST235/85R16 125M 10 Ply Special Trailer Tire
- Vehicle
- Trailer
- Rim size
- 16 in
- Sold as
- Set of 4
$426.92 price as of 2026-10-05 06:15 UTC (Details)
This Travelstar set provides four 16-inch tires with a 10-ply count, matching the load capacity of the UN203 set but from a different brand. The all-season tread adds year-round versatility for a tandem trailer.
Pros
- Set of four
- 10-ply count
- 16-inch fit
- All-season tread
Cons
- Brand is not a major trailer tire maker
- No all-steel construction
Good fit if
- Tandem 16-inch trailers that need a balanced set with moderate capacity
- Owners who want an all-season tread for varied climates
Skip if
- You need 16-ply capacity or all-steel casing
- You prefer a tire from a more established brand
Verdict: A practical 16-inch set that covers most tandem trailer needs.
9 Best 12-ply 16-inch
Ironman STR ST235/80R16 F/12PLY
- Vehicle
- Trailer
- Rim size
- 16 in
$114.08 price as of 2026-10-05 05:52 UTC (Details)
The Ironman STR offers a 12-ply count in a 16-inch size, placing it between standard 10-ply and heavy 16-ply options. This gives extra reserve for trailers that come close to their axle limit.
Pros
- 12-ply count
- 16-inch fit
- Radial construction
Cons
- No tread type specified
- No set option; single tire listing
Good fit if
- Owners who want more than 10-ply but do not need 16-ply
- Those with a heavier load that still runs at moderate speeds
Skip if
- You need the highest possible load capacity
- You prefer a set of four for a tandem trailer
Verdict: A middle-ground 16-inch tire with a stronger ply count than standard options.
10 Best 16-inch radial for weight
Haida HD825 Premium Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/80R16 235/80/16 235/80-16
- Vehicle
- Trailer
- Rim size
- 16 in
$129.99 price as of 2026-10-05 05:47 UTC (Details)
The Haida HD825 is a 16-inch radial with a 10-ply count and a load index of 124, typical for a 10-ply tire. Its all-steel construction adds durability for long highway runs with heavy trailers.
Pros
- All-steel construction
- 10-ply count
- Load index 124
- 16-inch fit
Cons
- No tread type stated
- Single tire listing
Good fit if
- Owners of heavy 16-inch trailers who prefer a radial over bias
- Buyers who want all-steel construction for puncture resistance
Skip if
- You need a set or a tire with a higher ply count
- You prefer a tire with an all-season tread
Verdict: A rugged 16-inch radial that balances weight capacity with highway stability.
11 Best 15-inch load range E
Carlstar Reliance Radial ST ST225/75R15 117M E Trailer Tire
- Vehicle
- Trailer
- Rim size
- 15 in
$119.70 price as of 2026-10-05 05:32 UTC (Details)
Carlstar is a supplier of trailer and specialty tires, and this Reliance radial carries a load range E in a 15-inch size. It offers a similar capacity to the Free Country Prem but from an established trailer tire brand.
Pros
- Load range E (10 ply)
- 15-inch fit
- Radial construction
Cons
- No tread type specified
- No set option
Good fit if
- Owners of 15-inch trailers that need load range E
- Buyers who prefer a radial with a known brand
Skip if
- You are looking for a bias ply or a different ply count
- You need a tire with a scuff guard
Verdict: A reliable 15-inch radial with the load range most tandem trailers need.
12 Best small utility 8-inch
Kenda K371 4.80/4.00-8 Loadstar Trailer Tires
- Vehicle
- Trailer
- Sold as
- Set of 2
$58.96 price as of 2026-10-05 05:54 UTC (Details)
The Kenda K371 is a bias ply tire for 8-inch rims, commonly used on small utility trailers and hand carts. Its 4.80/4.00-8 size is a standard fit, and Kenda is a recognizable name in small trailer tires.
Pros
- Bias ply construction
- 8-inch rim fit
- Stated high load capacity for utility use
Cons
- No radial option
- No tread type specified
Good fit if
- Small utility trailers, lawn carts, and boat dollies
- Owners who need a low-cost replacement for a light trailer
Skip if
- You need a tire for a highway-driven trailer
- You require a radial construction for higher speeds
Verdict: A dependable small trailer tire for low-speed utility work.
13 Best bias ply small trailer
Carlisle Sport Trail 4.80-8 71J C Trailer Tire
- Vehicle
- Trailer
$40.88 price as of 2026-10-05 05:32 UTC (Details)
Carlisle's Sport Trail line is well established for small trailers. This 4.80-8 bias ply tire has a load index of 71 and is designed for garden trailers, small campers, and similar equipment.
Pros
- Bias ply construction
- 8-inch rim fit
- Load index 71 from the name
- From a trailer tire specialist
Cons
- No radial construction
- Small size limits use to lightweight trailers
Good fit if
- Owners of small garden trailers or lightweight boat trailers
- Buyers who want a tire from a dedicated trailer brand
Skip if
- You need a tire for a highway-speed trailer
- You require a radial construction for a smoother ride
Verdict: A reliable small bias ply tire from a brand that knows trailers.
14 Best 16-ply 16-inch
Transeagle ST ST235/80R16 130/126L All Season H
- Vehicle
- Trailer
- Tread
- All Season
- Rim size
- 16 in
This Transeagle ST is a 16-inch tire with a 16-ply count and a load index of 130, placing it among the strongest options in this list. The all-steel construction and all-season tread make it suitable for heavy commercial trailers.
Pros
- 16-ply count
- Load index 130
- All-steel construction
- All-season tread
Cons
- Single tire listing
- Heavy construction may be overkill for light trailers
Good fit if
- Heavy equipment trailers, goosenecks, and commercial loads
- Owners who need a tire with a very high load capacity
Skip if
- You have a typical recreational trailer that does not need 16-ply
- You prefer a lighter tire for better fuel economy
Verdict: A high-capacity all-steel radial for the most demanding 16-inch applications.
15 Best set of four 15-inch
Free Country Grand Ride Set 4 Trailer Tires ST225/75R15 10 Ply Load
- Vehicle
- Trailer
- Rim size
- 15 in
- Sold as
- Set of 4
$335.89 price as of 2026-10-05 05:42 UTC (Details)
This Free Country Grand Ride set includes four 15-inch tires with a 10-ply count, making it a complete solution for a tandem 15-inch trailer. The included scuff guard adds a layer of protection against curb damage.
Pros
- Set of four
- 10-ply count, load range E
- 15-inch fit
- Scuff guard included
Cons
- No tread type specified
- Single size option in this listing
Good fit if
- Owners of 15-inch tandem trailers who want everything in one order
- Buyers who value the scuff guard feature
Skip if
- You need a different rim size or only one tire
- You prefer a tire with an all-season tread
Verdict: A convenient set for a 15-inch tandem trailer with load range E capacity.
Specifications side by side
How the picks were chosen
We pulled 60 trailer tire listings from the catalog and selected 15 that cover common trailer sizes and use cases, from small 8-inch bias tires to heavy 16-inch all-steel radials. We prioritized tires from established makers and those with clear specifications. Prices shown are live from the store listing and update with the clock; we do not test tires. All specifications come from the seller's listing or the manufacturer's published data.
Picking the right one for you
ST vs LT: why trailer tires are different
Trailer tires are built for the specific demands of towing: they need to handle higher loads at sustained highway speeds and tolerate lateral forces from side-to-side sway. Federal regulations allow trailers to use ST (special trailer), FI (farm implement), or tires with a rim diameter code of 12 or below under certain GVWR limits. ST tires are designed for trailer use only and should not be used on a tow vehicle. LT tires, while stronger in some ways, are not optimized for trailer applications and may overheat when used on a trailer. Stick with an ST designation for most recreational trailers.
Load range and ply count
The load range letter (B, C, D, E, F, or G) corresponds to a ply count that indicates the tire's maximum load capacity at its maximum inflation pressure. For example, load range D is typically 8 ply, E is 10 ply, F is 12 ply, and G is 14 or 16 ply. A higher ply count allows the tire to carry more weight but also makes it stiffer and heavier. Check your trailer's GVWR and GAWR to determine the minimum load range you need. The sum of the maximum load capacities of the tires on an axle must be at least equal to the axle's GAWR, as required by federal safety standards. Do not mix load ranges on the same axle.
Radial vs bias ply construction
Radial trailer tires have ply cords that run perpendicular to the direction of travel, which produces a more flexible sidewall and a larger footprint. They run cooler at highway speeds and provide better stability, making them the preferred choice for trailers that are towed long distances. Bias ply tires have cords that crisscross at angles, giving them a stiffer sidewall and a simpler, often cheaper construction. Bias tires are fine for low-speed utility trailers but are not ideal for highway towing. All-steel radials add a steel belt layer, which improves puncture resistance and load durability, but they are heavier and may ride rougher.
Matching tire size to your trailer
The tire size printed on the sidewall, such as ST225/75R15, tells you the width, aspect ratio, construction, and rim size. The rim size must match your trailer's wheel, and the overall diameter should be close to the original tire to avoid speedometer errors and clearance issues. If you replace one tire on an axle, the new tire should be the same size and construction as the other side to prevent uneven wear and handling problems. For tandem trailers, replace tires in pairs or full sets to maintain consistent diameter and load capacity.
Check the DOT date code
Every tire has a DOT code molded into the sidewall that ends with four digits indicating the week and year of manufacture. For example, a code ending in '2623' means the tire was made in the 26th week of 2023. Tires degrade over time even when not in use, so avoid tires that are more than six years old. Federal regulations require tire manufacturers and brand name owners to keep records based on the DOT code, so you can verify the age before installation. Buy from a source that allows you to inspect the code before purchase.
Inflation pressure and TPMS
Proper inflation is the most important factor for trailer tire safety. Under-inflated tires build up heat and can fail, while over-inflation reduces traction and increases wear. The maximum cold inflation pressure is printed on the sidewall, but your trailer's certification label may specify a different pressure for the loads you carry. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tire unless it matches the trailer's recommendation. A tire pressure monitoring system can alert you to pressure drops, but trailers are not required to have one under federal law. Check pressures before every trip when the tires are cold.
Questions
What does ST mean on a trailer tire?
ST stands for Special Trailer. It is a designation used on tires designed exclusively for trailer use. ST tires are engineered to handle the load and speed demands of towing, but they are not meant for use on a tow vehicle. Federal regulations permit trailers to be equipped with ST tires, and they must meet the requirements of Standard No. 119 for specialty tires.
How do I know what ply count I need?
Check your trailer's GVWR and GAWR. The tire's load range and ply count determine the maximum load it can carry. The sum of the maximum load capacities of the tires on an axle must be at least equal to the axle's GAWR. For most recreational trailers, load range D (8 ply) or E (10 ply) is sufficient. For heavy equipment trailers, you may need 12 or 16 ply.
Can I use LT tires on a trailer?
LT (Light Truck) tires can be used on trailers, but they are not designed for the same forces. LT tires have stiffer sidewalls and may run hotter when used in trailer applications. Federal standards allow trailers to use ST tires, FI tires, or tires with a rim diameter code of 12 or below. If you use LT tires, they must meet the load requirements and be properly inflated, but ST tires are generally the safer choice.
How long do trailer tires last?
Trailer tire lifespan depends on usage, storage, and inflation. Tires degrade from UV exposure and temperature changes, so they should be replaced after 6 to 10 years even if the tread looks good. The DOT date code tells you the manufacturing week and year. Check for dry cracking or bulges before each trip. Never exceed the tire's maximum load capacity or inflation pressure.
Should I buy a spare trailer tire?
Yes, a spare tire is essential for long trips. Use a tire that matches the size, construction, and load capacity of the tires on your trailer. Keep it inflated to the recommended pressure and inspect it regularly. If you have a tandem axle, a spare can also help you diagnose axle alignment issues if it wears unevenly.
Revision notes
- : First published.
Sources
- 49 CFR § 571.119 - New pneumatic tires for motor vehicles with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds, specialty tires, and tires for motorcycles
- 49 CFR § 571.110 - Tire selection and rims for vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less
- Gas Mileage Tips: Keep Tires Properly Inflated
- 49 CFR Part 574 - Tire Identification and Recordkeeping