Trailers carry heavy loads, from boats and cars to equipment and cargo. The right tires keep your trailer safe and stable on the road.
Trailer tires differ from passenger tires: they have stiffer sidewalls and higher load ratings. They are built to resist heat and wear under constant heavy weight.
Choosing the right tire helps prevent blowouts and poor handling when you tow. It also reduces uneven wear.
When shopping, focus on load range and ply rating, tire size and speed rating, construction (radial vs. bias), and heat resistance. Pick tires with a load capacity that exceeds your trailer’s gross axle weight rating and match the tire size specified by the manufacturer.
Best Trailer Tires for Heavy Loads
Below is our full list of the best trailer tires for heavy loads. You’ll find options that handle high weight, resist wear, and give steady towing performance for your trailer.
Choose the tires that match your load rating and trailer size to keep your cargo safe.
Libra Trailer Parts ST205/75R15 10-Ply Set of 4
You should consider these tires if you need strong, heavy-duty trailer tires that hold heavy loads without fuss.
Pros
- Very sturdy feel and solid load capacity.
- Full nylon cap ply across tread adds extra safety and stability.
- Good value for 10-ply trailer tires.
Cons
- Tires are trailer-only; rims are not included.
- Can feel stiff on small trailers or light loads.
- Speed rating limits you to 81 mph.
I put these on my car hauler and towed across long trips without drama. They tracked straight and felt stable under heavy loads.
I liked the extra nylon cap ply—it seemed to cut down on heat and wobble when I was fully loaded. Mounting was straightforward, but remember the rims aren’t included.
You’ll need to match rim width and valve stems, so check fitment before you buy. Road noise stayed low even after several hundred miles.
The sidewall scuff guard helped when loading and unloading tight ramps. If you tow often and carry heavy gear, these tires give a reassuring ride at a fair price.
Free Country Grand Ride 225/75R15 (Set of 4)
You should buy these if you want heavy-duty trailer tires that feel sturdy, ride quietly, and give good value for the price.
Pros
- Strong 10‑ply, steel‑belted build that handled heavy loads without flex.
- Deeper tread and full cap ply felt like it will last longer than cheap rivals.
- Sidewall scuff guard gave extra confidence when loading and parking.
Cons
- A bit stiff on rough roads compared with passenger tires.
- You must have a shop mount them — rims not included.
- Not for use on a tow vehicle; trailers only.
I mounted a set on my two‑axle trailer and drove a long trip at highway speeds. The tires tracked true, balanced easily, and stayed quiet at 70–75 mph.
They felt solid under load and didn’t heat up or wander on the highway. Loading my trailer up to near its capacity showed the benefit of the heavy rating.
The full nylon cap ply and deeper tread gave a firmer feel than the old trailer tires I replaced. I noticed less squirm during cornering with weight onboard.
Installation at the shop was quick and straightforward. The scuff guard already showed its worth after a few tight backing maneuvers.
Free Country Grand Ride 205/75R15
These tires are a solid buy if you need heavy-duty trailer rubber that resists side damage and lasts longer than cheap options.
Pros
- Deep 7 mm tread for better mileage life
- Full nylon cap ply for stronger tread protection
- Scuff Guard sidewall helps prevent cuts and scrapes
Cons
- Made for trailers only, not for cars or trucks
- Heavier than light-duty tires, so mounting takes effort
- Only one size shown here, may not fit all trailers
I put these on my enclosed work trailer and noticed a firmer, steadier pull right away. The ride felt smoother at highway speeds and the tires balanced without fuss.
After a month of daily hauling, the Scuff Guard saved the sidewalls from curb rub and loading scratches. The deeper tread looks like it will outlast the cheap 5 mm tires I had before.
Installing them took two people because each tire is hefty. Once mounted, they carried heavy loads without flex or heat buildup.
Transeagle 235/80R16 14-Ply Trailer Tires
You should buy these if you need heavy-duty trailer tires that carry big loads without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Very high load capacity and sturdy sidewalls.
- Feels solid and durable when mounted.
- Good value for heavy-use trailers.
Cons
- Heavy—makes mounting and handling harder.
- Ride can feel stiff on rough roads.
- Higher psi needed; check rims and TPMS compatibility.
I put a set on my fifth wheel and noticed how firm the trailer felt right away. The sidewalls stood up to heavy gear and the trailer tracked straight on the highway.
Mounting took effort because each tire is heavy, and you should have a shop or strong help. Once inflated to the recommended pressure, the tires handled full payloads without bulging.
On rough back roads the ride was on the firm side, so you’ll feel more road shock through the hitch than with softer tires. For long trips and heavy loads these held up and gave me confidence hauling big trailers.
Suntek HD Plus 225/75R15 (Set of 4)
You should buy these if you need heavy-duty trailer tires that carry big loads without feeling flimsy.
Pros
- Very strong feel and high load capacity.
- Smooth, stable ride on highways.
- Good value for 14-ply, G‑rated tires.
Cons
- Heavier than standard trailer tires.
- May not fit all wheels that aren’t rated for G tires.
- Tread depth can pick up road debris in some conditions.
I mounted this set and pulled a few long trips with a loaded trailer. The tires felt solid from the first mile and kept the trailer steady at highway speeds.
You notice the weight when handling them, but that weight is part of why they carry heavy loads so confidently. Rolling on hot pavement, they stayed cool and gave a controlled ride.
I weighed down the trailer and did repeated highway runs; the sidewalls showed no sag and tracking stayed true. You get a firmer feel than regular trailer tires — like a small commercial tire.
Fitment can be picky. My wheels accepted them fine, but a friend had to return a set because his rims weren’t compatible with G‑rated tires.
Check your wheels before buying so you don’t end up with a return.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right trailer tire matters for safety and load control. Look at the tire’s load rating first.
That tells you how much weight each tire can carry. Check the tire size and fit for your trailer’s rim and wheel well.
Using the wrong size can cause poor handling or premature wear. Inspect the tire’s ply rating and load range.
Higher ply or load range means stronger construction for heavy loads. Also consider the tire’s speed rating for your towing speeds.
Look for durable tread and sidewall design. Deeper tread and reinforced sidewalls resist cuts and punctures.
That helps when you carry heavy or uneven loads. Think about the tire’s construction type and materials.
Radial tires often give better ride comfort and heat dissipation. Bias-ply tires can be tougher for rough surfaces.
Consider your typical road and weather conditions. Wet traction and heat resistance matter for long trips.
If you tow in winter, check performance on cold surfaces. Check warranty and maintenance guidelines.
A clear warranty and easy maintenance steps can save time and money. Also learn about recommended tire pressure and rotation intervals.
Use a simple checklist when shopping:
- Confirm rim diameter and tire size match.
- Verify load rating meets or exceeds your needs.
- Compare ply/load range and construction type.
- Review tread design and sidewall strength.
- Note recommended inflation and maintenance tips.
Use a table to compare key specs quickly:
| Spec | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Load rating | Ensures safe weight capacity |
| Tire size | Fits wheel and prevents issues |
| Ply/load range | Indicates strength for heavy loads |
| Tread & sidewall | Affects durability and damage resistance |
| Speed rating | Matches towing speeds |
| Maintenance info | Guides inflation and care |
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers specific concerns about load ratings, tire construction, brands, inflation, replacement timing, and tire types for long hauls. It gives clear, practical guidance so you can pick and care for tires that handle heavy trailer loads safely.
What features should I look for in tires when hauling heavy loads?
Pick tires with a load range and load index that match or exceed your trailer’s gross axle weight rating (GAWR). Look for reinforced sidewalls, higher ply ratings, and deeper tread for better stability and heat resistance.
Choose tires marked for trailer use (ST) rather than passenger or light truck tires. Steel-belted construction helps prevent tread separation under heavy weight.
How does ply rating affect a trailer tire’s load-carrying capacity?
Ply rating shows internal strength, not just layers of fabric. A higher ply rating generally means the tire can carry more weight and resist heat build-up.
Modern tires use load range letters (C, D, E, etc.) that correlate with ply strength. Match the load range to the weight you carry plus a safety margin.
Can you recommend any brands known for their durability in trailer tires for heavy hauling?
Commonly recommended brands include Goodyear, Carlisle, Michelin, and Hankook for trailer use. These brands offer ST tires and models with higher load ratings and reinforced construction.
Check each model’s load index and owner reviews for real-world durability before you buy.
What is the importance of tire inflation in maintaining trailer tire longevity with heavy loads?
Correct inflation keeps the contact patch even, which prevents uneven wear and reduces heat. Underinflation causes extra flexing, heat, and early failure when you carry heavy loads.
Check tire pressure when cold, and inflate to the trailer tire’s recommended PSI, not the tow vehicle’s. Recheck pressure before long trips and after heavy loading.
How often should trailer tires be replaced when frequently used for heavy loads?
Replace tires that show cracks, bulges, deep tread wear, or sidewall damage immediately. As a rough guide, inspect tires every month and consider replacement every 3–6 years for frequently loaded trailers, depending on use and storage.
Always follow the tire’s age limit stamped on the sidewall and replace tires that are over six years old if you haul heavy loads regularly.
Are there specific tire types that are better suited for long-distance heavy hauling?
ST (Special Trailer) tires are made for trailers and long hauls. They resist flexing and heat better than LT or passenger tires.
Look for steel-belted, radials with high load range ratings for improved stability and cooler running. Bias-ply tires still work for some heavy loads and rough roads.
Radials typically offer better tread life and fuel efficiency on long trips.
