The 8 Best Tires for Trailers

#1. Maxxis M8008 ST

The Maxxis M8008 ST is one of the best tires for dual-axle trailers.

This model can tow and haul heavy loads with minimal fuss thanks to three nylon plies in the sidewall, double-belted steel construction, and an optional E-load range. As long as you monitor tire pressure before and after each trip, the risk of tire failure will be slim.

An advanced tread compound helps keep rolling resistance to a bare minimum, thereby helping you enjoy fuel savings on the tow vehicle. A full nylon cap ensures uniform road contact for better durability and increases strength and puncture resistance.

Having logged these tires for thousands of miles across the country, we’re happy to report that their straight-line tracking is much better than cheap trailer tires. The Maxxis M8008 ST also ride much smoother than their less expensive counterparts.

If you like changing tires on the hard shoulder, cheap tires are a better option. If not, the Maxxiss M8008 ST will keep both you and your trailer happy.

#2. Carlisle Radial Trail HD

The Carlisle Radial Trail HD has one specific edge over the first tire on our list.

This model is available in Load Range F, which means that it’s designed to handle much heavier loads than the Maxxis M8008 ST, which can only go as high as Load Range E. As such, this tire can more effectively support the weight of your dual-axle trailer and its cargo.

It also features a heat and wear-resistant rubber tread compound with high-tensile steel belts. Both of these join their forces to increase impact resistance, which means that potholes, bumps and curb damage are less likely to get the better of this tire.

Carlisle has designed this tire so that it loses less pressure no matter how many miles you drive. This ensures better performance and reduced wear and tear. Also, thanks to weathering protection, it can effectively bypass the damaging effects of heat.

To further sweeten the deal, all models come with either an L or M speed rating. This means you can safely drive this tire at higher speeds on the highway.

#3. Kenda Karrier KR03

The Kenda Karrier KR03 ST radial trailer tire is one of the best money can buy.

Similar to its rivals recommended above, this model features double steel belts and full nylon plies for extended life amid heavy-duty use. It also offers superb handling in dry and wet conditions. So, you should have no problems using it year-round.

For your dual-axle trailer, we recommend models with a 10-ply rating. They are capable of handling up to 3,500 pounds (per tire). Also, by offering 14,000 pounds of combined load-carrying ability, these tires can come good for the most demanding jobs.

Although I have yet to drive this tire in wet weather, I’m pretty confident it can hold up well in the rain. The main reasons for my optimism are the deep grooves and copious siping on the tread. They should give it adequate traction on slippery surfaces.

Equally importantly, this tire grips the road well and is fairly quiet. Unlike with cheap trailer tires, they produce little noise as you pull your trailer down the road.

#4. Taskmaster Provider ST Trailer

The Taskmaster Provider ST Trailer tire boasts a load capacity of up to 4,400 pounds per tire at 110 psi, enough to support the weight of most dual-axle trailers and their cargo.

A 5-rb tread pattern doesn’t just increase this tire’s handling performance. It also improves the tire’s straight-line tracking, making it incredibly stable at high speeds. You can thus push this tire to its limits without having to worry about swaying or floating.

Even when installed on a trailer with a stiffer suspension, its tough tread compound and heavy construction materials will ensure a refined performance. Also, thanks to two steel belted construction, it offers added durability.

Sure, the 2-year warranty might put some people away (most of the above models are backed to last up to 5 years). However, when juxtaposed with its price, which is lower than the competition, this tire comes across as a good option for budget-minded drivers.

#1. Goodyear Endurance Trailer Tire

The Goodyear Endurance Trailer Tire has everything needed to enhance the handling and performance of your small light-duty trailer.

A combination of DuraWall Technology (which reinforces the sidewall) and a scuff guard (which prevents the penetration of sharp objects into the rubber) minimizes the risks of punctures and cuts. In doing so, it makes this model handy for mild off-roading.

Thanks to the redesigned polyester construction, this tire won’t get warped easily, even when left stationary for extended periods. Moreover, an enhanced tread pattern and advanced tread compound improve its lateral grip on dry and wet roads.

Finally, unlike cheap imports, this model is very resistant to UV rays. The risk of rubber cracking under brutal sun exposure is pretty slim. Throw its 6-year workmanship and replacement warranty into the mix, and this tire becomes a must-have for light-duty trailer owners.

#2. Westlake Radial ST Trailer Tire

The Westlake ST is another trailer tire that comes in C and D load ranges and is suitable for smaller light-duty trailers.

Befitting a premium trailer tire, this model boasts all-weather traction. An asymmetric tread pattern and stronger sidewalls make sure it remains stable 365 days a year. On top of that, the sidewalls are robust enough to prevent premature deformation.

While it cannot be installed on passenger vehicles, it seems to have borrowed one design element from passenger tires. Which is great news because that design element (circumferential grooves) is crucial for a safer driving experience on slippery surfaces.

You can also count on this model to last a long time. Its abrasion-resistant tread design and 8-ply construction minimize the wear and tear that is the undoing for many trailer tires. Plus, thanks to its wider-than-usual footprint, a secure drive is guaranteed.

#3. Hi-Run H180 Trailer Tire

While we usually refrain from recommending bias-ply tires, the Hi-Run H180 is an exception.

Designed for use on utility trailers and boats, this model comes with a smart tread pattern. Smart in the sense that it enhances this tire’s traction without hurting the handling. You can thus safely push this model to the limits set by its W speed rating.

True, the inner 45-angle plies may have made this tire look deformed (just like every bias-ply tire out there). But they have also made this model a better choice for driving over uneven surfaces. Think of off-roading and agricultural use.

There’s another benefit that the Hi-Run H180 offers. You can leave them parked for extended periods without exposing them to the risk of warping. While some radial tires also offer this perk, they are in a negligible minority.

If your trailer rarely sees the highway and is mostly used for agricultural or off-road use, the Hi-Run H180 should be your preferred choice.

#4. Thunderer R501 ST Radial

The Thunderer R501 ST Radial trailer tire is our final pick for smaller, light-duty trailers.

A five-rib design helps this model provide better road contact (and, in turn, road grip) than many of its similar-price competitors. Such excellent road contact means better distribution of pressure forces for excellent usability and long tread life.

Think we’re taking things too far? Only this tire’s drive can change your mind. It will only be once you’re behind the wheel that this model’s amazing gripping ability will remind you why many trailer owners are repeat buyers of Thunderer trailer tires.

This model’s internal structure features twin steel belts for added durability. Together with a nylon overlay, they minimize the threat of damage, such as tread separation. However, the absence of mention of UV resistance by Thunderer raises questions about this tire’s durability.