Exploring the Road to the 6 Best Rated Travel Trailer Tires

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Last Updated on February 24, 2025 by Jeremy

When you’re towing your travel trailer across rugged mountain passes, open highways, or winding backroads, your tires are your foundation. They’re the only connection between your rig and the pavement, and choosing the right ones can mean the difference between a smooth ride and a roadside disaster.

In this guide, we’re diving deep into the best-rated travel trailer tires, breaking down their construction, durability, and performance to help you find the perfect match for your next adventure.


Why Travel Trailer Tires Matter

Unlike regular passenger car tires, travel trailer tires are built to handle heavy loads, resist heat buildup, and minimize sway. They need to endure long stretches of high-speed highway travel while supporting the full weight of your RV and gear.

A good set of trailer tires will:

Enhance stability—reducing trailer sway and improving control
Improve fuel efficiency—by minimizing rolling resistance
Increase safety—reducing blowouts and tire failures
Extend tire lifespan—by using reinforced materials for durability


Types of Trailer Tire Construction: Radial vs. Bias-Ply

When choosing trailer tires, you’ll come across two main types of construction:

1️⃣ Radial Construction

🔹 Best for: Long-distance towing, highway travel
🔹 Key benefit: Lower rolling resistance = better fuel economy
🔹 Stronger sidewalls help prevent heat buildup
🔹 Typically lasts longer than bias-ply tires

💡 Best for RVers who spend most of their time on paved roads and highways.

2️⃣ Bias-Ply Construction

🔹 Best for: Shorter trips, off-road, and rough terrain
🔹 Key benefit: Tougher sidewalls = better for rugged conditions
🔹 Absorbs more shock, reducing vibration inside the trailer
🔹 Less expensive but wears out faster

💡 Best for RVers who frequently travel on gravel roads or camp in remote areas.

👉 Which one is right for you?
If you’re a full-time RVer or do a lot of highway driving, go with radial tires. If you primarily camp in off-grid locations or tow on rough terrain, bias-ply tires might be a better fit.


Understanding “ST” in Trailer Tires

Ever notice that trailer tires are labeled “ST”, while regular car tires say “P” or “LT”?

ST = Special Trailer

This means these tires are specifically designed for towing heavy loads. Unlike passenger vehicle tires, ST tires:

Have stronger sidewalls to support extra weight
Minimize sway to keep your trailer stable
Resist heat buildup, which reduces blowout risk

💡 Never use passenger car tires on a travel trailer! They aren’t built for heavy loads and can fail under stress.


Choosing the Best Travel Trailer Tires: What to Look For

When picking the best-rated tires for your trailer, keep these factors in mind:

🔹 1. Load Capacity: Know Your Weight

Check your trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and choose tires with a load rating that supports your total weight. Overloading tires leads to faster wear, overheating, and blowouts.

🔹 2. Tire Size: Get the Right Fit

Your trailer manufacturer recommends a specific tire size for a reason. Check your owner’s manual or the sidewall of your current tires to match the right diameter, width, and load index.

🔹 3. Tread Pattern: Where Are You Driving?

🔹 Highway driving? Look for tires with a smooth tread for fuel efficiency & stability.
🔹 Off-road travel? Choose aggressive tread for better grip on gravel & dirt.

🔹 4. Speed Rating: How Fast Are You Towing?

Most trailer tires have a maximum speed rating of 65-87 mph. Exceeding this increases heat buildup and risk of failure.

🔹 5. Weather Resistance: All-Season vs. Specialty Tires

If you camp year-round, consider all-season trailer tires designed for rain, heat, and cold weather performance.


The 6 Best Rated Travel Trailer Tires

After researching performance, durability, and customer feedback, these 6 travel trailer tires stand out as top-rated choices for RVers, campers, and off-grid travelers.

1️⃣ Transeagle ST Radial ST II (225/75R15) – Best for Long-Distance Travel

Load Range: E (10-Ply)
Highway Speed Rated: Up to 75 mph
All-Season Design: Works in hot & cold weather

💡 Why It Stands Out: Great balance between durability, price, and long-haul performance.


2️⃣ Transeagle ST Radial (235/85R16) – Heavy-Duty Hauling

Load Range: G (14-Ply)
Highway Speed Rated: Up to 81 mph
All-Steel Construction: Built for heavy loads

💡 Why It Stands Out: Best for large fifth wheels & toy haulers carrying heavy cargo.


3️⃣ Carlisle Radial Trail HD (225/75R15) – Most Reliable for RVers

Load Range: E (10-Ply)
Highway Speed Rated: Up to 81 mph
Heat Resistant: Reduces blowout risk on long trips

💡 Why It Stands Out: Trusted by full-time RVers for long lifespan & durability.


4️⃣ Venom Power Primo Hauler (235/85R16) – Best for Heavy Loads

Load Range: G (14-Ply)
All-Season Performance
Tough Sidewalls to prevent swaying

💡 Why It Stands Out: Built for off-grid travel & carrying heavy gear in rough terrain.


5️⃣ Gladiator QR25-TS (235/80R16) – Best for High-Speed Towing

Load Range: F (12-Ply)
Highway Speed Rated: Up to 87 mph
Durable Tread Compound for long wear

💡 Why It Stands Out: Designed for those who tow at higher speeds without sacrificing stability.


6️⃣ Power King Towmax STR II (205/75R15) – Best Budget-Friendly Tire

Load Range: D (8-Ply)
Highway Speed Rated: Up to 75 mph
Good for Weekend Campers

💡 Why It Stands Out: A solid affordable option without sacrificing safety or performance.


Final Thoughts: Choose Wisely, Travel Safely

Your travel trailer tires are more than just rubber on the road—they’re your safety net on every adventure. Whether you’re:

Towing cross-country on smooth highways
Heading off-grid on rough terrain
Carrying a heavy load in changing weather conditions

Picking the right tires ensures a safe, smooth, and stress-free ride.

💡 Looking for more RV gear? Visit our Affiliate Brand Directory for trusted brands & recommendations.

🔧 Need help with a blowout? Check out our guide on How to Change a Tire on a Travel Trailer

What tires do you trust for your RV? Drop your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s worked (or hasn’t) on your travels!

🚀 Safe travels and happy towing!

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4 responses to “Exploring the Road to the 6 Best Rated Travel Trailer Tires”

  1. Makhsud Avatar
    Makhsud

    Hey Jeremy, I just read your article on the best-rated travel trailer tires, and it was super informative! I appreciate the detailed breakdown of each tire and the tips on choosing the right one based on individual needs.

    I’m curious—how often should trailer tires be replaced even if they don’t show visible signs of wear? And what’s the best way to store them properly when the trailer isn’t in use for long periods? I’d love to hear your take on keeping them in the best shape possible!

    Also, has anyone here had real-world experience with the Transeagle or Carlisle tires? I’m leaning toward one of those but would love some feedback!

    1. Jeremy Avatar
      Jeremy

      Hey Max, great questions!

      For trailer tire replacement, even if the tread looks okay, most manufacturers recommend changing them every 3 to 5 years, depending on how they’re used and stored. Rubber deteriorates over time, and even if there’s no obvious damage, internal wear can increase the risk of blowouts—so it’s always better to play it safe.

      As for storage, here’s what I recommend:

      ✔ Keep them off direct ground contact – Use tire supports or blocks to avoid flat spots.
      ✔ Cover them from UV rays – Sun exposure is a major factor in rubber breakdown.
      ✔ Check & maintain proper PSI – Even during storage, keeping them properly inflated prevents weak spots.
      ✔ Rotate them periodically – If stored for a long time, a slight rotation helps prevent uneven pressure points.

      And I’d love to hear from other RVers on their experiences with Transeagle vs. Carlisle! From my research, Carlisle is a favorite among full-time RVers, while Transeagle is a great balance of cost and durability.

  2. Michel Avatar
    Michel

    Thanks for this! Tires are something we often tend to neglect—mostly because of the cost—but they could literally save your life. A few years ago, one of our trailer tires blew out on the highway, causing our tow vehicle to roll three times. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured, but it was a harsh lesson in why you should always check your tires and invest in quality ones.

    Since then, I never skimp on trailer tires, and your guide just helped confirm which ones I’ll be looking at next.

    1. Jeremy Avatar
      Jeremy

      Hi Michel,

      Wow, that must have been a terrifying experience! So glad everyone was okay. Your story is a powerful reminder of why trailer tires should never be an afterthought. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about stability and safety on the road.

      If you’re shopping for new tires, I’d love to hear what you decide on! Safe travels, and thanks for sharing your experience—it’s definitely something every RVer should take seriously.

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