I have two quick answers for the best
Tire buying can be a confusing thing for nearly everyone. In my younger days, one of my first jobs was selling tires at a store right next to a large shopping mall.
I learned all about tires from some of the best people in the business. Most of them had worked at that same store for more than two decades.
I discovered that the majority of people will choose a tire based on price. The right way is to choose based on the need or appropriate application.
I remember a young man insisting that I sell him a tire designed for a Volkswagen Beetle. He liked it and he KNEW it would fit on his Ford Taurus.
Um…..No. That’s not the way this works.
Tires for trailers are even more confusing. There are both radial and bias-ply options, and who the heck knows what that is anyway?!
Well, I know the difference and in a short period of time, so will you.
Should I buy Radial or Bias Tires?
Radial tires have what are called belts, or a ply, inside. These belts run at a 90-degree angle (measuring from the center of the tire). Radial tires last far longer than bias ply. They also don’t develop those annoying flat spots when the
Bias-ply tires also use belts, but these run at a 30 to 45-degree angle. They are stiffer but they don’t last as long as radial tires.
But they can reduce the amount of sway you feel when pulling the
This is a sort of give and take situation. The choice is entirely yours.
It all depending on the type of
Maximum Load
Whether you’ve got a 5th wheel or an 8×10 utility
This value tells you how much weight your tires should be able to handle. It should also list the recommended tire size.
Every tire must list the maximum load that it can handle.
ALWAYS purchase a
Now that you should be able to choose the right size and type tire, let’s look at some of the best
Carlisle Radial Trail HD Trailer Tire
This is a radial, heavy duty
Heavy Duty means this tire is designed to work on trailers up to one ton in weight per tire. It’s safe to say that these can handle almost anything you have. Most sizes have an 8/32 tread depth, but some larger sizes have 11/32 tread depth.
Carlisle might not be a big name you know. But they’ve been around for decades and are known for making quality tires at affordable prices.
The price will depend on the size of the tire you need but compare brands and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Most people who have used these tires say that they love how long they last. They appear to be some of the best quality tires they’ve had.
These are made in China which concerns some people.
Regardless of where they are made, they must be made using the standards that Carlisle provides.
Pros
- They have super deep tread (as much as 11/32) means long-lasting wear.
- They’re reasonably priced.
- They have good heat and weight ratings.
Cons
- There are a few complaints about the tires developing sidewall bubbles after only a few miles.
- The tires have a 2-year warranty, but the warranty has quite a few limitations and restrictions.
Million Parts Trailer Tires with Rims
Here is something you don’t see very often, a pair of new
I’ve never heard of the brand Million Parts, but this was a very economical deal that I couldn’t pass up. My tires had severe dry rot and the rims were anything but beautiful.
These tires are rated to hold 1,820 pounds each. But they are not suitable for cars or larger trailers.
The rubber looks to be good quality and they are bias-ply, which works well for me. These
I haven’t had much time to use them, but I did take two short trips and they felt very sturdy. Other’s note that even after a dozen trips in 100 plus degree weather, the tires had no issues.
Pros
- Very reasonably priced
- Good value
- Good load rating and speed rating for a small tire
Cons
- They don’t fit all trailers. Check your bolt pattern first.
- Some complain of sidewall blowouts within a few miles or uses. But their load capacity was close to the maximum limit.
White Spoke Trailer Wheel with Bias Tire
This is a larger size tire and rim than the Million Parts brand above.
This
This tire and rim are not sold as a set, so if all you need is a spare tire, this one will work for you.
The tire is a bias-ply and it uses 6 belts. The speed rating is M, which means maximum speed is 81mph.
Most people who have used this say that it has given them a smoother ride than previous tires they have owned. They also mention the price is very reasonable for a new 15-inch steel rim and tire.
A few users have complained that the tire itself came apart in chunks after a few uses. Those complaints are in the minority. It seems most have planned to keep this as an emergency spare tire.
Pros
- It’s reasonably priced for the size
- They come conveniently mounted on the rim.
- It its many different trailers.
Cons
- The tire is mounted but must be balanced.
- It’s from an unknown tire manufacturer.
Omni Trail Radial Trailer Tire
Here is a radial tire for a change and this is sold without the rim.
This tire is made for towing, since it has a load rating of 2,150 pounds per tire (single) or 1,870 pounds if you have a dually.
That’s more than a one-ton per tire rating! Very impressive!
This Omni
Those who own this Omni radial
There are very few complaints, if any, which is always a good sign.
Pros
- It has a super high weight rating.
- It also has a very good speed rating.
- They’re reasonably priced for the weight rating.
Cons
- They’re made in Singapore (Some question the quality).
- The warranty is very limited (12 months or first2/32 of tire life)
- It’s not a well-known brand name
Trailer King ST Radial Trailer Tire
The ST radial
The speed rating is L, which means 75mph maximum, and the max load rating is a big 2,150 pounds per tire. The center tread design prevents the
For a tire with this weight rating, the price is almost unbelievable.
These are also made in China, where most tires today are made, but don’t let this concern you.
The majority of people who have purchased and used these tires say that they are one of the longest lasting tires they have ever used. Many people get more than 20,000 miles from them fully loaded.
Of course, your mileage may vary.
There are a few complaints that the tires aren’t accurately marked. The owner felt that the tires were most likely only a 6 ply, but there is no evidence that this is true.
Pros
- It’s a very attractive price for an 8-ply radial tire.
- They have a long-lasting tread design
Trailer King name has a reputation for quality.
Cons
- There are a few complaints about early sidewall blowouts.
- The road Hazard warranty only applies if purchased at an authorized dealer.
The Bottom Line
Trailers vary so much in size and weight that it’s very difficult to choose which is the best tire. But from my studies and experience, follow these guidelines:
For a smaller
For those with larger trailers, I would go with the
That’s my take on the subject. But the truth is, if you pick the right load rating for your