Trailer Tires Ranked by Load Rating and Longevity
The Goodyear Endurance ST Radial takes the top spot for its higher speed rating and domestic construction. The Carlisle Radial Trail HD is the better value for regular towing. For heavier loads, the Maxxis M8008 ST Radial holds up well under sustained highway use.
For most towing the Goodyear Endurance ST Radial is the tire to buy, with the Carlisle Radial Trail HD covering regular use for less and the Maxxis M8008 ST Radial suited to heavier loads.
Trailer tires are unusual because most fail from age, heat and sun rather than tread wear, and a tire with plenty of tread left can still be unsafe. We compared load range ratings, speed ratings, radial versus bias construction, ply counts and sidewall compounds, then weighed what owners report about blowouts, cracking after a few seasons and how each holds pressure over a winter of storage.
What matters most
ST tires are not car tires Special Trailer tires carry an ST prefix and are built with stiffer sidewalls to resist sway and support vertical load, not to steer or brake. Passenger car tires fitted to a trailer flex too much, generate heat and can fail under load. Light truck tires are occasionally used on heavy trailers but need careful load calculation. For almost every trailer, ST rated tires in the size printed on the trailer placard are the correct answer.
Load range and pressure go together Load range letters correspond to a maximum load at a specified cold inflation pressure, and the rating only applies when the tire is inflated to that pressure. Underinflation is the leading cause of trailer tire failure because a soft tire flexes, heats up and separates. Check pressure cold before every trip, since trailer tires lose pressure sitting idle and a visual check will not reveal a tire that is well below spec.
Age matters more than tread depth Most trailer tires are replaced with plenty of tread remaining because the rubber has aged out. Sun, ozone and heat cycles break down the sidewall from the inside, producing fine cracks that precede a blowout. Read the four digit date code on the sidewall, which gives the week and year of manufacture, and plan replacement in the region of three to five years regardless of appearance or mileage.
Speed ratings and heat management Many standard trailer tires are rated for lower speeds than modern highway traffic flow, which is why sustained fast towing on hot pavement causes failures. Choosing a tire with a higher speed rating gives real margin. Keep loads within the axle rating, avoid overloading one side, and stop periodically on long trips to feel for a hub or tire that is running noticeably hotter than the others.
The top picks, ranked
Goodyear Endurance ST Radial
The Endurance is the tire most experienced towers switch to after one bad roadside experience. It carries a higher speed rating than typical trailer tires and uses a durable construction aimed at sustained highway running. Owners consistently report fewer blowouts and better sidewall life over several seasons.
Pros
- Strong reputation for reliability
- Higher speed rating
- Good sidewall durability
Cons
- Costs more than budget ST tires
- Popular sizes sell out
Carlisle Radial Trail HD
Carlisle’s Radial Trail HD is the sensible mainstream choice, offering solid load ratings and a tread designed to run cool. It suits boat, utility and travel trailers used regularly through the season. The value proposition is strong when replacing a full set of four or six.
Pros
- Good value across a full set
- Runs cool on long hauls
- Widely available sizes
Cons
- Lower speed rating than premium tires
- Sidewalls need sun protection
Maxxis M8008 ST Radial
Maxxis builds the M8008 with a robust casing that handles sustained load without excessive heat buildup. It is a common upgrade for heavier travel trailers where the factory tires are marginal. The tread pattern tracks straight and resists the scrubbing that tandem axles impose in tight turns.
Pros
- Handles heavy loads well
- Resists heat buildup
- Tracks straight at speed
Cons
- Firmer ride on light trailers
- Limited smaller sizes
Trailer King ST Radial II
Trailer King covers the essentials at a lower outlay, delivering radial construction and reasonable load ratings for occasional towing. It suits utility and boat trailers that see local use rather than cross country miles. Based on specifications it prioritises value over the highest speed ratings.
Pros
- Low cost per tire
- Radial construction at budget level
- Fine for local hauls
Cons
- Lower speed rating
- Shorter expected service life
Kenda Loadstar Karrier ST Radial
Kenda’s Loadstar Karrier line is common as original equipment on boat trailers, and the compound copes with repeated ramp dunking and sun exposure. Sizes cover the smaller wheel diameters that boat trailers often use. It is a straightforward replacement that keeps the trailer at its designed ride height.
Pros
- Good small size availability
- Suited to marine use
- Direct replacement fitment
Cons
- Not built for heavy highway miles
- Modest load ranges
Freestar M-108 ST Radial
Freestar sits at the budget end and is a common choice for a mounted spare that may sit unused for years. Load ratings are adequate for light and medium trailers. For a spare that needs to get you to the next town, it does the job without tying up much money.
Pros
- Inexpensive for a spare
- Common sizes available
- Adequate light duty ratings
Cons
- Not a long life primary tire
- Limited heavy load options
Carlisle Sport Trail LH Bias Trailer Tire
Bias ply construction still has a place on short haul and heavily loaded utility trailers, where stiff sidewalls resist rollover in tight turns. The Sport Trail LH is a long running option in that category. It is not the choice for highway miles, where radials run cooler and last longer.
Pros
- Stiff sidewalls for tight manoeuvres
- Good for short local hauls
- Proven long running design
Cons
- Runs hotter than radials at speed
- Shorter highway life
Compared at a glance
| # | Model | Type | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goodyear Endurance ST Radial | ST radial | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Carlisle Radial Trail HD | ST radial | Best value | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Maxxis M8008 ST Radial | ST radial | Best for heavy loads | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | Trailer King ST Radial II | ST radial | Best budget radial | 8.7 | Check price |
| 5 | Kenda Loadstar Karrier ST Radial | ST radial | Best for boat trailers | 8.5 | Check price |
| 6 | Freestar M-108 ST Radial | ST radial | Best for spares | 8.3 | Check price |
| 7 | Carlisle Sport Trail LH Bias Trailer Tire | Bias ply | Best bias ply option | 8.0 | Check price |
Common questions
How long do trailer tires last?
Typically three to five years regardless of mileage, because they age out before the tread wears down. Check the date code on the sidewall rather than judging by appearance.
Can I put car tires on my trailer?
It is not recommended. Passenger tires have more flexible sidewalls that generate heat under trailer loads and increase sway.
What pressure should trailer tires run at?
Inflate cold to the pressure listed on the tire sidewall for its maximum load, unless the trailer manufacturer specifies otherwise. Underinflation is the most common cause of failure.
Radial or bias ply for a trailer?
Radials run cooler and last longer for highway miles, which covers most towing. Bias ply still suits short haul utility trailers where sidewall stiffness matters more than distance.
How do I read the date code on a tire?
Look for a four digit number at the end of the DOT code. The first two digits are the week and the last two are the year of manufacture.
Should I replace all trailer tires at once?
Yes where possible, so all tires share the same age and construction. Mixing new and aged tires puts uneven load on the newer ones.
How should I store a trailer to protect the tires?
Keep it off direct sunlight with covers if possible, inflate to the recommended pressure, and move it occasionally to avoid flat spots. Storing on blocks removes load from the tires.
Do I need a spare for my trailer?
Yes. Trailer tires fail suddenly rather than gradually, and roadside help for trailer sizes can be slow. A mounted spare on a matching rim is worth carrying.
Our take
The Goodyear Endurance ST Radial is worth the extra outlay for anyone covering real highway miles, thanks to its higher speed rating and reputation for surviving hot pavement. The Carlisle Radial Trail HD is the value choice for regular seasonal use, and the Maxxis M8008 ST Radial is the one to fit when the trailer runs consistently near its load limit.
