Trailers are a symbol of liberty, adventure, and good times. There is nothing better for many people than taking a long road trip with a fully prepared trailer, and we are all for it! However, if you do not prepare correctly, the long-planned journey might quickly become a nightmare.
And, of course, we’re primarily discussing tires here. We have witnessed numerous examples of large crashes occurring due to worn-out trailer tires and incorrect tires being used for the job. And, of course, we’re referring to the tires’ capacity to support the entire weight of the trailer.
Frequently, trailer operators purchase tires that do not have a sufficient load rating for their trailers. While the tires you choose may suit the trailer itself, what about the added load?
It is critical to choose trailer tires capable of comfortably carrying the entire weight of your trailer. If the tires do not have the required load-carrying capacity, you are putting yourself in grave danger when driving.
When trailer tires are overloaded, they will not offer proper road stability, especially at highway speeds. Additionally, when the tires are overworked, they will soon wear down and may even burst. Can you picture what would happen if that happened while you were traveling with your family?
We recommend investing in heavy-duty trailer tires if you wish to drive entirely safely and securely while towing a trailer. These tires have a larger load capacity, which means they can easily support the trailer’s weight in addition to the load inside.
Best Tires For Dump Trailer
Maxxis M8008 Radial Trailer Tire
The Maxxis M8008 is one of the best trailer tires available for loads B, C, D, and E, and it’s easy to see why.
These tires are our favorite because of the balance they strike between road stability and great shock absorption.
Its innovative tread compound reduces rolling resistance, improving fuel efficiency and enhancing tread life. The interior radial double-steel belting architecture of the M8008 also makes it extremely durable.
On top of that, the M8008 comes with a five-year limited guarantee from its manufacturer.
Pros
- Superior on-road sturdiness
- When loaded, this is an extremely safe vehicle to drive.
- Constructed to last
- The guarantee is excellent.
Cons
- Probably not the greatest option for farming purposes.
Carlisle Trail HD Trailer Radial
The Carlisle Trail HD’s variable-pitch construction prevents overheating as nearly no other trailer tire can.
This makes it a better choice for big weights than many of its rivals. Ranges C, D, E, and F are accessible on the Carlisle Trail HD for varying weights.
The tire’s low-rolling-resistance technology aids in fuel efficiency while still providing a comfortable ride and stable handling. The DuraTrail high-strength belt package enhances this tire’s longevity and the HeatShield heat-resistant compound technology.
Pros
- Stable even when fully loaded on the highway.
- This is a really solid structure.
- Excellent ability to withstand excessive heat
Cons
- Off-roading isn’t possible with the radial design.
Trailer King ST Radial II
Another great alternative for drivers looking for a secure and trustworthy tire is the Trailer King ST Radial tire. This tire’s robust design allows it to bear big weights without compromising stability.
The Trailer King ST performs exceptionally well on wet terrain, even in heavy rain, owing to its central groove. Excellent for the price, Trailer King also offers a 5-year warranty.
Pros:
- Exceptional traction in both wet and dry conditions.
- Superb build quality.
- 5-year guarantee
Cons
- Off-road terrain isn’t the greatest place for this vehicle.
Freestar M-108+
It’s a great low-cost option for drivers that need a sturdy trailer tire for large loads. Even when fully laden, this tire maintains a high level of stability on the highway.
Additionally, the tire’s double-steel belted internal radial structure makes it very strong and long-lasting. However, because the M-108+ is a bit tricky to install, we recommend that you take them to a tire specialist for assistance.
Pros
- Stability on the motorway is excellent
- Constructed with strength and sturdiness
- The cost is reasonable.
Cons
- Off-road or agricultural usage is not recommended.
- It cannot be easy to put in place.
- Best Heavy-duty trailer tires with 12- and 14-ply plies
Westlake ST Tire (Load Range G)
One of the most popular trailer tires for drivers who travel is the Westlake ST. Despite its long tread life, this tire is sturdy enough to handle a fully loaded trailer while providing a comfortable ride.
Also included is a 5-year guarantee and roadside support, as well as Tread Wear Indicators. The 4,400-pound load capacity of this tire’s 14-ply (load range G) variant makes it ideal for most applications.
Pros:
- On the road, it provides excellent stability.
- Constructed to last
- Capacity for heavy loads
Cons
- Agricultural usage is not recommended.
Provider ST Trailer Tire (Load Range G)
The performance of the Provider ST and the Westlake ST are comparable. The Provider ST has an impressive maximum load capacity of 4,440 lbs. on the highway, making it extremely stable even with huge loads.
Tread Wear Indicators are also included in this model, although the guarantee is limited to two years. The price is considerably reduced for those on a budget, making it an excellent option.
Pros
- Stability on the motorway is excellent
- The ability to endure and withstand
- Capacity for heavy loads
- Consistently good value
- 2-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Agricultural usage is not recommended.
Taskmaster Premium Trailer Contender (Load Range G)
With a load range G or 14-ply rating, the Taskmaster Premium trailer tire is an excellent option for drivers of very heavy trailers. This tire has a maximum weight capability of 4,400 lbs.
When driving on the highway, this tire is one of the most stable on the market, even with a large amount of weight on board. A 2-year warranty on the Taskmaster Premium is lower than the finest radial tires available.
Pros
- Exceptional highway traction and stability
- Capacity for heavy loads
- Constructed with strength and sturdiness
Cons
- a two-year warranty is offered
- Off-roading isn’t the ideal use for this vehicle.
- In the case of heavy loads, the best bias-ply trailer tires
Kenda Bias Trailer Tire (Load Range G)
When driving over uneven ground, the Kenda Bias trailer tire may be the finest option.
Additionally, we can certify that this tire is incredibly durable, withstanding up to 3,070 lbs. of weight and 116 pressures per tire.
To top it all off, the company provides a five-year warranty and a year of worry-free warranty (completely free replacement).
Pros:
- Exceptionally hard-wearing construction
- It’s perfect for farming and off-roading
- A five-year warranty is offered.
Cons
- For highway use, this vehicle is not recommended.
Homaster V Trailer Tire (Load Range G)
The Kenda Bias can handle up to 3,100 lbs per tire at 115 psi, while the Homaster V can do even more.
This tire has a bias-ply structure, making it ideal for driving on rocky or muddy roads. It is, nevertheless, usual for bias-ply tires to have a lower level of highway stability than other tires.
While Kenda guarantees a 5-year warranty, Homaster only offers a 2-year guarantee.
Pros
- Extremely robust and long-lasting
- It’s great for off-roading and farm work.
- Capacity for heavy loads
Cons
- On the freeway, it’s less than ideal.
- a two-year warranty is offered
Carlisle Sport Trail LH Bias
In terms of short-haul, rarely freight transportation, the Carlisle Sport Trail LH bias-ply trailer tire is one of the finest options. This is one of the strongest tires in its class, and it’s well-suited for carrying high weights.
A benefit of this tire’s bias-ply design is that it may be utilized on various surfaces, including those found off-road. Carlisle Sport Trail LH’s highway stability is barely mediocre, and its tread life is not exceptional.
Pros
- Outstanding for agricultural purposes
- It’s ideal for short-distance transportation
- ability to travel off-road
- Superb build quality.
Cons
- Tread life is reduced, making them less useful on highways.
Heavy-Duty Trailer Tires – Buying Guide in 2022
Before purchasing any, you should be aware of the differences between trailer tires and passenger car tires. They may appear the same on the surface, but trust us, they are different in how they function.
When it comes to passenger vehicle tires, purchasers are more interested in learning about the tire’s overall performance.
People are particularly interested in dry and wet handling, braking, and highway stability. In addition, the tread life of passenger and truck tires is critical because you’ll be driving for a long time.
Of course, in addition to long tread life and outstanding cornering performance, trailer tires should also offer decent handling.
On the other hand, Trailer tires do not travel nearly as far as ordinary tires. Tire tread life isn’t as significant with these tires, and the hardness of the structure is a better indicator of their long-term durability.
A trailer tire’s tensile strength is often inversely proportional to its load rating, as we’ll see in the following section.
But first, let’s see how truck and trailer tires may be differentiated.
LT-Metric vs. ST-Metric Tires: What’s the Difference?
It’s very uncommon for trailers to be still equipped with tires with LT-metric measurements even in 2020. They believe that LT-metric tires can support the weight of a trailer and that they should be able to do so.
On the other hand, LT-metric tires are strongly discouraged for use on trailers. The “LT” abbreviation on these tires stands for “Light Truck,” which is the only vehicle they should be using.
The sidewalls of LT-metric tires are durable, although they are not nearly as sturdy as those of ST-metric tires. On the other hand, LT-metric tires are made to provide a smooth ride, sensitive steering, good traction under high acceleration, exceptional cornering grip, and powerful braking power.
But that doesn’t imply trailers can use them. LT-metric tires aren’t meant to remain motionless for lengthy periods, even with heavy loads. Leaving them on the trailer for long periods will cause them to warp, making them worthless afterward.
We highly advise you to use ST-metric tires on your trailer as a result. “ST” stands for “Special Trailer” in these tires. It is possible to keep these tires motionless for lengthy periods without fear of destroying the tires because of their stronger internal composition.
Stiffer sidewalls on ST-metric tires improve highway stability, especially when hauling big loads in a trailer. Metric tires In the corners, LT-metric tires are likely to deform, leading to instability in the trailer.
On the other hand, ST-metric tires aren’t known for their traction and comfort. On the other hand, Trailers lack both powertrains and passengers, making these considerations moot. Strength, stability, and grip are of the utmost importance in this situation.
Ply and Load Range Capability
After the tire measurements, which should match those on your trailer, the most important thing to remember when selecting ST-metric tires is that the load rating must be correctly calculated.
It’s important to note that these ratings indicate how much weight a tire can bear before it becomes unstable.
Load ratings are critical for both safety and long-term performance. Low load ratings are dangerous, and they also shorten the life of your tires.
Before the introduction of letters, load ratings were referred to as “ply ratings,” which are still often used today. Ply ratings and load ratings for trailer tires are listed here.
- Maximum load pressure of 35 psi for Load Range B (4-Ply Tires) (240 kPa)
- Range C Tires (6-Ply) have a maximum load pressure of fifty pounds per square inch (350 kPa)
- Pressure limit of 65 psi is set for the Load Range D (8-Ply Tires) (450 kPa)
- Load Range E (10-Ply tires) – a maximum load pressure of 80 psi is permitted (550 kPa)
- Maximum load pressure of 95 psi for Load Range F (12-Ply Tires) (655 kPa)
- Load Range G (14-Ply tires) – a maximum load pressure of 110 psi is permitted (760 kPa)
We recommend at least “Load Range D” or 8-ply tires for heavy-duty trailer tire applications. If you’re looking for a tire that can handle a lot of weight, you’ll want to look for a tire with higher load ratings.
You may always buy tires with greater ply ratings to be safe, but they are also more pricey. It would be best if you thus made a basic calculation before pressing the “purchase” button.
You should ensure that the weight of your trailer does not exceed the capacity of all four tires. For example, 16-inch load range E tires (10-ply) may hold up to 3,000 pounds of load per tire, depending on the model. Four of these tires have a combined weight capacity of 12,000 pounds.
It’s important to note that the load ratings are decreased when using other tires in some models, so be sure to verify the tire specifications.
When it comes to trailer tires, there are two main types: radial and bias-ply.
The next step is to determine whether you need radial or bias-ply tires based on the vehicle’s weight and dimensions. No one asks this topic anymore since the internal design of every passenger-car tire is radial.
Plies in radial tires are arranged in a radial pattern. As a result, they are extremely light and sensitive in the corners. On top of all that, radial tires provide a stronger grip on paved surfaces because of their increased surface area. With radial tires, your trailer will be significantly more stable.
Radial tires are also more fuel-efficient since they have a reduced rolling resistance. It’s also worth noting that the tread life of radial tires is longer than that of bias-ply tires.
Bias-ply tires, on the other hand, are still the most durable. Bias-ply tires have a stiffer design because of the 45-degree plies within.
When it comes to off-roading and farming, they’re a superior option because of this. As a result of these conditions, radial tires will also be affected. On the other hand, Bias-ply tires may be left stationary for lengthy periods without being distorted.
On the other hand, Bias-ply tires are bulkier and hence less maneuverable on the road. Because of their reduced stability and responsiveness, these tires aren’t recommended for highway use. Additionally, you may notice a decrease in fuel efficiency and an increase in tire wear.
To summarize, radial tires are the most popular choice for drivers who frequently travel on the highway. On the other hand, Bias-ply tires are chosen for commercial, agricultural, and off-roading purposes.
St-Metric Trailer Tire Care and Preventative Measures
It doesn’t matter whether you get the best trailer tires if you don’t properly maintain them. To keep your trailer tires in good condition and safe on the road, here are some simple tips:
The exact pressure recommended by the tire manufacturer is the only method to ensure that your tires are properly filled. Inflating tires becomes increasingly important as the vehicle’s weight increases.
On the highway, tires that aren’t adequately inflated will perform sluggishly and may even become unstable. On the other hand, underinflated tires may easily distort or even disintegrate. Putting too much air in the tires might also lead to problems – and even explode!
Even if the trailer is parked, it’s a good idea to keep the tires out of direct sunlight. Rubber tires deteriorate rapidly and become virtually plastic-like when exposed to the sun. It is quite dangerous to drive with tires that have been exposed to the sun for a lengthy period. To avoid this problem, be careful to keep the tires covered at all times.
To see how much tread is remaining on the tire, take a look at it. There is a great probability that your trailer may skid on wet roads if your trailer tires are worn down.
If the tires have Tread Wear Indicators (TWI), you may use those to determine the tread depth.
Alternately, you can use the Lincoln penny test, which involves inserting an upside-down penny into the grooves of a test card. The tires should be replaced if Lincoln’s head is still clearly visible.
It’s best to get your tires replaced every four to five years, even if you don’t drive that much in that time. Tire rubber can harden with time, reducing the tire’s capacity to grip the road.
Conclusion
Our goal is that this lengthy post has helped you locate the best heavy-duty trailer tires for your specific needs. Nonetheless, we’d like to offer one more piece of advice: don’t drink and drive.
Trailers can be quite challenging for the driver when traveling at high speeds. Additionally, the driver has virtually little control over the situation if the trailer loses traction on its own accord.
As a result, you must drive cautiously and within posted speed limits at all times. If you’re going too quickly, even the greatest trailer tires won’t save you!
We hope that you have a wonderful time on your next road trip and that you enjoy every minute of it. Be aware!
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