The best trailer tires are the ones that match your wheel size and your axle rating. On 15-inch wheels that usually means a Load Range D or E radial such as the Goodyear Endurance sizes below, while small 8- to 13-inch utility and boat trailers often run a lower-cost bias tire. Read the size on your current tire or the trailer placard first, then compare load range, construction and age.
Disclosure: some links are Amazon affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Specs below come from the Amazon listings and tire-size references. Listings change, so confirm size, load range and the DOT date on the page before you order. Towing a horse trailer? See our horse trailer tire guide.
Best trailer tires at a glance
| Use | Pick | Size and rating (as listed) |
|---|---|---|
| 15-inch, heavy duty | Goodyear Endurance 2-pack | ST225/75R15, Load Range E |
| 15-inch, single tire | Goodyear Endurance 225/75R15 | 117N, load index 117 |
| 15-inch, budget bias | Transeagle TE898 | ST205/75D15, Load Range C |
| 14-inch pair | eCustomRim 205/75 listing | ST205/75R14, Load Range D |
| 15-inch set of four | DEMETER 205/75R15 | Load Range D, set of 4 |
| 8-inch yard trailers, mounted | Garvee 4.80-8 on rims | 4.80-8 on 8-inch rims |
| 13-inch, mounted | MERXENG wheel set | ST175/80D13, Load Range C |
| Small boat trailers | Forerunner QH502 | ST5.70-8, Load Range C bias |
| Premium radial listing | Transeagle Radial | Size not confirmed here; check the listing |
| 15-inch bias | Forerunner QH500 | ST205/75D15, Load Range C |
How to choose trailer tires
- Read the size on your current tire or the trailer tire placard, for example ST205/75R15. Width, aspect ratio and rim diameter must all match.
- Add up the load rating. Each axle carries two tires, and their combined capacity must meet or beat the axle rating on the trailer label. Never choose a lower load range than the original.
- Check R or D in the size. R means radial and D means diagonal (bias). Do not mix the two on the same axle.
- For mounted sets, match the bolt pattern, center bore and the wheel pressure rating.
- Look for the four-digit DOT date and avoid old stock.
| Load range | Ply rating |
|---|---|
| C | 6-ply rated |
| D | 8-ply rated |
| E | 10-ply rated |
ST (special trailer) tires are built for trailer loads and are what most trailer makers specify. Passenger and light-truck tires should be used only if the trailer maker approves. ST tires are commonly limited to 65 mph unless the sidewall says otherwise, so follow the tire marking and your local limit. For pressures, see our trailer tire pressure guide.
Trailer tire picks and specs by listing
This is the heaviest-rated option in this roundup, for trailers on 15-inch wheels that call for ST225/75R15 Load Range E. It will not fit 14-inch or 16-inch wheels, and the 80 psi maximum means the wheels must be rated for that pressure.
Pros
- 2,830 lb listed per tire (Load Range E)
- Radial construction aimed at highway towing
- Sold as a pair, so one order covers an axle
Cons
- Only fits 15-inch wheels in this size
- Wheels must be rated for 80 psi
- More tire than a light utility trailer needs
Review sentiment: the chart is an automated summary of the listing reviews; read recent reviews yourself.
A lower-cost option for lighter trailers on 15-inch wheels. The D in ST205/75D15 means diagonal (bias) construction, even though the product page name includes Radial, so confirm on the page and do not mix it with radials on the same axle.
Pros
- Load Range C with 1,819 lb per tire from the load index
- Symmetric tread with water-shedding grooves (per listing)
Cons
- Bias construction according to the D in the size
- Lowest load range of the 15-inch options here
- Listing notes that multi-tire orders may ship in separate packages
Review sentiment: the chart is an automated summary of the listing reviews; read recent reviews yourself.
Choose this only if your wheels are 14-inch and your placard calls for 205/75R14. The title says Fits Goodyear Endurance and the seller is a third party, so open the page and confirm which brand you receive and whether any wheels are included.
Pros
- Load Range D with 2,040 lb listed per tire
- Sold as a pair
Cons
- Brand and contents are ambiguous in the listing title
- 65 psi max, so check the wheel rating
Review sentiment: the chart is an automated summary of the listing reviews; read recent reviews yourself.
A set of four covers both axles of a tandem-axle trailer, but not a spare. The listing title has no ST prefix, so look for ST on the product page before ordering. DEMETER is a lesser-known brand, so check the DOT date and warranty terms when the tires arrive.
Pros
- Four tires in one order
- Load Range D, 65 psi max
- Same 205/75R15 size as the Goodyear Endurance listing below, so easy to compare
Cons
- Title does not show the ST prefix
- Lesser-known brand
Review sentiment: the chart is an automated summary of the listing reviews; read recent reviews yourself.
This is a pick for yard, landscape and other small utility trailers, not a tire for a camper. It only works if your hubs match the 4-lug, 4 in. pattern and the center bore, so measure before ordering. The comparison table shows 760 lb per tire as listed; check that against your axle rating.
Pros
- Comes mounted on rims
- Small 8-inch size for lawn and landscape trailers
Cons
- Not meant for heavy loads or long highway runs
- Hub pattern and center bore must match
- Low listed capacity of 760 lb per tire
Review sentiment: the chart is an automated summary of the listing reviews; read recent reviews yourself.
Same Goodyear Endurance 15-inch size as the 2-pack above, on a separate product page. The title does not state the quantity, so check the page, then compare the price per tire with the 2-pack.
Pros
- Load index 117 (2,833 lb per tire)
- Same size as the heavy-duty 2-pack
Cons
- Quantity not stated in the title
- Tire only, no wheels
Review sentiment: the chart is an automated summary of the listing reviews; read recent reviews yourself.
A radial for 14-inch wheels, described as steel-belted with nylon reinforcement and grooves to move water. A 10-ply rating means high inflation pressure, so confirm the load range on the listing and make sure the wheels are rated for it.
Pros
- Steel-belted radial according to the listing
- 2,271 lb per tire as listed
Cons
- Fits 14-inch wheels only
- High pressure rating needs a matching wheel
Review sentiment: the chart is an automated summary of the listing reviews; read recent reviews yourself.
The 14-inch version of the TE898. The D in the size means bias construction. Pick it only if your trailer runs 14-inch wheels and your placard calls for 205/75-14.
Pros
- Same tread design as the other TE898 sizes
- Fits 14-inch wheels
Cons
- Bias construction
- Load rating not confirmed here
Review sentiment: the chart is an automated summary of the listing reviews; read recent reviews yourself.
A bolt-on option for small trailers with 13-inch wheels and a 5-lug, 4.5 in. pattern. Check the bolt pattern, hub fit and that 1,360 lb per tire covers your axle rating.
Pros
- Tires come mounted on wheels
- Load Range C with 1,360 lb listed per tire
Cons
- Bias construction (D in the size)
- Only fits 5-lug, 4.5 in. hubs
- Wheel pressure rating should be confirmed
Review sentiment: the chart is an automated summary of the listing reviews; read recent reviews yourself.
Same product as the previous Transeagle ST Radial II entry, so there is no need to buy twice. Use the fit notes above.
Review sentiment: the chart is an automated summary of the listing reviews; read recent reviews yourself.
For 12-inch wheels on small cargo, boat or utility trailers. A size with no R, like 4.80-12, is a bias tire. Capacity is not shown here, so check the listing against your axle rating, and confirm that wheels are not included.
Pros
- 6-ply rating per listing
- Two tires per order
Cons
- Bias construction
- Capacity not confirmed here
Review sentiment: the chart is an automated summary of the listing reviews; read recent reviews yourself.
The 13-inch version of the TE898, tires only. If you also need wheels in this size, compare the MERXENG set above. Load range and capacity are not shown here, so check the page.
Pros
- Fits common 13-inch trailer wheels
- Same tread design as the other TE898 sizes
Cons
- Bias construction (D in the size)
- Load rating not confirmed here
Review sentiment: the chart is an automated summary of the listing reviews; read recent reviews yourself.
For small boat and utility trailers on 8-inch wheels. Confirm the wheel width suits a 5.70 tire, and rinse tires and wheels after salt-water launches.
Pros
- Load Range C
- Fits 8-inch wheels
Cons
- Bias construction
- Small size, so check capacity against the axle rating
Review sentiment: the chart is an automated summary of the listing reviews; read recent reviews yourself.
Buy it only if your current tire reads 215/75R14. It is a different size from the 205/75R14 pair above, and changing width can affect fit and load matching.
Pros
- Load Range D with 2,200 lb listed per tire
- Radial construction
Cons
- 14-inch wheels only
- Two tires only, so a tandem axle needs two packs
Review sentiment: the chart is an automated summary of the listing reviews; read recent reviews yourself.
Another 15-inch bias option, the same size and load range as the TE898 above. Compare price and DOT date, and consider a radial Load Range D if you tow at highway speeds.
Pros
- Load Range C
- Common 15-inch size
Cons
- Bias construction
- Lighter duty than the Load Range D and E radials
Review sentiment: the chart is an automated summary of the listing reviews; read recent reviews yourself.
A middle-weight option for 15-inch wheels. It is the same size as the DEMETER set of four, but the title names Goodyear Endurance and lists 2,150 lb per tire against 2,040 lb listed for DEMETER.
Pros
- Load Range D with 2,150 lb listed per tire
- Goodyear Endurance name in the title
Cons
- Two tires only, so a tandem axle needs two packs
- Check the wheel rating for 65 psi
Review sentiment: the chart is an automated summary of the listing reviews; read recent reviews yourself.
Spec comparison of the listed tires
| Product Name | Image | Capacity per tire (as listed) | Ply or load range (as listed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Pack Fits Goodyear Endurance All Season Trailer Tire ST225/75R15 E/10 |
 |
2830 lbs | 10-Ply |
| Transeagle TE898 ST205/75D15 101/97L Load Range C |
 |
1819 lbs | 6-Ply |
| 2-Pack Fits Goodyear Endurance All Season Trailer Tire ST205/75R14 |
 |
2040 lbs | Load Range D (per listing text) |
| DEMETER Set 4 Radial Trailer Tires 205/75R15, Heavy Duty |
 |
2040 lbs | 8-Ply |
| Garvee 2 Pack 4.80-8 Trailer Tires with 8 inch Rims |
 |
760 lbs | 6-Ply |
| Goodyear Endurance All Season Radial Tire-225/75R15 117N |
 |
2,833 lbs (load index 117) | 10-Ply |
| Transeagle ST Radial II Steel Belted Premium Trailer Tire-ST205/75R14 |
 |
2271 lbs | 10-Ply |
| Trailer Tires Rims ST175/80D13 175 80 13 Tire, Set of 2 |
 |
1360 lbs | 6-Ply |
Trailer tire safety checklist
- Check pressure cold before every trip, and inspect sidewalls for cracks, bulges and uneven wear.
- Re-torque lug nuts after the first 50 to 100 miles on newly mounted wheels, following the trailer maker spec.
- Replace tires in axle sets and do not exceed the axle rating.
- Carry a matched spare and a suitable jack; see our travel trailer jack guide.
- Have a shop seat the bead if it will not seat easily; do not force it.
FAQ
What size trailer tire do I need?
Read the size on your current tire sidewall, for example ST205/75R15, or on the trailer tire and loading placard. Match the diameter, width and aspect ratio, and never choose a lower load range than the original.
Do I need ST tires on a trailer?
ST (special trailer) tires are built with stiffer sidewalls for trailer service and are what most trailer makers specify. Passenger and light-truck tires should be used only if the trailer maker approves them.
What do R and D mean in a trailer tire size?
In ST205/75R15 the R means radial construction, and in ST205/75D15 the D means diagonal, or bias, construction. Do not mix radial and bias tires on the same axle, and ideally keep the whole trailer on one type.
What do load range C, D and E mean?
Load range is the strength rating of the tire. C is a 6-ply rating, D is 8-ply and E is 10-ply, and each step allows a higher inflation pressure and load. Compare the capacity per tire against your axle rating, not just the letter.
What tire pressure should I run on trailer tires?
Use the cold pressure molded on the sidewall for your load, which is often the maximum for the load range, unless the trailer or tire maker gives another figure. Check pressure cold, before towing. More detail is in our trailer tire pressure guide.
How old is too old for trailer tires?
Check the four-digit DOT date, which gives the week and year of manufacture. Many manufacturers advise yearly inspections once tires are about five years old and replacement by around ten years, sooner if you see cracking, bulges or uneven wear.
Bottom line
Match size first, then load range, then construction. For highway towing on 15-inch wheels, a radial in Load Range D or E is the usual choice; for small yard, boat or utility trailers, a Load Range C bias tire that fits the wheel is often enough.
Replace tires in axle sets and check the date code before you install.
This Roundup is reader-supported. When you click through links we may earn a referral commission on qualifying purchases.
