Finding the Best Tires for Travel Trailers: Community Insights
Selecting the right tires for a travel trailer is a critical decision for any owner, impacting everything from safety and stability on the road to the lifespan of the tires themselves and the trailer’s components. Unlike passenger car tires, trailer tires (often designated ST for Special Trailer) are designed with stiffer sidewalls to handle heavy loads and resist swaying, but they can be susceptible to aging and failures, sometimes earning the nickname “China bombs” due to issues with cheaper imports. Finding a balance between reliability, durability, and cost is key. This article synthesizes experiences and recommendations from a community of trailer owners to help guide your choice for the Best Tires For Travel Trailers.
Based on extensive discussion among experienced trailer users, several brands consistently receive positive mentions, though opinions can vary on current quality and value.
Goodyear Endurance stands out as a frequently recommended premium option. Many users consider them the “gold standard” among RV and trailer owners. They are specifically noted for being one of the few ST tires made in the USA, which some users believe contributes to their perceived quality and longevity. While they might be more expensive than some alternatives, many feel the performance and reliability justify the higher cost, often reporting long service lives and consistent wear without failures.
Carlisle is another brand widely discussed. Historically viewed as a solid, mid-priced option, Carlisle tires, particularly models like the Radial Trail HD, have been a go-to for many. However, some community members note that Carlisle’s manufacturing has largely moved overseas (to China and Bangladesh), leading to debate about whether their quality remains as high as it was two decades ago when they were made domestically. Despite this, many still report good experiences with recent Carlisle tires, finding them a reliable choice in the value segment.
Other brands receiving positive, albeit fewer, mentions include Kenda, specifically the Loadstar K550 bias-ply tires, which some have used successfully for many years. Hankook Ventra trailer tires, available from sources like Tire Rack, were also noted for good wear. Rainier ST tires were mentioned as original equipment on some newer trailers, providing satisfactory performance at a very low price point, with users opting to replace them with the same due to their cost-effectiveness and lack of failures. Hercules was also mentioned as a brand used without complaints over shorter periods. Some users even reported good experiences with specific “China mart” brands like Winda or Free Country, which they noted looked identical to older Goodyear models, suggesting shared manufacturing or molds.
Beyond specific brands, the type of tire and proper maintenance were highlighted as equally crucial factors for ensuring performance and longevity. A brief discussion touched upon the radial vs. bias-ply debate, with bias-ply like the Kenda Loadstar being mentioned as easier to mount manually. However, radial tires are generally favored for highway use due to potentially cooler running temperatures and better wear characteristics.
Perhaps the most emphasized point by experienced trailer owners is the importance of proper maintenance and understanding the service life of trailer tires. Unlike passenger car tires, trailer tires are often subject to aging out before wearing out, particularly if the trailer is stored outdoors.
Severely cracked and aged travel trailer tire showing signs of dry rot from sun exposure
A widely accepted benchmark among the community is replacing trailer tires every 5 years, regardless of tread depth, especially if the trailer is stored outside where UV exposure accelerates rubber degradation. Tire covers are recommended to protect against UV damage during storage. Additionally, getting the trailer tires off the ground using axle cribs or jack stands when stored for long periods can prevent flatspotting, particularly on heavier trailers. Implementing a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) was strongly advised as a preventative measure to detect low pressure before it leads to a catastrophic failure or shredded tire mess. While finding the best travel trailer leveling system is important for setup at a campsite, ensuring tire health is vital for getting there safely.
The debate between spending more for perceived higher quality tires versus opting for “reasonably priced” alternatives often comes down to usage. For shorter trips or lighter loads well within the tire’s capacity, cheaper options might suffice. However, for frequent highway use, higher speeds, or loads approaching the trailer’s limit (such as towing best lightweight travel trailers under 3500 lbs while fully loaded), investing in higher-quality tires like the Goodyear Endurance is often seen as worthwhile to avoid failures that can cause significant damage or safety risks. Preventative measures like checking tire pressure regularly and knowing how to stop travel trailer from rocking when stationary contribute to overall trailer stability and safety, but healthy tires are fundamental while in motion.
When transporting items like bicycles on a toy hauler or enclosed trailer, securing them properly with a bike rack for travel trailer is important, but ensuring the tires carrying the load are reliable is paramount. While this article focuses on trailer tires, different methods exist for transporting bikes, including considering packing a bike for air travel for other kinds of trips.
In conclusion, while there’s no single definitive answer for the absolute “best” tire for every travel trailer owner, community consensus points towards Goodyear Endurance as a top-tier choice for reliability and manufacturing origin, and Carlisle (specifically Radial Trail HD) as a strong value proposition, despite some concerns about current manufacturing location. Kenda, Rainier, and Hankook also have their proponents. Ultimately, the “best” tire depends on your specific trailer usage, budget, and risk tolerance. Regardless of brand, consistent maintenance, including monitoring pressure, protecting against UV, proper storage, and adhering to a replacement schedule based on age (around 5 years), is critical to maximizing tire life and ensuring safe travels. Choosing a tire that offers a good warranty, such as the 6-year warranties mentioned on some Amazon options, can also provide peace of mind.
