Hitting the open road with your boat in tow is a promise of adventure, but that promise hinges on the often-overlooked components connecting your trailer to the asphalt. Your boat trailer tires are the critical link, bearing the entire weight of your vessel and enduring miles of highway stress. Choosing the right tires is not merely a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental aspect of safety, performance, and ensuring you reach the water without incident.
From premium radial tires that offer a smoother ride and better heat dissipation to complete tire-and-wheel assemblies for a straightforward swap, the market offers solutions for every need. Factors like load range, speed rating, and tread design are paramount. This roundup cuts through the noise to present ten of the best boat trailer tire options, helping you make an informed decision for safer, more reliable travels.
Our Recommended Boat Trailer Tires
- Free Country GRAND RIDE Set 2 Premium Trailer Tires
- Transeagle ST Radial II Steel Belted Premium Trailer Radial Tire
- eCustomrim 2-Pack Radial Trailer Tire On Rim ST175/80R13
- eCustomrim Trailer Tire and Rim Bias Ply ST205/75D14
- eCustomrim 2-Pack Radial Trailer Tire On Rim ST145R12
- ST205/75R14 Trailer Tire Only | Load Range C
- ROCKMAN Trailer Tire Wheel Assembly ST205/75R15
- Carlisle Radial Trail HD Trailer Radial Tire – 225/75R15
- 2-Pack Fits Goodyear Endurance All Season Trailer Tire ST205/75R14
- Hi-Run Trailer Tire & Wheel Assembly ST175/80D13
Free Country GRAND RIDE Set 2 Premium Trailer Tires
The Free Country GRAND RIDE tires are engineered with a significant safety upgrade that sets them apart. Unlike many competitors that use nylon strips only on the shoulder area, these premium radial tires feature a full nylon cap ply overlay across the entire tread area. This construction enhances the tire’s durability and resistance to wear, providing a critical safety margin during long hauls.
An additional practical feature is the integrated Scuff Guard ring on the tire sidewall. This protective ring helps shield both the tire wall and your wheel rims from damage caused by curbs or other obstacles during maneuvering. Sold as a convenient set of two in size ST175/80R13 with a Load Range D, these tires offer a balanced combination of performance and protection for your trailer.
Transeagle ST Radial II Steel Belted Premium Trailer Radial Tire
For those towing heavier loads, the Transeagle ST Radial II is a robust option built to handle the pressure. This tire comes in size ST205/75R14 with a Load Range E (LRE) 10-ply rating, indicating a high load capacity suitable for larger boat trailers. Its steel-belted radial construction provides strength and stability at highway speeds.
Designed as an all-season, highway-performance tire, it offers reliable performance in various weather conditions. The black sidewall design maintains a clean, professional look. This is a tire-only product, making it an excellent choice for those who already have compatible rims and need a direct, heavy-duty replacement.
eCustomrim 2-Pack Radial Trailer Tire On Rim ST175/80R13
Simplify your replacement process with this complete tire and wheel assembly from eCustomrim. This package includes everything you need: a radial ST175/80R13 tire, a 13-inch white spoke wheel, and a valve stem, all pre-mounted and ready to install. This eliminates the need for a tire shop visit, saving you time and effort.
Beyond convenience, this product offers significant value with its full six-year warranty and included free roadside assistance. The assembly is DOT approved, ensuring it meets federal safety standards. With a Load Range C and a maximum load of 1360 pounds per tire, this 5-lug configuration is a practical and worry-free solution for many standard boat trailers.
eCustomrim Trailer Tire and Rim Bias Ply ST205/75D14
This eCustomrim assembly provides a sturdy, ready-to-roll option for trailers requiring a 14-inch wheel. It features a bias-ply ST205/75D14 tire mounted on a black spoke wheel. Bias-ply construction is known for its strong sidewalls and excellent load-bearing capability, making it a dependable choice for many trailer applications.
The assembly supports a maximum load of 1760 pounds at 50 PSI, offering substantial capacity for its Load Range C rating. Like other eCustomrim products, it comes with the assurance of DOT approval and includes a two-year warranty with free roadside assistance, providing peace of mind for your journeys.
eCustomrim 2-Pack Radial Trailer Tire On Rim ST145R12
Ideal for smaller boat trailers, this eCustomrim package features a radial tire in size ST145R12 mounted on a 12-inch silver spoke wheel. Despite its smaller overall diameter, this tire boasts a Load Range D rating, which allows for a higher inflation pressure of 65 PSI and provides a robust load capacity of 1220 pounds per tire.
This combination of a compact size with a higher load range makes it a versatile and strong option for various lighter-duty trailers. The package benefits from the same convenient pre-mounted assembly and the extensive six-year warranty with roadside assistance, ensuring long-term reliability.
ST205/75R14 Trailer Tire Only | Load Range C
This ST205/75R14 radial tire is a solid, no-frills replacement option designed for reliable performance. With a 6-ply Load Range C rating, it can handle a maximum load of 1,925 pounds at 60 PSI, making it suitable for a wide range of utility, camper, and boat trailers.
The tire features the KR03 tread pattern, which is engineered to offer superior traction and stability in both wet and dry driving conditions. This focus on a dependable tread design helps promote control and safety while towing, providing a trustworthy tire solution for those who need a direct replacement.
ROCKMAN Trailer Tire Wheel Assembly ST205/75R15
The ROCKMAN assembly is built with a clear emphasis on safety and longevity. It incorporates a full nylon cap ply overlay across the entire tread, a feature that enhances the tire’s structural integrity compared to standard designs. This is paired with a deeper 8mm tread depth, which contributes to a longer mileage life.
This set of two comes in size ST205/75R15 with an 8-ply Load Range D rating. It is designed to handle higher speeds with an “M” speed rating (up to 81 mph), making it a capable and durable choice for longer highway trips with your boat in tow.
Carlisle Radial Trail HD Trailer Radial Tire
The Carlisle Radial Trail HD is a heavy-duty radial tire designed for a broad spectrum of trailers, including boats. In the size 225/75R15, it offers a substantial footprint and a high load index, making it well-suited for larger, heavier loads. Its construction is intended for both short and long-distance use.
With a speed rating of 81 mph and a 9/32nds tread depth, this tire is built for durability and sustained highway travel. Carlisle notes compatibility with a long list of popular boat trailer brands, providing confidence that it is a proven fit for many common towing setups.
2-Pack Fits Goodyear Endurance All Season Trailer Tire ST205/75R14
This two-pack of radial trailer tires is designed to meet the demands of serious boaters. In the common ST205/75R14 size, these tires feature a Load Range D rating, which provides a robust weight capacity of 2040 pounds per tire at a maximum of 65 PSI.
The all-season design ensures consistent performance throughout the year, while the radial construction offers a smoother ride and better heat dissipation than bias-ply alternatives. Sold as a pair, this set provides a balanced and capable tire solution for upgrading your trailer’s rolling gear.
Hi-Run Trailer Tire & Wheel Assembly ST175/80D13
The Hi-Run Trailer Tire and Wheel Assembly offers a straightforward and economical solution for a common trailer size. This complete package includes a tire mounted on a rim, ready for immediate installation onto your trailer’s hub. The ST175/80D13 size is a standard fit for many smaller and mid-sized boat trailers.
By providing a pre-assembled unit, Hi-Run eliminates the complexity of sourcing and mounting a tire separately. This makes it an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts looking for a quick and easy replacement that gets their trailer back on the road with minimal hassle.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Boat Trailer Tires
Choosing the right tires for your boat trailer isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s a critical safety decision. I’ve learned the hard way that not all tires are created equal, especially when you’re hauling thousands of pounds of boat and gear. The wrong choice can lead to blowouts, poor handling, and a ruined trip. When I look for the best boat trailer tires, I focus on a few key areas to ensure safety, performance, and longevity on the road.
First, you absolutely must get the load capacity right. This is non-negotiable. Look at the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your trailer, which is the maximum total weight it’s designed to carry. Your tires’ combined load capacity needs to exceed this number. I always add a safety margin of at least 10% to account for unexpected gear or rough road conditions. The load range, often marked as B, C, D, etc., indicates the tire’s ply rating and how much air pressure it can hold, which directly relates to its strength. For most boat trailers, you’ll be looking at Load Range C, D, or higher.
Next, consider the tire’s construction. The two main types you’ll encounter are bias-ply and radial. Bias-ply tires have a crisscrossed ply construction, making them tough and often more affordable. They have stiff sidewalls, which can be good for stability but might give a rougher ride. Radial tires have plies that run radially across the tire, which reduces rolling resistance and heat buildup. They generally offer a smoother ride and better fuel economy for your tow vehicle. For long highway hauls, I personally prefer radials for their durability and cooler running temperature.
Don’t forget about the size. This seems obvious, but it’s easy to get wrong. You need to match the exact size and diameter of your current tires, or what your trailer is rated for. This information is printed on the sidewall of your old tire. Using the wrong size can affect your trailer’s clearance, braking, and even the accuracy of your speedometer. Finally, think about the speed rating. Most dedicated trailer tires are rated for 65 mph or higher. While it’s never a good idea to speed with a trailer, a higher speed rating often indicates a more robust tire designed to handle the stresses of towing.
FAQ
How often should I replace my boat trailer tires?
This is a tricky one because it’s not just about tread depth. Unlike car tires that wear out from use, trailer tires often succumb to age. The rubber compounds break down from exposure to sun, ozone, and temperature changes, even if the tread looks fine. A general rule I follow is to replace them every 5 to 7 years, regardless of tread wear. Always inspect them for sidewall cracking (dry rot) and check the manufacture date on the sidewall. If you see significant cracking or the tires are past their prime, it’s time for a new set to ensure safety, performance, and longevity on the road.
What is the proper tire pressure for my trailer?
You should always inflate your trailer tires to the maximum cold pressure listed on the tire’s sidewall, not the pressure listed on your trailer’s frame. This is a common mistake. The pressure on the trailer is for the original equipment tires, and if you’ve replaced them, the required pressure might be different. The sidewall pressure is the safe maximum for that specific tire to carry its maximum load. Under-inflation is the number one cause of trailer tire failure, as it causes excessive flexing and heat buildup, leading to a blowout.
Can I use regular car tires on my boat trailer?
I strongly advise against it. Passenger car tires are engineered for vehicles with sophisticated suspension systems designed to carry people, not for the unique stresses of trailering. Trailer tires are built with stronger, stiffer sidewalls to handle the weight and resist sway. Using car tires can lead to dangerous instability, overheating, and premature failure. They simply aren’t designed to handle the constant heavy load and lateral forces that a trailer experiences, especially during cornering.
Why do my trailer tires seem to wear out so quickly?
Several factors can cause rapid wear. The most common culprit is improper alignment. Yes, trailers need alignment too! If your axle is bent or out of alignment, it will scrub the tread off your tires in no time. Other causes include chronic under-inflation, overloading the trailer beyond its capacity, or issues with the trailer’s brakes binding. If you’re seeing uneven or unusually fast wear, it’s a good idea to have a trailer service center check your axle, hubs, and brakes.
Is it okay to mix different brands or types of tires on my trailer?
For the best and safest performance, I always recommend replacing trailer tires in pairs (or as a full set) and sticking with the same brand, model, and size. Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on the same axle can create handling problems because they have different flex characteristics and load capacities. Even mixing different tread patterns or brands with similar construction can lead to uneven pulling or braking. Consistency is key to maintaining stable towing dynamics.