Choosing the right tires for your travel trailer is one of the most critical decisions you can make for safety and peace of mind on the road. The correct set of tires provides the stability, durability, and reliability needed to handle the unique stresses of towing, from heavy loads to long hours on hot pavement. A failure here is more than an inconvenience; it can be a dangerous and costly event.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the options and find the perfect match for your rig. We have compiled a selection of eight highly-regarded tires, each with distinct strengths for different types of trailers and travel needs. Our goal is to provide you with the information necessary to make a confident and informed purchase for your 2025 adventures.
Our Top Picks for Travel Trailer Tires
- YOKOHAMA 11R22.5 RY617 H/16 LONG HAUL STEER
- Kenda Klever St (Kr52) Tire 255/60R19
- 2-Pack Fits Goodyear Endurance All Season Trailer Tire
- Carlisle Radial Trail HD Trailer Radial Tire
- Maxxis M8008 ST Radial Trailer Tire
- Kenda KENETICA KR17 All-Season Radial Tire
- Taskmaster Trailer Tire by Cooper
- Greenball Tow Master ST Radial Trailer Tire
YOKOHAMA 11R22.5 RY617 H/16 LONG HAUL STEER
For owners of larger fifth-wheel and travel trailers, the YOKOHAMA RY617 is a professional-grade solution built for serious, long-distance travel. Its substantial 11R22.5 size and robust construction are engineered to manage the significant weight and constant demands of heavy-duty towing. This tire is designed to provide the confidence needed for cross-country journeys.
The directional tread pattern is a key feature, offering reliable traction in various conditions to help maintain control. With a deep 18/32-inch tread depth, this tire is constructed for long-lasting performance, aiming to provide many miles of service before a replacement is needed. It represents a top-tier investment for those who prioritize maximum durability.
Kenda Klever St (Kr52) Tire 255/60R19
The Kenda Klever ST stands out as a high-performance option for travel trailers and tow vehicles that demand excellent handling. Its asymmetrical tread pattern is specifically optimized to deliver superior traction across a wide range of conditions, including wet roads and light snow. This makes it a versatile, all-season choice for travelers who encounter changing weather.
Built with stability and control at higher speeds in mind, this tire helps ensure a smooth and secure towing experience. The durable materials and thoughtful engineering contribute to extended tread life, offering solid value over time. It’s a strong candidate for those seeking a tire that balances performance with longevity.
2-Pack Fits Goodyear Endurance All Season Trailer Tire
The Goodyear Endurance is a highly-regarded name in the trailer tire market, known for its robust construction and reliability. This convenient two-pack for the ST205/75R14 size is perfect for replacing both tires on a single axle, ensuring matched performance. With a Load Range D rating and a 2,040-pound weight capacity, it is built to handle substantial loads with ease.
These radial tires are engineered for all-season use, providing dependable traction when you need it. The maximum pressure of 65 PSI supports the tire’s strong load-bearing capabilities, contributing to stability on the highway. For many travel trailer owners, this tire is a go-to choice for its proven track record and trusted brand name.
Carlisle Radial Trail HD Trailer Radial Tire
The Carlisle Radial Trail HD is a versatile radial tire designed for a wide array of trailers, including utility, boat, and towable RVs. Its construction is focused on providing dependable service for both short trips and longer hauls. This makes it a practical and adaptable option for travelers with multiple towing needs.
With a 81 MPH speed rating and a 65 PSI maximum pressure, this tire is built for highway speeds and stable performance. It is compatible with many popular trailer brands, offering a broad application range. If you need a reliable, all-purpose tire that won’t let you down, the Carlisle Radial Trail HD is a solid contender.
Maxxis M8008 ST Radial Trailer Tire
The Maxxis M8008 is a well-established and trusted model in the trailer tire category, particularly for smaller trailers. Its 6-ply rating in the 185/80R13 size provides a sturdy and resilient build that can handle the demands of towing. This tire is a common and reliable choice for many standard travel trailers.
An advanced tread compound is used to decrease rolling resistance, which can contribute to improved fuel economy during your trips. This same technology also aids in extending the overall tread life, making it a cost-effective option over the long term. For a proven performer from a reputable brand, the Maxxis M8008 is an excellent selection.
Kenda KENETICA KR17 All-Season Radial Tire
The Kenda KENETICA KR17 is backed by a impressive 60,000-mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, signaling strong confidence in its durability. Its symmetric tread pattern and computer-optimized design are engineered to reduce road noise and promote even wear. This results in a quieter ride and longer service life.
Four large circumferential grooves are a key feature, designed to efficiently channel water away from the tire’s footprint. This provides superior resistance to hydroplaning and enhances wet traction, a crucial safety benefit for travel in rainy conditions. For a tire that combines a strong warranty with thoughtful safety engineering, the KR17 is a compelling option.
Taskmaster Trailer Tire by Cooper
Cooper is a trusted name in tires, and the Taskmaster trailer tire is designed to bring that reliability to your travel trailer. This tire is built to meet the specific challenges of trailer use, focusing on strength and stability under load. It is a solid choice for those who prefer products from established, well-known manufacturers.
The construction aims to provide dependable performance for a variety of trailer types, from cargo to recreational models. By focusing on the core requirements of a trailer tire—load capacity and durability—the Taskmaster delivers a no-fuss, functional solution. It’s a straightforward and reliable pick for your towing needs.
Greenball Tow Master ST Radial Trailer Tire
The Greenball Tow Master ST Radial is another specialized tire crafted specifically for the trailer market. Its design prioritizes the even weight distribution and high load-bearing needs that are unique to trailers, which differ from those of passenger vehicles. This focus helps ensure consistent performance and wear.
Engineered for stability and endurance, this tire aims to provide a safe and secure towing experience. It is a practical choice for travelers looking for a dedicated trailer tire that emphasizes function and reliability. The Tow Master is built to do its job effectively trip after trip.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the 8 Best Tires For My Travel Trailer in 2025
Choosing the right tires for my travel trailer isn’t just about finding something round and black that fits. It’s a critical safety decision. I learned this the hard way after a scary blowout on a hot interstate. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to understand what makes a good trailer tire, and I want to share that with you. The goal is to find the 8 best tires for my travel trailer in 2025 that balance performance, durability, and value.
The first and most critical step is understanding the weight. I always look at my trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is the maximum it can weigh when fully loaded. I never use the “dry weight.” I need tires with a load capacity that exceeds my trailer’s actual weight. To figure out the minimum load capacity per tire, I take the GVWR and divide it by the number of tires. Then, I add a 10-15% safety margin. Trailer tires are consistently working at or near their max capacity, so that extra buffer is non-negotiable for peace of mind.
Next, I decide between two main types: Special Trailer (ST) tires or Light Truck (LT) tires. ST tires are built specifically for trailers. They have stiffer sidewalls to handle the sway and lateral forces of towing, and they’re designed to carry heavy loads. This is what I use for most conventional travel trailers. LT tires are tougher and often have a higher load range, but they’re primarily designed for vehicles that have engine braking and steering input. I might consider LT tires for a heavier fifth-wheel, but I always check with a professional to ensure they’re the right fit for my rig’s dynamics.
Then there’s the speed rating. This one is easy to overlook. Many ST tires are rated for 65 mph (M) or 75 mph (N). I make sure to check this. Consistently driving faster than the tire’s rated speed generates excess heat, which is the number one enemy of tire life and a leading cause of failure. I plan my trips to stay at or below the tire’s speed rating, even if the speed limit is higher.
Finally, I pay close attention to the tire’s age, no matter how good the tread looks. Tires degrade over time due to exposure to sun and ozone. I look for the DOT code on the sidewall—the last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture. I avoid buying tires that are already more than a year or two old, and I make it a rule to replace my trailer tires every 5-7 years, regardless of tread wear. It’s a small investment compared to the cost and danger of a highway blowout.
FAQ
What is the difference between ST and LT tires?
ST stands for Special Trailer. These tires are engineered specifically for trailers. They have reinforced, stiff sidewalls to resist the sway and side-to-side movement that happens when towing. They are also built to carry heavy loads for long distances, which is exactly what a travel trailer needs. LT stands for Light Truck. These tires are designed for pickup trucks and SUVs. They are built to handle steering input, engine braking, and a different kind of stress. While an LT tire can often carry more weight, its softer sidewall might not control trailer sway as effectively. For most standard travel trailers, ST tires are the safer and more appropriate choice.
How often should I replace my travel trailer tires?
I replace my tires based on both age and wear. For age, I follow a strict 5 to 7-year rule, even if the tread looks brand new. The rubber compounds break down over time due to UV exposure, temperature changes, and ozone, making them brittle and prone to failure. For wear, I monitor the tread depth and look for any signs of cracking, bulging, or damage. If I see any of those issues, the tire gets replaced immediately, no matter how old it is. It’s much cheaper to buy a new tire than to repair damage from a blowout.
Can I use passenger car tires on my travel trailer?
I would strongly advise against it. Passenger (P-metric) tires are not built for the unique demands of a travel trailer. They have softer, more flexible sidewalls designed for a smooth ride in a car. On a trailer, these soft sidewalls can lead to excessive sway and instability. More importantly, they are not rated for the constant, heavy loads that a travel trailer places on them. Using passenger tires is a significant safety risk and is likely to lead to premature tire failure. Always use tires rated for your trailer’s weight, which are almost always ST-rated.
What does the load range letter mean on my tire?
The load range letter (like B, C, D, E) is a quick way to identify the tire’s load capacity and inflation pressure. It’s an older system that is being replaced by the Load Index number, but you still see it everywhere. Essentially, a higher letter means a stronger tire that can carry more weight. For example, a Load Range C tire is weaker than a Load Range E tire. When I’m looking for the 8 best tires for my travel trailer in 2025, I cross-reference this letter with the actual load capacity number (in pounds) on the tire’s sidewall to be absolutely sure it can handle my trailer’s weight.
Is it okay to mix different tire brands or models on my trailer?
I try to avoid it whenever possible. For optimal and predictable performance, all tires on the same axle should be the same brand, model, size, and condition. Mixing tires can lead to slight differences in diameter, traction, and sidewall stiffness, which may cause uneven wear or handling issues. If I absolutely must replace just one tire, I make sure it is the exact same model and size as the others. If the other tires are already several years old, I often consider replacing them as a set to ensure everything is balanced and safe.