The Truth About Trailer Tires

Among all other specialized tires, trailer tires tend to get overlooked.

And we think this is unfortunate, because trailer tires allow drivers to do some amazing things like hauling boats, livestock, tools and materials, recreational vehicles and so much more.

No matter what you’re towing, you should equip the right set of trailer tires to keep you and your cargo safe on the road.

You can get a good start by consulting our handy page on load rating and load index. You can also check out our blog on trailer tire load ranges!

TIRES FOR TRAILERS

It is extremely important that you equip the proper tires to your trailer in order to safely tow and handle your trailer on the road. Make sure you’re selecting tires with the appropriate:

• load range

• construction

• speed rating

• size

Keeping the correct tire pressure is also key to the best performance, fuel efficiency and safety possible. We highly recommend learning how to check your air pressure yourself.

Good news: America's Tire offers free air checks! Just drop by or make an appointment today.

Are trailer tires different from car tires?

Yes, trailer tires are different from car tires. They differ from passenger vehicle tires due to:

• Higher air pressure

• Shallower tread

• Narrower width/different size

• Boosted oxidation resistance

• Lower cost

Typical automobile tires are developed with features like flexible sidewalls and long-lasting tread designs. This is because your tires accompany the steering and braking systems on your car and transmit power from its drivetrain to the road.

Trailer tires are different in that they do not power or steer your car. They are also designed to dissipate heat due to the weight they carry, which can be much more than a standard passenger tire.

Trailer tires operate at higher air pressure than passenger tires. This reduces flex in the sidewall to reduce deflection (how much a tire compresses) for improved load carrying ability. This also reduces heat buildup that contributes to wear.

They also typically have shallower treads and taller aspect ratios to allow for more controlled towing/hauling.

The most common trailer tire type is known as special tire (ST). These typically have reinforced sidewalls to keep your rig in place and have a higher load capacity compared to light truck or passenger tires. They are also suited to trailer wheels with thinner widths to help reduce any negative impact to your vehicle’s fuel economy when towing.

Trailer tire tread compounds include antioxidant additives to resist oxidation from the ozone and sunlight.

Trailer tires are also usually cheaper than your typical passenger vehicle or light truck tire.

Can you put car tires on a trailer?

No, you cannot put car tires on a trailer.

Car tires do not usually have the appropriate load rating for towing and could fail due to stress.

Trailer tires and passenger car tires also have different treads for different purposes. Car tire treads used on trailers can cause irregular wear and potentially a blow out.

WHERE TO BUY TRAILER TIRES?

You don’t need to search long to find the best trailer tires available at America's Tire. We offer the most popular sizes for your boat, toy hauler, flatbed or livestock trailer (and at the best prices, too).

TRAILER TIRE MAINTENANCE

Like any tire, you also need to maintain and properly care for your trailer tires.

We’ve got some tips below:

Maintain correct air pressure

• Your trailer tires need to be properly inflated in order to achieve their full load carrying capacity. Check out our guide on how to avoid improper inflation.

• Frequently check your tire air pressure and make sure to keep them in the recommended PSI. This is especially important when it is cold or has not been driven recently.

Know your load carrying capacity

• Ensure proper weight distribution by using the same size, brand and model tire on all four wheels. All tires must have the correct carrying capacity to either meet or exceed the weight of the trailer and its contents.

• If trailer tires need to be replaced, you must do so equally in order to maintain proper weight distribution. For example, if the left tire fails, the right side must also be replaced because it was overloaded and was forced to carry the full weight of the trailer/load. In most cases, this tire’s internal structure will break down within seconds of being overloaded due to instant heat build up.

Keep an eye on your tire’s lifespan

• We recommend replacing your trailer tires every 3 to 4 years, regardless of their treadwear and appearance. Trailer tires generally lose one-third of their strength after the third year of use.

• Perform inspections prior to use and check for cuts, snags, punctures and air pressure loss. This is especially important if you don’t use your trailer often. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a thorough inspection before you load your trailer.

• Properly store your tires when not in use. Keep them covered and stored in a cool, dry place.

Practice good trailer tire safety

• Always carry a spare tire (and check its air pressure, too)!

• Avoid overloading your tires. You can find the maximum load capacity on its sidewall.

• Visually inspect your tires before and during any trip. It’s best to check when the tires are cooler.

• Don’t mix radial and bias-ply trailer tires. Bias ply tires can carry more weight for longer periods of time but tend to have more irregular wear. Radial tires provide a smoother ride and are better suited for highway driving. Stick to one type and size for all tires.

Do trailer tires need to be balanced?

Yes, you should balance your trailer tires.

Balancing allows for even weight distribution across the wheel and tire, preventing vibration and hopping which can contribute to early tire wear and replacement.

Regularly balancing your trailer tires also gives a professional the opportunity to inspect your tires and wheels so they can catch any damage or potential issues.

How to change a tire on a trailer?

Changing a trailer tire is just like changing your passenger vehicle’s tire. However, instead of lifting your vehicle to remove the tire, you instead will jack up the trailer.

We give step by step instructions (in video and text format) on how to change a tire.

America's Tire also mounts, fixes and replaces trailer tires so you don’t have to do this yourself!

Trailer tire inspection

It is very important to visually inspect your trailer tires before and during every tow, haul or trip.

Luckily, America's Tire offers a free tire inspection service. We recommend booking an appointment to get faster service but walk-ins are always welcome.

Let’s get you rolling

For another look into trailer tires, America's Tire’s own Gary Ruede and Stephen Robertson provided AAA with some serious insight in What You Need To Know About Trailer Tires!

Truck or SUV tires on your mind? We’ve got you covered with the largest inventory of the best-priced truck tires around.

Or you can use Treadwell, our smart tire buying guide, to help you choose. Within a minute or less, Treadwell gives you the same custom tire recommendations we use in store. Shop and compare tires that fit you, your vehicle and your drive with track tested and data-backed options.

Buy and book online to save time!

For more information on this and other tire and wheel services, check out our YouTube Channel or reach out to us on X, Facebook and Instagram.