By the Rims & Tires Team
Compiled & reviewed by our West Georgia tire & wheel research team · Updated 2026-07-24
Travel trailer tires are different from passenger or truck tires. They use the ST (Special Trailer) designation and are engineered specifically for trailer service. Using P-metric or LT tires on a travel trailer is a safety risk: trailer tires experience lateral and braking forces that passenger tire sidewalls aren't designed to handle. Choosing the correct ST tire is as important as choosing the correct size.
ST Tire Sizing and Why It Matters
ST-metric tires are specifically engineered for trailer axles. The ST designation indicates a stiffer sidewall construction, higher load ratings at lower pressures, and resistance to the unique sidewall flex that occurs when a trailer pushes from behind.
The most common travel trailer tire sizes: ST205/75R14, ST205/75R15, ST225/75R15, ST235/80R16, ST235/85R16. The correct size for your trailer is listed on the trailer's certification label (usually inside the door or under the hitch).
Load Range: ST tires come in Load Range C (6-ply), Load Range D (8-ply), and Load Range E (10-ply). The trailer's certification label specifies the minimum load range required. Using a lower load range than specified is dangerous. Trailer tires carry very high loads relative to their size.
DO NOT substitute P-metric or LT-metric tires on a travel trailer, even in the same size. P tires are derated by 10% when used in trailer service. LT tires are engineered for towing trucks, not trailer axles. The sidewall flex characteristics differ from ST construction in ways that cause tire failure under sustained trailer loads.
Best Travel Trailer Tires
Goodyear Endurance ST in ST225/75R15 or ST235/85R16: widely recommended as the best travel trailer tire available. Engineered specifically for trailer service, strong resistance to blowouts (the most common trailer tire failure mode), and available in the most common trailer tire sizes with Load Range E.
Sailun S637 ST in various sizes: a popular value alternative to premium ST tires. Well-regarded for its blowout resistance improvement over budget Chinese-made ST tires.
Carlisle Radial Trail HD in ST225/75R15: a durable radial trailer tire from a US brand with a long history in trailer tire applications.
Maxxis M8008 ST Radial in ST225/75R15 and ST235/85R16: a quality radial ST tire from Maxxis, better than budget bias-ply trailer tires and widely available.
Avoid: most budget Chinese-made trailer tires (often branded under generic names). Tire blowout is the leading cause of travel trailer accidents. A $50 savings on a budget tire is false economy.
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Travel Trailer Tire Maintenance
Inspect before every trip: check inflation pressure cold (before the day's drive), inspect for sidewall cracking (dry rot), and verify lug nut torque annually.
Trailer tires age out faster than passenger tires: the RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) recommends replacing trailer tires every 5 to 7 years regardless of remaining tread depth. The rubber compounds degrade from UV and ozone exposure even when the trailer sits.
Never exceed the trailer's GVWR: overloading a trailer accelerates tire stress. Check your trailer's placard and stay under its weight rating.
When storing: use tire covers to protect from UV exposure and ozone. Move the trailer periodically if in long-term storage to prevent flat-spotting.
Frequently asked
What size tires do travel trailers use?
Most common: ST205/75R14 (lighter trailers), ST205/75R15 and ST225/75R15 (mid-size trailers), ST235/80R16 and ST235/85R16 (heavier trailers). The correct size for your trailer is on the trailer's certification label. Don't guess. Get the size from the label.
Can I use LT tires on my travel trailer?
No. LT (Light Truck) tires are not ST (Special Trailer) construction. The sidewall characteristics are different, and LT tires can fail under trailer lateral loads. Use ST tires only.
What are the best travel trailer tires?
Goodyear Endurance ST is widely regarded as the best available. Sailun S637 for value. Avoid budget-brand Chinese-made trailer tires. The risk of blowout on the highway with a trailer isn't worth the savings.
How old is too old for travel trailer tires?
Trailer tires age out faster than they wear out because they sit parked in the sun for long stretches. Many owners replace them every few years regardless of tread, since dry rot and sidewall cracking cause more blowouts than worn tread does. Check the date code and inspect the sidewalls before every big trip.
How can I prevent a travel trailer tire blowout?
Keep them inflated to the pressure on the trailer's label, don't overload the trailer, and replace on age even if the tread looks fine. Covering the tires when parked slows sun damage, and a quick sidewall check before each trip catches cracks early. Sticking to proper ST trailer tires, not car or light-truck tires, is the foundation of all of it.
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Last updated 2026-07-24. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.