Regardless of what you’re towing (boat, camper, utility trailer, or heavy equipment), your tires play an important role in stability, traction, and confidence. In this guide, we’ll help you understand what to look for in a towing tire and highlight our top recommendations for a variety of towing needs.
AT A GLANCE: BEST TRUCK TIRES FOR TOWING
| If you want… | Recommended Tire |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 |
| All-terrain capability | Cooper Discoverer ATP II OR Nitto Terra Grappler G3 |
| Winter traction | Bridgestone Dueler Maverick A/T |
| Affordable price | Falken Wildpeak H/T HT02 |
| Heavy-duty service | Cooper Discoverer HTP II |
| Efficiency | Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 |
What are the best trucks for towing?
The best truck tires for towing are ones that meet your truck and load and size requirements. Load E (or higher) range tires offer stiff sidewalls that manage high inflation pressures and heavy tongue weights well. Choose highway terrain tires if you plan on towing on paved surfaces to get the most efficiency possible, or suitable all-terrain tires for mixed terrain.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST TRUCK TIRES FOR TOWING
There are several factors that you should consider when purchasing towing tires for your truck.
Load Range and Load Index
Load range and load index are measures of how strong a tire is. You need to know both to pick the tire that will suit you and your truck’s needs.
Load range is a measure of a tire’s strength and durability, corresponding to how much air it can hold. It is based on an older measure called ply rating. A tire’s load range is found on the sidewall and is represented by a letter. E (10-ply) is capable of handling higher psi and heavier axle weights which are required on three quarter and one ton trucks.
Load index is the maximum load a tire can carry (in pounds) when inflated to its maximum load-sustaining pressure. Pickup tire load indexes typically range from 100 to 126 (1764-3748lbs).
LT vs. P-Metric Tires: A Quick Summary
There are a few categories of truck tires.
P-metric tires are ideal for daily driving, and are lighter, quieter, and more comfortable than heavy duty tires.
LT (light truck) tires are built for heavier loads, towing, and demanding work. Many truck owners prefer LT tires because they are more aggressive in both appearance and performance. If your truck came equipped with them, you should keep using this tire type because your truck’s specifications will overwhelm P-metric options.
Highway vs. All-Terrain Tires
When it comes to towing tires, you have two potential options: all-terrain or highway-terrain tires.
Highway-terrain tires focus on ride quality, tread life, efficiency, and paved surface traction.
All-terrain tires focus on strength and off-road capability for trucks that need towing on uneven, rough, or loose terrain.
| Tire Type | Comfort (on road) | Off-road Capability | Efficiency | Seasonal traction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highway | High | Limited | High | High |
| All-terrain | Medium | High | Low | Varies* |
*Some all-terrain tires offer boosted weather traction features
SHOP ALL-TERRAIN TIRESOther Features to Consider
Other features you may want to consider when choosing a towing tire include:
- Wet traction
- Winter traction
- Heat resistance
- Tread life
- Ride comfort
- Fuel efficiency
Keep in mind the conditions you expect while towing for your region(s) to help you pick the best option.
OUR PICKS: BEST TRUCK TIRES FOR TOWING AND HAULING
Best Overall Towing Tire: Michelin Defender LTX M/S2
Best for:
- Premium highway all-season performance
- Wide range of available fitments for CUVs, SUVs, and pickups
Key features:
- Long-lasting tread life
- Even, stable road contact
- Quiet ride
- Impressive all-season control
- Dependable wet and snow grip
- 50-75,000-mile warranty
- E to XL load range
Best All-Terrain Towing Tire: Cooper Discoverer ATP II
Best for:
- Work trucks, overlanding builds, weekend adventure vehicles
- LT-rated strength for towing, hauling, and rough-road use
- Good combo of on and off-road handling
Key features:
- Reliable off-road traction in loose terrain like dirt, mud, gravel, and sand
- Wet and winter-road control
- Stone ejector ledges for durability
- E1 to XL load range
- Considerable highway stability
- Smoother, quieter ride than many other options
- 60,000-mile warranty
Alternative option: Nitto Terra Grappler G3
Best for:
- Aggressive all-terrain function
- All-weather confidence
Key features:
- Rugged all-terrain performance
- Impressive all-weather grip
- Lightweight tire compared to other options
- Durable strength that lasts
- Excellent heavy-load capability
- Up to F load range (select sizes)
- 50-70,000-mile warranty
Best Winter Towing Tire: Bridgestone Dueler Maverick A/T
Best for:
- Inclement weather towing
- Heavy-duty pickups, work trucks, tow rigs, and overland builds
Key features:
- Responsive dry, wet and light snow handling
- Excellent all-terrain capability (including gravel, dirt, and trails)
- E - XL load ranges
- Dampened road noise
- Durable, long wearing design
- Balanced efficiency, comfort, and performance
- Discount Tire exclusive option
- 60,000-mile warranty
Best Heavy-Duty Towing Tire: Cooper Discoverer HTP II
Best for:
- LT-rated vehicles for towing, cargo, vans, and work utility
- Heavy duty towing/hauling in inclement weather
Key features:
- Highway-terrain all-season design
- EnduraGuard design for stabilized, quiet, smooth ride
- Dual wet and light winter grip
- Anti-hydroplane grooves and 3D siping
- Fuel-efficient tread compound for better mpg
- Long-term service and value
- 55-65,000-mile warranty
Best Budget Towing Tire: Falken Wildpeak H/T HT02
Best for:
- Affordable all-season towing
- Highway-terrain applications
Key features:
- Heavy-duty designation for LT sizes
- Wear resistant tread design
- Boosted stability and handling while towing or hauling
- Reduced risk of hydroplaning
- Exceptional wet weather traction and braking
- Quiet ride with optimized tread pattern
- 50-70,000-mile warranty
Most Efficient Towing Tire: Michelin Defender LTX M/S2
Best for:
- Drivers wanting to increase fuel efficiency
- EV truck owners
Key features:
- Low rolling resistance for better fuel efficiency
- Incredible high-mileage tread life
- Durable construction to withstand EV truck torque
- Smooth, even wear via evenly distributed power delivery
- E - XL load range
- Dependable dry, wet, and light snow traction and handling
POPULAR TRUCKS USED FOR TOWING
American drivers largely prefer to tow with domestic trucks, typically half-ton and three-quarter ton varieties. However, heavy-duty towing and hauling requires large, one ton trucks. Here is a list of the most popular trucks used for towing:
FIND THE BEST TIRE FOR YOUR TOWING NEEDS
It is difficult to pinpoint an exact tire recommendation by towing need because there are many variables to consider, including trailer size, vehicle size, load weight, road conditions, and more. Below we have some recommendations on things to look for when shopping for towing tires by situation.
ALL ABOUT TRAILER TIRESSome drivers like to replace their ST (Special Trailer) tires with LT (Light Truck) tires for the high speed ratings and longer tread life. However, ST tires are specifically designed to handle the towing forces placed upon your trailer.
When it comes to the best truck tire for towing, consider:
- Your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
- Driving conditions (weather, terrain, towing conditions*)
- *Boat launch, gravel storage lots, etc.
- Mileage warranties & expected service life
- Towing frequency
- Is this a seasonal hobby, work task, or regular chore?
Towing a Travel Trailer or RV
RV and travel trailer tires are not the same as auto tires. They experience significantly heavier loads, higher mileage, and are typically exposed to the elements for longer periods.
Look for tires with:
- Appropriate load index and load ranges
- Good mileage warranties
- Long expected service life/good treadwear
- Appropriate seasonal traction
- Tread patterns that fit your need (highway vs all-terrain)
Popular picks: Carlisle Radial Trail HD or Goodyear Endurance
Towing a Fifth Wheel or Gooseneck
Fifth wheel trailers and goosenecks behave differently than standard trailers. The center weight distribution offers higher stability and minimizes sway. They also have tighter turn radiuses.
However, they are frequently taller and heavier than some trailers. This means drivers must be even more aware of their height clearance and weight load. Fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers require a heavy-duty three-quarter or one ton truck to operate due to the weight pinned to the truck bed.
Fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers typically have Load Range G or H and therefore typically require upgraded tires from base-factory options.
Popular picks: Goodyear G614 or Carlisle Radial Trail HD
Towing a Boat Trailer
Compared to other trailer types, boat trailers and the vehicles that tow them face unique challenges – mainly frequent submersion or storage in moisture. Saltwater is especially damaging to a tire’s construction. Boats are also typically stored for long periods and can be subject to rot, damage, and sun exposure.
When choosing boat trailer tires, check for:
- The right size (match your trailer wheels and manufacturer’s specs)
- Tires with the proper weight capability
- Appropriate tire type
- ST (Special Trailer) tires can:
- Handle heavy loads
- Manage moisture
- Resist heat buildup
- Moisture resistance
Avoid parking in water or moist areas (like grass) for extended periods of time. Make sure to regularly inspect your tires for damage, proper inflation, and treadwear.
Popular picks: Goodyear Endurance or Hartland ST Radial
Daily Driving with Occasional Towing
If you only occasionally need to tow, or tow very low weight cargo, then there are some factors you should keep in mind when tire shopping.
Trailer tires tend to age out before they wear out. Infrequent use means that your trailer tires will be sitting for a long while, exposing them to environmental agitations such as moisture and ozone/UV rays. Although it’s tempting to choose cheap tires, top-tier brands incorporate better rubber compounds to resist cracking.
In general, choose trailer tires with:
- The proper load range and index for your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
- Radial construction (runs cooler, lasts longer over distances)
- Good quality pedigree
- Strong ozone/UV inhibitors (to prevent dry rot)
Popular picks: Maxxis M8008 Plus or Hartland ST Radial or Goodyear Endurance
Winter Towing
Towing (and driving) in winter requires extreme preparation and care. Trailer tires are designed to pull straight and do not require drive traction. However, your tow vehicle should be equipped with good tires with superb winter traction to control your rig.
SHOP WINTER TIRESWinter brings additional challenges to your trailer tires, including:
- Fluctuating air pressure
- Cold air stiffens tire rubber
- Slick, icy surfaces reduce traction
- Damage-causing salt and road chemicals
- Hidden road debris or obstacles
- Including potholes
With this in mind, choose winter trailer tires that:
- Include a severe weather designation (if possible)
- Utilize siping and deep channels
- Utilize cool-weather or winter friendly compounds
Popular picks: Goodyear Endurance or Atturo ST200 (please call to order)
Hot Weather Towing
Like cold weather, heat brings its own set of challenges to your trailer tires. Hot conditions increase tread squirm and internal heat buildup, which can lead to blowouts and other dangerous tire emergencies. Increased UV exposure from sunny climates also accelerates tire aging and rot.
If you’re towing in a hot climate, choose trailer tires that:
- Utilize advanced heat-resist rubber compounds
- Ex: heat-resistant polymers
- Are constructed with robust internal construction
Make sure to follow your tire’s speed rating, inflate your tires to the recommended tire pressure, and do not exceed your tire’s weight rating.
Popular picks: Vision Marine Heavy Hauler, Goodyear Endurance, or Maxxis M8008 Plus
COMPARE THE BEST TRUCK TIRES FOR TOWING
| Tire | Best for | Terrain | Winter | Cost | Efficiency Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 | Overall | Highway | ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️ | $$$$$ | 🌿🌿🌿🌿 |
| Cooper Discoverer ATP II | All-terrain | Off-road | ❄️❄️ | $$$ | 🌿🌿 |
| Nitto Terra Grappler G3 | All-terrain | Off-road | ❄️❄️❄️ | $$$ | 🌿🌿 |
| Falken Wildpeak H/T HT02 | Budget | Highway | ❄️❄️❄️ | $$ | 🌿🌿🌿 |
| Cooper Discoverer HTP II | Heavy-duty service | Highway | ❄️❄️❄️ | $$$ | 🌿🌿🌿🌿 |
| Bridgestone Dueler Maverick A/T | Winter | All-terrain | ❄️❄️❄️❄️ | $$$$ | 🌿🌿 |
TOWING TIRE MAINTENANCE TIPS
You can help your truck tires tow their best with these simple maintenance practices:
- Regularly check tire air pressure, especially before towing
- Stay within your vehicle’s load limits
- Rotate your tires regularly
- Regularly inspect tread depth and wear
- Immediately replace damaged or aging tires
- Schedule routine inspections
Discount Tire offers many of these services FREE of charge. Book your appointment today!
DISCOUNT TIRE SERVICESFAQ
Not exactly. The most important factor when choosing a tire to tow with is meeting or exceeding your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended load capacity and properly inflating your tires. Truck owners frequently choose LT (Light Truck) tires because they offer higher load capacity and stronger construction. Always follow the recommendations listed for your vehicle’s placard or owner manual.
The best load range for towing depends on your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), trailer tongue weight, payload, and manufacturer’s tire specifications. Choose tires that meet or exceed your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended load requirements rather than selecting a higher load range just because it sounds stronger.
They can be. Many all-terrain tires are designed to handle towing and provide traction on gravel, dirt, mud, and other unpaved surfaces. Highway-terrain tires are a better choice if you need paved-surface traction, comfort, and on-road driving characteristics.
Yes, if your truck is equipped with P-metric tires that meet your vehicle manufacturer’s load requirements and the combined weight of your cargo, passengers, and trailer stays within your truck’s rated limits. If you tow frequently or haul heavy loads, LT-tires are a good option because they’re built for higher load capacities and heavy-duty applications. Always follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations before changing tire types.
The best tire depends on your truck and trailer’s size, weight, and intended use. Fifth wheel trailers require three quarter or one ton trucks to tow. Also, they typically require load range G or H tires due to their weight, so you will need to choose higher tier tires to accommodate this.
Price depends largely on size, tire type, construction, tread design, and intended use. Trailer tires can cost between $65 to $250+. Tow vehicle tires (trucks, SUVs) typically range between $130 to $350+ per tire.
You must replace your tires when they reach the legal minimum tread depth (typically 2/32’’ but it varies by state), show signs of damage that can’t be safely repaired, are more than six years old, or no longer meet the manufacturer’s service recommendations.
Use the tire pressure recommended by your vehicle manufacturer for your specific vehicle and loading conditions. You can find this information on your driver’s side door placard or owner’s manual. Always check your tires when they are cold. Underinflated tires can reduce load-carrying capacity and increase heat buildup; overinflation may affect ride and handling.
Look for tires that are designed for winter temperatures and conditions. Wet and winter tread patterns include lots of siping and channels to evacuate snow and water. They may include a severe weather designation, such as M+S or Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbols.
They can, especially if your current tires are worn or no longer appropriate for your towing needs. Adequate tread depth, proper inflation, and correct load capacity can help your truck maintain traction and support the weight it’s designed to carry. Safe towing also includes proper trailer loading, hitch setup, and staying within your vehicle’s weight ratings.
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If you have any questions or are unsure what tires work best for you, drop in or give us a ring. We’ll get you taken care of. Buy and book online and save time in-store!
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