Trailer Tire Load Range

When it comes to hauling, making sure you have the appropriate tires is step number one in safety and efficiency.

You can't just slap any ol' tires on your trailer, either. Whether you're hauling boats, motorized toys, travel trailers or livestock, you need to make sure you're using trailer specific tires.

How can you tell? Many trailer tires will include "ST" for "special trailer tire" on their sidewall. This is opposed to a "P" or passenger tire. "LT" are light truck tires. ST tires are best because they are designed specifically for hauling and towing. They are also typically speed rated to 65 mph max so highway speeds are perfectly doable.

We recommend looking at our blog on the truth about trailer tires for more information!

Trailer Tire Load Range Table

There are two factors you should consider when choosing a trailer tire: load range and load index.

Load range describes a tire's toughness and load index describes a tire's carrying capacity (the max load). You can find both of these numbers on your tire's sidewall.

Your load range will vary depending on the size of the tire. You can always ask us if you're unsure if your chosen tire will be suitable for your trailer and expected load size!

Load ranges are indicated using a letter and a number to indicate strength (C1, D2 for example). Load range also describes the max load carrying air pressure (psi) for your tire. Load indexes just use a number, from 0 to 150, to indicate max carrying capacity.

B load range tires offer the least amount of weight support, less than 1,000lbs at 35 psi. You are much more likely to have C, D and E load range tires for your trailer. It's always best to give yourself a little "extra" capacity to reduce the likelihood of blowouts or other issues.

View the table below to find your load range.

Click on the drop-down menu options below to find your load index.

BEST TIRES FOR HEAVY TRAVEL TRAILERS

The best tires for heavy duty trailers (which tend to take on heavy loads) are trailer specific tires. Choosing which of these will depend on sizing, construction, load index and speed rating of your needs.

Generally speaking, load ranges of E and higher (E, F, G) are best suited to heavy duty towing.

The most important factor, of course, will be the total weight the tire will bear. This is called the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This is the weight of the trailer plus the max weight of cargo it can carry; and this number helps you decide the minimum weight each tire can carry. You'll find your GVWR on or near the VIN placard.

Trailers with a GVWR of 2,000 lbs and only two wheels on a single axle will need two tires that can each carry a minimum of 1,000 lbs. A few hundred pounds of "headroom" is good but don't go too far over or else you'll see performance issues.

Want a heavy duty trailer tire recommendation? No problem.

You can't go wrong with the Hartland ST Radial All Steel II. It offers a G load range (14 ply with a max load carrying air pressure of 110 PSI). It is designed with a rugged, robust internal construction that allows for even wear and extended treadlife. Its design will dissipate heat while under load or traveling long distances. You'll like the nice quiet ride via its advanced rib design, too.

You can better protect your trailer tires with our Certificates, a tire protection plan like no other. This industry-leading tire protection coverage can protect you when the unexpected strikes. In the event we can't safely repair your damaged tire, we'll give you a brand new tire, free of charge. You may also opt for a full refund instead.

BEST TIRES FOR A HORSE TRAILER

When it comes to shopping for the best tire for your horse trailer (or other livestock trailer), there's a strong and clear preference for radial type tires. These are indicated by the R in the tire size, seen on your tire's sidewall.

This is understandable because radial tires ride smoother, come in larger sizes and are better for highway towing, which is principally where you'll be moving your stock.

Using specialty tire (ST) tires will reduce trailer sway, offer extended mileage and deliver a cushier on-road experience for your livestock. Since horses and horse trailers come in various sizes and weights, choosing the best load range is very important to ensure safe towing capability.

If you're looking for long wear at a value, you will like the Taskmaster Contender TTT868 trailer tire. This radial tire is great for horse trailers, toy haulers and even RVs. Large shoulder blocks, a specialized tread compound and rugged, reinforced radial construction make it an excellent option whether you take long or short journeys. The M (up to 81 mph) speed rating means you'll easily be able to hit more than typical highway speeds.

If you prefer premium brand tires, the Goodyear Endurance is for you. Toy hauler, work trailer or horse mover, it doesn't matter. This trailer tire allows you the confidence to tow it all. We specifically mention it for your horse trailer due to Goodyear's proprietary Durawall technology which resists cuts, tears and punctures–a real boon when bumping over gravel driveways, country roads or far flung pastures.

It features an inner resistance to air loss, so long-term parking is less of a concern when it comes to low air pressure. The Endurance also includes a stout internal polyester construction reinforced by steel belts to bolster your trailer's load carrying capacity. It has a higher speed rating (N, or up to 87 mph) than the Taskmaster but a lower load range (8-10 ply).