Trailer Tire Guide

Updated October 2025

Trailer tires are an essential component of any trailer, whether it’s a small utility trailer or a large commercial one. Trailer tires are responsible for supporting the weight of the trailer and its cargo, as well as providing the necessary traction and stability while in moving. In this article, we will take a closer look at trailer tires, including the different types, sizes, maintenance, and safety tips.

Visit our Trailer Tire page for more information on trailer tires and tire recommendations.

Types of Trailer Tires

Trailer tires come in a variety of types, each designed for specific use cases. The most common types of trailer tires are:

  • Radial Tires: These tires are designed for highway use and are the most common type of trailer tire. They provide a smooth ride, good traction and long tread life.
  • Bias-Ply Tires: These tires are designed for off-road use and are less common than radial tires. They are typically cheaper than radial tires, but they wear faster and often times provide a rougher ride.
  • Specialty Tires: These tires are designed for specific cases, such as boat trailers or heavy-duty commercial trailers. They are usually more expensive than radial or bias-ply tires, but they offer enhanced durability and performance.

Trailer Tire Size Chart

The most common wheel sizes for trailer tires are going to be 15 and 16 inches. For this size wheel, the most common tire sizes include: ST205/75R15, ST225/75R15, ST235/80R16 and ST235/85R16. These sizes increase in both diameter and width and as they get larger the ply rating of the tire also increases. The tire options in 15 inch will range from 6 ply to 12 ply. The tire options for 16 inch will range from 10 ply and go up to 14 ply for extra heavy duty applications.

Wheel sizes are not limited to 15 and 16 inches. There are plenty of applications for smaller wheels such as 13 and 14 inches for smaller trailers such as boat trailers and light duty equipment trailers. The most common tire sizes for 13 and 14 inch trailer wheels include: ST175/80R13, ST185/80R13, ST205/75R14 and ST215/785R14. There are also many applications out there for trailer wheels smaller than 13 inches ranging as small as 8 inches through 12 inches. Heavy duty trailers will have 17.5 and 19.5 inch wheels and commercial trailers that will have 22.5 and 24.5 inch wheels.

Trailer Tire Speed Rating Chart

Your tire’s speed rating is located at the end of the tire size code (ST22575R15 117/112N – N is the speed rating). This letter represents the maximum speed the tire is certified to carry under the load it is rated for, while properly inflated and under ideal driving conditions.

It is very important to keep your trailer tire’s speed rating in mind, especially if you regularly drive your trailer at highway speeds. For example, a trailer tire with a speed rating “L” is rated for speeds up to 75mph (under ideal conditions). Driving 80mph with an “L” rated tire puts your tire at a higher risk of overheating and failing. 

Speed RatingMaximum Speed
JUp to 62 MPH
KUp to 68 MPH
LUp to 75 MPH
MUp to 81 MPH
NUp to 87 MPH

Trailer Tire Load Index Chart

Your tire’s load index is located at the end of the tire size code (ST225/75R15 117/112N – 117/112 is the load index). Trailer tires have 2 numbers listed. The higher number is the weight supported for single wheel applications. The lower number is the weight supported for dual wheel (2 tires per side) applications. These numbers represent the maximum weight a single tire is certified to carry when inflated to its maximum rated pressure, under ideal driving conditions.

Take your trailer tire’s load index and multiply by your trailer’s total number of tires (generally 2 or 4) to find the total weight your tires are rated to carry.

Load IndexLoad Capacity (lbs)Load IndexLoad Capacity (lbs)Load IndexLoad Capacity (lbs)
70739 1001764 1304189
71761 1011819 1314289
72783 1021874 1324409
73805 1031929 1334541
74827 1041984 1344674
75852 1052039 1354806
76882 1062094 1364938
77908 1072149 1375071
78937 1082205 1385203
79963 1092271 1395357
80992 1102337 1405512
811019 1112403 1415677
821047 1122469 1425842
831074 1132535 1436008
841102 1142601 1446173
851135 1152679 1456393
861168 1162756 1466614
871201 1172833 1476779
881235 1182910 1486844
891279 1192998 1497165
901323 1203086 1507385
911356 1213197
921389 1223307
931433 1233417
941477 1243527
951521 1253638
961565 1263748
971609 1273858
981653 1283968
991709 1294079
Load IndexLoad Capacity (lbs)
70739
71761
72783
73805
74827
75852
76882
77908
78937
79963
80992
811019
821047
831074
841102
851135
861168
871201
881235
891279
901323
911356
921389
931433
941477
951521
961565
971609
981653
991709
1001764
1011819
1021874
1031929
1041984
1052039
1062094
1072149
1082205
1092271
1102337
1112403
1122469
1132535
1142601
1152679
1162756
1172833
1182910
1192998
1203086
1213197
1223307
1233417
1243527
1253638
1263748
1273858
1283968
1294079
1304189
1314289
1324409
1334541
1344674
1354806
1364938
1375071
1385203
1395357
1405512
1415677
1425842
1436008
1446173
1456393
1466614
1476779
1486844
1497165
1507385

Trailer Tire Maintenance

Proper maintenance of trailer tires is essential to ensure they last as long as possible and perform well. Here are a few tips for maintaining trailer tires:

  • Balance your trailer tires: Balancing trailer tires will improve the ride and control of the trailer at higher speeds and the life of the tires. Out-of-balance tires can also cause increase wear in wheel bearing, suspension and other components of the trailer.
  • Check tire pressure regularly: Underinflated tires can cause uneven wear and can also be dangerous while driving.
  • Inspect tires for wear and damage: Look for signs of tread wear, cuts or punctures. If you notice any of these, have the tire inspected by a professional.
  • Rotate tires: Rotating your trailer tires can help ensure even wear and prolong the life of the tires. 
  • Store tires properly: When not in use, store your trailer tires in a cool, dry place to prevent damage from heat and UV rays.

Safety Tips for Trailer Tires

Trailer tires, like all tires, are subject to wear and tear. Proper maintenance and safety precautions can help keep your trailer tires in good condition, and ensure your safety while on the road. Here are a few safety tips for trailer tires:

  • Always check tire pressure before hitting the road.
  • Inspect tires for wear and damage before each trip.
  • Don’t overload your trailer.
  • Avoid over-inflation or under-inflation of tires.
  • Avoid high speeds while towing a trailer, as they can lead to tire failure.

In conclusion, trailer tires are an essential component of any trailer. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the trailer and its cargo, as well as providing the necessary traction and stability while in motion. Regular maintenance and proper use are essential to ensure the longevity of your trailer tires and to keep you safe while on the road.

Take Off Tire specializes in wheels and tires for all trailer sizes and applications. We have dedicated employees to answer any questions you may have regarding tires and wheels of all sizes and applications. Call 402-413-6646 today for pricing and information!

Trailer Tires are now available for online purchase. Click here to put in your tire size and view inventory!