I'm looking for some new trailer tires. I currently have Hercules 235x80x16 load rated "E" tires which have only lasted about 3-4 years, I'm starting to notice cracking by the treads. The trailer only sits outside 6 months out of the year, I would have thought they would last longer than that.

I know these tires are made in China and I started to look around and it seems most trailer tires are made in China now, even the GoodYear Marathons.

I've read that some people are using Light Truck tires instaed of trailer tires but I thought the trailer tire had a stiffer sidewall? I was looking at the Firestone Transforce LT tires but wasn't to sure about the sidewall deal.

What is a good trailer tire to go with?? Thanks

Get E rated LT tires in a 245-75-16 size - the most common size. Some Coopers or similar. Stay away from the Chinese $hit. it is junK

Clyde, the Transforce are good tires. Go for the 235/85 LT tires. Dan Icdedppl put them on his trailer. I have BFG commercial T/A LT tires on my trailer.

Be sure to buy them from a place that sells lots of tires to be sure they havent been sitting on the shelf for a while. the tires have codes when they were made on the sidewalls.

Saw your rig at 31st yesterday. We headed towards hammond, guessing you were in the playpen?

Hey Joe, I was actually looking at the 265x75x16 because it has the 3400lbs load rating, actually it is the same height as what I have now.
Yes we were at the playpen and floating around out there, met up with my buddy who has an 89 Bullet. Thanks for the info.

I went to Discount Tire and asked them for the least expensive trailer tire they had - I also bought their extended warranty - its a replacement for any reason as long as there is a minimum of thread left -- heck on our trailer -- these tires will get sun checked before they close to getting worn out -- I thought it a good investment.

3pointstar

265 is kinda wide for a trailer rim?

A 235/85 LT E rated, should be around 3000LBS at 80psi per tire. You could get silly and go for the 14 ply Goodyears. 3750lb capacity at 110psi.

http://simpletire.com/goodyear-lt235...39229099-tires

Put the goodyear wrangler ht 10 ply on it. They are on a deal right now and work just as well as the firestone transforce ht. I would put 245/7516 The 265's might be too big. I wholesale tires so I see how they wear...

Yes, did some more checking and the 265 Is a 1" wider than what I have now.

I think I'm going to use the Carlisle's 235 80 16 "E" load cap. 3520lbs.that's a 10 ply tire. $130 at discount tire. They do make a 235 85 16 in a "F" load cap. 3960 12 ply but I think that is a bit overkill.

From what I could dig up it seems the Carlisle's are still made in the USA.

Thanks for the info

DO NOT GO WITH Carlisle. NO ONE has had good luck with them.

As far as a tire guarantee goes, that's not going to do much for you when a tire blows, takes out your fender, and does $1200 worth of gel coat damage to your boat, if not worse. Remember, Tommy Boy?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEB7WbTTlu4 Go with LT truck tires. That's what's been discussed on here mucho-numero times. Myco, Manning, and the other top trailer builders ship with LT tires.
Firestone TransForce
Goodyear Wrangler HT

I have had THOUSANDS of trouble free towing miles towing with those brand tires in 235/85/16 size on multiple trailers and setups.


IF you are hell-bent on an ST trailer tire, go with Maxxis E-load range. They have rave reviews with in all of the RV forums. I have Maxxis tires on my single axle cat trailer.

And last, remember that tires don't take care of themselves.
-Maintain pressures.
-Consistently look for uneven wear indicating alignment and/or axle problems.
-DON'T park them on grass or soil, Trailers need to be parked on pavement, concrete, or gravel.
-Do not leave them exposed to the sun.

16" LT tires on my Eagle trailer from the factory. Replaced with 16" LT tires, 2 summers on the new ones and no issues. When the boat/trailer are sitting outside I use tire covers to limit the direct sun exposure, very inexpensive and my tires look like new still.