One thing you can always pay attention to in your trailer truck is a worn-out tire. The tire makes up half of what the trailer is capable of doing.
Whether you think about load capacity or the hardiness of driving through roads smoothly.
14-ply tires seem to be the minimum standard for most trailers out there. So, when replacing trailer tires, get a 14-ply rated tire.
Now, the tricky part is finding the best 14-ply trailer tires that align with your preferences.
That’s why, to ease everything out, we bring you the top 9 trailer tires with a 14-ply rating.
Let’s get through the choices, and you may find a satisfying answer to your needs.
Our Top 3 Picks of 14-Ply Tire
What does a 14-ply tire mean?
A 14-ply tire refers to a tire with 14 layers of fabric, typically made of materials like polyester, nylon, or steel, embedded in the rubber. These plies provide strength, durability, and load-carrying capacity, making the tire suitable for heavy-duty vehicles like trucks or trailers. Higher ply ratings generally indicate greater toughness and resistance to punctures, but they may also result in a stiffer ride compared to lower-ply tires.
What makes trailer tires different from regular tires?
A common mistake you can make when choosing tires for your trailer is to go with a regular car or truck tire.
While it may initially seem like a bright idea, you will realize you made the worst mistake with your trailer.
Trailer tires are a lot different from regular tires. They may look the same and feel the same, but they have a lot of nuances that make them completely different from regular tires.
Take a quick look at the differences between the two types of tires in the table below.
| Specification | Trailer tire | Regular tire |
|---|---|---|
| Sidewall | Very thick in size | Thinner in size |
| Build quality | Rough and hardy | Not very stiff |
| Loading capacity | Extremely high (2000-5000lbs) | Pretty low (800 – 1500lbs) |
| Max Speed rating | Quite low | Very high |
| Tread design | Unique | Standard |
| Materials | Heavy-duty components | Lighter components for lighter-weight |
Note: Most trailer tires use the term “ST” to define “Special trailer” to indicate the tire is usable on a trailer.
Is a 14-Ply Tire Better Than Any Other Lower-Ply Rated Tire?
A 14-ply-rated tire will be a much better choice than a lower-ply-rated tire in terms of construction.
Especially when you think about trailer tires, you prioritize the loading capacity factor the most.
A higher-ply-rated tire will always have more load capacity than a lower-ply-rated tire.
However, a lower-ply-rated tire will do better if you think about different applications, such as faster speed or versatile functionality.
For instance, getting the best 10-ply all-terrain tire can give you excellent versatility in load capacity and all-terrain drivability.
But strictly sticking to trailers, it’s always better to go with a 14-ply rating as they can have greater loading capacity and longevity.
Also, these tires provide excellent handling for trailers, which a lower-ply-rated tire won’t be able to produce.
The 9 Best 14-Ply Trailer Tires – Review and Buying Guide
Every single tire we have brought here has some value to offer. It can be great in durability, great in load capacity, or just be an overall package.
We have selected these tires based on first-hand user experiences so that these choices will satisfy you. Go through all 9 best 14-ply trailer tires and see which best fulfills your trailer tire needs.
Let’s get started!
1. Suntek HD Trail + All Steel Heavy Duty Premium 14-Ply Trailer Radial Tire – Best Overall
Starting with a trailer tire that keeps its promise of value, reliability, and quality, we have the Suntek HD Trail+.
It’s a radial tire, which ensures the tires will have a much more stable contact with the road and keep the trailer grounded.
Right from the first glance, you will realize the sturdy construction of the tire.
Every user loved its solid build quality, especially on the stiff sidewall and heavy-duty steel belt construction. The tire seems to hold up well after driving it for many miles.
Apart from the performance aspect, you can expect amazing looks with these tires.
A lot of users loved the premium appearance of the tire. The tire is smooth, making it appealing, and the tread doesn’t look awful.
One of the most convincing parts about the tire is its value. You don’t need to break the bank to get your hands on these tires.
They come at a very reasonable price, and considering the performance they provide, the tire is truly worth the money, according to the users.
Pros
- Good value for money
- High-end looks on the tires
- Pretty solid build quality
- Smooth driving experience
- Very high loading capacity
Cons
- Needs a bit of balancing
- May not fit all trailers
2. Freedom-Hauler One New All Steel RV Radial Trailer Tire, 14-ply – Best All-Weather Tires
Impressive is the only word to describe this all-steel radial tire from Freedom Hauler. It comes with all the basic features you would require in a trailer tire, and it goes beyond expectations with its build quality.
Overall, this is a perfect tire for a standard trailer purpose. Starting with the features, the users loved that this is an all-weather tire.
They have used the tire in almost every weather condition of different regions, and the tires held up quite strongly. The tires can handle any road condition, whether raining or snowing outside.
The stability of the tires is another strong suit that impressed many users. It only requires a little balancing after the installation.
You can easily expect proper handling and stability on your trailer while carrying extremely heavy loads.
Speaking of loads, the tires can easily carry a weight of 4400 lbs. Based on user experiences, it turns out that the heavy-duty construction of the tires ensures better longevity while carrying heavy loads.
And on top of all that, it’s a pretty neat-looking tire in your trailer.
Pros
- Suitable for all weather conditions
- Great heavy-duty construction
- Excellent loading capacity
- Features smooth drivability
- Offers good stability and handling
Cons
- The tire diameter is a bit narrow
- A bit heavy
3. Goodyear Unisteel G614 RST Radial Tire – Best for Performance
Anyone seeking tires that promise longevity should at least look at these tires from Goodyear. These tires are made to last long with a durable tread compound.
Even though the price is a bit high, it makes up for the longevity, as you won’t need replacement tires. Pulling a very high speed on these tires is a breeze.
Based on a user’s experience, the tires can easily get up to 80 to 90 MPH on a straight, long highway.
While doing that, you won’t have trouble with fishtailing on the road. The speed is surely pretty convincing, considering these are some trailer tires.
What impressed many users is that the tires don’t need additional balancing. Even a professional mechanic suggested to one user that they didn’t need to balance the tires.
They could simply install them, and it would work fine. This is great when you don’t want to spend extra money balancing tires.
Lastly, durability is the strongest point for these tires. Some users claim the tires had no issues or very little wear after 20k to 30k miles.
Some even say they used the tires for 8 years straight and drove 35k miles without trouble. So, you will never have to worry about longevity on these.
Pros
- Exceptional longevity in tires
- The build quality is top-notch
- Top speed is quite impressive
- Well-balanced right out of the factory
- Excellent loading capacity
Cons
- It’s very expensive
- Can be a bit heavy
4. Transeagle ST Heavy Duty Premium 14-Ply Trailer Radial Tires Set of 4 (FOUR) – Best for Value
If you are considering getting a strong set of trailer tires, look no further than the Transeagle ST radial tires.
These tires provide amazing features at a good price and ensure your trailer doesn’t go through trouble halfway on the road. It’s the perfect combo of durability and value.
A user defines their experience with these tires in the easiest possible way. According to them, these tires won’t overheat or have heating issues, even on the driest hot roads.
In the heavy rain, the tires could hold exceptionally well with traction. For 2k miles, they had no issues at all.
The higher max speed rating on the tire impressed plenty of users. Even after a loading capacity of 4079 lbs, the tire could reach a pretty high max speed, which is unusual for trailer tires.
Yet, this tire delivers high mph and loading capacity to make your journey much easier.
Another great aspect of these tires is the tread life and pattern. The pattern they provided in the tire is very symmetric and keeps the tire solid.
It works perfectly to effectively prevent irregular wear on the tires around the tread area. That’s why most users end up getting excellent traction from the tires.
Pros
- Come at a reasonable price
- Comparatively high MPH
- Pretty rugged construction
- Good for road traction
- Impressive loading capacity
Cons
- Not available in many sizes
- Sometimes comes defective
5. GREMAX Heavy All Steel 14PR RV Radial Trailer Tire – Best For Speed
When you are in search of some true heavy-duty tires, these tires will always make that list.
These Gremax heavy-duty tires by Zeemax are some of the sturdiest tires you will ever encounter for your trailers. They are a bit heavy, but that is due to their solid construction.
Starting with the capabilities, the tires are capable enough for towing purposes. Using these tires on your trailers, you can easily expect to tow heavy items like boats or other vehicles.
As a user said, they had been towing around 700 miles weekly with these tires on their trailers.
The same user shared their experience of using the tires at an 80 MPH speed without any trouble day in and day out.
It’s a pretty good speed to achieve through your trailer tires, and it’s more than enough to fulfill your daily towing needs.
With the deep tread on the tires, you can expect great road handling and longer tread life out of the tires.
At least, that has been the case for most users, who could easily rely on the treads to last for quite a long time and get a smooth driving experience throughout the period.
Pros
- Handles heavy loads pretty easily
- Achieves higher top speeds
- Long-lasting, deep treads
- Ensures a smooth and comfortable ride
- Heavy-duty and durable construction
Cons
- The size guide may not be accurate
- Tires are heavy and difficult to install
6. Freedom Hauler Dutymax ST All Steel Heavy Duty 14-ply Radial Tire
Stay focused on the 10-ply, 12-ply dilemma; jump straight into these 14-ply tires from Freedom Hauler for your trailers.
These are some heavy-duty tires that are capable of handling a lot of weight without any trouble at all.
Right off the bat, these are some high-speed rating tires for trailers capable of carrying weight.
A user had gone through a 3400-mile trip with these tires on, where they could easily get their RV running at 70 to 85 MPH. You can easily rely on these trailer tires for speed without a second thought.
Even more impressive, the tire, even after the 3400-mile trip at such high speed, didn’t show any negative wear.
It met the road conditions well and was a set of long-lasting tires. Once you have them on, you can forget about replacing them frequently.
If you are having trouble with your trailer bouncing around, these tires are the perfect fit for you.
As a user shared, the tires provide excellent stability with a sturdy feel to the tires. This makes it a great choice to go on those long road hauls without any risk of flipping over.
Pros
- Very sturdy and solid build quality
- Excellent longevity out of the tires
- Impressive max speed rating
- High-loading capacity with stability
- Good value for money
Cons
- Delivery can be delayed
- The tires might be a bit heavy
7. Toyo M 154 245/75R22.5 G/14PLY Tire
Toyo tires are some of the best alternatives to top-tier Michelin tires in terms of performance and quality.
They have much lower pricing than Michelin tires, but they will always satisfy you with the quality and performance they can deliver.
For first-hand experience, these tires offer a pretty smooth and bump-free ride for your trailers.
Right from their first drive with the tires, many users experienced smooth sailing on the road with minimal tire noise. The noise reduction is a serious benefit for your trailer tires.
According to the users, its stability makes Toyo a great choice for trailers. The tire can handle curves more efficiently, and it won’t slip around the corners ever.
They stay steady throughout the drive and provide a safe driving experience. Coming to the longevity of the tires, there were no complaints regarding that whatsoever.
Some users went through 3,000 miles, and some went through 5,000 miles without even causing a little wear on the tires.
Even the speed is pretty close to a Michelin tire, which is impressive considering the price.
Pros
- Features a smooth driving experience
- Pretty solid and high-end build
- Efficient handling and stability
- Longevity is quite impressive
- Offers good speed on the road
Cons
- Perfect sizing might be an issue
- The tires are a bit thinner and smaller
8. Zeemax Heavy Duty TRUE Highway Trailer Tires 8-14.5 14 Ply
Finding tires within a budget can be tough because you often sacrifice quality. But that’s not the case in Zeemax heavy-duty tires.
These tires are some of the best in quality, especially considering the price they offer on these tires.
The first thing to look at these tires is their performance on the road. These are dedicated to trailers running on the highway.
In most user experiences, the driving felt smooth, and they didn’t face any trailer bouncing whatsoever. As for the loading capacity, the tires also perform pretty well in that aspect.
A user had loaded up 4200 lbs of weight on the tires, and there were no issues of swelling on the tires at all. Even after the whole drive, the tires held up quite well.
What makes this tire appealing to the users is its price. The pricing of the tires is within a very low budget, making it suitable for many users.
But it’s not a cheap tire by any means, and it holds some value with durability and performance at a low price.
Pros
- Excellent tires for the money
- Tires hold up weight quite well
- Steady and smooth driving
- Decent speed rating
- Usable in every season
Cons
- These tires are a bit thin
- Not the best for longevity
9. Hankook Vantra Trailer TH31 ST235/80R16 G/14PLY BSW
Here’s one of the most underrated trailer tires that comes reasonably priced while delivering top-notch quality.
These tires not only look good, but they also perform well on the road, and that too for a long period. And you get all of that without breaking the bank, as well.
Starting with the construction of the tires, they are exceptionally well-built. The thickness of the sidewalls was beyond expectation for some users.
With that thickness, you can easily get satisfying rigidity and durability from these tires. After a 2000-mile trip with these tires, one user shared that the handling of the tires is amazing.
The tires kept the pressure quite well throughout the trip, leaving the user thoroughly pleased with the performance in almost every road condition.
The tires also deliver quite well in the longevity factor. Even after 10k miles on the road, most users noticed no significant tread wear or damage on the tires.
Something that tops it off on these tires is that the braking ability is excellent.
Pros
- Rugged build quality
- Reasonably priced for everyone
- Excellent handling and smoothness
- Performs well in every road condition
- Lasts for quite a long time
Cons
- Difficult to install due to thick sidewalls
- Size might be an issue
What to Look for Before Buying the Best 14-Ply Trailer Tires?
Buying the best 14-ply trailer tires is important for safety and performance. A good set lasts longer, handles heavy loads, and ensures a smooth ride. Here are key factors to check before making a purchase.
Load Capacity
Tires must handle the weight of the trailer and its cargo. Each tire has a load rating that shows how much weight it can carry. Check the manufacturer’s specifications and ensure the tires match or exceed the trailer’s weight needs.
Tread Design
A strong tread pattern improves grip on different surfaces. Deep grooves help prevent hydroplaning, while a wide tread spreads the weight evenly. A high-quality tread design provides better stability and reduces wear.
Sidewall Strength
Thicker sidewalls offer better protection against punctures and cuts. Look for reinforced sidewalls that can handle rough roads. A durable sidewall also prevents blowouts, especially under heavy loads.
Heat Resistance
Tires generate heat when rolling, especially under heavy loads. Overheating weakens rubber and increases the risk of failure. High-quality tires use heat-resistant compounds that extend their lifespan. Check if the tires have built-in cooling technology.
Durability
A strong tire lasts longer and saves money. High-grade rubber, steel belts, and a reinforced structure improve durability. Tires with multiple layers of protection resist cuts, punctures, and wear.
Speed Rating
Every tire has a speed rating that shows its safe top speed. Exceeding this limit can cause overheating and failure. Match the speed rating with the trailer’s usual travel speed to avoid risks.
Weather Performance
Some tires perform better in specific conditions. All-season tires work well in most environments. If hauling in extreme cold or heat, choose tires designed for those temperatures. Look for traction features that help in rain or snow.
Warranty and Brand Reputation
A good warranty shows the manufacturer’s confidence in the product. Brands with strong reputations usually offer better quality and customer support. Check reviews and ratings to see what other users say about reliability.
Price vs. Quality
Cheaper options might save money upfront, but often wear out faster. Investing in premium tires pays off in the long run. Look for a balance between price and quality to get the best value.
Compatibility
Not all 14-ply tires fit every trailer. Check the rim size, width, and overall fit before buying. The right size ensures proper handling and prevents uneven wear.
FAQs About 14-Ply Trailer Tires
When you are done checking out the options, you still may have some confusion remaining in your mind.
Here, we answer some of the most common questions regarding 14-ply trailer tires.
No, you can’t use your trailer tires on a regular car. The construction of trailer tires is completely different from regular car tires. These tires don’t have the necessary traction or the internal structure to support other vehicle applications.
When you use regular tires on trailers, it can cause the tires to blow out. Regular tires have a different level of load capacity and tread design from trailer tires. So they can hold up well in rough and heavy-duty applications.
Radial tires provide several advantages over bias-ply tires regarding trailers. These tires are much more durable, fuel-efficient, smooth to ride, and feature comfort. They can also be quite fast compared to bias-ply tires.
Usually, the most common speed range for trailer tires is between 60 MPH and 75 MPH. It’s the standard range. Anything more than that is always impressive to get. But anything lower than that is a bit disappointing, for sure.
The best trailer tires depend on your specific needs, but popular options include the Carlisle Radial Trail HD for durability and load capacity, the Goodyear Endurance for all-weather performance and longevity, and the Maxxis M8008 ST for smooth rides and reliability. Always consider load rating, tire size, and driving conditions.
The best trailer tires are often made by brands like Goodyear, Carlisle, Maxxis, and Trail King. These manufacturers are known for their durability, load capacity, and performance. Goodyear offers premium options with strong tread life, while Carlisle provides reliable, budget-friendly choices. Maxxis is praised for its all-steel radial tires, and Trail King specializes in heavy-duty applications.
A 14-ply trailer tire can typically hold a significant amount of weight, often ranging between 3,000 to 4,000 pounds per tire, depending on the specific tire model and manufacturer. The exact weight capacity is determined by the tire’s load index and inflation pressure.
The most common 14-inch trailer tire size is ST175/80D14. This size is widely used for various trailers, including utility, boat, and small travel trailers. The “ST” stands for Special Trailer, indicating it’s specifically designed for trailers. The 175 represents the tire’s width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio (height to width), and 14 is the rim diameter in inches, ensuring a balance of stability and load capacity.
A 14-ply tire typically falls under Load Range E or F, indicating its load-carrying capacity and durability. Load Range E tires are commonly used for heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and SUVs, supporting up to 3,195 pounds per tire at 80 psi. Load Range F offers even higher capacity, up to 3,640 pounds at 95 psi.
Yes, you can run trailer tires on a pickup, but it’s not recommended. Trailer tires are designed for different load distributions and handling characteristics compared to pickup tires. They lack the necessary traction, sidewall strength, and durability for everyday road use on a pickup. Using trailer tires on a pickup could compromise safety, handling, and performance.
Yes, trailer tires should be balanced to ensure smooth towing, reduce wear on tires and suspension, and prevent vibrations that can damage the trailer or its contents. While some argue balancing isn’t always necessary for trailers, it’s recommended for higher speeds, long-distance travel, or heavy loads. Properly balanced tires improve safety, extend tire life, and enhance overall towing performance, making it a worthwhile investment.
Trailer tires typically last between 3 to 7 years, depending on usage, maintenance, and storage conditions. Even with minimal use, tires degrade over time due to factors like UV exposure, temperature changes, and aging. Regular inspections for cracks, wear, and proper inflation are crucial. Replacing tires every 5-6 years is often recommended, regardless of tread depth, to ensure safety and prevent blowouts.
A tractor-trailer tire typically weighs between 100 to 150 pounds (45 to 68 kilograms), depending on its size, type, and construction. Larger or reinforced tires designed for heavy-duty use can weigh up to 200 pounds (91 kilograms). The weight varies based on tread design, materials, and whether it’s a steer, drive, or trailer tire. Proper handling often requires equipment due to their size and weight.
Trailer tires typically last between 3 to 7 years, depending on usage, storage conditions, and maintenance. Even with minimal use, tires degrade over time due to UV exposure, temperature changes, and oxidation.
Carlisle trailer tires are generally considered good for their affordability and reliability. They offer a range of options suitable for various trailer types, including travel trailers, boat trailers, and utility trailers. While they may not match the premium quality of higher-end brands, they provide decent performance and durability for everyday use.
No, trailer tires should not be used on a car. They are designed specifically for trailers, with different load capacities, construction, and speed ratings compared to passenger car tires. Using trailer tires on a car can compromise safety, handling, and performance, as they are not built to withstand the stresses of steering, braking, or cornering like car tires.
Load Range D on trailer tires indicates the tire’s load-carrying capacity and air pressure. It corresponds to a ply rating of 8, meaning the tire can handle heavier loads compared to lower ranges (e.g., B or C). Typically, Load Range D tires support higher inflation pressures (around 65 PSI) and are suitable for medium-duty trailers, such as boat trailers, utility trailers, or RVs, where increased weight capacity is required.
Trailer tire PSI varies by tire size and load capacity, typically ranging from 50 to 110 PSI. Always check the tire’s sidewall or manufacturer’s specifications for the correct pressure. Proper inflation ensures safety, improves fuel efficiency, and extends tire life. Underinflation can cause overheating and blowouts, while overinflation reduces traction and increases wear. Use a reliable tire gauge to maintain optimal PSI, especially before long trips or heavy loads.
Final Thoughts!
After going through the top choices, you get the idea of the best 14-ply trailer tires and how each performs.
While you may find plenty of other choices, they might deliver different qualities and performance than the ones listed here.
Choosing one single tire out of some amazing choices can be tough. Still, the Suntek HD Trail + All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tire is the best overall pick for anyone. It’s affordable, durable, and performs quite well in every aspect.
Other than that, some exceptional choices can deliver even better quality than this one in certain aspects. Go with the one that suits your preferences the most.
I’m surprised Sailun S637 ties weren’t on that list…best tire out there for heavy toy haulers!