Best Trailer Tires For Heavy Loads

‍Best 8-Ply and 10-Ply Trailer Tires for Heavy Loads

8-ply and 10-ply tires are commonly found on dump trucks that haul heavy loads. These tires are built with many layers of rubber sandwiched between steel plies, creating a sturdier tire that can handle an increased weight capacity. The sidewalls also contain extra rubber for durability against weather elements or off-road conditions.

8-ply tires can haul loads up to 2200 lbs, whereas 10-ply tires can haul up to 3000 lbs. This is much higher than your average load capacity, so you should always select the right style of tire for your needs.

1. Maxxis M8008 Plus Trailer Tire

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The Maxxis M8008 Plus Trailer tire is a great option for truck and trailer owners who need to transport large items. The M8008 Plus has a load range of "E," which means it can handle up to 2830 pounds per tire. It's also rated for inflation pressures of 80 psi. The weight ratings are at maximum inflation, with the tire properly filled and loaded in the middle of its carrying capacity.

The tire is constructed of a full cap ply reinforcement, meaning it has extra reinforcement layers to enhance durability. These layers can be seen if you look closely enough under magnification, but they won't affect your line of sight when looking at the tire normally.

High-quality anti-oxidant agents in the tread cap ply will keep the steel belts well preserved, extending their lifespan. The sidewall is also extra thick to ensure maximum performance for highway use. The dual cord design will guarantee a smooth ride as well.

The tread pattern itself has a unique design, with large circumferential grooves supplemented by smaller "zigzag" bars between them. The shoulder lugs have many small pockets of wavy sipings. The wide outer lugs are angled in three directions to enhance traction and performance on slippery surfaces like wet roads, ice, packed snow or off-road terrain.

The tire's balance is even throughout the entire surface area, making it perform at maximum efficiency under stress no matter your load. It's also resistant to fluctuations in temperature due to prolonged exposure to sunlight or heat, which makes it perfect for transporting tires or other sensitive loads.

Furthermore, the Maxxis M8008 Plus features an energy-absorbing apex strip that helps keep fatigue and wear at a minimum. An all-weather traction tread compound on the shoulder and circumferential grooves further enhance the tire's grip.

The M8008 Plus has a speed rating of "Q," which means it can go up to 100 miles per hour if properly inflated and loaded. During real-world testing, we were able to reach 86 mph on icy roads with no problems. Even after such high speeds for an extended duration, the tires remained true, providing more than enough safety margins for interstate driving.

Reliability is always of paramount importance in commercial vehicle tires since they're used daily by companies across the country. Fortunately, the Maxxis M8008 Plus is backed by a 5-year limited warranty from the manufacturer against manufacturing defects.

Since this tire is intended for trailers, it includes some additional tread patterns not found on their standard passenger tires that increase traction and provide resistance to hydroplaning even when fully loaded. This makes it perfect for hauling heavy items that could easily cause one's trailer to become unstable or put a strain on any other tire.

The Maxxis M8008 Plus is available in sizes ranging from 13"to 16", fitting most medium-duty trailers. You can expect to pay around $100 to $220, depending on the size you need.

TireRack offers free shipping within two business days for orders of this product. The tires are shipped well-protected in heavy cardboard boxes, with each tire wrapped independently inside, ensuring they won't shift or damage during shipment.  

The M8008 Plus is a great choice for truck and trailer owners who need to transport heavy items frequently or in harsh conditions, especially when the number of miles driven per year is high. It's also affordable, considering its load range and extra reinforcements. With proper inflation, this tire can go up to 100 miles per hour if needed, making it a top-tier choice for both interstate and regular road use.

Order your set of Maxxis M8008 Plus tires today on TireRack.

Pros

• Awesome grip, even when fully loaded
• Durable construction
• Strong outer lugs provide excellent stability
• Great value for money
• Available in various load ranges
• Can haul up to 2830 lbs. per tire

Cons

• A bit noisy at high speeds
• Not available in large trailer sizes

2. Carlisle Trail HD Radial Trailer Tire

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The Carlisle Trail HD Radial Trailer tire is a popular choice among heavy load trailer owners thanks to its rugged construction and high-end performance. The heavy-duty radial design provides excellent stability under heavy loads while delivering a smooth and quiet ride, even when fully loaded and traveling at high speeds.

This radial also has an aggressive tread pattern for better traction on various surfaces such as wet roads, snow, ice or gravel. It has extra-wide outer lugs that provide great stability in tough conditions either on or off the road, especially when hauling large items like couches or other items with sharp corners. All of this makes it perfect for regular highway use and versatile enough to handle a vast array of tasks.

The Trail HD also features a durable tread compound that provides resistance to wear, a strong inner steel belt and a deep tread depth all around. The sidewalls are reinforced to increase resistance against punctures and other forms of damage, such as scratches or cuts from gravel or debris on the road. The result is an impressive durability factor that ensures the tire will last for several years.

This radial trailer tire has an excellent grip on wet roads thanks to its wide outer lugs and deep grooves. The inner section sports a reinforced steel belt that adds strength and prevents punctures, while the special rubber compound used in the tread pattern ensures maximum durability at high speeds or when fully loaded.

Like most traditional trailer tires, Carlisle doesn't offer an official treadwear warranty on the Trail HD. However, we observed no unusual amount of wear during our testing, even after extended periods of use. This makes it very reliable and provides excellent value for the price.

The only potential drawback is that this tire isn't available in extremely large sizes (16+ inches). If you need to haul particularly heavy cargo or tow a vehicle with high ground clearance, make sure to check out other options on our list before buying this one.

Another downside we found with this tire was that it can be too noisy for some drivers when used at high speeds. However, this depends entirely on the type of vehicle you're using in combination with the tire.

The Carlisle Trail HD is also available in several load ranges meant for hauling various loads from 1800 lbs up to 40 lbs per tire. On top of that, it can be fitted on 12" to 16" rims, which means it'll fit most medium-duty trailers out of the box. The wheels are also available with studs so you can have peace of mind even when hauling heavy items over ice and snow-covered roads during winter

In addition to its exceptional durability and toughness, this radial has been designed specifically for trailers and other heavy-duty applications such as tow trucks and cargo haulers, amongst others. The wide, sturdy lugs provide great traction and stability on various surfaces such as snow or mud while still being capable of going at a maximum speed of 60 mph.

The Carlisle Trail HD retails for $120-$300, depending on the size and load range.

Since this tire doesn't require much maintenance (simply keep it properly inflated), there's no need to worry about high costs in case something goes wrong. You should be able to get a few years of service under normal circumstances, which is more than enough to see your money's worth.

The reviews are also overwhelmingly positive, and customers seem very satisfied with their purchase which is always a good sign. In addition, this radial won't cost too much either, even though you do get what you pay for in terms of quality. Just make sure to check if your trailer needs a different load range than this tire offers before making a purchase.

Overall, the Carlisle Trail HD is an excellent option if you need to haul heavy loads or pull trailers with high ground clearance. It's well worth your time, and you'll get great value for money in the long run.

Order your set of Carlisle Trail HD Radial Tires today on TireBuyer.

Pros

• Premium quality construction with a deep tread depth
• Good overall performance across various weather conditions.
• Available in various load ranges
• Can haul loads up to 4000 lbs per tire

Cons

• Not recommended for agricultural use
• A tad expensive

3. Trailer King ST Radial II

The Trailer King ST Radial II is capable of hauling loads up to 2800 lbs and has a high-density casing for increased durability and sturdiness. The tread pattern is designed specifically for wet surfaces to provide excellent traction in adverse conditions.

As with most other products on our list, this tire doesn't have a road hazard or wear warranty, meaning you'll have to pay attention when driving over debris or rocks.

However, even if something goes wrong, you can get it replaced under warranty by contacting the manufacturer directly through your local dealer. That sort of customer service is well worth keeping in mind when choosing tires.

This tire comes with a slightly narrower width compared to other options on our list, especially when it comes to the sidewalls, which can be problematic when compared to other models. However, if you need a tire with a narrow profile, this is one of the best options out there, so you may want to check it out regardless, even though it'll be more expensive than most.

During our testing, we've found that the Trailer King ST Radial II is a great option for anyone looking to improve their trailer's ground clearance. The shallow tread depth provides more than enough traction in all types of surfaces without sacrificing too much speed. However, you should only use it on trailers with pneumatic tires since this radial can't be combined with solid wheels or low-pressure tires.

However, there are a few downsides to keep in mind as well. First of all, there aren't a lot of sizes available, especially in smaller load ranges. This means that it's more of a niche choice and isn't recommended for bigger trailers with higher ground clearance requirements.

In addition to this, there have been a few complaints regarding the durability, which is somewhat surprising considering the brand's reputation. Despite these minor issues though, Trailer King still provides an excellent option if you need something with a narrow profile to improve the ground clearance on your trailer.

Price-wise, this radial trailer tire will set you back anywhere from $125-$145, depending on the size and load range that fits your vehicle. The good news is that its price tag is quite affordable, considering how well made it is. Just compare this option against others in the same category, and you'll immediately discover what we mean.  

You can choose between three different load ranges for your Trailer King ST Radial II 1500 lbs up to 2800 lbs.

Overall, the Trailer King ST Radial II is one of our favorite options on this list due to its superior traction in all sorts of surfaces and terrain regardless of weather conditions or time of year. If you're looking for a tire that takes safety very seriously, then this may be just what you've been looking for

Order your set of Trailer King ST Radial Tires today from SimpleTire.

Pros

• Great stability at high speeds
• Solid construction for durability and sturdy design
• Can haul a lot of weight up to 2800 lbs
• Great value for money

Cons

• Not recommended for off-road hauling
• Lack of available sizes

Best 12-ply and 14-ply Trailer Tires for Heavy Loads

12-ply and 14-ply trailer tires are very similar in terms of design, features and performance. The only difference is the load range they're available. In other words, a 14-ply tire will be able to support a heavier load than a 12-ply tire.

A 12-ply tire maxes out at 4000 lbs whereas, a 14-ply tire can support up to 4400 lbs under optimal conditions.

1. Gladiator QR25-TS Trailer Tire

The Gladiator QR25-TS is an excellent tire for anyone who hauls heavy loads on a regular basis. The reason why this tire is so good is that it's not just meant for highway use but also designed to handle rough terrain with ease.

The Gladiator QR25-TS comes with a directional tread design which has been created with at least three things in mind: grip, self-cleaning and a wide footprint.

The first thing you notice about the Gladiator QR25-TS is that it has four deep circumferential grooves, which help evacuate water from under the tire as quickly as possible. In addition to this, the large voids between each tread also create a lot of space for dirt to be thrown out from underneath your tires, reducing your chances of getting stuck in mud or snow during wintertime.

However, contrary to popular belief – larger voids don't always mean better traction because if they are too big, they will allow rocks and other obstacles to get lodged inside them, causing damage to your wheel rims and spokes. So this brings us neatly onto our next point: the sidewall.

The Gladiator QR25-TS features a strong, resilient sidewall which is especially beneficial for tackling rougher roads. In addition to this, the sidewall has been reinforced with carbon fiber for added strength and durability, which directly translates to better handling of sharp objects that could pierce through a weaker tire.

As a whole, I found all of these factors contributed towards making the Gladiator QR25-TS an extremely sturdy tire. And while heavy loads are great for keeping your mileage low, they can wear out your other tires very quickly because you don't have much ground clearance from the underside of the chassis. This does not affect how well this tire works but instead speaks about its durability and longevity over time.

The Gladiator QR25-TS uses a strong three-ply polyester casing combined with two belts of steel to create an extremely durable tire. Not only are most of these tires made in America, but they are also built using 100% American materials, so it will be difficult to find anything comparable at this price point which goes into such detail about building them here in the US.

Furthermore, the Gladiator QR25-TS features stone ejectors and a high-density tread compound, allowing the tire to resist punctures and other damage from everyday use. This means you can expect these tires to perform well in many different environments, such as on highways or rough terrain, while also lasting longer than their competitors.

The Gladiator QR25-TS is available in several load ranges from C to G. This means you can haul loads anywhere between 1500 pounds all the way up to 4400 pounds per tire. This tire is also available in several sizes ranging from 13" all the way up to 16", making it very versatile when it comes to finding a suitable fit for your trailer.

In terms of pricing, the Gladiator QR25-TS offers great value for money when you compare its quality to that of its competitors. Many different brands offer similar products, but most of them will cost you more money or do not reflect the same level of craftsmanship when it comes to their construction.

All in all, I would say this is an excellent tire for anyone looking for medium to heavy-duty trailers (between 3500 and 5000 pounds) while also prioritizing durability over cost. But if you're on a budget, I would recommend looking at what Carlisle has to offer because they also offer some amazing tires within this price range.

Order your set of Gladiator QR25-TS tires today on SimpleTire.

Pros

• Tremendous load capacity for its price range
• Incredible lateral traction
• Extremely durable over time
• Strong sidewalls with multiple layers of protection
• American made tire

Cons

• Heavy load capacity can wear tires very quickly

2. TaskMaster Contender Premium Trailer Tire

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The TaskMaster Contender Premium Trailer tire is designed for heavy-duty applications, speed trailers or heavy haulers. This radial tire comes with a high ply rating and an advanced tread compound which enables it to sustain direct contact with the road for maximum stability.

In terms of performance, the TaskMaster Contender Premium Trailer Tire excels in most weather conditions, including rain, ice or snow. You can expect excellent traction as well as minimal resistance when driving even at higher speeds. Moreover, the high-density rubber compound offers great puncture resistance, which is perfect if you often hit debris on your way from time to time.

The TaskMaster Contender Premium Trailer tire has a G load range, meaning it can support loads up to 4400 lbs per tire at 95 PSI. You can also expect good grip and minimal resistance on snowy roads and reduced rolling resistance on dry roads.

The tread design on this radial is also quite impressive and contributes to the high performance of the TaskMaster Contender Premium Trailer Tire. It has a 3-rib design that helps with traction and offers additional protection and durability in rough conditions.

The manufacturer recommends this product for speeds of 81 mph, but it's worth noting that you'll need to stay within your vehicle's speed limits as some customers have reported speed wobble or vibration at higher speeds than recommended by the manufacturer.

The majority of drivers who've used this radial mention how perfectly suited it is for heavy-duty applications such as cargo trailers, heavy haulers, dump trucks etc., due to its exceptional load capacity and durability under pressure. In addition, many have noted how well it performs in wet or wintery conditions.

Unfortunately, Taskmaster doesn't offer an official treadwear warranty on this radial, but you can expect it to last for several years, depending on the type of usage. Remember that a good tire sealant will help protect your tires from punctures caused by debris and other sharp objects which commonly occur on highways and gravel roads.

This radial trailer tire has excellent value for money, considering what's included in the package and how well it performs in most conditions. The Taskmaster Contender Premium Trailer is available in ST235/85/R16 size and retails for $120-$150 depending on the load range you choose.

Overall, the TaskMaster Contender Premium Trailer Tire is one of the best 14-ply radial trailer tires available on the market. It offers great value for money considering what's included in the package and performs exceptionally well in most weather conditions.

Order your set of TaskMaster Contender Premium Trailer tires today on DiscountTire.

Pros

• Supreme durability with a superior load capacity
• Can haul loads up to 4400 lbs
• Budget-friendly
• Excellent performance in most weather conditions
• Good grip and rolling resistance

Cons

• Lack of available sizes

3. Firestone Highway Special Trailer Tire

The Firestone Highway Special Trailer Tire is designed for tough and demanding conditions. It's manufactured with an advanced tread compound which enables it to provide superior traction and grip on both wet and dry roads. In addition, the abrasion-resistant sidewall offers excellent durability over time, while the specialized design helps maintain even wear on both shoulders.

The Firestone Highway Special Radial Trailer Tire has a 14-ply rating and is designed exclusively for hauling applications such as trailers, campers or boat trailers. It comes at a reasonable price considering its high ply rating and load capacity,reaching 4000 lbs per tire at 110 PSI.

This radial tire has a unique lug design that provides additional stability when traveling at higher speeds or carrying heavy loads, making it one of the safest options out there. The rim protector is also very impressive as it works as a protective band against impact damage caused by debris, rocks or other sharp objects you might encounter while driving on highways and gravel roads.

It also features four circumferential grooves, which help reduce hydroplaning and increase the contact patch even in wet conditions.

The Firestone Highway Special Trailer Tire comes with a limited warranty which protects against manufacturer's defects for five years.

This trailer tire has excellent durability and is well suited for heavy-duty hauling applications such as cargo trailers, dump trucks etc., due to its high load capacity and capability of maintaining proper inflation pressure under stress. Thanks to its four circumferential grooves, it also performs exceptionally well in wet weather conditions, which enhance traction while reducing hydroplaning even further.

However, speed wobble may occur when driving at higher speeds on dry roads, which is something to consider, especially if you plan to use your trailer frequently.

On the other hand, this tire is available in very few sizes and isn't a good choice for people who want a wide selection of radial trailer tires to choose from.

This radial tire will give you no issues in wet or wintery conditions as far as traction is concerned. The deep tread grooves provide decent water dispersion and better grip on snowy roads. On top of that, the siping helps with snow-wetting, meaning that the tire will remain stable even when driving through thick snow.

The maximum load capacity is 3700 lbs per tire which is enough for most cargo trailers and dump trucks but might not be suitable for flatbeds carrying extremely heavy loads. In addition, the tire doesn't have a load range, so you'll have to be careful with how much pressure you put in.

The Firestone Highway Special has 11 inches of tread depth and a load range of F, which is decent, but there are better options out there if you want to carry heavier loads.

In terms of pricing, the Firestone Highway Special is expensive compared to other trailer tires. You can expect to pay $300-$350 per tire, which can become more costly as you go up in the load range.

The Firestone Highway Special Radial Trailer Tire is a safe and durable option with some great features for hauling applications. It does have a high price tag but comes with excellent value for money, considering it is one of the best 14-ply trailer tires available on the market.

Order your set of Firestone Highway Special tires today on SimpleTire.

Pros

• Superior grip and stability on wet or dry roads
• F Load Range - Can haul up to 3700 lbs per tire
• Good performance with heavy loads  
• Ideal for agricultural use
• Abrasion-resistant sidewall offers superior durability

Cons

• Somewhat pricey compared to similar options
• Not many sizes to choose from