RV OWNER’S FIELD GUIDE · BUYING GUIDES
Best RV Tires — Buying Guide
Tire choice on an RV or trailer isn’t just about brand — it’s about matching the tire’s category, load range, and speed rating to how the vehicle is actually built and used.
ST vs. LT tires
ST (Special Trailer) tires are engineered specifically for trailer axles — stiffer sidewalls to resist trailer sway, built for the different stress pattern of a towed axle versus a drive axle. LT (Light Truck) tires are built for powered, steered axles on motorhomes and tow vehicles, where the load and stress patterns differ from a trailer’s.
LT tires can be used on a trailer when the size fits and the load range carries at least the load on your trailer’s tire placard at your cold pressure. Check that in the tire maker’s load/inflation table, because an LT tire often carries less than an ST tire of the same size. Some owners of heavy fifth wheels move to LT or commercial-grade tires on purpose. Never mix ST and LT on the same axle, and never drop below the placard load capacity.
Load range and matching the axle rating
Load range (a letter rating like C, D, or E) indicates the tire’s maximum load capacity at a given pressure — it needs to meet or exceed your axle’s GAWR, not just “seem about right” compared to the old tire. Confirm your actual axle weights with our CAT scale guide before choosing a replacement load range.
Age matters as much as tread on RV tires that sit parked for long stretches — see our tire aging and dry rot guide before assuming good-looking tread means a safe tire.
Our Picks
ST (TRAILER) TIRES
Budget: Carlisle Radial Trail HD — a longtime standard trailer replacement tire, widely stocked.
Best Overall: Goodyear Endurance — purpose-built for trailer axles, a common upgrade from OEM trailer tires for better heat and sway resistance.
Premium / Extra Load: Sailun S637 — favored in the RV community for higher load-range options at a competitive price versus the majors.
LT (MOTORHOME / TOW VEHICLE) TIRES
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 — strong all-around wear and ride quality for tow vehicles and light-duty motorhome chassis. Michelin XZE / Continental HSR for Class A/C chassis applications — both common OEM and replacement specs on commercial-grade motorhome chassis.
Shop RV and trailer tires at Tire Rack →
RELATED GUIDES & SERVICES
Tire Aging & Dry Rot Guide
Tire Pressure by Load Chart
Weighing Your Rig — CAT Scale Guide
Trailer Wiring & Brake Systems (service)
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