When choosing trailer tires, understanding the different types of tires is critical to ensuring that you choose the best tire for your specific needs. Whether you’re towing a utility trailer, a boat trailer or a large RV trailer, this can have a huge impact on the performance and safety of your trailer.
In this article, we’ll explore the various types of trailer tires and how to choose the right ones, including detailed information about the popular 205/75R15 trailer tire sizes.
- ST tires (special trailer tires)
ST (Special Trailer) tires are the most common type of trailer tires designed for trailers. These tires are designed to cope with the special requirements of trailers, including heavy loads and constant side-to-side movement. These tires are optimized for safety, stability and durability when towing over long distances.
Key features
Carrying capacity: ST tires have a higher carrying capacity than passenger car tires, making them ideal for heavy-duty trailers.
Reinforced Sidewalls: Stronger sidewalls prevent excessive sway and reduce the risk of tire failure under load.
Common Sizes: 205/75R15 is a common size for ST tires, offering a good balance of load carrying capacity and ride comfort.
If you are looking for a trailer tire that can handle both light and heavy loads, the 205/75R15 ST tire is the best choice for a wide range of trailers such as utility trailers, boat trailers and travel trailers.
- LT Tires (Light Truck Tires)
LT (Light Truck) tires are generally designed for light trucks, but can also be used for trailers. It is important to note, however, that LT tires are not optimized for the unique stresses that trailers are subjected to. LT tires are designed for vehicles with consistent weight distribution such as trucks and SUVs, not for the constant flexing and side-to-side movement of trailers.
Key Features
Load Carrying Capacity: LT tires can handle heavy loads, but may not be as stable as ST tires.
- Radial vs. bias-ply trailer tires
When shopping for trailer tires, you will also come across the terms radial and bias ply tires. They refer to the structure of the tire, which affects its performance, durability, and handling.
Radial Tires: Radial tires consist of a steel belt that runs perpendicular to the tread. Radial tires are known for smoother ride, higher fuel efficiency, and longer tread life. Radial tires are typically used on passenger cars and trailers. For example, 205/75R15 radial trailer tires provide excellent performance, especially over long distances.
Bias Ply Tires: Bias ply tires consist of overlapping layers of fabric. While these tires are more durable and can withstand heavy loads, they are less efficient on the road and have a bumpy ride. Bias ply tires are commonly used for off-road trailers, utility trailers and agricultural equipment.
When choosing between radial or bias ply tires for your trailer tires, you should consider the weight of the trailer and the trailer conditions. Radial tires like 205/75R15 radial trailer tires provide smoother handling and better performance when driving on the highway.
- Trailer tire size: why 205/75R15 is popular
One of the most common sizes of trailer tires is the 205/75R15. This size balances load carrying capacity, stability and comfort and is ideal for all types of trailers. 205: This number refers to the width of the tire in millimeters. 205 mm is the width commonly used for trailers and provides good stability on the road.
205: This number refers to the width of the tire in millimeters. 205 millimeters is a common width for trailers and provides good stability on the road.
75: This is the aspect ratio, which indicates the height of the tire as a percentage of the width. 75 means that the height of the tire is 75% of 205 mm, providing a balanced profile.
R15: indicates that the tire fits on a 15-inch rim, which is the standard size for many trailers.
The 205/75R15 size is versatile and suitable for a wide range of trailers, including utility trailers, caravans and boat trailers. the ST205/75R15 tire is particularly popular because of its ability to withstand the weight of a wide range of trailers, its smoothness of ride, and its resistance to abrasion.
- Other specialized trailer tires
In addition to ST and LT tires, there are other specialized trailer tires designed for specific types of trailers:
Off-road trailer tires: These tires are designed for trailers used on rough terrain. They typically have deeper tread and more durable construction.
Marine Trailer Tires: These tires can withstand the corrosive effects of wet conditions and salt water. They usually have a special rust-resistant coating.
Travel Trailer and RV Tires: These tires can handle the constant load changes and long trips typical of RVs and travel trailers.
Whichever trailer tires you choose, make sure you select tires that match the weight of the trailer, its use and road conditions.
Choosing the right trailer tires
Choosing the right trailer tire is critical to safety, performance and durability. Whether you choose ST tires such as 205/75R15, LT tires, or radial tires, it’s important to understand the unique needs of your trailer. 205/75R15 tire sizes are an excellent choice for a wide range of trailers, offering a good balance of load-carrying capacity and on-road comfort.
When choosing a tire, remember to check the tire’s load capacity, construction type and size. Whether you choose ST tires, radial tires, or any other type of trailer tire, making sure it matches your trailer will keep you safe on the road for years to come.
