Recommendation for the Best Trailer Wheel and Tire Size for Highway Towing

Updated 10/05/2010 | Published 10/03/2010

Question:

I am looking at numerous trailers both deck over and utility. Many deck over trailers have smaller tire/wheels...often in the 10-12 wheel size. If most of my towing will be high speed highway driving...should I look at a trailer with 14-15 wheels?

asked by: M.

Expert Reply:

You are correct that many deck over trailers have lower height wheels and tires. The reason for this is to reduce the height of the deck for ease of loading and unloading and to reduce the propensity for the trailer to be top heavy which can be a factor that contributes to trailer sway.

Trailer tires are not rated for high speed towing. As a general rule most trailer trailer tires and wheels are rated for 65 miles per hour depending on the manufacturer.

The best way to select the size of tire and wheel combination and trailer style is to determine what the trailer will be used for and the weight capacities you will require of the trailer. Once you have these things decided you will be able to select a trailer based on your needs. Then, the style of trailer and wheel size will fall into place.

In my experience larger tire and wheel combos along with higher rated capacities are the best way to go. Radial tires will provide a smoother ride and normally last longer that bias ply tires. One tip I can provide, is to use ST (special trailer) designated tires and run them at the pressure stated for the maximum load on the side of the tire. Special Trailer tires are designed to be used at the maximum load, pressure rating because they are constructed with a thicker sidewall that will heat up when ran at lower pressures, shortening the life of the tires.

expert reply by: Robert G