Truck and trailer tires explained
Towing and hauling change what matters in a tire. Load range, sidewall construction, and heat resistance outrank comfort and grip. LT-metric tires use stronger casings and higher inflation pressures than passenger-rated tires, and purpose-built trailer (ST) tires are engineered for straight-line load carrying rather than steering. Fitting the wrong category is a common and genuinely dangerous mistake.
- Season
- Year-round
- Temperature
- Model dependent
- Best for
- Pickups, RVs, and towing setups
Strengths
- Higher load capacity and heat resistance under tow
- Stiff sidewalls reduce sway with a loaded trailer
- Durable casings suited to gravel and job-site use
Trade-offs
- Heavier, harsher ride when the truck is empty
- Higher inflation pressures required
- Fuel-economy penalty versus P-metric tires
Buy these if
- You tow a trailer, boat, or RV
- You haul weight regularly or drive job sites
- Your truck is three-quarter ton or heavier
Truck & Trailer Tires: common questions
What does load range E mean?
Load range E indicates a 10-ply-rated casing, typically inflated to 80 psi at maximum load. It is the common specification for three-quarter and one-ton trucks that tow or haul.
Can I use truck tires on a trailer?
It is not ideal. ST (special trailer) tires have stiffer sidewalls tuned for load carrying and sway resistance rather than steering, and are usually the safer choice for a towed axle.