How to Choose the Right Tires for Towing
Towing a camp trailer, toy hauler, livestock trailer, or something for work isn’t as simple as hitching up and going. That’s because safety is incredibly important when hauling heavy loads, which includes the types of tires on your trailer and tow vehicle. You don’t just want good tires for towing, you want the best tires for towing for proper handling, braking, and stability. We have some tips to help you pick the right tires for your next towing adventure.
Features to Consider When Purchasing Towing Tires
The tires on your tow vehicle really do make a big difference. Even if your truck is rated to tow 11,000 lbs., without the right tires, every mile may be a struggle. Your steering could be affected, and your braking power might be diminished. To get the right tires for towing, look for these five features.
Durability and Longevity:
Warranties are important, but proper load range and load index can tell you a lot about the durability and longevity of a set of tires for a tow vehicle. The Using Load Index & Load Range to Pick the Right Tires tells you the maximum safe carrying capacity of the tire when it’s inflated to its maximum pressure. The higher the load index, the heavier the load the tires can withstand. That’s good when your truck is weighed down with people and the added tongue weight of the trailer. For safety, look for tires with a Tire Ply Ratings Explained of E or higher to ensure How Long Do Tires Last? when towing.
Size and Fit:
Bigger tires don’t always mean better traction or towing capacity. Les Schwab carries Using Load Index & Load Range to Pick the Right Tires for your tow vehicle.
Type of Tire:
Many light truck tires (LT), highway tires (HT), as well as all-terrain tires (AT) are built for many towing vehicles.
Tread:
Depending on the type of tire you choose for your tow vehicle, tires built for towing often have an aggressive tread pattern to perform well in mud, light snow, and rain. Additionally, they may feature reinforced tread blocks or circumferential grooves for added stability and control.
Tow Vehicle:
What you drive will have a big impact on the type of tires you choose, whether you’re towing or not. The right tires should meet or exceed manufacturer recommendations for the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for both the front and rear wheels of your vehicle, This information can be found on the driver’s side door placard as well as your owner’s manual. Here’s how to Using Load Index & Load Range to Pick the Right Tires and maximum pounds a tire can withstand when fully inflated.
Understanding Tire Ratings: Load Index vs. Load Range
Some of the more important numbers to consider when shopping for tow vehicle tires are the load range and load index of each tire. The basic information you need is printed on the side of every tire sold in the U.S.
LOAD INDEX
Load Index (F) is a number that correlates to the maximum safe carrying capacity of a tire when it’s inflated to its maximum pressure. The higher the load index, the better they can handle heavy loads, including the added weight of towing a trailer along with camping gear, a cab full of passengers, and a dog or two. Using Load Index & Load Range to Pick the Right Tires to help calculate the load index.
LOAD RANGE
Load Range (H) found on some tires shows the tire carrying capacity in overall ply ratings. The higher the ply rating, the more durable the tire. When hauling heavy loads, you want a tire rated with at least a 10-ply rating or load range E. This chart can help you calculate a tire’s load range.
When buying tires for your tow vehicle, remember the load index and range must meet or exceed the recommendation on your driver’s side door placard or owner’s manual. The load index and range of the tires you choose can be higher than recommended but never lower.
Towing Tires FAQs
What are the best tires for towing a camper?
Light truck (LT) tires, which include all-terrain (AT) and highway (HT) tires, can offer enough carrying capacity for hauling a camper. Please note: the load index and range should meet or exceed the manufacturer’s recommendation for your vehicle. You’ll find that information on your driver’s side door placard or in your owner’s manual.
What are the best tires for towing a 5th wheel?
The weight of a 5th wheel along with the tow vehicle load index often calls for highway tires (HT), unless you will be encountering dirt and gravel roads, or need traction for light snow. In those cases, all-terrain (AT) tires could be a good fit. Please note: the load range and index should meet or exceed the manufacturer’s recommendation for your vehicle. You’ll find that information on your driver’s side door placard or in your owner’s manual.
What are the best tires for towing a travel trailer?
Depending on the weight of the travel trailer and the load range requirements for the tow vehicle, light truck (LT) tires, which include all-terrain (AT) and highway (HT) tires, may offer enough carrying capacity. Please note: the load range and index should meet or exceed the manufacturer’s recommendation for your vehicle. You’ll find that information on your driver’s side door placard or in your owner’s manual.
What are the best tires for towing?
Based on the weight of the trailer being towed and the load range requirements for the tow vehicle, light truck (LT) tires, which include all-terrain (AT) and highway (HT) tires, may offer enough carrying capacity. Please note: the load range and index should meet or exceed the manufacturer’s recommendation for your vehicle. You’ll find that information on your driver’s side door placard or in your owner’s manual.
Do I need LT tires for towing?
Depending on your vehicle, it is recommended that your tow vehicle be equipped with proper tires to meet or exceed the tow vehicle’s load rating. This can include light truck (LT) tires, as long as they meet or exceed the manufacturer’s recommendation for your vehicle. You’ll find that information on your driver’s side door placard or in your owner’s manual.
Are 10-ply tires better for towing?
Although ply ratings do not always directly correspond with the number of plys (metal, poly, or other materials) found in a tire, oftentimes the higher the ply rating, the more rigid the sidewall. This may mean it can handle more weight, leading to more stability when towing.
Can I mix and match tires on my trailer?
It is not recommended to mix and match bias and radial tires on a trailer. That said, most special trailer (ST) tires are built with circumferential bands of strong rubber separated by precise grooves. As long as all four of the tires offer equal weight capacity and have adequate tread, they do not need to be the same brand. However, they must be the same size and have an equal or nearly identical tread pattern for added safety.
How often should I inspect or replace my towing tires?
Give each of your trailer tires a visual tread inspection and top off the air pressure before every long trip or weekend away. If you need any help, the professionals at Les Schwab will take a look and add air for free.
Do all-terrain tires help with towing?
As long as the load index and range of the all-terrain (AT) tires meet or exceed your tow vehicle’s recommendations, they can help with towing.What is the difference between LT (Light Truck) tires and passenger tires?
Light truck tires are built for the weight of passengers and heavier loads, including towing a trailer, camper, or other items. Passenger tires, including all-season and performance tires, are designed for stability and traction on today’s passenger cars, CUVs, and SUVs.
How does tire pressure affect towing?
The air pressure in a tire directly corresponds with the amount of weight the tire can withstand without failing. The recommended air pressure for your tow vehicle can be found on the driver’s side door placard or in your owner’s manual. The maximum air pressure for your trailer is typically found on the manufacturer’s placard, located by the door, hitch, or near the axle. Additionally, the PSI (pounds per square inch) for your trailer tires can be found on the sidewall.
Get Answers to Your Towing Questions
Whether you have questions about tires for your tow vehicle or trailer, Les Schwab has the answers. We can even give your tires a visual inspection and offer recommendations.