Switching to 15-inch wheels on your travel trailer is a significant improvement, particularly when moving from smaller sizes like 14-inch. This upgrade unlocks the possibility of using Light Truck (LT) tires, known for their durability and extended lifespan. With LT tires, you can anticipate 7 to 9 years of reliable service and potentially cover 45,000 to 50,000 miles without tire-related issues, especially beneficial for frequent travelers.
Several reputable manufacturers in the USA offer LT tires suitable for travel trailers. One popular option is the LT235/75-15 C, boasting a load capacity of 1980 lbs. Experienced trailer owners also recommend the Goodyear Wrangler HT in LT215/85-15 D, which provides a slightly higher load capacity of 2090 lbs, making it another excellent choice for trailer applications.
Beyond LT tires, Special Trailer (ST) tires are specifically designed for trailer use. In non-RV trailering communities, Taskmaster Providers ST tires consistently receive positive feedback for various trailer types and sizes. These newer generation ST tires are engineered for higher speeds and have been available for over a decade, proving their reliability. Notably, some larger, high-end fifth-wheel trailer brands now use them as original equipment, indicating their quality and performance.
For travel trailer owners primarily active in the RV community, Carlisle HD and Goodyear Endurance ST tires are widely favored and discussed on RV forums and websites. Introduced around January 2017, these newer ST tire options have shown promising performance over the past 4-5 years. Owners report expecting around 25,000 to 28,000 miles of service with minimal tread wear (approximately 8/32nd inch) and, importantly, without encountering the common issues often associated with traditional ST tires. Based on user experiences across various RV and non-RV trailer forums, these brands appear to be dependable choices, effectively addressing the typical problems seen in older ST tire designs. These recommendations are compiled from observations across numerous online forums dedicated to both RV and general trailer usage, reflecting a broad spectrum of user experiences and opinions.
