The best RV tires for fifth wheels are the Carlisle Radial Trail HD ST235/80R16 in Load Range E for most rigs under about 12,000 lb, and an all-steel Load Range G or H 235/80R16 or 235/85R16 for anything heavier. Fifth wheels carry more weight than any other trailer class and arrive with tires rated only to barely meet the axle load, so the sidewall number on your existing tires matters more than the brand name on them.
Our team spent weeks comparing sidewall stamps, load indexes and cold pressure ratings across the full fifth wheel tire market, then matched them against real owner reports on rigs from 8,000 lb to 16,000 lb GVWR. Ten picks made the cut, and each one earns its place against a specific trailer weight rather than a vague idea of quality.
Two numbers decide almost everything: how many pounds each tire is stamped to carry, and the rim’s stamped maximum cold pressure. If you match both, the tire choice gets easy. Get this guide first, then use our trailer tire roundup to compare lighter trailer fitments.
What follows is the short version of what we learned. We route each tire by GVWR, publish the real load index and cold PSI for every pick, and flag the mounting problems that catch owners out at the tire shop.
Table of Contents
Key Tire Specs to Look For on Fifth Wheel Tires
Six numbers on the sidewall decide whether a tire belongs on your fifth wheel. Here is exactly what to read and what each one means.
ST versus LT: ST stands for Special Trailer and is built for trailer duty only. LT is a light truck tire that steers as well as tows, wears faster, and gets derated when used as a trailer tire. Nearly every fifth wheel tire in this roundup is ST.
Load range letter: C, D, E, F, G and H map to roughly 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 ply equivalents. Load range E is a 10-ply rating, Load Range G is 14, and Load Range H is 16. The letter is the number that matters, not the marketing.
Load index: The two or three digit capacity lookup printed after the size. Index 117 carries 2,830 lb per tire, 123 carries 3,417 lb, 129 carries 4,080 lb and 133 carries 4,540 lb.
Speed symbol: L equals 75 mph, M equals 81 mph, N equals 87 mph, S equals 112 mph. A tire with no letter printed at all is a 65 mph tire, whatever the brand claims.
Maximum cold pressure: The sidewall PSI where the printed load capacity is valid. A Load Range G tire needs 110 psi cold to carry its full rating. Running 60 psi on it drops the real capacity dramatically.
Rim maximum PSI: Stamped inside the wheel. This is a hard ceiling. Exceed it and the tire’s load rating becomes meaningless, because the rim is the weak link.
Two more things belong on that list. Read the DOT date code, where the final four digits give the week and year of manufacture, and check the tire certification label on the trailer for the actual axle load rating rather than the marketing GVWR sticker.
Top 3 Fifth Wheel Tire Picks (October 2026)
Carlisle Radial Trail HD ST235/80R16
- 10-ply Load Range E
- Load index 124
- 80 psi max cold
- L speed rating
ZEEMAX ST235/80R16 Set of 4
- 14-ply Load Range G
- 4080 lb per tire
- 110 psi max cold
- All-steel casing
Free Country Grand Ride ST225/75R15 Set of 4
- 10-ply Load Range E
- Load index 117
- 7 mm tread depth
- Scuff Guard rib
All 10 Fifth Wheel Tires Compared in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Carlisle Radial Trail HD ST235/80R16 |
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| Free Country Grand Ride ST225/75R15 Set of 4 |
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 Transeagle ST ST225/75R15 12-Ply Load Range F Set of 4 |
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| Transeagle ST ST235/80R16 Load Range G 14-Ply |
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 Roundrule ST Hikee ST235/80R16 |
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 Libra Trailer Parts ST225/75R15 14-Ply Set of 4 |
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| Transeagle ST ST225/75R15 Load Range G 14-Ply |
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| ZEEMAX ST235/80R16 14-ply Load Range G Set of 4 |
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 Venom Power Terra Hunter X/T LT245/75R17 |
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 GREMAX ST235/85R16 16-Ply Load Range H Set of 4 |
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Which Fifth Wheel Tire You Need by GVWR
Your fifth wheel needs a Load Range G or H tire if it is over about 10,000 lb GVWR, and the math is per corner, not per trailer. Start with the GAWR on your certification label, divide by the tires on that axle, then add a 15 percent margin.
A 14,000 lb fifth wheel on tandem axles typically carries 7,000 lb per axle, which is 3,500 lb per tire. Adding the 15 percent margin brings the requirement to about 4,025 lb per tire. That rules out a Load Range E tire rated 3,417 lb and puts Load Range G at 4,080 lb right on the line.
A 16,000 lb toy hauler with a similar tandem axle layout carries 8,000 lb per axle, or 4,000 lb per tire. With the margin applied the requirement climbs to about 4,600 lb, which lands squarely on a Load Range H tire stamped at 4,540 lb. Check your actual label before buying, since axles rarely split evenly.
Below 10,000 lb GVWR, a Load Range E ST235/80R16 or ST225/75R15 covers a standard bumpered fifth wheel with room to spare. Between 10,000 and 14,000 lb, move to a 14-ply all-steel Load Range G. Above 14,000 lb, Load Range H in 235/85R16 is the honest answer.
If your trailer runs triple axles, do the math per axle again. A triple-axle toy hauler may hit 7,000 lb per axle, and the third axle rarely carries a full load when the trailer is empty, which is why the per-axle figure from the label is the one that matters.
Our touring tire guide covers passenger-car fitments if you are comparing a toter rather than a trailer, since none of the tires below are approved for steering.
1. Carlisle Radial Trail HD ST235/80R16 – Best Overall Fifth Wheel Tire
Carlisle Radial Trail HD ST235/80R16 E
Load Range E 10-ply
Load index 124
80 psi max cold
L speed rating 75 mph
Tire only, 33.7 lb
Pros
- Nearly 3000 ratings averaging 4.6 out of 5
- Damage-resistant compound and design
- All-season balance
- Handles short and long-distance trailer use
Cons
- Rim not included
- Load index 124 suits lighter trailers than heavy toy haulers
This is the tire we kept coming back to while routing the whole roundup by weight. The Carlisle Radial Trail HD is a 10-ply Load Range E ST235/80R16 with a load index of 124, an L speed rating and an 80 psi maximum cold pressure. It is the default answer for a fifth wheel sitting under about 12,000 lb GVWR.
What sold us is the review base. Nearly 3,000 ratings averaging 4.6 out of 5 gives you a far clearer picture of failure rates than any small-sample tire in this group. Buyers consistently describe it as durable, balanced and unhurried at highway speed, and 83 percent of reviewers gave it five stars.
The Radial Trail HD is also the tire most often described as a straightforward swap for what came off the factory. Same 235/80R16 size, same 16-inch wheel, same 80 psi working pressure, so the change costs you a mounting fee and nothing else. Reviewers report it on toterhoused fifth wheels, cargo trailers and horse trailers without drama.
Be honest about its ceiling though. A load index of 124 sits well under what a 14,000 lb rig demands per corner, and the L speed rating caps the design at 75 mph. If your fifth wheel is heavy or you routinely run faster, step up a load range.
What You Get With This Tire
The damage-resistant design and durable compound are the two features owners mention most, particularly on tires that see gravel roads and construction sites. Reviewers running toterhoused fifth wheels report even wear and no vibration after mounting, which suggests the casing is consistent rather than merely strong.
Because it is a directional-tread tire, mounting orientation matters. Get the arrow pointing the correct way at the shop, and the all-season balance reviewers describe is the result you will feel.
Where It Falls Short
The first limitation is capacity. At load index 124 it is a trailer for lighter duty, and owners upgrading from bigger tires sometimes note the gap is obvious when the rig is fully loaded with a side-by-side in the garage.
The second is that no rim comes with it. Every tire in this roundup is sold without a wheel, so budget for a separate rim purchase if yours are corroded. Our performance tire guide covers nothing in this category, so plan on sourcing wheels independently.
2. Free Country Grand Ride ST225/75R15 Set of 4 – Best Value
Free Country Grand Ride Set 4 Trailer Tires ST225/75R15 10 Ply Load Range E Steel Belted Radial w/Featured Scuff Guard
Set of 4 ST225/75R15
Load Range E 10-ply
Load index 117 at 2830 lb
80 psi max cold
N speed 87 mph
Pros
- Full cap ply across the whole tread
- Scuff Guard sidewall rib
- 7 mm tread depth beats cheaper rivals
- Comes as a set of four
Cons
- Rims not included
- Load Range E is light for heavily loaded trailers
The Free Country Grand Ride is the set to buy when your fifth wheel is on 15-inch wheels and you want a full axle pair replaced in one order. Four ST225/75R10-ply tires in Load Range E with a load index of 117, rated at 2,830 lb per tire at 80 psi cold.
Two construction details set it above the typical budget tire. The nylon overlay runs across the entire tread area rather than only the shoulders, and the Scuff Guard ring on the sidewall protects against curb scuffs. The 7 mm tread depth also compares favorably with the 5.6 mm found on cheaper sets.
Reviewers running toy haulers, race trailers and equipment haulers report a smooth ride both loaded and empty, easy mounting and solid tread life across more than 2,100 ratings. A minority of early wear complaints traced back to axle alignment rather than the tire itself, which is worth remembering before blaming the rubber.
The N speed rating at 87 mph is a genuine step up from the L-rated tires that dominate this class. It is not a license to tow at that speed, but it removes one ceiling owners often complain about.
What You Get With This Tire
The full cap ply is the feature we would highlight above all others. Shoulder-only strips, common on competing budget tires, leave the center of the tread unprotected, and the center is where the load actually goes on a straight tow.
The set-of-four packaging also removes the most common frustration. Finding four tires with the same DOT date code one at a time is genuinely hard, and matched codes are what you want on an axle.
Where It Falls Short
Load Range E is the honest limit here. At 2,830 lb per tire it covers a fifth wheel under about 10,000 lb GVWR comfortably, and it is not the right answer for a rig carrying a garage full of side-by-sides.
The listing also has no rims, so a corroded wheel set still needs replacing separately. Budget for that before the mounting appointment rather than after.
3. Transeagle ST ST225/75R15 12-Ply Set of 4 – Best for 15-Inch Wheels
4 x Transeagle ST ST225/75R15 All Season F (12 Ply) All Steel Tires
Set of 4 ST225/75R15
Load Range F 12-ply
121/117 index at 3197 lb
95 psi max cold
M speed 81 mph
Pros
- All-steel 12-ply Load Range F build
- 3197 lb per tire capacity
- Set of four from one order
- 86 percent five-star ratings
Cons
- Rims not included
- M speed rating lower than S-rated light truck options
Load Range F is the sensible middle step most fifth wheel owners skip, and the Transeagle ST 12-ply set is where we would land. Each tire carries a 121/117 load index rated at 3,197 lb in single position, with a 95 psi maximum cold pressure and an M speed rating.
At 3,197 lb per tire you gain roughly 367 lb of capacity over a Load Range E ST225/75R15 for the same wheel and same diameter. That gap is exactly what protects a tandem-axle rig running near 12,000 lb GVWR, and it costs you only a pressure increase.
Owners describe clean mounting and balance, which matters more than it sounds because trailer wheels are notoriously fussy to balance. Across 405 ratings the tire holds a 4.7 average with 86 percent five stars, one of the strongest profiles in this group.
The main conversation in the reviews is about pressure. Going from 80 to 95 psi cold is a real step up, and you should recheck after the first 50 miles because the casing will settle.
What You Get With This Tire
All-steel construction through the carcass is the meaningful upgrade here, not just a higher letter. Semi-steel tires of the same size are noticeably lighter and noticeably less resistant to sidewall damage, which is the failure that ends trailer trips.
The symmetrical radial tread pattern also behaves predictably on a tow, which is why owners report no tracking issues after mounting.
Where It Falls Short
The M speed rating of 81 mph is lower than the S-rated light truck alternatives, so it is not the choice if you habitually run at higher speeds on open interstate. It is fine at the 62 to 65 mph that most experienced owners recommend.
At 12-ply it still falls short of what a 14,000 lb fifth wheel needs per corner with a proper margin. Treat Load Range F as a comfortable midpoint, not a heavy-duty answer.
4. Transeagle ST ST235/80R16 14-Ply Load Range G – Best for Single-Tire Replacement
Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/80R16 235/80/16 235/80-16 129/125M Load Range G LRG 14-Ply BSW Black Side Wall
ST235/80R16 Load Range G
14-ply all-steel
Load index 129 at 4079 lb
110 psi max cold
M speed rating
Pros
- 4079 lb per tire at full 110 psi
- Sold individually for staggered replacement
- Strong puncture resistance on heavy trailers
- 81 percent five-star ratings
Cons
- Sold as one tire not a set
- 50 lb weight needs proper mounting equipment
- Fender clearance can be tight on some campers
Sometimes you only need one tire. The Transeagle ST ST235/80R16 in Load Range G is sold as a single unit, which makes it the pick for replacing one tire after a road hazard or swapping one side of a tandem axle.
All-steel, 14-ply, load index 129, 4,079 lb per tire at 110 psi cold, M speed rating. Those numbers place it squarely in fifth wheel territory for a rig between 12,000 and 14,000 lb GVWR, where a Load Range E tire is genuinely under-rated per corner.
The dominant theme across 618 ratings is upgrading from a 10-ply to a 14-ply after a blowout, and owners doing exactly that report noticeably better stability. Heavy-haul and equipment trailer operators cite strong construction and slow wear, with 81 percent of reviewers giving five stars.
That 4.5 average is the lowest among our top four picks, and the reviews explain why. It is not a quality complaint so much as a category complaint about heavy, high-ply trailer tires in general.
What You Get With This Tire
Running 110 psi cold is the point of this tire. The 4,079 lb rating is only valid at full pressure, and owners who move up from an 80 psi tire will feel the stiffer response immediately. That stiffness is the load-carrying capacity.
Sold singly, it solves a problem no set of four can. Matching one tire to an existing axle is far easier than assembling a full matched set from mixed date codes.
Where It Falls Short
At 50 lb per tire this is a demanding mount. Many passenger tire shops will not install a 14-ply all-steel trailer tire, so expect to need a commercial truck tire shop or a mobile technician. Plan that before you buy.
The 30.8 inch diameter can also crowd fender clearance on certain campers, and some owners had to trim a clearance cover. Measure before ordering.
5. Roundrule ST Hikee ST235/80R16 – Budget Pick
Roundrule ST Hikee ST235/80R16 All Season E (10 Ply) Semi-Steel Tire
ST235/80R16 Load Range E
10-ply semi-steel
123/119 index at 3417 lb
80 psi max cold
L speed rating
Pros
- Well-priced 235/80R16 option
- 3417 lb per tire at 80 psi
- Ranks among the top sellers in trailer tires
- Listed for winter as well as year round
Cons
- Semi-steel casing is less impact resistant
- L speed rating caps at 75 mph
- Rim not included
The Roundrule ST Hikee is the cheapest way into a 235/80R16 on a fifth wheel, and the numbers hold up better than the price suggests. Load Range E, 10-ply semi-steel, 123/119 load index rated at 3,417 lb per tire at 80 psi cold.
That 3,417 lb figure is worth pausing on. It is 587 lb more than the Free Country Grand Ride and it matches several 14-ply tires in this roundup, which tells you how misleading the ply label can be when you are comparing carcasses.
Reviewers repeatedly note the combination of a strong load rating at a notably low cost, and the tire ranks in the top ten of its category. At 356 ratings the 4.7 average is strong, though the sample is smaller than the leaders.
The listing also carries a winter designation alongside year round, which is not typical for a semi-steel trailer tire. Treat it as usable in cold conditions rather than as a winter tire.
What You Get With This Tire
Capacity for the money is the entire argument. At 3,417 lb per tire it covers a tandem-axle fifth wheel in the 10,000 to 12,000 lb GVWR band with margin, on the same 80 psi cold pressure as the factory tires it replaces.
Semi-steel construction keeps the tire at 35 lb, roughly 15 lb lighter than the all-steel options. On a lighter trailer that is a real handling benefit at the hitch.
Where It Falls Short
Semi-steel is a downgrade in impact resistance. A trailer tire carries no suspension to absorb pothole strikes, so a lighter carcass is exactly where a sidewall can give up first. If you tow gravel or poor county roads, spend the difference on all-steel.
The L speed rating at 75 mph is the other limit, and it is lower than the N rating on the Free Country set at a comparable tier.
6. Libra Trailer Parts ST225/75R15 14-Ply Set of 4 – Best for Loaded 15-Inch Trailers
Set 4 Heavy Duty All Steel Trailer Tires 225/75R15 14 Ply 124/121M 11150
Set of 4 ST225/75R15
All-steel 14-ply
Load Range G,3420 lb per tire
123/121M index
Pros
- All-steel Load Range G at 3420 lb per tire
- 11/32 inch tread depth for long life
- Set of four from one order
- Sold in volume to trailer manufacturers
Cons
- Rims not included
- Quantity field on the listing can be confusing
There is a catch with 225/75R15 tires: the size tops out around Load Range G, so you cannot simply order a bigger ply. This set takes the 14-ply all-steel version at 3,420 lb per tire, which is the ceiling the size allows.
That makes it the right answer for a 15-inch fifth wheel running near 12,000 lb GVWR that needs all-steel construction without changing wheels. The M speed rating at 81 mph and an 11/32 inch tread depth round out a spec sheet built for long service intervals.
Owners replacing lighter ST225/75R15 tires describe a noticeably stiffer, more substantial tire and confident load carrying, with an 85 percent five-star rate across 267 ratings. The fact that this tire is sold in volume to trailer manufacturers is also a quiet endorsement.
Deep tread matters more than it sounds on a fifth wheel. Most of these rigs spend months parked between trips, and a deeper starting depth buys years before you reach the wear bars.
What You Get With This Tire
All-steel construction is the differentiator against every other 225/75R15 in this roundup. It is the same carcass decision that pushes owners toward heavier trucks, applied to a trailer tire.
Buying four at once also solves the date code problem. A matched set from a single order is far better than assembling one tire at a time over several months.
Where It Falls Short
3,420 lb per tire is still short of what a 14,000 lb fifth wheel requires per corner with a 15 percent margin. If your rig is heavy, you need a larger diameter rather than a stronger tire in this size.
The listing’s quantity field reads as one unit despite four-tire packaging, which has caused confusion among buyers. Confirm the count when it arrives.
7. Transeagle ST ST225/75R15 14-Ply Load Range G – Best All-Steel Single Upgrade
Transeagle ST ST225/75R15 123/119L All Season G (14 Ply) All Steel Tire
ST225/75R15 Load Range G
14-ply all-steel
123/119 index at 3417 lb
110 psi max cold
L speed rating
Pros
- 3417 lb per tire in all-steel construction
- Heaviest-feeling tire in its size class
- Sold individually for staggered replacement
- Two-year owner reports with good puncture resistance
Cons
- A few reports of tread separation under 1000 miles
- 45 lb weight complicates mounting
- L speed rating caps at 75 mph
If your fifth wheel is on 15-inch wheels and you want to upgrade one tire at a time, this is the single strongest all-steel option at 3,417 lb. Load Range G, 14-ply, 110 psi maximum cold pressure, L speed rating.
One 40-foot fifth wheel owner reported no sidewall bulge after mounting and no problems across two trips, having previously suffered three blowouts on their old tires. That is the exact upgrade scenario this tire serves.
Across 255 ratings the tire holds a 4.6 average with 86 percent five stars. Buyers consistently describe it as unusually heavy and well built, with excellent sidewall stiffness that you can feel when you corner on the ramp.
The one prominent negative documents tread separation on a cargo trailer at roughly 1,000 miles. Worth weighing if you tow heavy loads on poor surfaces, though it is a single report against a strong field.
What You Get With This Tire
Sidewall stiffness is the measurable advantage here. Buyers upgrading from 10-ply tires notice the difference immediately, and that stiffness is what resists the side loads a tandem axle puts through a tire with no suspension.
Rated at 3,417 lb per tire at 110 psi, it puts more load capacity on a 15-inch wheel than anything else in this roundup at that diameter.
Where It Falls Short
At 45 lb per tire, mounting needs proper equipment and the same commercial-shop caution applies. A regular passenger tire shop may simply decline the job.
The L speed rating and the isolated tread separation report are both reasons to weigh it against a set-of-four alternative if your budget allows.
8. ZEEMAX ST235/80R16 14-Ply Load Range G Set of 4 – Best for Heavy Fifth Wheels
ZEEMAX Set of 4 All Steel ST235/80R16 14PR RV Trailer Tires Load Range G
Set of 4 ST235/80R16
All-steel 14-ply
Load index 129 at 4080 lb
110 psi max cold
M speed rating
Pros
- 4080 lb per tire all-steel
- 0.38 inch tread depth for long life
- One owner reports 100000 miles across two sets
- Tires guaranteed new and never mounted
Cons
- Stiff casings are difficult to mount
- 228 lb total weight for the set
- Rims not included
For a fifth wheel in the 12,000 to 14,000 lb GVWR range, the ZEEMAX set is the most direct upgrade from a factory 10-ply. Four all-steel 14-ply ST235/80R16 tires in Load Range G, each stamped with load index 129 for 4,080 lb at 110 psi cold.
That is 663 lb more capacity per tire than the Carlisle Radial Trail HD, which is the single biggest safety gain available on a tandem axle without moving to a 17-inch wheel.
Reviewers running rigs from 11,000 to 45,000 lb report stable pressure retention and no heat buildup over long trips. One owner put 100,000 miles across two consecutive sets, and another describes a tire that absorbed a full highway tread strip at speed without damaging the camper.
The 0.38 inch tread depth is deeper than any other tire in this roundup and explains that longevity. At 4.6 across 211 ratings with 85 percent five stars, the results back up the numbers.
What You Get With This Tire
Heat control is the underrated benefit. Owners on 3,000-mile trips report no buildup, and running 110 psi cold on an all-steel carcass is what keeps flex down across a long haul.
One owner also describes the tire surviving a full tread strip at speed, which is not a guarantee but does reflect a carcass that stays together under extreme abuse.
Where It Falls Short
Mounting is the practical blocker. Technicians report these stiff all-steel casings are difficult to install on wheels, and 228 lb for the set makes handling the real challenge. Budget for a commercial shop.
At 4,080 lb per tire it covers up to about 14,000 lb GVWR on a tandem axle. Beyond that, move up a load range.
9. Venom Power Terra Hunter X/T LT245/75R17 – Best for 17-Inch Wheels and Light Trucks
Venom Power Terra Hunter X/T LT245/75R17 Extreme Terrain E (10 Ply) Tire
LT245/75R17 Load Range E
10-ply
121/118 index at 3297 lb
80 psi max cold
S speed rating
Pros
- Highest speed rating in the group at S
- 50000 mile treadwear warranty
- Extreme-terrain pattern for mixed surfaces
- Common fifth wheel and half-ton fitment
Cons
- Light truck LT tire is heavier and less efficient on highway
- Load Range E rating is below heavy trailer tires
- Aggressive blocks create the most road noise
Most fifth wheels do not run 17-inch wheels, but if yours does, this is the tire to look at. The Terra Hunter X/T is an LT245/75R17 in Load Range E, 10-ply, load index 121 rated at 3,297 lb per tire at 80 psi cold.
It is also a light truck tire rather than a trailer-only ST radial. That makes it dual-purpose. If you tow a fifth wheel and also drive the same truck on trail roads, an LT tire handles both jobs, which no ST tire on this list can do.
With 2,767 ratings this is the largest review base we analyzed, and the 4.4 average with 77 percent five stars reflects a clear trade-off. Buyers like the mix of on-road comfort and off-road grip, and the S speed rating is the highest in this group.
The 50,000-mile limited warranty and 50,000-mile treadwear rating are also the strongest warranty terms we saw. Road noise from the aggressive block pattern is the most common complaint.
What You Get With This Tire
The S speed rating at 112 mph is the only one in this roundup that leaves real headroom above highway limits, which matters if you tow at higher speeds on open interstate.
The extreme-terrain tread pattern is genuinely useful on gravel access roads and campground spurs. It is a rare combination in a tire size this common on fifth wheels.
Where It Falls Short
An LT tire on a trailer is heavier and less efficient over long highway runs than an ST radial of the same capacity. On a 14,000 lb fifth wheel the added rolling weight works against fuel and against heat.
Load Range E at 3,297 lb is below what heavy rigs need per corner, and the aggressive tread is the loudest in this group. For pure highway towing on 17-inch wheels, an ST alternative is the quieter choice.
10. GREMAX ST235/85R16 16-Ply Load Range H Set of 4 – Best for Toy Haulers Over 14,000 lb
Gremax 4 HD All Steel Trailer Tires ST235/85R16 Radial 16-Ply LR H 133/128M
Set of 4 ST235/85R16
All-steel 16-ply
Load Range H,133/128 at 4540 lb
110 psi cold
M speed rating
Pros
- Highest load rating in the group at 4540 lb
- 16-ply all-steel replaces lighter semi-steel tires
- Tallest sidewall section for impact protection
- Set of four with a one-year limited warranty
Cons
- Largest diameter at 31.73 inches needs a clearance check
- Heaviest tire in the set at 57 lb
- Rims not included
For a 16,000 lb toy hauler, this is the correct answer. The GREMAX set is four all-steel 16-ply ST235/85R16 tires in Load Range H, load index 133/128, stamped for 4,540 lb per tire at 110 psi cold.
Nothing else in this roundup carries that much weight in a single tire. At 4,540 lb it clears the per-corner requirement for a 16,000 lb tandem axle even after the 15 percent margin, which is why we route the heaviest rigs here.
The rating is the strongest we found at 4.8 across 53 reviews with 90 percent five stars. That sample is the smallest in the roundup, and several buyers note they had not yet put significant miles on them, so read it as encouraging rather than proven.
Heavy-haul users running multiple trailers report perfect fits, excellent durability and smooth loaded running over 3,000-mile trips. The 85 aspect ratio also adds sidewall height for pothole and impact protection.
What You Get With This Tire
Load Range H is the ceiling for common fifth wheel fitments. It is built to replace lighter semi-steel ST235/85R16 tires on rigs where a 14-ply tire still leaves a gap at each corner.
That tall sidewall is a real feature on broken pavement. Sidewall height absorbs impacts that would damage a low-profile tire, and at 31.73 inches overall diameter you are buying both load capacity and compliance.
Where It Falls Short
Diameter is the main caveat. At 31.73 inches this is the largest tire we analyzed, and fender clearance must be checked on your specific trailer before ordering. Some rigs need modification.
At 57 lb per tire this is the heaviest in the set and the most demanding to mount. Use a commercial truck tire shop, and expect a long appointment for four of them.
ST vs LT vs Commercial Tires: Which One Your Fifth Wheel Can Wear
ST tires are built for trailer duty only and carry the highest load per pound of casing. LT tires are light truck tires that also steer, so they wear faster and must be derated when used on a trailer. Commercial 22.5-inch tires are for steer and drive axles, not towed trailers.
Why the distinction matters comes down to lateral load. A fifth wheel axle carries roughly half the trailer weight through two tires per side, and unlike a car there is no suspension and no steering geometry to relieve side loads. ST tires use stiffer sidewalls and must run at their maximum cold pressure to achieve their stamped capacity.
Run an ST tire below its sidewall maximum and you have quietly downgraded it. A Load Range G tire rated 4,080 lb at 110 psi is not a 4,080 lb tire at 60 psi, and owners who inflate to a round number rather than the sidewall figure are the ones we see failing early.
Load Range Math: Why the Sidewall Number Wins
Work from the tire certification label inside your trailer, not the GVWR sticker on the wall. Divide the axle load rating by the tires on that axle, multiply by 1.15 for margin, then find a tire whose stamped load index exceeds that figure.
Three numbers get confused constantly. GVWR is how much the trailer is allowed to weigh fully loaded. GAWR is how much one axle may carry. GVWR divided by two is an approximation, not a rule, because weight does not split evenly between a kingpin and the axles.
Dual position load is the fourth number. A tire rated 133/128 gives you 4,540 lb in single position and less in dual. On a fifth wheel you are in single position, so use the first number and ignore the second.
Load range letters also mislead. A Load Range E tire is a 10-ply rating but does not contain ten plies of steel, and the Roundrule ST Hikee at 3,417 lb matches several 14-ply tires in this roundup. Read the pound figure.
Cold Pressure Rules and the Rim PSI Ceiling
Inflate trailer tires to the maximum cold pressure printed on the sidewall, measured cold, and never exceed the rim’s stamped maximum. If the tire says 110 psi and the rim says 110 psi, run 110. If the rim says 90, the rim wins.
Cold means the tire has been parked at least three hours or driven less than a mile. Hot pressure reads 5 to 10 psi higher through no fault of the tire, which is why checking hot and releasing air is the most common self-inflicted cause of trailer tire problems.
After a tire change, recheck cold pressure after 50 miles. New casings flex and settle, and a trailer tire that drops several psi in that window was probably underinflated at the shop. If a tire loses more than 5 psi per month, you have a slow leak, not a pressure preference.
Why Fifth Wheel Tires Blow Out, Ranked
Underinflation is the leading cause by a wide margin, followed by overloading, then tire age, then speed, then road hazards. Only the last one is bad luck, and it is the smallest category.
Underinflation bends the sidewall on every trip, and a flexed sidewall generates heat that the tire cannot shed. Overloading a tire past its stamped load index does the same thing more violently. Both destroy the casing quietly, months before the tread shows anything.
Speed comes third because trailer tire heat climbs steeply above roughly 65 mph regardless of the speed symbol on the sidewall. Running 75 mph on an L-rated tire means you are above the rating and above the safe heat envelope, and owners who blame the tire are usually describing a behavior problem.
Age is fourth, and it is the one that surprises people. A trailer tire that looks perfect at eight years old is a used tire. Rubber ages from the inside, and most fifth wheels sit in a storage slot or a dry lot for months at a time.
Reading the DOT Date Code and the Five-Year Clock
Replace fifth wheel tires at five years from the DOT date code, regardless of tread depth. The last four digits of the code are the week and year of manufacture, so a code ending in 24 means the 24th week of that model year.
Buy all four from one order so the date codes match. Mixing a set where two tires are three years old and two are new gives you different flex characteristics on the same axle, and the older pair becomes the weak link sooner.
If you are on a tight schedule, buy two now and two next season within a few months. That keeps the axle close to matched without letting four new tires age in storage waiting for a trip you have not taken.
TPMS Temperature, Balancing and Where to Buy
On a tandem axle, expect the tires on the sun-facing side to run 20 to 25 degrees hotter than the shade side. Use about 120 degrees as your investigation threshold rather than a warning, and check pressure before assuming a sensor fault.
Do trailer tires need balancing? Yes, particularly with the stiff all-steel high-ply tires in this roundup. A heavy, stiff casing magnifies any imbalance, and owners describe the correction as part of the mounting job rather than an extra.
On where to buy, a full set of four online and a single replacement through a truck tire shop are different purchases. High-ply 14 and 16-ply tires are genuinely hard to mount, and many regular shops will decline the job, so confirm the shop can handle the ply count before you order.
If your rims are corroded, a tire-and-wheel assembly solves both problems at once, but no tire in this roundup includes a wheel. Measure your fender clearance for the larger 235/85R16 option before ordering it. Our truck tire guide covers the tow vehicle side of the equation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best RV tires for a fifth wheel?
For a fifth wheel under about 12,000 lb GVWR, the Carlisle Radial Trail HD ST235/80R16 in Load Range E is the standard choice. Between 12,000 and 14,000 lb, step up to a 14-ply all-steel Load Range G tire such as the Transeagle ST or ZEEMAX ST235/80R16 at 4,079 to 4,080 lb per tire. Above 14,000 lb GVWR, a Load Range H ST235/85R16 rated 4,540 lb per tire is the right answer.
Who makes the best RV tire?
There is no single winning brand, because the load range stamped on the sidewall decides whether a tire is safe on your rig. Goodyear, Sailun, Hercules, Toyo and Hankook all make capable fifth wheel tires, but a lesser brand in Load Range G will outcarry a premium brand in Load Range E. Buy the pound rating your axle needs, then compare price.
What size tires does my fifth wheel need?
Most fifth wheels use ST235/80R16, ST225/75R15 or ST235/85R16, and some newer rigs use 245/75R17. The size is stamped on your existing tire and confirmed on the certification label inside the trailer. Keep the size, then raise the load range letter rather than changing diameter, because diameter changes affect speedometer accuracy and clearance.
What is the recommended tire pressure for a fifth wheel RV?
Inflate to the maximum cold pressure printed on the tire sidewall, which is typically 80 psi for Load Range E and 110 psi for Load Range G and H. Never exceed the rim’s stamped maximum PSI, since the rim is the hard ceiling. Measure cold, after the trailer has been parked at least three hours, and recheck after 50 miles following a tire change.
How often should you change tires on a fifth wheel camper?
Replace fifth wheel tires at five years from the DOT date code, regardless of remaining tread. The final four digits of the code give the week and year of manufacture, so a code ending in 24 means the 24th week of that model year. Age degrades the rubber from the inside, which is why a trailer tire with deep tread can still be unsafe long before it looks worn.
What brand of tires should I stay away from?
Avoid any tire whose stamped load rating is at or below your per-corner axle load, regardless of brand. More specifically, be cautious with the low-cost factory tires many new fifth wheels ship on, which are rated to barely meet the axle load. Upgrade to Load Range G or H before choosing a brand, and never mix load ranges on the same axle.
Are Sailun RV tires and Hercules trailer tires good quality?
Both are well regarded in fifth wheel circles. Owners report four to six years with no failures on Sailun S637 tires in Load Range G on 14,000 to 16,000 lb rigs, and Hercules H901 tires are frequently praised as an easier-to-mount alternative to premium high-ply options. Verify the load range stamp matches your axle requirement before either brand.
What is the main difference between ST and LT trailer tires?
ST means Special Trailer and is built only for towing, giving the stiffest sidewall and highest load capacity per pound of casing. LT means Light Truck and is designed to both steer and tow, so it wears faster, is heavier on the highway, and must be derated when used as a trailer tire. Nearly every fifth wheel tire sold is an ST radial.
Our Verdict for the Best RV Tires for Fifth Wheels in 2026
Under 10,000 lb GVWR, take the Carlisle Radial Trail HD ST235/80R16 in Load Range E. Between 10,000 and 14,000 lb, take the Transeagle ST or ZEEMAX ST235/80R16 in Load Range G, four all-steel 14-ply tires at roughly 4,080 lb each. Over 14,000 lb, take the GREMAX ST235/85R16 in Load Range H at 4,540 lb per tire.
On 15-inch wheels that cannot change diameter, the Libra Trailer Parts 14-ply Load Range G set is the strongest option at 3,420 lb per tire. For a single damaged tire, the Transeagle ST ST235/80R16 sold singly replaces one side without buying a full set.
Whichever you choose, check the stamped load index against your per-corner axle requirement with a 15 percent margin before you buy, and confirm your shop can mount the ply count. The best RV tires for fifth wheels are the ones whose numbers clear your axle rating, not the ones with the biggest brand name.