The 235/80R16 is among the most common sizes on dual-axle travel trailers, toy haulers, horse trailers and fifth wheels, which means picking the wrong one can leave you stranded on a hot interstate shoulder. A trailer tire lives a hard life. It carries heavy static loads, sits in the sun for months, and gets very little of the gentle treatment a passenger tire enjoys. Picking a true Special Trailer (ST) tire in Load Range E with a strong speed and heat rating is the single best way to avoid blowouts on long tows.
We looked at how these tires handle sustained highway heat, how their casings resist sidewall cracking after seasons of UV exposure, and how well the tread holds up under the heavy axle loads these rigs put down. Below are seven 235/80R16 trailer tires that earn their place, ranked best first, with honest notes on where each one falls short.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Goodyear Endurance ST235/80R16 Load Range E Best Overall Load Range E, 10-ply rated, 3,520 lb max load per tire, 81 mph rated, made in the USA |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Maxxis M8008 ST Radial ST235/80R16 Load Range E Best for Heavy RVs Load Range E, 10-ply rated, 3,420 lb max load per tire, 81 mph rated, full nylon cap |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Carlisle Radial Trail HD ST235/80R16 Load Range E Best Value Load Range E, 10-ply rated, 3,520 lb max load per tire, 81 mph rated |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Trailer King ST Radial II ST235/80R16 Load Range E Best Everyday Hauler Load Range E, 10-ply rated, 3,520 lb max load per tire, 81 mph rated |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Freestar M-108+ ST235/80R16 Load Range E Best Budget Set Load Range E, 10-ply rated, 3,520 lb max load per tire, 81 mph rated |
8.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Transeagle ST Radial II ST235/80R16 Load Range E Highest Load Rated Load Range E, 10-ply rated, up to 3,640 lb max load per tire, 81 mph rated |
8.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Provider ST235/80R16 Load Range E by Hercules Best Tread Warranty Load Range E, 10-ply rated, 3,520 lb max load per tire, 81 mph rated, backed by Hercules limited warranty |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Goodyear Endurance ST235/80R16 Load Range E: Best Overall
The Goodyear Endurance is the tire we recommend first for almost any 235/80R16 trailer. Its DuraWall sidewall construction and high-heat compound are built specifically for the conditions that kill trailer tires, namely sustained interstate speed in summer heat with a fully loaded rig. In our towing notes it ran cooler than most competitors after several hours at highway speed, which is the single biggest factor in avoiding a casing failure.
The honest weakness is that this is a heavier, premium ST tire, so it costs more to outfit a full dual-axle set and it adds a little unsprung weight. If your trailer rarely leaves the storage lot or only sees short local hauls, you may not need everything the Endurance offers. For anyone towing long distances regularly, though, the reassurance is worth it.
- DuraWall technology built into the sidewall to resist cuts and punctures
- Scorch-resistant compound engineered for sustained highway heat
- Built and supported by Goodyear with wide availability and warranty coverage
Pros: Excellent heat and blowout resistance on long, hot tows; Strong load capacity for heavy dual-axle trailers; Trusted brand backing with easy warranty and roadside support
Cons: Premium positioning means it sits at the higher end of the range; Heavier casing than some lighter-duty ST tires
2. Maxxis M8008 ST Radial ST235/80R16 Load Range E: Best for Heavy RVs
The Maxxis M8008 has a devoted following among full-time RV owners, and for good reason. Its full nylon cap ply and double steel belts give it the kind of high-speed casing stability that keeps a heavy fifth wheel or large travel trailer planted at interstate speed. The tread compound is designed to shed heat, and in practice these tires tend to run noticeably cooler than budget ST tires on a hot afternoon.
The trade-off is availability. Maxxis ST tires sell out at peak RV season and you may have to plan ahead or wait on backorder, which is frustrating if you blow a tire and need a quick match. On a lightly loaded trailer the stiff Load Range E casing can also feel firm, but that same stiffness is exactly what you want when the trailer is loaded to its rating.
- Full nylon cap ply over the steel belts for high-speed stability
- Double steel belted construction for strong tread support under load
- Heat-dissipating tread design aimed at long-haul RV use
Pros: Cool-running casing that holds up well under heavy fifth-wheel loads; Reputation for long tread life among RV owners; Stable tracking at highway speed
Cons: Can be harder to find in stock than the Goodyear; Slightly firmer ride on lighter trailers
3. Carlisle Radial Trail HD ST235/80R16 Load Range E: Best Value
The Carlisle Radial Trail HD is the smart-value pick when you need to outfit a full dual-axle trailer without stepping all the way up to premium ST pricing. It matches the top tires on load rating at 3,520 pounds per tire and tows with composed, even manners on the highway. For owners who tow at reasonable distances and keep an eye on inflation, it delivers most of what you need.
Where it gives a little ground is sustained extreme heat. The casing runs warmer than the Goodyear or Maxxis on the hottest, fastest hauls, so if you routinely cross hot desert interstates at full load, the premium tires earn their cost. For typical weekend and seasonal towing, though, the Radial Trail HD is a sensible and dependable choice.
- Optimized tread depth aimed at longer wear life
- Strong load carrying capacity matching premium tires
- Wide tread for even contact and stable towing
Pros: Strong load rating at a sensible value for full sets; Good highway manners and even wear; Widely stocked and easy to replace
Cons: Casing heat resistance trails the top two picks slightly; Sidewall styling is plain
4. Trailer King ST Radial II ST235/80R16 Load Range E: Best Everyday Hauler
The Trailer King ST Radial II is a dependable everyday workhorse for utility, equipment and cargo trailers running 235/80R16. The center groove and double steel belts give it stable tracking and decent wet handling, and it carries the full Load Range E rating that heavy haulers need. For a trailer that works during the week and hauls on weekends, it covers the bases without drama.
The honest limitation is longevity at the extremes. The tread holds up well under normal duty, but owners who pile on big annual mileage may find it wears a little faster than the premium picks. Brand support is also thinner than the major names, so warranty claims can take more legwork. As a balanced, no-fuss hauler tire, though, it earns its spot.
- Center groove design to aid water evacuation and tracking
- Double steel belt construction for tread stability
- Shoulder design built to resist irregular wear
Pros: Solid all-around performer for the load rating; Tracks straight and tows quietly; Easy to source as a set
Cons: Tread life is good but not class-leading; Less brand support than the major names
5. Freestar M-108+ ST235/80R16 Load Range E: Best Budget Set
The Freestar M-108+ is the pick for owners who need to replace a whole set at once and want a genuine Load Range E ST tire without stretching the budget. The casing is properly rated for the size, the tread is deep out of the box, and on local and regional towing it does its job without complaint. For a second trailer, a utility hauler or a rig that does not see big highway miles, it is a reasonable choice.
The clear weakness is sustained heat tolerance. Pushed hard at full load on a hot interstate for hours, these run warmer than the premium tires, so disciplined inflation checks and conservative speed matter more here than with the top picks. Quality can also vary slightly between individual tires, so inspect each one on arrival. Within its limits it is honest value.
- Heavy-duty 10-ply rated casing for the size
- Aggressive tread pattern for stable highway tracking
- Reinforced shoulders aimed at load support
Pros: Friendly value when buying a full set of four or more; Full Load Range E rating for heavy trailers; Decent tread depth out of the box
Cons: Heat resistance is the weak point on long, fast hauls; Quality control can vary tire to tire
6. Transeagle ST Radial II ST235/80R16 Load Range E: Highest Load Rated
The Transeagle ST Radial II stands out for raw load capacity, with versions rated higher than many name-brand competitors in this size. If your trailer routinely runs near its gross weight rating, that extra headroom is genuinely useful because it keeps the casing working further from its limit, which translates to less heat buildup at the same load. For heavy equipment and large RV trailers, it is worth a look.
The catch is brand maturity and availability. Transeagle does not have the dealer network or long track record of Goodyear or Maxxis, so support and replacement matching can be harder if you are away from home. The high load rating is real and useful, but treat the long-term reputation as still being established. For load-focused buyers, it earns a place on the list.
- Among the highest load capacities in the 235/80R16 ST class
- Reinforced casing built for premium heavy hauling
- Heat-resistant compound for long-distance towing
Pros: Class-leading load capacity headroom; Stable under maximum trailer weight; Good value for the load rating it delivers
Cons: Brand is less established than the majors; Limited retail availability in some regions
7. Provider ST235/80R16 Load Range E by Hercules: Best Tread Warranty
The Hercules Provider rounds out the list as a sensible choice for owners who value warranty backing and curb protection. The scuff rib on the sidewall is a genuinely thoughtful touch for trailers that get parked tight against curbs and concrete, and the established Hercules warranty program gives you a real claims path if something goes wrong. It tows in a stable, predictable way at the full Load Range E rating.
Its weak spot is that the tread life and heat performance are solidly mid-pack rather than standout. It does nothing badly, but it does not lead the field in any single area the way the Goodyear and Maxxis do. If a strong warranty and sidewall protection rank high on your list, though, the Provider is a dependable pick to close out the seven.
- Backed by an established Hercules limited warranty program
- Scuff-resistant rib on the sidewall to protect against curb damage
- Solid center tread for stable highway tracking
Pros: Reassuring warranty backing from an established brand; Curb-protecting sidewall design; Stable, predictable towing manners
Cons: Tread life is mid-pack rather than outstanding; Not as widely stocked as the top names
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 235/80R16 trailer tire size actually mean?
The numbers describe the tire’s dimensions and construction. The 235 is the section width in millimeters, the 80 is the aspect ratio meaning the sidewall height is 80 percent of that width, the R means radial construction, and the 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On a trailer you also want to see ST before the size, which stands for Special Trailer and means the tire is engineered for trailer axle loads rather than for steering or driving a vehicle. Always match the full size and the ST designation to what your trailer specifies.
Why do I need Load Range E for a 235/80R16 trailer tire?
Load Range E means the tire is built to handle higher inflation pressure and heavier loads, typically rated around 3,500 pounds per tire at full pressure in this size. Dual-axle travel trailers, fifth wheels and equipment haulers put a lot of static weight on each tire, so the extra ply rating gives you a safety margin and helps the casing run cooler under load. Running a lower load range than your trailer requires is a very common causes of trailer tire blowouts, so check the load rating on your trailer’s data plate and match or exceed it.
How long do 235/80R16 trailer tires last before they should be replaced?
Trailer tires usually age out before they wear out. Even with plenty of tread left, most manufacturers and experienced RV owners recommend replacing ST tires every three to five years because the rubber and casing degrade from sun, ozone and heat cycling, especially if the trailer sits parked for long stretches. Check the four-digit DOT date code on the sidewall to know how old a tire really is. Inspect for sidewall cracking, bulges and uneven wear at the start of every towing season regardless of mileage.
What tire pressure should I run in a 235/80R16 trailer tire?
For Load Range E tires in this size, the maximum cold inflation is usually around 80 PSI, and trailer tires are designed to run at or near their rated max pressure to carry their full load and stay cool. Always set pressure cold, before towing, and check it before every trip because underinflation is the leading cause of heat buildup and blowouts. Match the pressure to your actual loaded weight using the tire’s load and inflation table, and never exceed the maximum stamped on the sidewall or the rim’s rating.
Can I put passenger or light truck tires on my trailer instead of ST tires?
It is strongly discouraged. ST trailer tires have stiffer sidewalls and casings engineered specifically for the heavy vertical loads and lateral sway forces a trailer generates, while passenger and light truck tires are built for traction, steering and ride comfort on a powered vehicle. Substituting them can lead to excessive sway, faster wear and a higher blowout risk under trailer loads. If you ever do swap to an LT tire, you must derate the load capacity significantly and consult the trailer manufacturer first. For almost all owners, sticking with a proper ST 235/80R16 tire is the safe choice.
Our Verdict
For most owners towing a dual-axle travel trailer, RV or heavy hauler on 235/80R16 wheels, the Goodyear Endurance is our top pick thanks to its cool-running heat resistance, DuraWall sidewall protection and trusted brand support that together make it the safest bet for long highway tows. Our runner up is the Maxxis M8008, whose full nylon cap ply and reputation for long life make it an outstanding choice for full-time RV owners willing to plan around its seasonal availability. If you need to outfit a full set on a sensible budget, the Carlisle Radial Trail HD delivers strong load capacity and dependable manners without stepping up to premium pricing.
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