Best Truck Tires For Towing Travel Trailers & Fifth Wheels

Boring as they might appear, the tires of your vehicle are crucial to every aspect of your driving experience. Fitting the wrong tires can lead to dire consequences. This is something the avid truckers would testify, especially if they’re towing heavy loads like an RV, and potentially on rough terrains. You definitely need the best truck tires for towing if you don’t want to compromise your safety, as well as tire longevity, mileage, stability and handling.

The best tires for towing RV would depend on the requirements of the towing job, for instance how heavy your rig is, and your towing vehicle. There are many technical terms when it comes to truck tires, so do your research to make sure you get the best bang for your buck, since a set of heavy-duty truck tires would run you just under $1,000 and above. 

Worry not, as we – RVing Insider – have handpicked the very best options with a detailed review for you, so you won’t be overwhelmed with the hundreds of models available. You will also learn the difference between regular tires and the best tires for towing heavy loads, why you must get the best tires you can afford, the different types, important buying criteria, a list of the most prestigious truck tire brands, maintenance guide and clear-cut answers to frequently asked questions. 

The Best Truck Tires For Towing On The Market Today:

• Best Truck Tire For Towing Travel Trailer: Nitto Terra Grappler G2
• Best Truck Tire For Towing Fifth Wheel: Michelin Defender LTX M/S
• Best Light Truck Tire For Towing: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
• Best All-Season Touring Pickup Truck Tire: Cooper Starfire Solarus HT
• Best Tire for Towing Heavy Loads: Travelstar EcoPath AT
• Best All-Terrain Tire For Towing: Falken 28034713 Wildpeak AT3W
• Best Mud-Terrain Truck Tire: Milestar Patagonia MT

Truck Tires For Towing: The Basics 

Why You Need The Best Truck Tires for Towing

A common question by owners of pickup trucks is whether you need special tires for hauling heavy loads or towing an RV. This is a legit concern, since in general, the best truck tires for towing with the right specifications and sufficient ratings often cost more than tires not rated for towing loads. The short answer is yes, they perform very differently, and you need the best truck tires for towing if you do not want to compromise your safety, as well as your towing experience. 

The tires on any automobile have a tremendous impact on many aspects of your driving experience, including noise, how smooth the ride feels, general handling and control, and traction on different road surfaces and in inclement weather conditions like rain or snow. For pickup trucks meant for regular heavy hauling and towing jobs, the tires play an even more important role in ensuring safe and comfortable driving:

Load Carrying Capacity

Your truck tires will have to bear the stress of your tow vehicle as well as the load you’re hauling or towing. Needless to say, the best truck tires for towing need to be tougher to carry these weights. 

That is why for hauling and towing operations, you’re going to need more air to support that load. This means that you’ll generally need bigger tires with a more rugged construction. These tires can hold more air and thus, can carry heavier loads on longer distances and rougher terrains.

Superior Traction, Stability and Control

Towing a heavy travel trailer behind means your truck tires need that extra grip to provide sufficient traction so that you have complete control of both your pickup and the rig. Grip is even more crucial when you need to face difficult terrain, like winding mountain passes, offroad, uphills, downhills and/or driving in the rain or snow. If traction is compromised, so is your safety. 

Many of the best truck tires for towing are designed with special tread patterns and made with advanced compounds to ensure maximum traction as well as longer tread life. A good tread helps ensure shorter stopping distance and better acceleration performance. Good traction prevents wheel slippage when you accelerate, which is a common reason for road accidents in inclement weather conditions. 

Also, when towing, the stiff walls of the best truck tires for towing means there is less swaying and better overall stability, although the ride might feel a bit rougher. 

Enhanced Durability Under Harsher Driving

Even without any hauling or towing, LT tires are better for off-roading because the rubber is often made with improved, more heavy-duty compound that can withstand ripping and chipping on rough terrains. 

In addition, the extra weight of a hulking pickup plus the heavy load you’re towing also means that you need the best truck tires for towing to withstand that extra stress. For enhanced durability, the best truck tires for towing on the market often boast rugged construction. Some features include extra strong casing for secure towing heavy loads, plus reinforced sidewalls for solid load bearing and better puncture protection. 

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Types Of Truck Tires For Towing

The world of truck tires for towing is vast and diverse. If you browse through the reviews on Amazon, you will see that changing a set of tires has an enormous impact on the owners’ towing experience, especially if you often have to tow in varying weather conditions and rough terrains while camping.

To pick out the best truck tires for your needs, you should know the different types of truck tires as well as important specifications (which will be discussed later in the Buying Criteria section):

• All-terrain tires (A/T): The best all terrain tires for towing have distinctively bigger tread blocks and a more aggressive tread design to allow for more grip when you’re off-roading or driving in the snow, on light mud, sand, and gravel. All-terrain tires usually have the Severe Weather service emblem etched on it. These tires perform great on highways in terms of stability and ride comfort. Many adventurous, rugged campers prefer A/T tires as they look aggressive, have long tread life, offer excellent stability and versatility without being too noisy.
• All-season tires – Unlike A/T tires, all-season tires are designed to perform well on the highway, with symmetrical tread design and circumferential grooves. Even in the rain, all-season tires would provide superb traction.
• All-purpose tires (A/P): These tires are also commonly called Trail tires. They are made to handle mild terrains and will give you average off-road traction, nothing as badass as the all-terrain tires for sure. All-purpose tires are characterized by an overlapping-block tread pattern. 

10 Best Truck Tires for Towing

There are hundreds of options when it comes to light truck tires, each with different selling points, but if we have to pick the very best of them all that deliver superior results in each and every important criteria, the best truck tires for towing have to be the 10 models below.

If you are well researched, dive right in; otherwise, it’s recommended that you skip to the next section to learn the most important buying criteria, that is the crucial ratings or measurements that you need to know to pick out the best truck tires for towing in your case.

1. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 Traction Radial Tire: Best Tire For Towing Travel Trailer

Specifications:

• Section Width: 275 Millimeters
• Tire Diameter: 32.09
• Rim Size: 18 Inches
• Load Capacity: 2756 Pounds
• Load Index Rating: 116.0
• Speed Rating: T
• Tread Depth: 13 32nds
• Tire Aspect Ratio: 65.0
• Weight: 41.9 pounds

Why it’s The Best Tire for Towing Travel Trailer:

If you are one of those avid car owners that adore the craftsmanship, commitment to quality and attention to details of the Japanese producers, you definitely need to check out the brand Nitto. And if you don’t want to compromise safe and comfortable towing but don’t want to invest more than $1,000 for a set of tires, the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 Traction Radial Tire will be the very best truck tires for towing a trailer that you can find on the market.

An amazingly reassuring news is these badass tires are made in Japan. Japan is known for their strict quality standards for all things designed and made there, so you know you’re in good hands. The general consensus from online buyers is that this Nitto truck tire model offers a remarkably solid, stable feel on even rough or slippery terrains, with a magnificent grip like they have road magnets in them. 

This model is one of the best all terrain tires for towing you can find at its price point. Buyers who live in the snowiest or wet parts of the world swear on its consistent performance. On top of that is its superb durability. Buyers who have owned these tires for a while and have done a lot of heavy towing, either on-road or off-road, report that even after 50,000 to 80,000 miles, there are still sufficient tread left to run another 10,000-15,000 miles without sacrificing performance. 

And you get all these for under $900 for a set of four, including mounting and balancing fees by local garages at about $20-$30 per tire. Just note that these tires do not come with the rim though, but it’s as sweet a deal as it can get.

Best Rride ever!!!! I have been considering these for 2 years, and I’m very sad i waited that long. They give my truck a remarkably solid feel, they grip like they have road magnets in them and they are the best in snow. I have traction, stability and they make my truck operate much more like a truck should. Never getting another tire, they friggin rock. Thanks Nitto!

Shared by Dan A.

2. Michelin Defender LTX M/S All Season Radial Tire – Best Truck Tires For Towing 5th Wheel

Specifications:

• Section Width: 295 Millimeters
• Tire Diameter: 32.09
• Rim Size: 20 Inches
• Load Capacity: 3,750 Pounds
• Load Index Rating: 126
• Speed Rating: R
• Tread Depth: 13.5 32nds
• Tire Aspect Ratio: 60.0
• Weight: 54 pounds

Why It’s The Best Truck Tire for Towing Fifth Wheel:

If you own a luxury fifth wheel, it will be equipped with all amenities and comfort features that a big family would ever need, and of course it will be much heavier. Hence, you must get a set of the best tires for fifth wheel towing that can handle extra heavy load, and the tried and true Michelin Defender LTX M/S is just the tire you need.

The Michelin Defender LTX M/S is a radical tire designed for light trucks, SUVs and crossovers in year-round, all-season use. This much loved model has been snatching the top spot as one of the best truck tires for towing fifth wheels, if not the absolute best. Its unparalleled reputation for exceptional grip on challenging roads, shorter braking distances, superb stability and a quiet, comfortable ride is hard to beat. 

Another shining characteristic is its more than decent load capacity of 3,750 pounds per tire, enough to tow even the most heavily equipped fifth wheels these days. This makes it one of the best light truck tires for towing for so many years now.

This Michelin truck tire is known for its fantastic tread pattern, which provides a strong grip on varying and severe road conditions. This ensures a shorter braking distance, optimal stability and acceleration performance while keeping the ride as quiet and comfortable as a dream. You might not expect such a rugged truck tire made for towing would be that quiet, but optimizing tread designs can achieve just that. 

Other shining details that contribute to its superior grip are its open shoulder slots, full circumferential channels, and several lateral grooves. Buyers living in cold climates rave about how the Michelin Defender is good on both hard pack snow and slush, including those who are used to studded tires. They also offer excellent grip on wet roads. 

Michelin’s superb tread design, heavy-duty material and construction all contribute to the Defender’s magnificent durability. The general consensus is these tires still have decent tread after 60,000 miles or so without adequate rotation, while those who dutifully rotate their tires can easily get 80,000 miles of quiet, comfortable and safe rides out of these Michelin Defender tires. A proof of Michelin’s confidence in the quality of their Defender truck tire is its 70,000 Miles Manufacturer’s Treadwear Limited Warranty coupling with the 6 Year Standard Limited Warranty. 

The only drawback (or not) of this truck tire is its price. It is an investment, and you might need to make a budget plan to get a full set. However, loyal customers of the brand all swear on these tires being a worthy investment, since your safety on the road and that of others sharing the road with you is invaluable. 

And if you’re shopping for the best truck tires for towing heavy fifth wheels, these Michelin Defenders LTX tires are the tried and true absolute best for your money. If you divide the initial investment over a longer life, plus all the benefits you’d enjoy, the amount you need to pay for each year of towing will not be that much. 

I’ve never purchased Michelin tires for my trucks before but this time I did. I expect these tires to perform like the Michelin passenger tires I’ve purchased in the past, which is outstanding. So far the traction, ride, cornering, braking are what I’d expect from Michelin. I hate paying this much for tires, but the return is worth it.

Shared by Ricster1963

3. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 – Best Light Truck Tire For Towing

Specifications:

• Size: LT285/70R17/E 121/118R
• Load Capacity: 3,195 Pounds
• Load Index Rating: 121.0
• Speed Rating: R
• Tread Depth: 15 32nds
• Tire Aspect Ratio: 70.0
• Weight: 56.0 pounds
• Section Width: 285 Millimeters
• Rim Size: 17 Inches

Why It’s The Best Light Truck Tire For Towing:

As the name suggests, BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is capable of conquering all terrains that people come across during towing operations. Boasting a serrated shoulder design, this tire maintains traction on mud, snow and rock so I have an easy time keeping my vehicle under control. In addition, thanks to the 3-D sipes that stabilize the tread blocks, it allows me to maneuver my towing setup effectively and efficiently. Thus, in terms of handling, I believe that this tire is one of the best truck tires for towing.

For resilience, by taking advantage of CoreGard technology, the sidewall of All-Terrain T/A KO2 resists splits and bruises well. Also, it’s noteworthy that a combination of increased rubber thickness and innovative construction reduce the odds of objects damaging the sidewall. That is why I could rest assured knowing that this tire won’t put me and my vehicles at risk on the road. Finally, the fantastic lifespan of this tire results in long replacement intervals which saves me a couple of bucks.

From Dodge Ram to Chevy Silverado, the tire made by BFGoodrich fits a wide range of towing vehicles nowadays. Thus, I don’t need to worry too much about compatibility as I install this tire to my truck. Aside from that, since the setup process is straightforward, it’s possible to wrap things up before long. Once installation concludes, this tire should work until the day it breaks down while requiring little attention from me. 

About wearing, with an optimized tire footprint shape, BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 distributes stress equally. Hence, this tire for towing would feature a uniform treadwear as time passes by. Considering the way that this tire wears, I dare say that its performance remains consistent up until the end of its lifespan. In the case that you care about traffic safety, you should add it to your shortlist. 

To reassure customers, BFGoodrich willingly backs its tire with a six-year manufacturer warranty as well as a sixty-day satisfaction guarantee. That means if my set of All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires experiences issues, I could expect assistance from the customer service of BFGoodrich.

I bought these back in May, four to replace my factory original tires. I went up a size with these tires, I did my research before buying these. I was very happy with the tires when they arrived.they have a very good tread pattern and great initial tread depth. They rode smooth once installed and gave me a slightly higher stance in my truck. I could hear a tiny bit more of road noise with these vs my stock tires but these are all terrain vs a radial that wasn’t as knobby. I drove with these off road in a hard pack and loose sand setting performed great never got stuck. I live in the desert so with the sun in the summer months the tires do wear a little faster than elsewhere due to the excessive heat on the road ways.

Shared by Atomic Threads

Pros:

• Long-lasting
• Setup process is intuitive
• Simple to maintain 

Cons:

• Quality control still leaves something to be desired 
• People sometimes complain about receiving used tires 

4. Cooper Starfire Solarus HT – Best All-Season Touring Pickup Truck Tire

Specifications:

• Size: 235/75R15XL 109T
• Load Capacity: 2,271 Pounds
• Load Index Rating: 109.0
• Speed Rating: T
• Tread Depth: 10.5 32nds
• Tire Aspect Ratio: 75.0
• Weight: 29.5 pounds
• Section Width: 235 Millimeters
• Rim Size: 15 Inches

Why It’s The Best All-Season Touring Pickup Truck Tire:

Dependable and reliable, Cooper Starfire Solarus HT is a solid tire that rarely fails to please once it comes to hauling heavy loads. Packing a symmetrical highway pattern that keeps treadwear even, this tire is superior to classic models regarding controllability over time. As a result, with this towing tire, it won’t take a lot of work for me to maneuver my towing setup into position. Moreover, since this tire excels at keeping the noise down, it won’t distract me in the outdoors which is a big plus.

I appreciate the wet grip grooves and traction sipes in the Cooper tire as they help with navigating in less than ideal conditions. Even if mud, snow and so on cover the road, I still reach my destination in time using this tire. Aside from that, owing to the marvelous longevity, there is no need to pick up too many tire replacements. Thus, by opting for this tire, I could cut down tire expenses and save a couple of bucks for other needs. 

The setup process of Starfire Solarus HT is undemanding so everyone should be able to install it in the blink of an eye. In my case, I don’t have to bother getting high-end tools as my toolbox is all I need for the installation. This tire is made from the ground up to match modern towing setups too, thus compatibility is not exactly a big issue. That is why those who desire no-nonsense tires deem it to be among the best truck tires for towing in its price range.

In terms of maintenance, Cooper Starfire Solarus HT only needs a bit of maintenance to stay in top shape. Every now and then, I schedule a cleaning session for my truck and its tire to get rid of debris. For good measure, I have the tires balanced from time to time too to keep vibration to the minimum as I travel. Dedicated maintenance extends the lifespan of the tires and lengthens the replacement interval. 

Reaching the market at a reasonable price,  Starfire Solarus HT receives a shower of praises from cost-conscious truck owners. The tip-top mileage warranty that accompanies this tire puts people at ease as well.

Pros:

• High endurance
• Outstanding handling characteristics 
• Economical 

Cons:

• Reports of losses of pressure appear on occasions
• Packaging could use some work 

5. Travelstar EcoPath A/T – Best Tire For Towing Heavy Loads

Specifications:

• Size: LT265/70R18 124/121S
• Load Capacity: 3,527 Pounds
• Load Index Rating: 124.0
• Speed Rating: S
• Tread Depth: 16.13 32nds
• Tire Aspect Ratio: 70.0
• Weight: 48.6 pounds
• Section Width: 265 Millimeters
• Rim Size: 18 Inches

Why It’s The Best Tire For Towing Heavy Loads:

So you have to tow fully-laden trailers on a regular basis and desire tires that help you do that safely? In that case, you may want to spare some of your time to take a look at what Travelstar EcoPath A/T could do. Able to hold together under heavy loads, this tire gives a good account of itself on and off the road. Needless to say, as long as it sticks around, I have no trouble maintaining complete control over my towing setup as I execute maneuvers. 

One interesting trait about the towing tire from Travelstar is that it’s made with an emphasis on all-season use. Hence, I don’t have to swap tires when the season changes and that makes it one of the best tires for towing heavy loads year-round. Besides that, the design of this tire guarantees high traction as it comes into contact with outdoor elements. For instance, even if this tire gets soaked in water while my rig is in motion, its wet grip performance minimizes the risk of aquaplaning.

Compared to standard tires on the market, EcoPath A/T possesses outstanding tread stability so its handling characteristics stay constant no matter speed. It’s worth pointing out that the tread life of this tire for towing trucks is long too. Therefore, it’s going to be years before I must consider finding a replacement for this tire. Last but not least, since this tire is cheap, it suits the shopping budget of many people including mine. 

For the setup process, Travelstar EcoPath A/T is simple to install so there is no need to call in the pros. With its universal compatibility, this tire also meets a multitude of towing setups that people use nowadays as well. That is why I seldom need to do much to adapt this tire to my truck and get it to work to my liking. The maintenance of this tire is intuitive too, thus, keeping it in good condition is a piece of cake by all accounts.

As proof of confidence, Travelstar offers everyone that picks up its tire a mileage warranty that lasts for fifty thousand miles. If my EcoPath A/T fails due to manufacturing defects within the warranty mileage, I could claim replacements free of charge. 

Geat tire pattern less tire wear than most tire better traction during the rain. Plus the quality of tire out weight the price that you pay for them special when you put them on Nissan Titan Truck because it eat up an set of tire quick but not these tires.

Shared by Amazon Customer

 Pros:

• Resilient 
• Reasonable price 
• Delivery service is superb 

Cons:

• Inconsistencies exist between tires 
• A number of users notice vibration at high speeds

6. Falken Wildpeak AT3W – Best All-Terrain Tire For Towing

Specifications:

• Size: 255/65R17 114T
• Load Capacity: 2,601 Pounds
• Load Index Rating: 114.0
• Speed Rating: T
• Tread Depth: 13 32nds
• Tire Aspect Ratio: 65.0
• Weight: 41.0 pounds
• Section Width: 255 Millimeters
• Rim Size: 17 Inches

Why It’s The Best All-Terrain Tire For Towing:

Versatile and flexible, Falken Wildpeak AT3W is capable of navigating an assortment of terrains in variable weather conditions. Unsurprisingly, reviews that cover the best all-terrain tires for towing usually hold this tire in high esteem. In addition to that, since this tire is compatible with countless trucks, installing it in my vehicle is child’s play. On average, it takes less than an hour for me to set up all the tires so I rarely need to reschedule my travel to make time for tire replacement.

Featuring the latest heat diffuser technology, Wildpeak AT3W is good at removing heat from the lower sidewall to protect its integrity. With the lower sidewall staying cool, this tire would remain steady regardless of the amount of weight I plan to tow. Aside from that, the 3D sipes that interlock the shoulders of this tire simultaneously resist wearing due to high torques and stabilize the handling characteristics. As a result, it not only scores well in terms of controllability but also lasts for a long time in use. 

Once it comes to the tread, the tire made by Falken boasts support ramps as well as step-downs that give its treat rigidity. Because of that, the contact patch of tread behaves consistently as my truck rolls down the road. Furthermore, the rigid nature of the tread means few pebbles will get trapped in the grooves which is advantageous. If you travel through a diversity of terrains and lack the patience to dislodge pebbles, this tire is among the best all-terrain tires for towing you can get. 

For safety, the aggressive upper sidewall of Falken Wildpeak AT3W prevents objects from deforming it. In the case that the pressure drops low out of the blue, this tire would still preserve traction to a certain extent. Thus, I don’t have to worry t about losing control of my towing setups in the midst of traffic. Finally, this towing tire is a low-maintain model so looking after it is a walk in the park. 

While Wildpeak AT3W is not exactly dirt-cheap, its purchase should have minor impacts on the spending plan of today’s truck owners. The long replacement interval of this tire cut down the number of times I have to look for tire replacement too. 

Great LT tires. Outstanding wet reaction, haven’t been in mud yet but did take a steep hill covered in leaves and sand with ease no slipping. Not noisy on the highway either!! Will definitely purchase these again. If you’re considering an aggressive A/T these are a great bang for the buck!!

To add to this review another aspect to be concerns with when purchasing truck tires. These things tow well and still rode nicely. I consumed all but 50 lbs of my youngest load 650 lbs towing a tractor, Bush hog front loader, 20’ trailer, and a diskhartow, and a broadcast spreader 210 miles one way and the tires performed flawlessly they only gained about 2 psi I. The rear running in that heavy load, they did not get exclusively hot either and it was approximately 80 Dawg Fahrenheit our sonthe asphalt was pretty warm. I would definitely suggest these and I am going to buy some more for backups! Much cheaper than BFG, Nitto, and Goodyear too!

Shared by Samuel A. Derusha

 Pros:

• Tough 
• Excellent compatibility 
• No-nonsense setup process 

Cons:

• Sporadic complaints about the noise level 
• Less than ideal post-purchase support 

7. Milestar Patagonia M/T – Best Mud-Terrain Truck Tire

Specifications:

• Size: 33X12.50R15LT
• Load Capacity: 2,270 Pounds
• Load Index Rating: 109.0
• Speed Rating: Q
• Tread Depth: 19 32nds
• Tire Aspect Ratio: 10.5
• Weight: 37.9 pounds
• Section Width: 10.5 Inches 
• Rim Size: 15 Inches

Why It’s The Best All-Terrain Tires For Towing:

All in all, the market contains a lot of towing tires for muddy terrains but none provide the same value as Milestar Patagonia M/T. Incorporating a high-void tread design, the biting edge of this tire is aggressive enough to work through the mud. Moreover, with staggered, off-center tread blocks, it’s going to optimize the level of traction of my towing setup. As a result, from what I can see, this tire is one of the best truck tires for towing a travel trailer on the mud. 

In use, Patagonia M/T is able to resist multiple impact damages thanks to its three-ply sidewall. The stone ejector of this tire allows it to combat stone drilling effectively and effectively as well. Hence, this tire won’t get damaged easily no matter how much abuse I expose it in the outdoors. Noteworthily, since the tread of this tire automatically cleans itself whenever I hit the road, its maintenance involves minimal time and effort.

To permit people to concentrate during towing operations, Milestar engineers its tire to work quietly. Cannot handle tires that screech every time you maneuver your truck? Then you should come to like Patagonia M/T.

I just recently put these tires on, and replaced a set of Mickey Thompson tires. So far, the Milestar has been better in every aspect. Mud, climbing, and sound. For being so knobby, these tires are extremely quiet. As for the mud, they do extremely well. They throw the mud out as the tires spin while still grabbing rather than getting mud stuck between the grooves. I feel like you cannot go wrong with these tires

Shared by Alyssa

 Pros:

• Low noise level 
• Well-balanced 
• Maintenance is a snap 

Cons:

• Mediocre quality control 
• People occasionally report receiving wrong-sized tires 

8. Cooper Discoverer H/T Plus All-Season Tire

Specifications:

• Size: 275/60R20XL 119T
• Load Capacity: 2,998 Pounds
• Load Index Rating: 119.0
• Speed Rating: T
• Tread Depth: 12 32nds
• Tire Aspect Ratio: 60.0
• Weight: 44.2 pounds
• Section Width: 275 Millimeters
• Rim Size: 20 Inches

Why We Love It:

Despite its plain appearance, Cooper Discoverer H/T is a robust tire that could meet all kinds of towing demands. Equipped with a tread that constantly evacuates water, this tire possesses a solid grip even in the rain. Additionally, owing to the inclusion of additional rubber in the sidewall, this towing tire is going to shield the rims from damages. That is why this tire is popular among those that cannot spend big bucks on repairs and replacements like me. 

To ensure equal wear as time passes by, Discoverer H/T integrates alternating tread and block geometry that work wonders. Naturally, up until the day I need to grab a new tire, this tire still demonstrates an outstanding degree of stability. If you place control above all else as you seek the best truck tires for towing, this tire is exactly what you need. In terms of affordability, it’s budget-friendly so you don’t have to decrease spending to pick it up. 

About post-purchase support, Cooper backs its tire with a sixty-thousand-mile mileage warranty. While the warranty is unexceptional, it brings people peace of mind as they haul heavy loads. 

 Pros:

• Installation is child’s play 
• Sturdy and stable 
• Cheap 

Cons:

• Shipping is hardly adequate 
• Traction varies as the weather changes 

9. Westlake SL309 Traction Radial Tire

Specifications:

• Size: 235/85R16 120Q
• Load Capacity: 1,200 Pounds
• Load Index Rating: 120.0
• Speed Rating: Q
• Tread Depth: 13 32nds
• Tire Aspect Ratio: 85.0
• Weight: 44.5 pounds
• Section Width: 235 Millimeters
• Rim Size: 16 Inches

Why We Love It:

Boasting high-strength steel belts and double polyester cords, Westlake SL309 is able to handle everything that truck owners throw at it. With thick and strong sidewall, this tire resists damages well so I don’t need to be overly anxious about it getting punctured. Moreover, since it’s capable of supporting a lot of weight, this tire is a good choice for heavy-duty towing operations. As a result, in my opinion, it’s among the best tires for towing RV on the market. 

Regarding traction, the tire from Westlake packs a tread pattern that bites into the surface underneath in quite a few conditions. It’s worth pointing out that the sipes of this tire expel water to keep more tires on the road too. Thus, I could manipulate my truck in whatever I like by making use of this tire for towing. Lastly, the low noise level of this tire means my ears don’t have to endure screening noise every time I execute a maneuver. 

About appearance, SL309 is an aesthetically pleasing tire that blends in instead of standing out like a sore thumb. Because of that, once the setup process concludes, it supplements the theme of my truck nicely. 

 Pros:

• Great values for the price 
• High-quality packaging 
• Traction is tip-top 

Cons:

• Some of the tires vibrate excessively   
• Wearing rate is quick 

10. Firestone Transforce HT2 Light Truck Tire

Specifications:

• Size: LT235/80R17 120 R E
• Load Capacity: 3,085 Pounds
• Load Index Rating: 120.0
• Speed Rating: R
• Tread Depth: 15 32nds
• Tire Aspect Ratio: 80.0
• Weight: 42.6 pounds
• Section Width: 235 Millimeters
• Rim Size: 17 Inches

Why We Love It:

If you usually hit the road in winter and want to keep your truck from swaying, Firestone Transforce HT2 is for you. Integrating saw tooth edge siping, this tire for towing bites aggressively into the snow while the stiffness of its block remains constant. In addition to that, with full depth lateral slots, it’s going to evacuate water as my truck moves on the road. Thus, once it comes to preventing aquaplaning, this tire outmatches traditional snow tires. 

In use, Transforce HT2 features an optimized profile that slows down the wearing and keeps the wearing pattern even. Hence, this tire is not only sturdy but also stable which earns it a lot of compliments from truck owners around the globe. Assuming that I don’t take things to the extreme, there is no news to spend too much money on tire replacement. Since this tire works in towing a wide range of towing setups, compatibility is not a big concern. 

At a glance, the Firestone tire is a bit more expensive than its contemporaries but the values it delivers match its price tag. The mileage warranty that comes alongside it lasts for 70,000 miles and that is reassuring. 

 Pros:

• Enduring
• Second to none controllability 
• Quiet operation 

Cons:

• Steep price 
• Customer service requires improvements

How To Choose The Best Truck Tires for Towing: Buying Criteria

Important tire specifications crucial for choosing the best truck tires for towing are denoted on a tire’s sidewall. Below are all the measurements or terms you need to know, and how to understand a tire’s specifications:

LT Tires

LT-metric tires, or “light truck tires”, are the best tires for towing heavy loads. LT tires are specifically designed with stronger walls, and sometimes have an extra steel belt and a deeper tread, so that they can handle heavy towing or hauling jobs with a light truck.

Meanwhile, another type of tire that is P-metric tires or “passenger tires” are often cheaper than LT tires, but they are made for passenger vehicles only. On normal commuting operations, they offer a smoother ride than LT tires due to their softer sidewalls, but they should only be used if you never do any heavy towing or cargo hauling.  You cannot put P-metric tires on a truck that is factory rated for LT tires. 

You’ll also come across ST tires. These have even higher load capacity than LT tires and are wider, oversized tires designed for vehicles carrying extra heavy cargo loads, boats and RVs. Using these on your truck is an overkill, since truck tires are not meant to handle the type of weight of a travel trailer or a big boat.

Size

For hauling and towing operations, you’re going to need more air to support the heavy loads. This means that you’ll generally need bigger tires with a more rugged construction. These tires can hold more air and thus, can handle heavier loads on longer distances and rougher terrains.

Sizing specifications include tire width, wheel diameter and aspect ratio, all of which are important calculations in tire fitting. The aspect ratio measures the height of the sidewall from wheel rim to top of the tread, as a percentage of tire width. In general, a tire with a lower aspect ratio typically would offer better lateral stability and overall better performance.

Ply Rating

A tire ply rating refers to how many layers, or plies, have been used in the tire’s construction. It directly translates to a tire’s strength and durability. In other words, ply rating is used to identify a given tire’s load limits and inflation limits. 

In the early days, a tire’s plies were made of cotton. Modern tires are no longer made from cotton. Instead, they are made from more heavy-duty materials so that fewer plies can be used to offer much more strength. Therefore, the term “ply rating” no longer refers to the actual number of plies a tire has, but indicates an equivalent strength compared to earlier cotton-plies construction.  

The piles of tires these days are usually made of rubber and cord layers. The best truck tires for towing a 5th wheel will be a ten ply. A ten-ply tire is not made up of ten layers of rubber, but consists of only a few plies that offer the equivalent strength of 10 conventional cotton-constructed plies.

Load Range

Load range is basically the same thing as the ply rating, albeit the former comes from an earlier era in the history of automobiles. Both ratings are used to identify a tire’s load and inflation limits. A tire specification chart can list both ratings side by side to represent a tire’s maximum load carrying capacity at maximum allowable air pressure.

Look for letter symbols on your truck tire’s sidewall: B, C, D, and E. This is its load range. The letter tells you how tough your tire is as well as the allowable tire pressure. Here’s how to convert between load range and the corresponding ply rating:

• Load Range B – Ply Rating 4: Max Load Pressure 35 psi
• Load Range C – Ply Rating 6: Max Load Pressure 50 psi
• Load Range D – Ply Rating 8: Max Load Pressure 65 psi
• Load Range E – Ply Rating 10: Max Load Pressure 80 psi
• You’ll sometimes see tires rated with Load Range F – Ply Rating 12 (although not as common): Max Load Pressure 95 psi

While a 10-ply tire is considered the best truck tires for towing in terms of strength and load capacity, the best tire should have load range E. Load range E tires allow your truck or SUV to handle heavier loads on longer distances, all the while still giving you the benefits of a comfortable ride with minimal hums and vibrations on rough terrains.

Load Index and Load Capacity

Load index refers to the maximum weight that a truck tire can safely handle when inflated at the optimal tire pressure. Load index can be any number from 75 to 150, which translates to a load capacity ranging from 852 pounds to 7,385 pounds. In other words, load index can be directly translated to load capacity, and the higher the load index, the higher the load carrying capacity.

While passenger car tires have only one load index, most of which ranging from 75 to 100, light truck tires used for towing always have two load indexes higher than 100, since this type of tires are often used on vehicles with dual rear wheels.

For example, an LT tire with a load index of 121/117 will have a load capacity for a single tire of 3,197 pounds and a load capacity for two tires of 2,833 pounds. The latter number is smaller than the former to make sure that the vehicle can continue to carry the load in case one tire fails.

How To Read Tire Specs

The above tire ratings as well as other important information about a particular tire can be found on the tire’s sidewall, but you need to be able to understand how they are denoted. 

• Sizing: On the truck tire’s sidewall, you will find a string of alpha-numeric codes, for instance LT215/65R15 121/117L. The longest part, LT215/65R15, denotes the tire type (LT tire), width (215mm), aspect ratio (65%), construction (rubber), and tire diameter (15 inches). 
• Load index: Right after this code are two numbers followed by a letter. The two numbers denote the tire’s load index, here is 121/117, referring to a load capacity for a single tire of 3,197 pounds and a load capacity for two tires of 2,833 pounds. 
• Speed rating: After the load index is the tire’s speed rating, in this case L, 75 mph or 120 km/h. This is the maximum speed that a tire can handle before its performance and thus your safety is compromised. While most truck tires are rated for 75 mph with a recommended tire pressure to match that speed, speed rating runs from A to Z, ranging from 5km/h (3mph) to over 300 km/h (186 mph).

Some tires may also have Uniform Tire Quality Grading, which tells you its traction grade and temperature grade:

• Traction grades include AA, A, B and C, with AA performing best in wet conditions.
• Temperature grade refers to how well the tires dissipate heat at various speeds. A-rated tires operate well at speeds over 115 mph, while the optimal range for B-rated tires is between 100 mph and 115 mph, and C tires perform best at between 85 mph and 100 mph.

Best Truck Tire Brands

Michelin

Michelin’s tried and tested lineup offers some of the best truck tires for towing in a variety of driving and towing conditions. Although truck tires from the brand are some of the priciest tires you’ll find, at around $250 per tire minimum, buyers testify that they are well worth the investment.

Michelin offers some of the most well-rounded and heavy duty all-season truck tires, which deliver a comfortable ride in any vehicle plus superior traction in snow and rain, all the while being very quiet when traveling at higher speeds.

Bridgestone

When it comes to a heavy-duty commercial grade tire, Bridgestone offers some of the very best truck tires for towing on the market. Bridgestone truck tires offer impressive traction as well as  excellent stability and handling even on snowy or wet roads.

The brand also keeps incorporating customers’ feedback to bring about improvements, including new tread design to provide more biting edges on different terrains.

Goodyear

Goodyear is another household name when it comes to the best truck tires for towing. If you’re looking for a rugged tire that is ideal for towing heavy loads as well as off-roading, you will love Goodyear’s truck tires.

They are known for superb traction even on the harshest road conditions, and will last a very long time even if you travel off-road often, thanks to their rugged construction from a special compound that resists tearing and chipping. 

The brand’s truck tires also boast extra strong casing, so they perform consistently when towing heavier cargo. While some buyers have noted that some of their most durable and high-capacity truck tires are not very quiet on the road, it’s not at all a deal breaker when performance is of utmost importance.

Cooper

Cooper offers high performance truck tires for towing your RV or for hauling heavy loads that are surprisingly quiet and offer confident handling on the highway, even at higher speeds.

The brand is loved for their unique tread design patterns, including alternating tread block geometry. These distinctive tread designs ensure more even tread wear, a longer service life and can even shunt water away from the contact area.  

BFGoodRich

BFGoodrich is known for its all-terrain tire line launched 15 years ago, which is now in its 4th generation already. This line is engineered for SUVs, jeeps, and pickup trucks and delivers like a dream in both on and off-road use. 

Some superior features that you will love from the best truck tires for towing from BFGoodRich includes interlocking tread block pattern achieved by digital optimization, reinforced double steel belts, improved sidewall rubber compound, Goodrich’s patented cable sidewall layer construction, and side biter lugs extended rubber blocks on the sidewall for superior traction and stability. 

Bonus: Truck Tires For Towing – Care Guide

There’s no point in investing in the best truck tires for towing if you don’t take care of them properly. Here are the most important things to look out for:

Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure

The best truck tires for towing must be maintained with the optimal tire pressure. Both over-inflation and under-inflation will hurt your braking and handling, waste fuel, wear out your tires faster and unevenly, or even worse, result in premature tire failures, which would compromise your safety. 

Under-inflated tires means more contact area with the road, which would build up excess heat and result in tire failure. Over-inflated tires means a rougher ride, and higher chance of tire damage when you drive on rough terrain, as each bump and vibration is amplified. Both result in uneven tread wear, which means you’d need to replace your tires sooner. 

To help keep your truck tires in tip top shape, invest in a tire-pressure gauge so that you can check the pressure of your tires before/while starting on any long trip and at least once a month. Before checking the tire pressure, make sure your pickup has been parked for three or more hours to get an accurate read, since the tires will not be “hot”. 

Equipping an RV tire pressure monitoring system is another great option. This device issues the tire pressure information of real-time to the drivers by using either a gauge, a simple low-pressure warning light or a pictogram display. With a TPMS, RV campers always have quick information about tire pressure which can help them to avoid unexpected accidents related to the flat tires.

The optimal tire pressure for your tires is NOT the “max pressure” number found on the tire sidewall, as many drivers assume. “Max pressure” is the maximum amount of pressure that a given tire can handle without damage.

Meanwhile, the recommended tire pressure by your automaker is the safe operational level to achieve the best combination of traction, handling and stability, ride comfort, fuel economy and tire lifespan. The recommended psi can be found in your owner’s manual and also located on a sticker or placard on the driver’s-side door or fuel-filler door or inside the glove compartment. 

Regular Inspection

Regular inspection is key, so always check your tires once or twice every month to keep track of its condition and always before a trip, regardless of the distance.

Look for holes and punctures that will cause the air pressure to be depleted, signs of uneven tread wear, any damage to the rim or any debris that might be lodged in your tires that might hurt its structural integrity.

Tire Rotation

The tread on your four truck tires would not wear evenly, most notably between the front and the rear wheels. Depending on whether your car is front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive, sometimes the front wheels or the rear wheels will have to work harder due to steering, braking and withstanding the weight of the axle.

Rotating your wheels periodically, at least once every six months, helps even out the tread wear of your truck tires and thus making them last longer as well as ensuring safer driving.

Driving Habits

Last but not least, try not to drive like a madman, including abrupt braking and acceleration, cutting in corners sharply and running over curbs or objects. These create more stress on your tires and might cause an internal steel belt to snap or might damage other parts, all leading to a shorter tire lifespan or premature tire failure.

You might not feel or see this right away, but if you want the most miles out of your expensive set of truck tires, you better treat them right.

FAQs About Best Pickup Tires For Towing