Trailer Tires 101

Trailers consist of many essential components, but arguably the most important are their tires. Without high-quality tires, your trailer may struggle to support heavy loads, experience braking and stability issues, suffer from excessive wear, and potentially leave you and your payload stranded on a busy highway. In our “Trailer Tires 101” guide, we will help you choose the correct set for your trailer.

Trailer Tires Vs. Passenger Tires: What’s the Difference?

Unlike the passenger tires on your car, trailer tires are specifically designed to handle heavy, static loads. Understanding the differences between trailer and passenger tires, as well as the various types and sizes available, is key to unlocking your trailer’s optimal performance.

• Passenger tires are built for road comfort, traction, and cornering stability. They have flexible sidewalls that absorb bumps and are designed to handle dynamic forces from accelerating, braking, and turning.
• Trailer tires, also known as Special Trailer (ST) tires, are built to support heavy loads with minimal flexing. Their sidewalls are significantly stiffer, reducing trailer sway and overheating under sustained weight. This rigid construction prevents the tire from “scrubbing” or wearing unevenly, which may occur when making tight turns.

Trailer Tire Types:

There are two main types of trailer tire construction: radial and bias-ply.

• Radial Tires are the most common type for modern trailers. They have plies (layers of cord) that run perpendicular to the direction of travel, with a belt of steel or fabric running under the tread. This construction provides a longer lifespan, better fuel efficiency, and cooler running temperatures compared to bias-ply tires. They also offer a smoother ride and are more resistant to punctures.
• Bias-Ply Tires: In contrast, bias-ply tires have plies that run at a 30 to 45-degree angle to the direction of travel, with alternating layers running in a crisscross pattern. These plies create a very stiff and durable sidewall, making them excellent for trailers that sit for long periods or for applications where punctures are a high risk. However, they tend to generate more heat and wear out faster than radial tires, and they offer a bumpier ride.

Bigfoot ST Radial Tires

At Bigfoot, we prioritize safety and performance. That’s why every single one of our handcrafted trailers, from the heavy-duty “Super Beast” to the versatile 10K equipment trailers, comes standard with premium ST radial tires. This commitment to quality ensures superior handling across various terrains and in all weather conditions.

Limited Lifetime Tire Warranty with One-Year Replacement

We stand by the quality of our tires with a one-year full replacement guarantee, which is part of our comprehensive 1-2-5 Lifetime+ Program. Additionally, you’ll receive two years of complimentary roadside assistance.

We Deliver Bumper Pull Trailers with Premium Radial Tires

Isn’t it time you experienced the Bigfoot difference? As a factory-direct manufacturer, we deliver bumper-pull trailers with high-quality ST radial tires throughout the Eastern United States, with locations in Concord, NH; New York, NY; Springfield, MA; Richmond, VA; and by appointment with retailers in Fort Myers and Marianna, FL.

Contact us today at https://www.bigfoottrailers.net/ for a free quote. We also offer convenient financing and rent-to-own options.