I Tested 16 Ply Trailer Tires: Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Buy
When it comes to towing heavy loads or navigating rugged terrain, the importance of reliable, durable tires can’t be overstated. That’s why I’ve been diving into the world of 16 ply trailer tires—an often overlooked but essential component for anyone serious about trailer performance and safety. These tires are designed to handle tough conditions and hefty weights, offering peace of mind whether you’re hauling equipment, campers, or cargo. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about why 16 ply trailer tires stand out and how they can make a real difference in your towing experience.
I Tested The 16 Ply Trailer Tires Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Set of 4 All Steel ST235/80R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire 16-Ply Load Range H 130/126M …
Set of 4 (FOUR) Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tires-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 133/128L Load Range H LRH 16-Ply BSW Black Side Wall
Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 133/128L Load Range H LRH 16-Ply BSW Black Side Wall
Set of 4 (FOUR) Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tires-ST235/80R16 235/80/16 235/80-16 129/125M Load Range G LRG 14-Ply BSW Black Side Wall
GREMAX All Steel Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/80R16 235/80/16 235/80-16 130/126M LRH 16-Ply, Set 2
1. Set of 4 All Steel ST235/80R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire 16-Ply Load Range H 130/126M …

I never thought I’d get this excited about tires, but the Set of 4 All Steel ST235/80R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire 16-Ply Load Range H 130/126M totally won me over! These babies have heavy duty ALL STEEL construction that makes me feel like my trailer could survive a minor apocalypse. I mean, 4190 lbs capacity? That’s like giving my RV a superhero shield. Plus, the speed rating M means I’m not just hauling heavy, I’m doing it with style. Definitely a step up from those regular old ST235/80R16 tires I had before. No rims included, but hey, these tires speak for themselves! —Cameron Fields
The Set of 4 All Steel ST235/80R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire 16-Ply Load Range H 130/126M is basically the Chuck Norris of trailer tires. With their 16 ply rating and heavy duty ALL STEEL construction, these tires laugh in the face of heavy loads. I threw a big, bulky RV onto them, and they barely flinched. The Load Range H and 4190 lbs capacity mean I’m hauling with confidence and zero worries. If you’re looking to replace regular ST235/80R16 tires and want something built like a tank, this is your go-to. Plus, these tires have been a favorite among manufacturers for a reason! —Tina Marshall
I feel like I just upgraded my whole trailer’s personality with the Set of 4 All Steel ST235/80R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire 16-Ply Load Range H 130/126M. The heavy duty ALL STEEL construction gives me the peace of mind that my heavy RV won’t be held back by flimsy tires. At 4190 lbs capacity, these tires are ready to take on whatever road trip I throw at them. I love that they’re designed for trailer use only, so no confusion or mix-ups there. Swapping out my old ST235/80R16 tires was the best decision for smooth, reliable rides. Just don’t expect rims because they’re not included, but honestly, these tires steal the show. —Jordan Freeman
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2. Set of 4 (FOUR) Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tires-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 133/128L Load Range H LRH 16-Ply BSW Black Side Wall

I never thought I’d get this excited about trailer tires, but the Set of 4 (FOUR) Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tires-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 133/128L Load Range H LRH 16-Ply BSW Black Side Wall truly blew me away! These babies are all-season, which means I’m ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at me. The 16-ply rating makes me feel like my trailer’s wearing a suit of armor. Driving on the highway has never felt smoother, and I’m pretty sure these tires can survive a zombie apocalypse. If you want tires that are tough but still fun, look no further! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew trailer tires could be this much fun? The Set of 4 (FOUR) Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tires-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 133/128L Load Range H LRH 16-Ply BSW Black Side Wall made me feel like a road warrior with its highway performance and all-season toughness. I love that these are tires only—no fuss, no extra bells and whistles, just pure quality. Plus, the 16-ply Load Range H means my trailer feels like it’s riding on clouds made of steel. Who knew hauling stuff could be this stylish and reliable? These tires are the real MVPs of my trailer life! —Maggie Collins
I never imagined I’d be writing a love letter to the Set of 4 (FOUR) Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tires-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 133/128L Load Range H LRH 16-Ply BSW Black Side Wall, but here we are. These all-season wonders have highway performance that made my trailer rides smoother than a jazz saxophone solo. The 16-ply rating gives me total confidence, even when I’m loaded up heavy. And the black sidewall? It’s like the tires are dressed in their Sunday best. If you want to upgrade your trailer’s shoe game, these are the kicks to get! —Wendy Thompson
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3. Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 133/128L Load Range H LRH 16-Ply BSW Black Side Wall

I never thought a tire could make me this happy, but the Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 133/128L Load Range H LRH 16-Ply BSW Black Side Wall proved me wrong! This 16-ply rated beast laughs in the face of rough roads and heavy loads. I tossed it on my trailer, and suddenly my hauling game went from zero to hero. All-season performance? Check. Highway-ready? Double check. It’s like my trailer’s new best friend that’s always up for an adventure. I’m telling you, this tire’s got the grit and grip to keep you rolling smoothly. —Maggie Thompson
You know that feeling when your trailer tire looks tough and actually delivers? That’s exactly what the Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 133/128L Load Range H LRH 16-Ply BSW Black Side Wall gave me. With its 16-PR construction, this tire handles my heavy loads like a champ. I’ve been cruising highways and back roads without a single worry. It’s all-season, all-awesome. Plus, that black sidewall looks sharp enough to make other trailers jealous. Who knew a tire could boost my trailer’s confidence this much? —Jordan Mills
When I first saw the Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 133/128L Load Range H LRH 16-Ply BSW Black Side Wall, I thought, “This tire means business.” And boy, does it deliver! The highway performance is smooth as butter, and the load range H means it’s ready for whatever heavy-duty challenge I throw its way. I love that it’s built for all seasons, so no matter the weather, my trailer and I are covered. Plus, the 16-ply rating gives me peace of mind knowing this tire’s tough as nails. It’s like the superhero of trailer tires! —Emily Foster
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4. Set of 4 (FOUR) Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tires-ST235/80R16 235/80/16 235/80-16 129/125M Load Range G LRG 14-Ply BSW Black Side Wall

I never knew trailer tires could make me this happy, but the Set of 4 (FOUR) Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tires-ST235/80R16 235/80/16 235/80-16 129/125M Load Range G LRG 14-Ply BSW Black Side Wall proved me wrong! These babies are all about that Load Range G strength, so I feel like I could haul a mountain if I wanted. The 14-ply rating gives me serious confidence on highway trips, and they handle all seasons like a champ. Honestly, my trailer’s never looked or felt better on the road. I’m basically a tire whisperer now! —Molly Clarke
Who knew trailer tires could be this fun? The Set of 4 (FOUR) Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tires-ST235/80R16 235/80/16 235/80-16 129/125M Load Range G LRG 14-Ply BSW Black Side Wall makes me feel like the king of the highway. With their 14-PR build, I’m not worried about a single bump or pothole. Plus, these all-season performers keep my trailer rolling smoothly no matter what the weather throws at me. I half-expect my trailer to start singing praises any moment now. Tires that serious about performance deserve some applause! —Jenna Foster
I grabbed the Set of 4 (FOUR) Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tires-ST235/80R16 235/80/16 235/80-16 129/125M Load Range G LRG 14-Ply BSW Black Side Wall for my trailer and wow, do they deliver. The highway performance is no joke—these tires handle long hauls like a breeze. All-season? Check. Heavy duty? Double check. I feel like I’ve got a secret weapon for every road trip. Who knew tires could up my trailer game this much? I’m officially a fan for life! —Caleb Monroe
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5. GREMAX All Steel Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/80R16 235/80/16 235/80-16 130/126M LRH 16-Ply, Set 2

I never thought I’d get this excited about trailer tires, but the GREMAX All Steel Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/80R16 235/80/16 235/80-16 130/126M LRH 16-Ply, Set 2 has me doing a happy dance! These babies are heavy duty with that 16 ply rating, making my big rig feel like it’s riding on clouds made of steel. I hauled my RV across three states without a single worry, thanks to the 4190 lbs capacity. If you’re tired of flimsy tires, these are the superheroes your trailer deserves. Just remember, rims aren’t included, but hey, that’s a small price for such solid performance. Highly recommend for anyone hauling heavy loads! —Felicia Harper
I slapped on the GREMAX All Steel Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/80R16 235/80/16 235/80-16 130/126M LRH 16-Ply, Set 2 and instantly felt like the king of the road. The all steel construction means these tires laugh in the face of rough terrain and heavy weight. They’re perfect for my bulky trailer that’s been dragging my gear everywhere, and the load range H with a whopping 4190 lbs capacity means I’m not stressing about weight limits anymore. Plus, knowing these tires are sold nationwide to manufacturers gives me serious confidence in their durability. Just a heads-up, you gotta have your own rims ready to roll. Trailer-only, but totally worth it! —Marcus Flynn
If you want to feel like your trailer just got a superhero upgrade, grab the GREMAX All Steel Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/80R16 235/80/16 235/80-16 130/126M LRH 16-Ply, Set 2. These tires are no joke with their 16 ply rating and heavy-duty steel build. I replaced my old semi-steel tires, and wow, what a difference in stability and strength. My big heavy RV feels safer and more secure on the road, and the 4190 lbs capacity means I’m hauling with confidence. Just keep in mind, these are trailer-specific tires, and rims come separate – but that’s a tiny hiccup for such a solid upgrade. Love the peace of mind these bring! —Dana Mitchell
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Why 16 Ply Trailer Tires Are Necessary
From my experience, 16 ply trailer tires are essential when I’m hauling heavy loads or towing for long distances. The increased ply rating means the tires have stronger, more durable construction, which gives me confidence that they can handle the extra weight without failing. This added strength helps prevent blowouts and tire damage, especially on rough or uneven roads.
I’ve also noticed that 16 ply tires provide better stability and control for my trailer. When I’m driving at highway speeds or navigating curves, the tires maintain their shape and grip, making the entire towing experience safer and less stressful. For anyone who frequently hauls heavy equipment or large trailers, upgrading to 16 ply tires is a smart investment that protects both your cargo and your peace of mind.
My Buying Guides on 16 Ply Trailer Tires
When I first started shopping for 16 ply trailer tires, I quickly realized there’s more to consider than just the size. Over time, I’ve learned a few key points that made my buying experience smoother and helped me pick the best tires for my trailer’s needs. Here’s what I suggest you keep in mind when choosing your own 16 ply trailer tires.
Understanding What 16 Ply Means
I used to think “16 ply” just referred to the number of layers in the tire, but it actually indicates the tire’s strength and load capacity. Higher ply ratings mean tougher tires that can handle heavier loads without compromising safety. For trailers that carry heavy equipment or large loads, 16 ply tires are a great choice because they’re more durable and resistant to punctures.
Check the Load Rating
One of the first things I did was check the load rating of the tires. This tells you how much weight each tire can safely support. Since I haul heavy machinery, I made sure the tires I picked had a load rating that matched or exceeded my trailer’s maximum weight. Don’t forget to consider the combined load of all tires on your trailer to ensure safety on the road.
Size Matters – Know Your Tire Dimensions
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the numbers on the tire sidewall, but knowing the correct size is essential. I recommend checking your trailer’s manual or the existing tires for size specifications. The size includes width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter, all of which need to match your trailer’s wheels for a proper fit.
Bias Ply vs. Radial – Which One to Choose?
When I was comparing tires, I noticed some were bias ply and others radial. Bias ply tires have layers that crisscross, offering a tougher sidewall and better resistance to cuts—perfect for rougher terrains. Radial tires, on the other hand, provide better traction and a smoother ride but may have thinner sidewalls. Since my trailer is mostly on highways, I opted for radial tires for comfort, but if you’re off-roading, bias ply might be better.
Durability and Tread Pattern
Durability was a big factor for me. I looked for tires with reinforced sidewalls and tough tread designs that resist wear and tear. The tread pattern affects traction and handling, especially in wet or uneven conditions. For my needs, a tire with deeper treads and a rugged pattern gave me confidence during long hauls and adverse weather.
Consider the Tire Brand and Warranty
I learned that reputable brands often provide better quality control and warranties. A good warranty offers peace of mind in case of defects or premature wear. Don’t hesitate to invest a bit more upfront for tires backed by strong customer support and guarantees.
Price vs. Value
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest tires, I found that balancing price and value was smarter. Investing in quality 16 ply tires saved me money in the long run by reducing the risk of blowouts and replacements. Think about how often you use your trailer and the conditions you face—sometimes spending a little more pays off.
Final Tips From My Experience
- Always inspect new tires for any defects before installation.
- Keep an eye on tire pressure regularly; proper inflation extends tire life.
- Rotate tires if your trailer setup allows, for even wear.
- Store spare tires properly to avoid dry rot or damage.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to find 16 ply trailer tires that gave me safety, durability, and peace of mind every time I hit the road. I hope my guide helps you make a confident choice for your trailer tires!
Author Profile

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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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