How to Choose Tires for Towing
Learn how to choose the right tires for towing, including load rating, tire pressure, size, tread, and durability. Find the right tires today!
How to ChooseTires for Towing
When you tow a trailer, boat, camper, or other heavy load, your tires play an important role in stability, handling, and safety. The right tires need to support your vehicle and cargo while handling the additional demands of towing.
Choosing tires for towing requires more than finding a tire that fits your wheels. Load range, tire rating, tire construction, inflation pressure, size, tread pattern, and durability should all be considered.
At Automotive Expressions, we help drivers explore wheel and tire options based on their vehicles and specific needs.
Check Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity
Before selecting tires, understand your vehicle’s towing and weight limits. Your owner’s manual and manufacturer’s recommendations can provide important information about:
- Maximum towing capacity
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
- Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
- Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
- Maximum payload
Your tires should be capable of supporting your vehicle’s actual load within the manufacturer’s specifications. Remember that towing capacity and tire load capacity are related but aren’t the same.
Choose the Correct Load Range and Tire Rating
One of the most important considerations when choosing towing tires is load range. The load range indicates the tire’s ability to carry weight under specified conditions.
You should also check the tire’s load index and overall tire rating to ensure the tire is appropriate for your vehicle and intended use.
Towing adds weight through the trailer itself and its tongue weight. Passengers, tools, equipment, and cargo also contribute to the vehicle’s total load.
For trucks and SUVs that regularly tow heavy loads, selecting tires with an appropriate load capacity is essential.
Consider LT Truck Tires
LT, or Light Truck, tires are commonly used as truck tires on pickup trucks and SUVs, particularly for applications involving heavier loads, towing, or hauling.
LT tires are designed for light-truck applications and may offer construction characteristics suited to demanding conditions.
However, LT tires aren’t automatically the best choice for every towing vehicle. Always follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations and choose tires appropriate for your specific application.
Pay Attention to Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation is especially important when towing.
Underinflated tires can increase heat buildup, affect handling, and contribute to uneven wear. Overinflation can negatively affect ride quality and traction.
Always follow your vehicle and tire manufacturer’s recommendations. Check tire pressure when the tires are cold and inspect them before long towing trips.
Don’t Exceed the Tire’s Load Capacity
Your tires should never be expected to carry more weight than their rated capacity.
When towing, consider the total weight placed on your vehicle’s tires, including:
- Passengers
- Cargo
- Tools and equipment
- Trailer tongue weight
- Additional accessories
It’s important to distribute weight appropriately and stay within the vehicle’s weight and axle limits.
Choose the Right Tire Size
When selecting towing tires, it’s generally best to use the tire size recommended by the vehicle manufacturer unless a different setup has been properly evaluated.
Changing tire size can affect overall diameter, speedometer accuracy, gearing, handling, and clearance.
If you want to upgrade your wheels or choose a different tire size, make sure the new combination has an appropriate load rating and is compatible with your vehicle.
Consider the Tread Pattern and Terrain
The tread pattern can influence how your vehicle performs while towing.
For highway towing, you may prefer tires designed for stable handling, predictable traction, and long tread life. If you regularly tow on gravel, dirt, or rough surfaces, you may want terrain tires designed for those conditions.
The best tread pattern depends on where you tow and the types of roads you typically encounter.
Look for Stability and Durability
Towing places additional demands on your vehicle. Tires with appropriate construction and load capacity can help provide the stability needed when pulling a trailer.
Consider tires designed for:
- Heavy loads
- Highway driving
- Frequent towing
- Long-distance travel
- Variable weather conditions
A durable tire may also be beneficial if your vehicle regularly experiences demanding towing conditions.
Should You Use Trailer Tires or Vehicle Tires?
It’s important to distinguish between tires for the towing vehicle and tires specifically designed for the trailer.
Your truck or SUV requires tires appropriate for the vehicle itself. The trailer may require specialized ST, or Special Trailer, tires designed specifically for trailer applications.
ST tires are not intended to replace the tires on your tow vehicle. Always use the type and size of tire recommended for each application.
Check Your Tires Before Towing
Before every major towing trip, inspect your tires for signs of damage or excessive wear.
Look for:
- Cracks or bulges
- Uneven tread wear
- Low tread depth
- Punctures
- Embedded objects
- Sidewall damage
Also check your spare tire and make sure it is properly inflated and ready to use.
Consider Tire Age
Tire condition isn’t determined by tread depth alone. Tires can age over time, even when they haven’t accumulated many miles.
Heat, sunlight, storage conditions, and inflation can all affect tire condition. If you tow regularly, inspect your tires frequently and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding tire age and replacement.
Get Help Choosing Towing Tires
Choosing tires for towing requires careful consideration of load range, tire rating, tire size, inflation pressure, construction, tread pattern, and vehicle specifications.
At Automotive Expressions, we can help you explore wheel and tire options based on your vehicle and towing needs. Whether you’re towing a camper, boat, or equipment for work, selecting the right tires can help support a stable and dependable towing experience.
Contact Automotive Expressions to learn more about choosing the right tires for your truck, SUV, or towing application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Towing Tires
Are LT tires better for towing?
LT tires are commonly used on trucks and SUVs that tow or haul because they’re designed for light-truck applications. However, the best tire depends on your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations and specific towing needs.
Should I increase my tire pressure when towing?
Always follow your vehicle and tire manufacturer’s recommendations. Some vehicles may specify different inflation pressures for loaded conditions, but you should never exceed the tire’s maximum pressure or vehicle guidelines.
Do I need special tires for towing?
Your tow vehicle needs tires appropriate for its weight and application. The trailer may require specialized ST tires. The correct choice depends on the vehicle and trailer manufacturer’s specifications.
Can I use larger tires for towing?
Possibly, but changing tire size can affect load capacity, speedometer accuracy, gearing, handling, and clearance. Any size change should be evaluated to ensure the new setup is appropriate for your vehicle.
How can Automotive Expressions help me choose towing tires?
Automotive Expressions can help you evaluate tire size, load range, tire rating, wheel fitment, and other specifications to help you find an appropriate wheel and tire combination for your vehicle and towing needs.