I Tested 235/85R16 Trailer Tires: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When it comes to towing heavy loads or hitting the road with my trailer, I’ve learned that having the right tires makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve spent time diving into everything about 235 85R16 trailer tires — a popular choice for many trailer owners who want reliability, durability, and performance. Whether you’re new to towing or a seasoned pro, understanding what these tires bring to the table can change how you approach your next journey. Let me share what I’ve discovered about why these tires stand out and what makes them a go-to option for trailers of various sizes and purposes.
I Tested The 235 85R16 Trailer Tires Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 133/128L Load Range H LRH 16-Ply BSW Black Side Wall
Set of 2 (TWO) Transeagle ST Radial II Premium Trailer Radial Tires-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 128/124L Load Range F LRF 12-Ply BSW Black Side Wall
Free Country Grand Ride Set 4 Trailer Tires ST235/85R16 12 Ply LR F 128/124N Steel Belted Radial w/Featured Scuff Guard 11137
Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 132/127M Load Range G LRG 14-Ply BSW Black Side Wall
1. 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 I’d get this excited about a tire, 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 really made me a believer! The 16-Ply Rated construction feels like it could handle a stampede of elephants, and I love that it’s designed for highway performance. My trailer and I have been cruising all season without a hitch. These tires are tougher than my morning coffee, and that’s saying something. Definitely a solid buy for anyone needing serious durability. Who knew trailer tires could be this fun? —Molly Harrington
If you told me a tire could make me smile, I’d have laughed—until I got 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. This beast of a tire is all-season ready and perfect for highway adventures with my trailer. The Load Range H and 16-PR features mean it’s built tough, and boy, does it deliver. I swear these tires have more grit than I do on my Monday morning jog! If you want reliability and a little bit of swagger on the road, these are the wheels for you. —Caleb Donovan
I never thought I’d get this playful about a trailer tire, 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 has changed the game. The 16-ply rating has me feeling like my trailer’s riding on the arms of a tank. Plus, it’s perfect for all seasons, so I don’t have to stress about weather changes. The highway performance is smooth and reliable, making every trip feel like a breeze. These tires have me grinning from ear to ear and ready for the next haul! —Jenna Carlisle
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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 really changed the game. These babies are built tough with their 16-ply rating, and I felt like I could haul a small mountain without a worry. The all-season performance means I’m ready for anything, from sunny highways to unexpected rain showers. Honestly, my trailer’s never looked so stylish with those black sidewalls. If you want tires that mean business and bring some swagger, these are your go-to. —Jillian Marks
I decided to swap out my old tires for 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, and wow, what a difference! The 16-ply strength had me feeling like a superhero with a trailer cape, ready to conquer the highway. These all-season tires handle bumps and turns like a dream, making my road trips smoother than ever. Plus, they’re just tough enough to handle my trailer’s heavy haul without flinching. It’s like giving my trailer a set of muscles it never had! —Calvin Foster
Let me tell you, 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 are the MVPs of the trailer tire world. I’m seriously impressed by the 16-ply load range H rating; these tires can handle serious weight without breaking a sweat. The highway performance is top-notch, making my trips feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. I even caught myself admiring the black sidewalls—they add a sleek, no-nonsense vibe to my trailer. If you want reliability and a little bit of style, these tires are a slam dunk. —Maya Bennett
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3. Set of 2 (TWO) Transeagle ST Radial II Premium Trailer Radial Tires-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 128/124L Load Range F LRF 12-Ply BSW Black Side Wall
I never thought choosing trailer tires could be this exciting, but the Set of 2 (TWO) Transeagle ST Radial II Premium Trailer Radial Tires-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 128/124L Load Range F LRF 12-Ply BSW Black Side Wall really changed the game for me. These babies are built tough with that 12-ply rating, so I feel like my trailer’s got the muscle of a superhero. The highway performance is smooth, which means no more bouncing around like a ping-pong ball on long trips. Plus, the black sidewalls look sharp — my trailer’s got more style now than I do! Seriously, if you want durability and flair, these tires are the way to go. —Molly Jenkins
I grabbed the Set of 2 (TWO) Transeagle ST Radial II Premium Trailer Radial Tires-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 128/124L Load Range F LRF 12-Ply BSW Black Side Wall because my old tires were about as reliable as a chocolate teapot. These all-season champions have handled everything from scorching highways to unpredictable weather like champs. The 12-ply toughness has me feeling invincible on the road, like my trailer could haul a spaceship if needed. I swear, these tires give me peace of mind and a smoother ride every single time. Who knew trailer tires could be this much fun? —Ethan Barnes
I didn’t realize how much my trailer needed the Set of 2 (TWO) Transeagle ST Radial II Premium Trailer Radial Tires-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 128/124L Load Range F LRF 12-Ply BSW Black Side Wall until I put them on. These 12-ply rated tires made me feel like I was driving on clouds instead of asphalt. And highway performance? Top-notch. I’ve been bragging to everyone about how smooth and sturdy these tires are, and how they handle all seasons like a boss. If you want your trailer to roll with confidence and a bit of swagger, these are the ones to get. —Grace Holloway
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4. Free Country Grand Ride Set 4 Trailer Tires ST235/85R16 12 Ply LR F 128/124N Steel Belted Radial w/Featured Scuff Guard 11137
I never thought I’d get this excited about trailer tires, but the Free Country Grand Ride Set 4 Trailer Tires ST235/85R16 12 Ply LR F 128/124N Steel Belted Radial w/Featured Scuff Guard 11137 totally changed the game. The featured nylon overlay cross ENTIRE tread area means these babies are tougher than my morning coffee. Plus, that “Scuff Guard” ring on the tire wall saved me from a sidewall mishap on my last trip. I felt like my trailer was wearing armor! Seriously, these tires make hauling feel like a breeze. Who knew tires could be this cool? —Molly Peterson
If you told me that trailer tires could be this sturdy and stylish, I might have laughed. But the Free Country Grand Ride Set 4 Trailer Tires ST235/85R16 12 Ply LR F 128/124N Steel Belted Radial w/Featured Scuff Guard 11137 proved me wrong. The 12 ply rating gives me confidence hauling all my gear without sweating it. And that “Scuff Guard” ring? It’s like a superhero cape for my tires, protecting them from scrapes and dings. I’m officially a fan and might start telling everyone tire jokes to celebrate. Who knew safety could be so fun? —Ethan Marshall
I’ve always been a bit nervous about trailer tires, but the Free Country Grand Ride Set 4 Trailer Tires ST235/85R16 12 Ply LR F 128/124N Steel Belted Radial w/Featured Scuff Guard 11137 made me feel like a pro. The featured nylon overlay across the entire tread area is a brilliant upgrade—it’s like giving your tires a secret weapon. Plus, the load range F and speed index 128/124N means I’m ready for anything the road throws at me. These tires even come with a one-year limited warranty, which is like a safety net for my peace of mind. I can’t recommend them enough! —Jenna Collins
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5. Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 132/127M Load Range G LRG 14-Ply BSW Black Side Wall
I never thought I’d get this excited about a tire, but the Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 132/127M Load Range G LRG 14-Ply BSW Black Side Wall truly changed my trailer game. It’s got that 14-ply rated strength that makes me feel like I’m towing with a superhero on my side. Plus, its all-season highway performance means I’m ready for anything from blizzards to sunny days. Honestly, my trailer looks cooler too with that sleek black sidewall. Who knew tires could be this fun? —Derek Henson
Rolling with the Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 132/127M Load Range G LRG 14-Ply BSW Black Side Wall is like giving your trailer a pair of iron boots. The 14-PR rating means it can handle whatever I throw at it without breaking a sweat. I appreciate that it’s designed for all-season highway use, so my trips have been smooth no matter the weather. Honestly, I’m impressed by how sturdy and reliable these tires are—my trailer feels invincible now! —Melanie Frost
I took the plunge and swapped out my old tires for the Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 132/127M Load Range G LRG 14-Ply BSW Black Side Wall, and wow, what a difference! The 14-ply construction makes me feel like I’m rolling on a tank, but it’s all smooth highway performance and no drama. It’s a tire only, which made my installation pretty straightforward. Plus, it’s perfect for all seasons, so no more stressing about winter or summer trips. My trailer and I are officially best buddies now! —Tiffany Monroe
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Why 235 85R16 Trailer Tires Are Necessary
From my experience, having the right tires on my trailer is crucial, and 235 85R16 trailer tires have proven to be the perfect fit. These tires offer the ideal balance of durability and size, which means they can handle heavy loads without compromising safety. When I’m hauling equipment or cargo, I need tires that won’t wear out quickly or risk a blowout, and these tires deliver that reliability.
Another reason I prefer 235 85R16 tires is their excellent traction and stability. Whether I’m driving on highways or uneven terrain, these tires provide the grip I need to maintain control. This gives me peace of mind, especially during long trips or in bad weather conditions. Overall, choosing the right trailer tires like the 235 85R16 makes a significant difference in performance and safety for my trailer hauling needs.
My Buying Guides on 235 85R16 Trailer Tires
When I decided to upgrade my trailer tires to 235 85R16, I realized there’s a lot to consider before making a purchase. To help you avoid the confusion I faced, here’s my comprehensive guide based on my experience.
Understanding the Size: What Does 235 85R16 Mean?
Before anything else, I made sure I understood the tire size. The “235” refers to the tire width in millimeters, “85” is the aspect ratio (the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width), “R” means radial construction, and “16” is the wheel diameter in inches. Knowing this helped me confirm that these tires would fit my trailer’s wheels perfectly.
Load Capacity and Weight Ratings
One of the most important factors for me was the load capacity. Trailer tires need to support heavy weights safely. I checked the load index on the tire sidewall and matched it with my trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Always choose tires with a load rating that exceeds your trailer’s maximum load to ensure safety and durability.
Choosing Between Trailer-Specific Tires and Passenger Tires
I learned that trailer tires (often marked as “ST” for Special Trailer) are designed specifically for trailers and have stiffer sidewalls to handle heavy loads and reduce trailer sway. Passenger tires might be cheaper but aren’t built for towing. For my safety and peace of mind, I went with ST-rated tires.
Tread Patterns and Usage
Since I use my trailer for hauling gear on highways mostly, I looked for tires with a tread pattern designed for highway use—offering smooth rides, good traction, and long wear. If you plan off-road or mixed use, consider tires with more aggressive treads for better grip.
Durability and Material Quality
I paid close attention to the tire construction and materials. Tires with reinforced sidewalls and high-quality rubber compounds tend to last longer and resist punctures better. Reading customer reviews helped me pick brands known for durability.
Weather and Climate Considerations
Depending on where you live, weather can affect tire performance. I live in a region with hot summers, so I chose tires rated for high heat resistance to avoid blowouts. If you’re in colder areas, look for tires that perform well in low temperatures and possibly have better traction on wet or icy roads.
Budget and Warranty
I set a budget but didn’t want to sacrifice safety or quality. I compared prices from different brands and checked the warranty policies. A good warranty can save you money if the tire wears out prematurely or has defects.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Once I picked my tires, I had them installed professionally to ensure proper balancing and alignment. I also learned to regularly check tire pressure and inspect for wear or damage—this keeps the tires performing well and extends their lifespan.
Final Thoughts
Buying 235 85R16 trailer tires might seem straightforward, but paying attention to size, load capacity, tire type, tread, and durability makes a big difference. By doing my homework and choosing wisely, I feel confident that my trailer tires will keep me safe on every trip. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect tires for your needs!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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