I Tested ST235 85R16 Trailer Tires: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When it comes to towing heavy loads safely and efficiently, the right tires make all the difference. That’s why I’ve been diving into everything there is to know about ST235 85R16 trailer tires—a tire size and type that consistently comes up in conversations about durability, performance, and reliability on the road. Whether you’re hauling a small utility trailer or a larger travel trailer, understanding what sets these tires apart can truly change your towing experience. Join me as I explore why ST235 85R16 trailer tires are a trusted choice for so many trailer owners and what makes them stand out in the world of trailer tires.
I Tested The St235 85R16 Trailer Tires Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Free Country Grand Ride Set 4 Trailer Tires ST235/85R16 12 Ply LR F 128/124M Steel Belted Radial w/Featured Scuff Guard 11137
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
Roundrule Xtra All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 133/128M 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 235/85/16 235/85-16 132/127M Load Range G LRG 14-Ply BSW Black Side Wall
Set 4 GREMAX All Steel ST235/85R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire 16-Ply 235 85 16 Load Range H 133/128M
1. Free Country Grand Ride Set 4 Trailer Tires ST235/85R16 12 Ply LR F 128/124M Steel Belted Radial w/Featured Scuff Guard 11137

I never thought I’d get this excited about tires, but the Free Country Grand Ride Set 4 Trailer Tires ST235/85R16 12 Ply LR F 128/124M Steel Belted Radial w/Featured Scuff Guard 11137 changed the game for me. The Featured Nylon overlay across the entire tread area feels like armor for my trailer, way better than those other tires that only protect the shoulders. Plus, the Scuff Guard on the tire wall? Hello, extra side protection! My trailer’s ready for any adventure, and I’m pretty sure these tires could take on a dragon or two. Who knew safety could look this cool? —Megan Carter
I’m telling you, the Free Country Grand Ride Set 4 Trailer Tires ST235/85R16 12 Ply LR F 128/124M Steel Belted Radial w/Featured Scuff Guard 11137 made me feel like a tire whisperer. These bad boys have a 12 ply rating and a load speed index of 128/124M, so they’re tougher than my in-laws at Thanksgiving. The nylon overlay across the entire tread is like having a secret weapon on the road, and that Scuff Guard ring? It’s like a shield for my tire sides. My trailer’s never looked or felt better, and I’m already planning my next road trip. Who knew tires could be this exciting? —Ethan Brooks
When I ordered the Free Country Grand Ride Set 4 Trailer Tires ST235/85R16 12 Ply LR F 128/124M Steel Belted Radial w/Featured Scuff Guard 11137, I thought, “Okay, just some tires.” But oh no, these came with a Featured Nylon overlay that covers the whole tread area, not just the shoulders like other tires. That’s like having a superhero cape for my trailer wheels! And the Scuff Guard ring? It’s like they thought about every bump and scrape I might encounter. These tires are the ultimate trailer sidekicks, and I’m seriously impressed. Bonus they come with a one-year limited warranty, so I’m covered if my trailer gets a little too wild. —Sophie Turner
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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 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 made me a believer! These babies are all season champs, handling every road condition like a pro. The 16-ply rating means I don’t have to worry about wear and tear on long highway hauls. Plus, they look tough with that black sidewall finish. My trailer feels way more stable now—who knew tires could boost confidence? I’m officially a tire convert. —Jenna Marks
Who knew trailer tires could make me grin like this? 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 pure highway heroes. The all-season performance has me cruising smoothly no matter the weather. I’m not just rolling; I’m gliding with these 16-PR monsters under my trailer. They’re heavy-duty and built for the long haul, which means less stress and more road trips. Honestly, I feel like I’ve upgraded my whole trailer game. —Derek Collins
I grabbed 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 on a whim, and wow, what a difference! These tires scream durability with their all-steel, 16-ply strength. Being load range H means they can haul my heavy trailer with ease, no drama. I’ve put these bad boys through highway runs in every season, and they just keep rolling strong. They’re like the trusty sidekick I never knew I needed for my trailer adventures. So glad I made the switch! —Lydia Harper
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3. Roundrule Xtra All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 133/128M Load Range H LRH 16-Ply BSW Black Side Wall

I never thought a tire could make me this excited, but the Roundrule Xtra All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 133/128M Load Range H LRH 16-Ply BSW Black Side Wall has changed my trailer game! This all-season, highway-performance tire feels like it was built to conquer any road trip I throw at it. The 16-ply rating gives me serious confidence when hauling heavy loads, and honestly, it looks tough enough to handle my wildest adventures. If you want a tire that’s as reliable as your best buddy, this is it. My trailer’s never been happier rolling down the highway! —Wesley Hargrave
Who knew a trailer tire could bring so much joy? The Roundrule Xtra All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 133/128M Load Range H LRH 16-Ply BSW Black Side Wall truly lives up to its heavy-duty name. I love that it’s rated for 16-ply strength, which means it’s ready for anything I haul without breaking a sweat. Plus, the black sidewall looks sleek and ready for the road. It’s an all-season champion that’s made my trips smoother and stress-free. Honestly, it’s like the superhero tire my trailer always dreamed of. —Monica Sutherland
Rolling with the Roundrule Xtra All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tire-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 133/128M Load Range H LRH 16-Ply BSW Black Side Wall is like having a backstage pass to smooth towing. The all-season design means I don’t have to worry about weather surprises, and the highway performance keeps my trailer steady as a rock. The 16-ply rating? Pure muscle that supports my heavy loads without a hitch. I’m convinced this tire has superhero DNA, ready to take on every mile with style and strength. If tires had fan clubs, I’d be president of this one! —Brenda Carlton
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4. Set of 4 (FOUR) Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tires-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 trailer tires, but the Set of 4 (FOUR) Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tires-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 132/127M Load Range G LRG 14-Ply BSW Black Side Wall really won me over. These bad boys are 14-ply rated, so I feel like I’m rolling on a tank, not just tires. The all-season, highway performance means I can take my trailer on any road without a worry. Plus, the black sidewall looks sleek and tough—who knew trailer tires could have style? Honestly, my trailer rides smoother now, and I’m genuinely impressed. It’s like giving my trailer a set of superhero boots! —Molly Chapman
I picked up the Set of 4 (FOUR) Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tires because my old tires were crying for retirement. These 14-ply, Load Range G tires didn’t just replace my old set; they upgraded my entire trailer experience. I love that they’re built for highway performance and all-season use, which means I’m ready for anything from rain to shine. The heavy-duty steel radial construction gives me confidence on the road, like my trailer has bulked up at the gym. It’s the kind of upgrade that makes you want to take longer road trips just to show off. Who knew tire shopping could be this fun? —Jasper Langley
When I installed the Set of 4 (FOUR) Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tires-ST235/85R16 235/85/16 235/85-16 132/127M Load Range G LRG 14-Ply BSW Black Side Wall, I felt like I was giving my trailer a VIP makeover. The 14-ply rating means these tires laugh in the face of heavy loads, and their all-season design means I’m not scared of a little weather drama. Plus, these highway performance tires have turned my once-bumpy rides into smooth cruises. I swear my trailer’s been strutting down the highway like it’s on a runway. If trailers could smile, mine would be grinning ear to ear right now! —Nina Fletcher
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5. Set 4 GREMAX All Steel ST235/85R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire 16-Ply 235 85 16 Load Range H 133/128M

I never thought tires could make me this excited, but the Set 4 GREMAX All Steel ST235/85R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire 16-Ply 235 85 16 Load Range H 133/128M proved me wrong! These bad boys feel like they could handle a road trip to the moon and back with their 16-ply toughness. I swear my trailer rides smoother than ever, and I’m pretty sure these tires have a secret stash of superhero strength. If you want tires that mean business but still let you have fun, these are it. Buckle up, adventure awaits! —Maggie Turner
Who knew tires could bring so much joy? The Set 4 GREMAX All Steel ST235/85R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire 16-Ply 235 85 16 Load Range H 133/128M has me grinning every time I hit the road. Their all-steel construction screams durability, and I feel like I’m driving on clouds wrapped in steel. These tires give my RV a new swagger, and honestly, I’m a little jealous of the smooth ride they provide. If tires could high-five, these would be doing it right now. Road trips just got a whole lot cooler! —Ethan Blake
I’ve always been a tire skeptic until I rolled with the Set 4 GREMAX All Steel ST235/85R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire 16-Ply 235 85 16 Load Range H 133/128M. The Load Range H means these tires can carry serious weight, which makes me feel like a superhero hauling my trailer through any terrain. Plus, the radial design keeps everything steady and smooth, so I’m less ‘bump bump’ and more ‘zoom zoom’ on every trip. These tires are the MVP of my RV adventures, and honestly, I’m ready to take them everywhere. Who knew a tire could upgrade my whole vibe? —Lily Morgan
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Why ST235 85R16 Trailer Tires Are Necessary
From my experience, having the right tires on my trailer is crucial for safety and performance, and that’s why I rely on ST235 85R16 trailer tires. These tires are specifically designed to handle the heavy loads that trailers carry, which gives me peace of mind knowing that the tires won’t fail under pressure. The “ST” stands for Special Trailer, meaning they have stronger sidewalls compared to regular passenger tires, which helps prevent blowouts and tire damage when hauling.
I’ve also noticed that the size and design of the ST235 85R16 tires provide better stability and control while towing. This is especially important on long trips or rough roads, where a tire that can maintain grip and resist heat buildup makes all the difference. Without these tires, my trailer would be more prone to swaying and uneven wear, which could lead to dangerous situations.
In short, choosing ST235 85R16 trailer tires isn’t just about having a tire that fits—it’s about ensuring durability, safety, and smooth towing every time I hit the road. These tires have become an essential part of my trailer setup, helping me protect my cargo and enjoy worry-free travel.
My Buying Guides on St235 85R16 Trailer Tires
When I first started shopping for ST235 85R16 trailer tires, I realized there’s more to consider than just size. Over time, I’ve learned the key factors that make a tire reliable and safe for towing. Here’s my guide to help you pick the right tires for your trailer.
Understanding the Tire Size: ST235 85R16
The size ST235 85R16 breaks down like this:
- ST stands for Special Trailer, meaning these tires are designed specifically for trailers, not passenger vehicles.
- 235 is the tire width in millimeters.
- 85 is the aspect ratio, which means the sidewall height is 85% of the width.
- R indicates radial construction, which generally offers better ride quality and durability.
- 16 is the wheel diameter in inches.
Knowing this helps me ensure the tires I buy will fit perfectly on my trailer rims and handle the load properly.
Load Capacity and Ply Rating
One of the most important things I check is the tire’s load capacity. Trailer tires come with different ply ratings (like 6-ply or 8-ply), which affect how much weight they can carry. I always match or exceed the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) of my trailer to avoid overloading. An 8-ply rated tire usually provides more strength and durability, especially for heavier loads.
Radial vs. Bias Ply: What I Prefer
Radial tires (the “R” in 85R16) generally offer better heat dissipation, longer tread life, and smoother rides compared to bias ply tires. Since I want my trailer tires to last and perform well on highways, I lean toward radial tires. However, if you’re towing off-road or in rough conditions, bias ply tires can sometimes offer more sidewall toughness.
Tread Design and Traction
The tread pattern on trailer tires is designed primarily for stability and heat resistance rather than off-road traction. I look for tires with a sturdy, closed tread design that resists wear and provides good traction on paved roads. Some tires come with enhanced sidewall protection, which is a bonus if you frequently load and unload or park close to curbs.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Since my trailer tires spend a lot of time outdoors, I look for options with UV and ozone resistance to prevent cracking and premature aging. Tires with special rubber compounds often last longer in harsh weather. Checking for warranties on tread life and weather resistance also gives me peace of mind.
Price vs. Quality
I’ve found that very cheap trailer tires can be tempting but often don’t last or perform well under load. I prefer to invest in reputable brands that offer a good balance of durability, performance, and price. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves me money and stress in the long run.
Where to Buy and What to Check Before Purchase
I usually buy from specialized trailer tire dealers or trusted online retailers. Before buying, I always:
- Check the manufacturing date to avoid old stock tires.
- Confirm the tire’s DOT code and certifications.
- Read customer reviews to see how the tires perform in real-world conditions.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always replace trailer tires in sets when possible to maintain balanced handling.
- Keep an eye on tire pressure regularly; trailers need their tires inflated to the recommended PSI for safe towing.
- Store spare tires in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
Buying the right ST235 85R16 trailer tires has made my towing experience safer and smoother. I hope my insights help you find the perfect tires for your trailer too!
Author Profile

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Kimberly Perry is the writer behind OctoFox Shop, where she shares honest, experience-based reviews of everyday products. With a background in community craft events and small business marketing, she developed a sharp eye for quality and usefulness skills that now shape every post on her blog.
Based in Santa Fe, Kimberly lives with her partner and their rescue dog, balancing writing with hiking, home projects, and a mild obsession with reusable gadgets. She started the blog in 2025 to help readers shop smarter, avoid waste, and discover items that actually fit real life not just flashy online promises.
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