Reasonably priced trailer tires that don’t suck?

I'm looking to replace some trailer tires. I've had some bad luck with different cheapies and wondering what the hive suggests.  Looking for good "value". I don't want to spend an arm and a leg.  Thanks

Goodyear Endurance seems to be the gold standard among RV folks. They aren't too much more expensive than China Bombs, but if you do want to save a bit, Carlisle has always been a solid, mid-priced option.

I've had good luck with the Kenda Loadstar K550 bias-ply tires.  I can't remember how long the first set lasted but it was probably 10 years.  I put a second set on in 2020 and they've been fine.  Being bias-ply they're also really easy to mount with a manual tire changer.

I get the Winda tires off Amazon - they are actually the old Goodyear ones that the Endurnace replaced (I forget what the model was, started with an "M" I think). I've had the Goodyears and the Windas side by side and they're literally identical other than the lettering. Since the GYs were made in China, I assume they were allowed to use the old mold when GY came out with the Endurance to replace the outgoing model.

So far, they've been as good (or better) than the GYs I had before them in terms of wear. 

Side note: I think the same tire is also sold with the name "Free Country" on it as well. 

Not to derail totally, but what's the argument/use case for bias vs radial in a trailer application? 

And for my anecdotal experience: I've got Goodyear's on my enclosed because the ones before this set lasted over 10 years. I've got random tires on most every other trailer I have (of varying price/brands) and I'm not sure I'm able to make any assumptions one way or the other. Some of my trailers see regular use, some seasonal, some heavy loads, near the limits, one gets lent out on the regular. I have tire failures, but feel like there are too many other variables at play. 

I've had good luck with both Goodyear Endurance and the Carlisles that I had before.  IMHO a big part of it is having trailer tire pressure monitoring so that you can identify and change a low trailer tire before it turns into a shredded mess.

We had good luck with rainier st tires (example: https://www.amazon.com/Rainier-ST225-Belted-Radial-Trailer/dp/B0CTJ3M9HV/). They were the original equipment on our newer pace trailer and the experience was good enough that we didn't bother upgrading when the first set wore out. Maybe not the best wearing things ever but never any failures or blowouts and super cheap.

Thoughts on service life of tires?  My dad is going to order some new tires for our race car trailer.  It gets used maybe once a year.  I've always heard 5 years max on trailer tires, regardless of tread depth.  Those ones from Amazon with a 6 year warranty sound pretty good to me.  

On our 24ft enclosed, I replaced the original 'china' tires at 5 years with Goodyear Endurance.  The 'china' tires were in good shape at that point, but I didn't want to take chances.  The Endurance are now approaching 4 years old, and I've had no complaints.  On our stacker, I replaced the unknowns that were on it with Hercules.  No complaints so far, but it's only been a little over a year and ~3k miles.

I do think 5 years is a good benchmark for trailer tires when stored outdoors.

I had a set of Goodyear endurances on my toy hauler that were good, lasted way beyond their expected life. I've got Carlisle Trail HD tires on my little enclosed which so far so good, that trailer has had a string of china tires that all eventually broke a belt and either wore funny or completely separated so I bought some nicer tires this time around. On average I'd get a year out of the china tires before they failed. I tried various brands before I gave up on them, I'm sure some are better than others. The toy hauler has Kendas on it now and those also seem to be solid.

My experience has been if you're doing shorter trips or running loads much lighter than capacity, mediocre tires will do okay. If you're running loaded a lot (my little enclosed was almost always close to the 3500 lb limit) and/or running higher speeds on the highway all the time, it's worth spending the money for higher quality tires. 

No input on tire choice, but I have experienced a difference in longevity when getting tires off the ground between trailer usage, especially with heavier trailers.  They flatspot from sitting and thats it.

Axle cribs, jack stands, etc.

I'm running Carlisle Radial Trail HD on everything. Amazon carries them for $60-$80 depending on the size. 

Mr_Asa said:

No input on tire choice, but I have experienced a difference in longevity when getting tires off the ground between trailer usage, especially with heavier trailers.  They flatspot from sitting and thats it.

Axle cribs, jack stands, etc.

Also, tire covers help. When they sit, it's UV that kills tires more than anything.

Mr_Asa said:

No input on tire choice, but I have experienced a difference in longevity when getting tires off the ground between trailer usage, especially with heavier trailers.  They flatspot from sitting and thats it.

Axle cribs, jack stands, etc.

The better solution to the trailer sitting is to just go to the track more often. :)

Another vote for Carlisle. They make a ton of rubber products other than tires. Good longstanding history, never had a problem with them. 

I would stick with the Goodyears.  Carlisle now outsources all of their tires to China and Bangladesh.  The Carlisle Tire and Rubber factory was about 3 miles from my house growing up, and it closed doors 20 years ago.

They're still OK tires, but a very far cry from what they were 20 years ago.

Edit to add:  Unless something has changed recently and they're making them here again?

Another vote for whatever Kenda calls theirs- I've been running them for years with no issues and when they pop or age out I'll probably put another set on.

Tom_Spangler (Forum Supporter) said:

Mr_Asa said:

No input on tire choice, but I have experienced a difference in longevity when getting tires off the ground between trailer usage, especially with heavier trailers.  They flatspot from sitting and thats it.

Axle cribs, jack stands, etc.

Also, tire covers help. When they sit, it's UV that kills tires more than anything.

I always plan to do these things, due to the obvious benefits. Never quite do though. 
I've lost more trailer tires from road hazards, or aging out from sitting around too long. 
Same is true either high end, or cheapo. 
As Curtis said; been a LONG time since Carlisle's were a good choice. I've had better china mart tires!

So, despite more trailer miles than most, YMMV. 
Sorry I couldn't be more help!

In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :

The problem with Goodyears is they aren't reasonably priced. They are twice the price and don't have the quality to justify that price. 

Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) said:

I would stick with the Goodyears.  Carlisle now outsources all of their tires to China and Bangladesh.  The Carlisle Tire and Rubber factory was about 3 miles from my house growing up, and it closed doors 20 years ago.

They're still OK tires, but a very far cry from what they were 20 years ago.

Edit to add:  Unless something has changed recently and they're making them here again?

They are marketed as Carlstars now.

A have a few years on the Hankook Ventra(?) trailer tires, bought from tire rack. They are holding up quite well on my 20' enclosed trailer. They are wearing very well, no complaints.  

+bazillion for Goodyear Endurance.  Only ST tire Made in the USA.

I put enough miles on my trailer to actually wear tires out rather than aging out.  Never any weird wear, sidewall protrusions or belt shenanigans.

Did you know that ST tires are exempt from UTQG testing/rating?  They are basically completely unregulated.  Buyer beware.

In reply to chandler :

I've seen  that brand; don't know its background. Carlisle trailer tires are still sold, as well, but are no longer very well liked, cause there are china mart brands that are less expensive, and better tires. For the same price as china tires that will not last... just to make it fun!

I've had road hazards take out cheap ST, and I've had road hazards take out nearly brand new best ST money can buy! 
Including the brand new tandem that got a wire through the sidewall, from its mate that blew out, due to a road hazard! 

Tom_Spangler (Forum Supporter) said:

Mr_Asa said:

No input on tire choice, but I have experienced a difference in longevity when getting tires off the ground between trailer usage, especially with heavier trailers.  They flatspot from sitting and thats it.

Axle cribs, jack stands, etc.

Also, tire covers help. When they sit, it's UV that kills tires more than anything.

You're kidding right?  13 years old.  Never on the ground.  No cover.  Ever.

I'm glad the sun got it before I had a flat and got tempted to use it.  I've ordered a cover for its replacement.

In reply to Andy Hollis :

Last I read, Carslile still makes tires in TN. They are sold as the USA Trail.