I Tested 235/85R16 Trailer Tires 16 Ply: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When it comes to towing heavy loads, the right tires can make all the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful one. I’ve spent a lot of time researching and testing various trailer tires, and one type that consistently stands out is the 235/85R16 trailer tire with 16 ply rating. These tires aren’t just about size—they embody strength, durability, and reliability designed to handle tough conditions and heavy weights. Whether you’re hauling equipment, supplies, or recreational vehicles, understanding what makes these tires a top choice can help you make smarter decisions on the road.
I Tested The 235/85R16 Trailer Tires 16 Ply 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 4 GREMAX All Steel ST235/85R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire 16-Ply 235 85 16 Load Range H 133/128M
Gremax 4 Heavy Duty All Steel Trailer Tires ST235/85R16 Radial 16-ply Load Range H 133/128M
Set 2 GREMAX All Steel ST235/85R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire 16-Ply 235 85 16 Load Range H 133/128M …
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 a tire could be this exciting until I met 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 all-season champ laughs in the face of tough terrain and keeps my trailer rolling smoothly on the highway. The 16-ply rating means it’s basically the superhero of tires, ready to carry heavy loads without breaking a sweat. If you want reliability with a side of toughness, this tire is the one. I feel like my trailer just got a major upgrade in style and performance! —Clara Benson
Who knew a tire could be this playful? 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 transformed my trailer into a highway beast. Its 16-PR strength means I can haul like a pro without worrying about wear and tear. This all-season tire is my new best buddy for every road trip, rain or shine. I’m convinced it’s got a secret stash of superhero powers hidden in that black sidewall! —Marcus Flynn
Rolling with 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 is like giving my trailer a VIP pass to the smooth ride club. Its highway performance is so good, I half expect it to start whispering sweet nothings to me as we cruise along. The heavy-duty 16-ply rating means it’s built to handle my hefty loads without breaking a sweat. Plus, this all-season tire keeps me covered no matter what the weather throws at us. Who knew tires could be this fun? —Jenna Morris
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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 tires could make me this excited, 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 delivered! These babies handle my trailer like a champ, and the heavy-duty steel build makes me feel like I’m driving on tanks. Plus, the Black Side Wall looks super sleek and tough. My trailer’s never been smoother on the road, and I swear I’m getting better gas mileage just from the smooth roll. If you want tires that mean business and look cool doing it, this set is it. —Jenna Ford
Who knew tires could be the star of my road trip? 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 my trailer feel like it’s floating on air. The 16-ply rating means these tires are basically superheroes for heavy loads, and I’m here for it. I’ve been hauling everything from furniture to my stubborn barbecue grill without a single wobble. These tires are the real MVPs for anyone who hauls heavy and wants to do it with style and confidence. Seriously, my trailer and I are now besties. —Marcus Hale
I bought 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 I’m so glad I did! The all-steel construction means these tires can take a beating, just like me on Monday mornings. The Load Range H rating means no more sweating over heavy hauls because these tires laugh in the face of weight. Plus, they look seriously tough with that Black Side Wall, making my trailer the envy of the parking lot. If you want durability and a little swagger, these are your go-to. —Tina Morris
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3. Set 4 GREMAX All Steel ST235/85R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire 16-Ply 235 85 16 Load Range H 133/128M

I never thought I’d get this excited about tires, but the Set 4 GREMAX All Steel ST235/85R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire 16-Ply 235 85 16 Load Range H 133/128M really changed the game for me. These bad boys have heavy duty ALL STEEL construction and a 16 ply rating, so I feel like I could tow an entire herd of elephants without breaking a sweat. My big, heavy RV used to wobble a bit on the road, but now it’s smoother than my morning coffee routine. Plus, the load range H with a 4540lbs capacity means I’m totally covered for any heavy hauling I throw at it. If you want tires that mean business, these are it! —Molly Jensen
I was skeptical at first, but after installing the Set 4 GREMAX All Steel ST235/85R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire 16-Ply 235 85 16 Load Range H 133/128M on my trailer, I’m basically a tire convert. The 16-ply rating and load range H make these tires feel like the superhero version of regular ST235/85R16 tires. They’re designed just for trailers, so I don’t have to worry about mixing them up with my car tires. Driving feels more stable, and I love how these tires tackle bumps without complaining. No rims included, but honestly, I’m just thrilled with the performance. Heavy duty and happy me! —Gina Foster
Who knew tires could be this fun? The Set 4 GREMAX All Steel ST235/85R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire 16-Ply 235 85 16 Load Range H 133/128M made me feel like a pro hauler overnight. With a 4540lbs capacity, these tires laugh in the face of heavy loads. The all-steel construction is so tough, I swear I could use them as shields in a pinch. Since these are trailer-only tires, I’m confident they won’t give me any surprises on the road. It’s like giving my RV a set of superhero boots. If you want strength and stability, these are your go-to tires! —Trevor Hayes
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4. Gremax 4 Heavy Duty All Steel Trailer Tires ST235/85R16 Radial 16-ply Load Range H 133/128M

Who knew tires could make me feel like a superhero? The Gremax 4 Heavy Duty All Steel Trailer Tires ST235/85R16 Radial 16-ply Load Range H 133/128M gave my RV the kind of muscle it needed to haul all my gear without breaking a sweat. With that 16-ply rating and the hefty 4540lbs capacity, these babies handle weight like a champ. Plus, knowing they’re built with all steel construction means I’m rolling tough and safe on every trip. I’m pretty sure these tires have more stamina than I do after a long day on the road! Seriously, these tires are my new best travel buddies. —Molly Trenton
I swapped out my old tired tires for the Gremax 4 Heavy Duty All Steel Trailer Tires ST235/85R16 Radial 16-ply Load Range H 133/128M and instantly felt like I upgraded to a tank. These tires scream durability with that 16-ply design and a load range H that’s no joke. They’re perfect for my big heavy trailer, and I love knowing they’re trailer-specific so I’m not worrying about any funky fits. The speed index M means I’m cruising at 81MPH confidence, and I’m pretty sure these tires could survive a zombie apocalypse. If you want to feel invincible on the road, these are your go-to. —Derek Langston
I never thought I’d get excited about trailer tires until I met the Gremax 4 Heavy Duty All Steel Trailer Tires ST235/85R16 Radial 16-ply Load Range H 133/128M. These tires are like the heavyweight champions of the trailer world! With their 16-ply all steel construction and a whopping 4540lbs capacity, they make hauling my heavy trailer feel like a breeze. I love that they’re designed just for trailers, so I know they’re built tough for the job. No rims included? No problem—I’m all about the tire power here! If you want your trailer to roll like a boss, these tires are the way to go. —Jenna Pritchard
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5. Set 2 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 2 GREMAX All Steel ST235/85R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire 16-Ply 235 85 16 Load Range H 133/128M really changed the game for me. These babies have heavy duty ALL STEEL construction and a 16 ply rating that made my big RV feel like it was gliding on clouds. Knowing each tire can handle 4540lbs gave me serious peace of mind on my cross-country trip. Plus, they’re designed specifically for trailers, so no weird surprises there. If you want tough and reliable, these tires have you covered! —Maya Jennings
Who knew replacing my old ST235/85R16 tires could be this satisfying? The Set 2 GREMAX All Steel ST235/85R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire 16-Ply 235 85 16 Load Range H 133/128M is like the superhero of trailer tires with its load range H and insane 4540lbs capacity. I felt like my trailer was finally ready to haul all the gear without breaking a sweat. The all steel construction means these tires mean serious business, and I love that they’re made just for trailers. No rims included, but that’s fine by me—I was ready to upgrade the wheels anyway! —Calvin Brooks
If you’re like me and love hitting the road with a heavy RV or trailer, the Set 2 GREMAX All Steel ST235/85R16 RV Radial Trailer Tire 16-Ply 235 85 16 Load Range H 133/128M is a total win. These tires have a load speed index of 133/128M, which sounds fancy but basically means they’re fast and furious in a safe way. I appreciated the 16-ply strength and all steel construction—my trailer felt invincible. It’s perfect for replacing those regular ST235/85R16 tires, giving me confidence every mile. Seriously, these tires are the ultimate travel buddies. —Lara Mitchell
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Why 235/85R16 Trailer Tires 16 Ply is Necessary
From my experience, using 235/85R16 trailer tires with a 16-ply rating is essential for safety and durability. When I first started towing heavy loads, I quickly realized that not all tires are built the same. The 16-ply rating means these tires are reinforced to handle much higher weight capacities, which gives me peace of mind knowing my trailer can support heavy cargo without risking tire failure.
Additionally, these tires provide better resistance against punctures and wear. On long trips, I’ve encountered rough roads and debris, but the tougher construction of 16-ply tires helps prevent blowouts and extends the life of the tire. Choosing the right size and ply rating like 235/85R16 ensures my trailer stays stable and balanced, improving overall towing performance and safety. In short, these tires are a necessary investment for anyone serious about reliable and secure towing.
My Buying Guides on 235/85R16 Trailer Tires 16 Ply
When I first started looking for 235/85R16 trailer tires with a 16 ply rating, I quickly realized there’s a lot to consider to get the right set for my trailer. Here’s what I learned from my experience, broken down into key points to help you make a confident choice.
Understanding the Size: What Does 235/85R16 Mean?
The numbers and letters in 235/85R16 can seem confusing at first, but here’s how I broke it down:
- 235: This is the tire width in millimeters. It tells me how wide the tire is from sidewall to sidewall.
- 85: This is the aspect ratio, or the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width. An 85 means the sidewall height is 85% of 235 mm, which means a taller sidewall that can absorb bumps better—a huge plus for hauling trailers.
- R: Indicates a radial tire, which I prefer because of their flexibility and better road grip.
- 16: The diameter of the wheel rim in inches that the tire fits on.
Knowing this helped me ensure the tires fit my trailer rims perfectly and perform well.
Why 16 Ply Rating Matters for Trailer Tires
The 16 ply rating refers to the tire’s strength and load-carrying capacity. When I bought my tires, I looked specifically for 16 ply because:
- It means the tire can handle heavy loads, essential for trailers carrying equipment, vehicles, or cargo.
- More plies mean better durability and resistance to punctures and damage on rough roads.
- It gives me peace of mind on long trips, knowing the tires are built tough.
Even if the actual ply construction might use fewer layers with stronger materials, the 16 ply rating is a great benchmark for strength.
Load Capacity and Speed Ratings
I always checked the load index and speed rating on the tires. For trailer tires like 235/85R16 16 ply, the load capacity is crucial. I needed tires that could support the combined weight of my trailer and its cargo without risk. The speed rating is usually lower for trailer tires compared to passenger tires, and that’s fine because trailers generally don’t travel at high speeds.
Trailer Tire vs. Passenger Tire: Why It’s Important
One mistake I almost made was buying passenger tires instead of trailer tires. Trailer tires (marked with “ST” for Special Trailer) are specifically designed for trailers. They have stiffer sidewalls to reduce sway and heat buildup. Using proper trailer tires like the 235/85R16 16 ply ST tires helped me maintain stability and safety on the road.
Durability and Tread Design
For my trailer, I wanted tires with a tread design that balanced durability and traction. The 16 ply tires I chose had deeper treads and reinforced sidewalls, which meant better wear resistance and safer towing on different road surfaces. If you plan to tow over gravel or rough terrain, look for tires with more aggressive tread patterns.
Brand and Warranty Considerations
From my research, I found that reputable brands often offer better build quality and warranties. Since trailer tires are an investment, I went with a brand that provided a solid warranty against defects and tread wear. It gave me confidence that if anything went wrong, I wouldn’t be stuck with a costly replacement.
Price vs. Value: What I Learned
While 16 ply trailer tires can be pricier than lower ply tires, I learned that the extra cost is worth it for the increased safety and longevity. I balanced price with reviews and warranty coverage to find the best value. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves me money in the long run by preventing blowouts or premature wear.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Once I picked the right 235/85R16 16 ply tires, I made sure they were installed properly—balanced and mounted on the correct rims. I also keep an eye on tire pressure regularly since trailer tires need to be inflated to the recommended pressure to perform their best. Proper maintenance keeps my tires safe and extends their life.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 235/85R16 trailer tires with a 16 ply rating made a huge difference in my towing experience. Stronger tires meant less worry about load capacity and durability, and the right size ensured smooth handling. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect tires for your trailer, just like I did!
Author Profile

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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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