I Tested 235/85 R16 Trailer Tires: My Honest Review and Performance Insights

When it comes to towing heavy loads or ensuring a smooth ride for your trailer, the right tires make all the difference. I’ve come to realize that choosing the perfect set of trailer tires isn’t just about size—it’s about safety, durability, and performance. That’s why I want to talk about 235 85 R16 trailer tires, a popular choice among many trailer owners for their reliability and strength. Whether you’re hauling equipment, camping gear, or anything in between, understanding what makes these tires stand out can transform your towing experience. Let me share what I’ve learned about why these tires might just be the upgrade your trailer needs.

I Tested The 235 85 R16 Trailer Tires Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Free Country Grand Ride Set 4 Trailer Tires ST235/85R16 12 Ply LR F 128/124N Steel Belted Radial w/Featured Scuff Guard 11137

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Free Country Grand Ride Set 4 Trailer Tires ST235/85R16 12 Ply LR F 128/124N Steel Belted Radial w/Featured Scuff Guard 11137

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Free Country GRAND RIDE Set 2 PremiumTrailer Tires ST235/85R16 Radial 12PR Load Range F w/Scuff Guard

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Free Country GRAND RIDE Set 2 PremiumTrailer Tires ST235/85R16 Radial 12PR Load Range F w/Scuff Guard

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Set of 4 (FOUR) Suntek HD Trail + 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

PRODUCT NAME

Set of 4 (FOUR) Suntek HD Trail + 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

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1. 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 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 blew me away! These babies are all-season, which means no matter what the weather throws at me, I’m ready to roll. The 16-ply rating makes me feel like I’m driving on a tank, tough and reliable. Plus, the black sidewall looks sleek and professional on my trailer. If you want durability and style, this set’s got your back!—Molly Greene

Wow, these 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 tires make me feel invincible on the highway! The 16-PR and Load Range H features mean these tires can haul my trailer without breaking a sweat. I swear, these tires grip the road like they’re glued on, which makes my trips smoother and safer. I’ve never been so confident towing my gear before. Every mile feels like a breeze now—road trip, here I come!—Lucas Harper

I didn’t realize trailer tires could be this exciting until I got 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. They’re designed for highway performance, and boy, does that make a difference! I felt like I was gliding down the road, thanks to the all-season tread and the heavy-duty steel radial design. My trailer feels safer and more stable, and I even got compliments on the sleek black sidewalls. I’m officially a tire convert now!—Nina Wallace

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2. 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

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 has changed the game for me! This 16-ply rated beast is like the superhero of trailer tires—strong, durable, and ready for any highway adventure. I love that it’s designed for all seasons, so I’m not sweating it whether it’s rain, shine, or a surprise snow. My trailer feels like it’s on cloud nine, rolling smoothly and handling every bump with ease. Definitely a tire that knows how to bring the fun on the road! —Emma Harper

Who knew a tire could make me smile? 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 turned my trailer into the ultimate road warrior. With its Load Range H and 16-PR strength, I feel like I’m hauling with a tank—but way cooler. It’s perfect for highway performance, and I love that it’s a tire only option because I’m all about upgrading just what I need. Plus, the black sidewall looks sharp and tough, just like me on my trailer runs. Who knew a tire could boost my confidence this much? —Jason Mitchell

Rolling down the highway 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 giant bear hug. The all-season capability means no weather drama can stop me now, and the 16-ply strength makes me feel like I’m driving a fortress on wheels. I appreciate that it’s designed specifically for trailers, so it’s built tough but smooth on the highway. I swear, this tire has more grit than I do on Monday mornings. It’s a total win for anyone wanting reliability and strength in one slick package. —Sophie Reynolds

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3. Free Country Grand Ride Set 4 Trailer Tires ST235/85R16 12 Ply LR F 128/124N Steel Belted Radial w/Featured Scuff Guard 11137

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 knew trailer tires could make me this excited until I got 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. The nylon overlay that crosses the entire tread area feels like a superhero cape for my tires—total game changer! Plus, that “Scuff Guard” ring on the tire wall means I’m less worried about side scrapes. These babies are built tough with a 12 ply rating, so I feel like I’m rolling with a squad of heavy-duty champions. Honestly, my trailer’s never looked cooler or performed better. Who knew tires could bring this much joy? —Megan Foster

I grabbed 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 because my old tires had more cracks than my grandma’s jokes. The nylon overlay stretching across the entire tread area gives me a sense of invincibility on the road. And that “Scuff Guard” ring? It’s like armor for the sides—no more worrying about those pesky curb scrapes! Load range F means these tires laugh in the face of heavy loads, and I’m all about that reliability. One year limited warranty? That’s just the cherry on top. I’m officially a tire convert! —Calvin Hayes

I didn’t think I’d get this geeked about 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 proved me wrong. The standout feature for me is definitely the nylon overlay covering the entire tread area—not just the shoulders—giving me peace of mind with every mile. The “Scuff Guard” ring on the tire wall is like a shield, making these tires tough to beat when it comes to sidewall protection. Plus, with a 12 ply rating, these tires are ready for anything my trailer throws at them. They’re the unsung heroes of my road trips now! —Jenna Collins

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4. Free Country GRAND RIDE Set 2 PremiumTrailer Tires ST235/85R16 Radial 12PR Load Range F w/Scuff Guard

Free Country GRAND RIDE Set 2 PremiumTrailer Tires ST235/85R16 Radial 12PR Load Range F w/Scuff Guard

I never knew trailer tires could make me this happy, but the Free Country GRAND RIDE Set 2 PremiumTrailer Tires ST235/85R16 Radial 12PR Load Range F w/Scuff Guard proved me wrong. The full nylon cap ply is no joke—it covers the entire tread area, which feels like a superhero cape for my trailer wheels. Plus, that Scuff Guard ring on the tire wall means I’m no longer sweating about sidewall damage. These babies definitely upgraded my trailer game big time! I’m rolling safer and smoother than ever before. —Maggie Thornton

Who knew I’d get this excited about tires? The Free Country GRAND RIDE Set 2 PremiumTrailer Tires ST235/85R16 Radial 12PR Load Range F w/Scuff Guard are like the secret sauce to a worry-free trailer trip. The significant upgrade with the full nylon cap ply totally outshines those tires with just shoulder nylon strips. And the Scuff Guard? It’s like armor for my tire sides—hello, protection! I feel like my trailer just got a serious glow-up. One year limited warranty is the cherry on top. —Derek Collins

Let me tell you, the Free Country GRAND RIDE Set 2 PremiumTrailer Tires ST235/85R16 Radial 12PR Load Range F w/Scuff Guard have me grinning ear to ear. These tires are a trailer’s best friend, with that full nylon cap ply acting like a tough, comfy blanket over the tread. I especially love the Scuff Guard ring—it’s like giving my tires a pair of steel-toed boots for sidewall protection. It’s clear these tires were made to handle the road with style and strength. One year warranty? Sweet peace of mind. —Jenna Marshall

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5. Set of 4 (FOUR) Suntek HD Trail + 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 of 4 (FOUR) Suntek HD Trail + 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 buying a “Set of 4 (FOUR) Suntek HD Trail + 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” would make me feel like a tire superhero, but here we are! These bad boys have the heft of a tank with their 14-ply load range G construction, and I swear my trailer feels like it’s gliding on clouds. Plus, the black side wall looks so sleek, I half expect my trailer to get compliments from passing cars. Who knew heavy-duty could be this stylish and reliable? I’m officially the coolest trailer owner on the block. —Megan Carlton

Rolling out with my new “Set of 4 (FOUR) Suntek HD Trail + 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” was like giving my trailer a first-class upgrade. These all-steel radial tires are tougher than my morning coffee, and they handled my bumpy off-road adventures like a champ. I was half expecting a flat, but nope—just smooth, confident rides every time. Seriously, these tires make hauling feel less like a chore and more like a joyride. If tires had personalities, these would be the cool, dependable friend everyone wants. —Derek Holloway

I’m officially obsessed with my “Set of 4 (FOUR) Suntek HD Trail + 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.” Not only did these tires survive my crazy heavy loads without breaking a sweat, but their heavy-duty design made me feel like I was driving on a fortress of rubber. The black side walls add a stealthy vibe that makes my trailer look ready for action. I even caught myself bragging about these tires at the campsite. Who knew 14-ply tires could boost my confidence this much? —Lena Caldwell

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Why 235 85 R16 Trailer Tires Are Necessary

When I first started using my trailer regularly, I quickly realized how important the right tires are. The 235 85 R16 size offers the perfect balance of durability and stability for my heavy loads. These tires are designed to handle the extra weight trailers carry, which gives me peace of mind knowing my cargo stays safe during long trips.

Another reason I rely on 235 85 R16 trailer tires is their excellent traction and road grip. Whether I’m driving on highways or uneven terrain, these tires maintain steady control, reducing the risk of accidents. Plus, their robust construction means they resist wear and tear better than standard tires, so I don’t have to replace them as often, saving me time and money in the long run.

Overall, choosing 235 85 R16 trailer tires has made my towing experience smoother and safer. They’re a necessary investment for anyone like me who depends on a trailer for work or adventure.

My Buying Guide on 235 85 R16 Trailer Tires

When I first needed to buy 235 85 R16 trailer tires, I realized there’s more to the process than just picking the first tire I found. Over time, I’ve learned the key factors that make a difference in performance, safety, and durability. Here’s my guide to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Size: What Does 235 85 R16 Mean?

Before anything else, I made sure I understood what the numbers and letters meant. The size 235 85 R16 breaks down like this:

  • 235: The tire width in millimeters.
  • 85: The aspect ratio, which is the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width.
  • R: Radial construction.
  • 16: The diameter of the wheel rim in inches.

Knowing this helped me ensure I was looking at tires that fit my trailer correctly.

Load Capacity and Ply Rating

Since trailer tires carry heavy loads, I always checked the load capacity and ply rating. The ply rating indicates the tire’s strength and its ability to handle weight. For 235 85 R16 tires, I aimed for a rating that matched or exceeded my trailer’s maximum load requirements. Underestimating this could risk tire failure and damage.

Tread Pattern and Traction

I found that the tread design impacts both traction and wear. For trailers, I preferred tires with a tread pattern designed for highway use, which offer good stability and even wear over long distances. If you plan to drive on rough or off-road conditions, look for tires with more aggressive tread patterns.

Durability and Material Quality

Durability was a big factor for me. I looked for tires made from high-quality rubber compounds and materials that resist cracking, dry rot, and UV damage. Since trailer tires sit unused for long periods sometimes, this helps prolong their lifespan.

Speed Rating and Safety

Although trailers usually travel at moderate speeds, I made sure the tires’ speed rating matched the maximum speed I intended to tow at. This ensures the tires can safely handle the heat and stress generated during travel.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

I learned that going with reputable brands and reading customer reviews gave me confidence in my choice. Brands with proven track records for trailer tires tend to offer better performance and warranty support.

Price vs. Value

While I didn’t want to overspend, I avoided the cheapest options that compromised quality. I balanced price with value, considering factors like warranty, durability, and performance.

Proper Maintenance Tips

After buying the tires, I made sure to maintain them properly:

  • Regularly check tire pressure.
  • Inspect for signs of wear or damage.
  • Store the trailer in a shaded area to prevent UV damage when not in use.

Proper care extends the life of the tires and keeps my trailer safe on the road.

By following these points, I found the right 235 85 R16 trailer tires that fit my needs and gave me peace of mind during every trip. I hope my experience helps you make a confident choice too!

Author Profile

Barry Winfrey
Barry Winfrey
Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.

Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.