The Best Truck Tires for Towing 5th Wheel

Deciding on what specific brand of tire should be placed on a tow vehicle is sometimes left on the capable hands of a professional mechanic. While this may save you time and energy, it leaves you spending more money than you should. This is the reason why you should take the time to find the best truck tires for towing 5th wheel. This way, you have total control of the quality of your fifth wheel tires.

If you are looking for a reliable set of truck tires for your fifth wheel, this is the perfect place to start your search. Here, we have product reviews that will give you information about the specific product that you are looking for.

12 Top-Rated Truck Tire for Towing 5th Wheel Reviews 2023

1. Westlake SL309 All-Season Radial Tire

RVing is our way to spend more time together. And with my family on-board, I always keep my camper tires in good condition for our safety. However, unexpected mishaps could happen! I had a blowout while we were in Texas, good thing we got off the road safely. My biggest concern is the tire tread and choosing one is harder than it looks since I want to stay within the budget. Among the handful of options online, Westlake’s all-seasons tire was the best choice for me.

The 10 ply tires provide me with control and better handling while towing. I put the tires on my Subaru Outback and I was in awe because the wheels looked great together with the new rims I got from our local shop. Just by looking at them, I could tell that it is well-built. The two durable steel belts aid the tire to stay even and have a good contact on the road. The multi-snipe shoulder pattern has better traction than the previous tires I’ve had and is very reliable in slushing the water away. Beyond that, hydroplaning could be avoided especially on wet roads and in the spring season. The solid and strong sidewall construction relieves my worry of getting another blowout.

Another advantage of this all-season tire is the comfortable ride and lessened road noise during our travels. We recently had a weekend getaway on the West Coast and I was surprised that with the added weight of our camper, the grips are pretty balanced and stable down the highways. Well, going tubeless is a bonus for the little less weight!

However, the tires do not provide the best traction for off-roading.

2. Milestar Patagonia M/T Mud-Terrain Radial Tire

Conventional truck tires for towing a travel trailer are ineffective in pulling the towed vehicle over muddy terrain. The Milestar Patagonia 109Q M/T handles situations like the monster trucks in the arena.

Not only is this truck tire ideal for conquering mud-laden environments. It can also grab snow and rocks to move the vehicle in an unusual situation all year round.

I love these truck tires’ exceptional grip, making them suitable replacements for tires for heavy 5th wheel. The tread features deep channels and thick rubber blocks that hug the terrain like glue. Navigating snow-covered roads, rocky topographies, and muddy flats is effortless.

I am impressed with the elaborate siping, channeling water away from the tire, and maximizing grip. I can go easy on the truck tire pressure when towing 5th wheel because of this tire’s exceptional construction.

I noticed the orange stripes running from near the tire’s midsection and towards the sidewalls. These are not decorative elements but ingenious stone ejectors. It is the perfect solution for preventing small rocks and stones from lodging in the grooves and impacting traction.

Although it does not have the BF Goodrich K02’s CoreGard Technology, I still love this tire’s construction. It has an equally-impressive cut-and-chip rubber compound that treats gravel and rocks like nothing. People can drive their trucks almost anywhere with these tires, and they can take abuse.

Unfortunately, I do not recommend these tires for use on paved roads. Like the K02, this tire degrades faster on concrete surfaces than on natural grounds.

3. Falken Wildpeak AT3W All-Terrain Radial Tire

My wife and I share the same passion for traveling. When we had kids, time got demanding and we barely travel around the country so we decided to get an RV. And over the years, we were able to explore the great outdoors together with our kids.

I used highway terrain tires before however, the traction on off-roads was insufficient and the load rating was not good for the weight of our trailer. I upgraded to Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires as recommended by our local mechanic.

It was in the Spring last year when we first towed our trailer using these tires. We embarked on the Northern Range for my wife to start her freelance wildlife photography. I was impressed by how it handled the stretch of gravel road to Southwest Montana. The rugged tread blocks provided more grip and good traction up to Lamar Valley.

I also love how the well-designed tread pattern prevents the stones and debris from being trapped in the grooves. We had a pleasant and quiet drive while watching the animals wandering by. When we arrived, the temperatures started in the 90s and 5 days later we got freezing temperatures and icy roads. I remember seeing the Three Peak Mountain snow symbol on each tire when I installed it so I was very confident. And to my surprise, we easily grip and ride off the severe snow and slippery roads. No hydroplaning as well.

So far, there are no cuts or punctures on the tires. Driving at high speed on highways never felt better too. Aside from conquering all terrains, it provides us the stability and safety I needed under the heavy load of my trailer. Truly a jack-of-all-trades tire!

My gas mileage was reduced but this is a small price to pay for the excellent stability and braking performance while towing our 9500lb trailer.

4. Michelin LTX All-Terrain Radial Tire

My previous set of tires was already five years old and the sidewalls have cracked. I purchased the Michelin LTX A/T2 radial tires because they exceed the ratings and limits I need on my Class A RV. The tire size matched the originals and it looked great on my trailer because the wheels are all black too. My son and I did a 500 miles break-in before we towed our camper in Southern Arizona. As expected, they turned a little slower but as I got used to it, our ride became smoother and less noisy.

My kids wanted a little adventure for their summer vacation and we ended up going to the greater Grand Canyon area. Wow! These tires made a huge difference to our rig’s weight! The amazing grip and traction on the road gave me far better control in cornering and braking, particularly on panic stops. Due to the computer-optimized design, there was no noticeable swaying at high speed. Also, vibrations were greatly reduced while we’re cruising the iconic Route 66 highway. That was more secure handling compared to my old tires. We’ve never felt this comfortable on a rough road as we drove to Point Sublime.

The notched blocks in the tread pattern were very useful biting into the wide gravel road as we approached the canyon rim. Not only that, but there’s also no difficulty turning around as we advanced through the narrow two-track road. I thought we would be stalled hopelessly after the summer thunderstorms, but we did not. All thanks to these reliable and aggressive tires! It was indeed a thrilling and fun vacation for the whole family. I also appreciate that these tires carry a 60,000 mileage warranty.

In winter driving, these tires deliver mediocre performance and are not branded with the Mountain Snowflake.

5. Cooper Discoverer STT Pro All-Season Radial Tire

The weakest part of any tire is the center spot. Metal strips, broken glass, and nails could pierce and blow them real easy. If this happens, it would be a catastrophe with my family on board. I am very frugal but when it comes to my family’s safety, I would pay for anything. In fact, I consult a tire professional every year to make sure they are in good shape and our RV travels are free from tire-related problems.

I was advised to get Cooper’s most advanced and heavy-duty tire to date. Unbelievable! These tires are stunning in person compared to the pictures online. I love that they made these tires 66% tougher and over 2.5 times more tear resilient than the old ST tires using their distinct Armor-Tek technology.

It has a notable grip on slippery surfaces too with the aid of the flex grooves. Driving after a snowstorm was a lot safer because of the good tread depth. The smaller in-block sipes remove most of the water and provide better-hydroplaning resistance. Braking and making turns was no longer scary thanks to the improved contact with the roadway. Also, the rib design lessens the road noise at high/average speed in the freeways.

After driving 17,000 miles, I didn’t see any signs of wear or cuts anywhere. I still get sufficient traction in the sand and gravel roads. Hitting some mud is not an issue on these aggressive tires. In fact, they dig really well and have proven its strength with a muddy, rocky terrain across Arkansas. I’m glad the side biters on the sidewalls held firm on harsh conditions.

The only drawback is, it comes with a high price tag.

6. Michelin Defender All-Season Tire

Getting a replacement tire for your fifth wheel is not an easy task. You need to compare different brands that will suit your needs and your budget. But with Michelin, you won’t need to compromise. Quality and safety are combined into this magnificent product which will ensure that your RV trips are comfortable and safe at all times.

I really like this tire. As a matter of fact, this particular brand is comparable to other similar tire brands in terms of performance. The only difference is the toughness and actual performance on the road. The treads really make good contact on the ground, ensuring that the vehicle accelerates and brakes as intended. Also, the treads ensure that we have a quiet and comfortable ride as much as possible.

Another impressive feature of this tire brand is its tread traction. With its all-weather traction, my fifth wheel can go anywhere in the country no matter the weather season. This tire can effortlessly navigate properly on uneven, muddy, and snowy roads. With this, I know that I and my family are safe because the tires can properly handle the stress of braking and acceleration.

My only regret with this particular tire brand is its price. If you don’t have enough budget, you won’t be able to get your hands on this product easily. I had to save a lot before I could afford to buy this tire brand for my RV. By then, my old tires were really worn too thin.

7. Travelstar EcoPath All-Terrain Radial Tire

If you have an SUV, RV, or a small truck, you need a trustworthy set of tires that will help you reach your travel destination. These days, it is difficult to come across a real trustworthy brand of tires given the number of brands available in the market. If you want a quick replacement or just a good reserve, this particular tire brand is definitely worth including in your shopping list.

I really like using this particular tire. This is what my RV is using right now. I am confident that the people and the things inside my RV are safe during my travels because the tire takes care of it. The tread has a nice grip on the ground, especially during uphill drives. It doesn’t slip even if the road is wet.

Another amazing feature of this brand of tire is its self-cleaning quality. The tire’s circumferential groove stops mud and snow from filling thus preventing it from making contact into the ground properly. This puts my mind to ease because I know that I can have a safe trip no matter what the weather condition is.

Finally, the 50,000 miles treadwear warranty is another way of assuring customers that the company only has people’s best interests. I have never encountered other companies that offer the same warranty on their tire products. This one will provide service even after the tire has reached its 50,000 miles tread wear limit.

My only disappointment with this brand of tires is that it is a little expensive. If you are the type of person who has a limited budget just like me, you will have a hard time getting this one. This may be a great quality brand of tires, but the price can put you off. Except for this issue, I have nothing else to say about this product.

8. BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A K02 Radial Car Tire

I find the BF Goodrich K02 a tough-riding tire built for the adventurous light trucker who feels more at home on uneven terrain than on the pavement. This all terrain tire for towing impressed me with its designs and construction, besting other brands such as Bridgestone.

Driving my Silverado across the craggy Utah landscape is a breeze with these tires. They are perfect for various road conditions across different climates all year round. People will love its all-terrain design, allowing them to conquer almost any obstacle in the open country.

These LT tires for towing have an impressive design. The 3D sipes automatically lock to ensure a better grip on unpaved roads. The mud-phobic bars are a joy to behold, preventing muck from adhering to the tire’s surface and improving traction in sticky situations. I also love the serrated shoulder design, giving me confidence in the tire’s terrain-hugging capabilities in snow, rock, and mud.

I am glad the tires feature the award-winning CoreGard Technology. The sidewalls resist bruising and splitting for improved tire integrity across the harshest conditions. I appreciate its R-speed rating, allowing me to drive my light truck up to 106 miles per hour if there are no limits, of course. Add the six-year warranty, and this AT tire for towing is the best.

Unfortunately, I do not recommend these tires on paved roads because it would be overkill. People can only appreciate its ingenious design off-road.

9. Firestone Transforce HT Radial Tire

I was in a dilemma whether to purchase the Firestone tires or get the same brand I’ve had on my vehicle. I don’t want to mess up my purchase so I did some research. I was looking for tires that would not wear out quickly so we can ensure safety in our RV trips. The Firestone Transforce HT radial tire piqued my interest. I decided to give it a go because it fits the requirements I was searching for new tires. There’s a lot of positive feedback from RV owners too!

The package arrived in good condition. I love how well-constructed the tires are, providing a comfortable and quality ride on our camping trips. The outside tread compound offers resistance to low rolling. This significantly improves fuel efficiency thus, less gas usage and saving extra bucks. I love how the tires run cooler thanks to its boosted casing design. They are harder than regular tires so there’s less friction encountered.

This tire measures 245mm wide, 16 inches rim diameter, and an aspect ratio of 75. This is an LT tire so it has a higher load index rating than my previous ST tire. Its speed rating is R which can be driven up to 106 mph (170km/h) under optimum conditions and higher than the others. Carrying the weight of my camper is definitely okay and quiet too.

This 10ply tire is inexpensive compared to the name brands which have similar benefits. The traction on dry roads is noteworthy. I can’t comment on the wear life yet since I’ve only been using it for 3 months. Well, I hope it does!

One downside is the traction on wet surfaces. It does not generate the best grip to avoid hydroplaning.

10. Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Pro Radial Tire

This is by far the best tires I’ve had on my vehicles. I’ve been using it on my 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 and couldn’t be happier. Aside from the impressive tire design, I found the features advantageous for hauling my Hummingbird travel trailer. First, it works on all weather conditions, it runs well in the rain or on snow because of the blend rubber formula.

These durable tires surprisingly endured the heat in the Grand Canyon during our family summer vacation. The depth of the tread pattern and biting edges provides safety without sacrificing the tires’ tractions. Not only that, but it also has a good grip and corners very well due to the enhanced resistance on the tread grooves. It is quite versatile too! I love its superb traction on and off-road driving owed to the optimized tread design. Hydroplaning? This never occurred while using these Goodyear Wrangler tires. Free from noise and vibration, what else could I ask for?

This is a 10ply tire same to a load range E. It measures 265mm wide, has 17 inches rim diameter, and an aspect ratio of 70. Its speed rating is R which is molded on the tires’ sidewalls. The high load index of these tires matched my trailer and it never let me down. Driving in the long stretches of highways with the ideal speed was smooth, stable, and unobtrusive. In fact, my kids are comfortable and enjoyed our travels, there was no swaying and extra bounce to make them sick. I can’t believe that it still has a thick tread after a year of off-road driving while hauling my 9000lb trailer in the countryside. Hands down!

11. NANKANG Conqueror All-Terrain Radial Tire

These aggressive and stylish looking tires are one of the lowest-priced all-terrain radial tires on the market today. However, there are no trade-offs when it comes to its overall performance.

One of the prominent features is the high-tech silica compound they used which I really love. It provides superior winter traction and handling on my Class B RV. I live in Georgia and snow is not uncommon, sometimes the temperature drops below zero too.

Also, the well-thought pattern gives out the gripping power we need to stay safe on snow-covered pavements. The grooves help in clearing the water for better traction and debris removal while maintaining good traction. By the way, each tire has the mountain snowflake emblem which proves that it was certified for winter driving.

The all-terrain tread has five rows of even out and serrated lugs. The firmness guarantees a longer tread life than highway tires. They consistently boost power both on and off the road. Another good feature is the toothed sidewalls for additional impact protection and optimized scuff resistance. The treading competence on light off roads is surprisingly good too. We have been in Cedar Creek for fly fishing, these tires worked really well on the gravel and light muddy roads. The wide tire improves cornering and my braking distance has decreased greatly. We have quiet rides on interstate highways but expect a minimal noise because they are after all-terrain tires. It’s cool that the tire performance is comparable to other AT brand names without breaking the bank.

The driving performance on rocky hills and thick mud is not the best compared to other all-terrain tires, though.

12. Kumho Road Venture Radial Tire

Having a reliable set of tires to take you on your off-road driving adventures cannot be understated. Because of this, you need to find the brand of tires that will provide you not only a smooth ride but also a safe trip each time. If you want the best tires to bring you to your destinations, the best brand to trust is Kumho Road Venture Radial Tire.

What I like about Kumho Radial Tire is its toughness. I can trust this brand to carry the weight of my fifth wheel with mo problems at all! Every time I drive from one campsite to another, this tire brand is always there to provide me and my family with a smooth and safe ride.

Another amazing feature of this product is its traction on muddy and snowy roads. My fifth wheel can navigate on rough road conditions because the tires get the best traction on the ground. This is perfect because it means I can bring my fifth wheel no matter the weather! Finally, this tire has a hard patch for braking and handling. With this feature, I know that my tire won’t be spent easily.

My only problem with this particular brand of tires is that it easily wears off. I have noticed that it has a good performance only on the first 20,000 miles. After that, the tires started to wear off even though I have a perfectly maintained suspension and bearings. This is definitely not good news for those who have a limited budget.

What to Look for When Buying a Tire for Fifth Wheel Towing

Towing a fifth wheel is a serious job. Regular tires won’t be able to do it, especially if the fifth wheel has plenty of load. Choosing the right tire for your fifth wheel towing is a totally tiresome job especially for amateurs. If this is your first time undertaking such a task, you will surely get lost in the mountain of information that you need to know.

If you are going to purchase a tire for fifth wheel towing, here are some tips to find the right one for your vehicle:

• Classification. Fifth wheel towing tires are purchased according to classification. There are different classifications used to determine the wheel’s ability to keep air pressure and carry the load. These classifications are typically represented by a letter (B, C, D, E, etc.)The classification can give you an idea of how much air pressure that a tire can maintain and how much weight it can hold.
• Speed rating. Driving a small truck while towing a fifth-wheel can reduce our preferred speed on the open road. When buying a tire for fifth wheel towing, always look for speed rating. Most C to E classification can only run up to 65 mph. If you drive faster than 65 mph, then you risk blowing one or two of your tires.
• Treads. Treads dictate the quality of traction that tires make on the ground. Without it, vehicles would just glide on the road and be very hard to accelerate or stop once it gains momentum. Check if the tire’s treads perform well not only during the dry season but also during the rainy or snowy season.
• Warranty. There are tire brands that offer a warranty or free service once you have reached a certain mileage. Other tire brands, while offering great quality, do not have warranties to cover for premature damages before they reach the mileage. Warranties like this can really put your mind at ease especially if you are budget-conscious. When you are looking for truck tires for towing a fifth wheel, make sure that the tires have a warranty to put your mind at ease.

Knowing all the information about fifth wheel towing tires can help you have a safe ride. In addition, you can always ensure that your vehicle is running on optimum condition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are LT tires better for towing?

Towing a fifth wheel is not an easy task. You certainly need a reliable set of tires to help you bring the fifth wheel to any destination you want to go to. In addition, a good set of tires ensures that your fifth wheel is in peak condition and your precious cargos safe. This is where you can rely on light-truck or LT tires.

Here are other important things about LT tires that you should bear in mind:

• If your vehicle is factory rated for P-metric or passenger-metric, then you can definitely use LT tires. Avoid installing P-metric tires if your vehicle is not rated to use LT tires.
• If you are only going for a bit of a city driving with no heavy cargo, then don’t use LT tires. P-metric tires offer a smoother ride and more mileage than LT tires.
• If you are going on an off-road drive or you have a heavy cargo, LT tires are certainly the best option. It provides less swinging when towing, albeit the ride is a little rougher. Finally, the LT tires don’t chip, thus making it ideal for an off-road drive.

Do I need special tires for towing?

Whenever you are driving your small truck without a tow, your old regular tires are enough to bring you to almost anywhere you want. However, if you have a heavy tow and you wish to bring it safe and sound to your destination, especially through an off-road, you certainly need a special set of tires.

Now, there are different tire classifications to determine their capability to maintain air pressure and hold weight. These are normally represented by letters B, C, D, and E. The letter classification will provide you an idea of how durable a certain tire brand is, as well as the amount of air pressure and weight limit it can hold. The general rule is that as the alphabet ascends, so does its capability and weight limit.

Do truck tires matter for towing travel trailers?

Yes, truck tires for towing a trailer matter. Although trucks are heavy-duty vehicles, they still require tires that match towed vehicle requirements and road conditions.

For example, a Ford F250 uses a set of tires to tow a mini camper across the Nevada desert. However, it cannot use the same tires when hauling a fifth-wheel across icy roads.

One must have the correct light truck tires for towing relative to terrain, climate, load, and trailer style.

The bottom line is that trucks require tires that meet the vehicle’s design specifications and load limitations while allowing drivers to tow a trailer safely over a particular terrain and in a given climate.

Can I put truck tires on my RV?

Yes, one can put truck tires on 5th wheel vehicles, motorhomes, travel trailers, and other RVs.

However, people must check the truck tires’ load and speed ratings and match them with the RV’s load capacity.

• Recreational vehicles are heavier than light trucks. For example, light trucks weigh about 8,500 pounds, although some can have a GVWR of 10,000 pounds, such as the Ford F350.
• On the other hand, Class A RVs can weigh between 13,000 and 30,000 pounds.
• Meanwhile, a small motorhome can weigh around 7,500 to 8,000 pounds, making it on par with light trucks.

Hence, one can use truck tires on an RV with a lower or slightly higher gross vehicle weight rating than the truck.

As much as possible, one should not use passenger tires on RVs because these have more flexible sidewalls.

A better option is to use tires with an ST or LT rating because their sidewalls are stiffer, allowing them to handle heavy loads.

What ply tire is best for towing?

The best tires for towing are those with a 10-ply rating, although 12-ply tires are suitable for hauling heavier loads.

People must understand that tire ply ratings are an archaic system. Tire manufacturers no longer use the classification because of advances in rubber compound technologies.

In the past, the more plies a tire has, the greater its load-bearing capabilities. It is no longer the case because rubber materials and tire design produce stronger tires with improved load-bearing characteristics.

Hence, one can expect modern 4-ply or 6-ply tow tires with the same performance as previous 10 ply truck tires for towing.

Modern tires have Load Range ratings, with Load Range E tires approximating the characteristics of previous 10-ply tires. These products have an 80-PSI maximum load index and are suitable for towing trailers. On the other hand, Load Range F tires (equivalent to 12-ply tires) have a 95-PSI maximum load index ideal for hauling heavier loads.

How to install?

Installing a towing tire is something that is hard to do on your own. You would need the help of professionals and the right equipment in order to properly install the tires in place. Any improper placement of the tires will certainly result in your vehicle not performing on its optimal efficiency. It could also result in accidents that could compromise your passengers’ safety, as well as your cargo.

How to care and clean?

In order to prolong the life of your tires, cleaning it regularly should always be in your priority list.

Before washing the entire body of your camper, fifth wheel, or RV, make sure that you wash the tires first. This is to prevent grimes and overspray from splashing into the panels.

Since every weight of the vehicle and its contents are literally riding on the tires, maintaining it is your paramount responsibility. It is common knowledge that you should check your tires before driving. In addition, inspecting the tires once a month will provide you an insight into its condition. See if there’s anything lodged in your treads for debris that might be stuck there. Watch out for holes and punctures that will deplete the air pressure.

Neglected tires often lead to serious accidents on the road. If you are towing an RV or a fifth wheel, proper maintenance of your RV tires can mean safety. If you have little or no knowledge about tire care and maintenance, make sure that you visit a mechanic regularly.

Conclusion

Shopping for reliable tires is not something that should be left in the hands of other people. If you have a fifth wheel, a pickup truck, or something similar, you need to personally choose the tires that you are going to use. If you have the best truck tires for towing 5th wheel, you can be sure that you will always have a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride no matter the weather and road conditions.

The trick for choosing the ideal tires is to research each brand carefully. Always make time to learn each brand’s performance by reading customer reviews and factory ratings. In addition, reading product reviews like this one can also help you make an informed decision before making a purchase. This way, you can be confident that the tires on your fifth wheel will last a long time before you replace it.

William Turner

Hi, I am William Turner, a junior color consultant. My work is to create designs that make visual impacts as desired by clients. I am here to introduce you to the current color trends and combinations that create the right mood for your rooms.