Best RV Tires Reviews: Trailer & Fifth Wheel Buying Guide

Before getting to the list of the best RV tires, let's take a brief look at its formation.

Recreational Vehicles (or RVs in short) always remind people of good times with the family or friends. Available in many different sizes and types, these mobile apartments can make your next summer holiday much more colorful. In other words, you don’t need to stay in one place – you can visit the greenery of the mountain, and then visit the blue seas. Lovely if you ask me.

However, the dream holiday you’re planning with your RV can be easily interrupted and converted to a real nightmare. If you already own an RV (or fifth wheel RV) you probably know it, but here it is – you should take care of your RV annually, even though you may drive it once or twice a year.

The thing that is mostly forgotten when owners are doing yearly checks of their RVs are the tires. With these vehicles, tires may not cover a lot of miles, but there is still a degradation in quality and performance over time. Replacing your old tires is not only recommended but mandatory if you care about the safety of your family.

Even when you’re replacing those old tires with new ones, it is recommended that you buy high-quality tires. By doing that you’ll not only ensure that they will last longer, but that they will stick to the road better and increase the safety of your vehicle.

In order to help you with choosing the best tires for your RV, I’ve made a list of the Top 10 best tires for these vehicles. Then, you can read everything there is to know about RV tires or a sort of a buying guide. In the end, we will answer some FAQs. By reading this article, I am sure that you will be excellently prepared the next time you buy tires for your RV.

Top 10 Best RV Tires

1. Goodyear Unisteel G670 RV ULT

Best premium RV tire

Goodyear Unisteel G670 RV ULT

Get Up to $100 Prepaid Mastercard by mail when you purchase a set of four Goodyear tires.

Valid through Sept 30, 2020
Available at  Goodyear.comTirerack.comDiscountTire.com

Goodyear has a very comprehensive line of tires for both RVs and trailers. Their Unisteel G670 RV ULT model is specifically designed to offer drivers of bigger RVs excellent performance and handling on the road and is, in my opinion, one of the best tires for those vehicles on the market, period. It has several technologies that set it apart from the competition in terms of durability and road holding, and Goodyear even gives a 7-Year limited warranty. The only big downside I can think of is the very high price, but otherwise, you really get what you pay for here.

Let’s talk features first though. The rubber used in this tire has anti-oxidant and antiozonant compounds. Why is this important? For durability, of course. They help to keep the tire in top shape even when the RV is stationary and the weather changes (which it does). Goodyear promises that this tire is resistant to weather cracking and gives a warranty for that. And it is not just the company – owners report that these tires are very effective against weather changes. Goodyear’s excellent durability is joined by long-lasting tread life – this is a tire that can cover thousands of miles without breaking a sweat.

The best thing about the Unisteel G670 RV ULT is not durability though – it is how it handles real driving conditions. I find it to be the best-handling tire for RVs. It has high levels of grip and traction in both dry and wet conditions and provides the driver with excellent stability at highway speeds. You can thank the tread pattern that is designed to produce lower heat here because it keeps the tire in the right temperature all of the time. This is also helpful for fifth wheel RVs, which tend to be pretty heavy.

Performance is accompanied by excellent comfort as well. The high-tech belt system enhances the ride, making long road trips a breeze for the family. Road noise is also very well suppressed for an RV tire. Did I say that the Unisteel G670 RV ULT has a fuel-efficient casing that can improve the fuel economy of your RV? Yes, this tire has seemingly everything.

That said, the price may be too high for some people, even though taking care of RV will never be cheap. Oh, and it is not made for use in the winter, so summer holidays here only!


2. Michelin XPS RIB Truck

Best premium RV tire for smaller motorhomes

Michelin XPS RIB Truck

Like many lists on our website, this list contains a Michelin tire. Trust me, it has nothing to do with a bias toward the company – they are really at the top of the game in almost every category. Their XPS RIB Truck tire is the best all-round tire for light trucks, and it can also be used on RVs due to the Load Range E (10 Ply) capability. One tire can withstand 2680 pounds, which makes it the safe choice, regardless of the weight of your RV. The Michelin can also be used in dual tire application, unlike some other tires in this category.

On the road, this is one of the best RV tires, period. It is a highway summer tire, which in my opinion is the right category for RVs because they are mostly used in the summer and on highways. In those conditions, the XPS RIB Truck absolutely shines – stability is excellent, even at higher speeds, while the grip is probably the best of any other tire in this category. Traction is very good in both dry and wet conditions. The same can be said for braking performance – this is one of the safest RV tires out there.

And it is not just performance here. Due to the premium rubber material, ride comfort is excellent, even on bumpy roads, while there is almost no tire noise at cruising speed. With a set of Michelin XPS RIB Truck tires, your next family trip will not only be fun, but you can also enjoy high levels of comfort while you’re traveling.

Suffice to say, these Michelin’s are one of the most durable and long-lasting RV tires out there. This means that not only the tread will be good even after covering a lot of miles, but also the whole tire will not lose its shape when the RV is stationary for longer periods of time. Great news for those with fifth wheel RVs as well.

With all that said, the Michelin XPS RIB Truck is a summer tire and is not suitable for colder climates or snow. It is also a bit heavy, even though it is a radial construction. It seems that you pay the price for the excellent durability and tread life with the added weight. Oh, and like almost every other Michelin tire out there, it is pretty expensive. I think it is worth the price, especially considering the safety aspect, but some RV owners may think otherwise.

In the end, I would’ve liked more size options as well – the ones available are only good for smaller RVs.


3. Bridgestone Duravis M700 Radial

Best all-terrain and all-season RV tire for lighter vehicles

Bridgestone Duravis M700 Radial

$70 Prepaid Mastercard by mail when you purchase a set of four select Bridgestone tires.

Valid through Oct 12, 2020

Available at TireRack.comDiscountTire.com

The Japanese Bridgestone is the biggest tire manufacturer in the world. One of the reasons is that they make really high-quality tires, even in this category. The Duravis M700 is one of the most durable tires in this category, and also one with the longest tread life. Performance is also very good, albeit not at the level of the two tires that sit in front of it on this list. That said, it is cheaper than its closest competitors. For the price, I think it offers an excellent blend of characteristics and abilities.

The Duravis M700 is a commercial tire and it is best suited to lighter RVs or fifth wheel RVs. The manufacturer rates it as all-terrain and this means that you can freely drive with these tires even over lighter terrain. This is very important for RV owners who want to venture in the wild. Bridgestone says that it is made to stand up to commercial use, which means that you can cover a lot of miles with it. Owners report that the tread life is very long – one of the longest in this category. It is also very tough and durable thanks to the strong sidewalls.

On the road, it provides very good performance, especially for an all-terrain tire. Sure, you will lose a bit of the highway stability when compared to highway tires, but for most drivers, the difference will be negligible. On the other hand, you will get much better traction in wet conditions, or over light terrain. It is also capable to tackle light snow, which is not something you often see in this category.

The Bridgestone Duravis M700 falls short only in one category, and that’s higher noise on the highway. This is only when you compare it to tires such as the Michelin XPS RIB though, which is more of a highway tire. In other words, it is expected from an all-terrain tire to be noisier on the road. Ride quality is still very good with this tire – up there with the best.


4. Boto Tyres BT926 Radial Tire

Best budget RV tire

Boto Tyres BT926 Radial Tire

The first two tires on this list are pretty expensive, but don’t worry – the Boto Tyres BT926 is an excellent budget option that I’m sure will satisfy a lot of people. This is a tire that’s specifically designed for RVs and I must say that it works great in most conditions, especially considering the very low price. As a matter of fact, I think that most drivers wouldn’t even notice the difference between this one and the more expensive premium options.

The main reason why the Boto Tyres BT926 sits so highly on this list is the highway performance. First of all, this tire is very quiet and comfortable, even on bumpy roads. Many drivers may neglect this feature, but trust me, it can make a lot of difference on those long road trips. And your family will be happier too!

Then, stability is also at a very high level. I wouldn’t go as far as to say that it’s the best in its category, but still very good for most drivers. Grip levels are very high in dry conditions, while the deep tread pattern takes care of wet conditions too. Braking performance is also excellent for such an inexpensive tire. That said, this tire shouldn’t be driven in the winter, as its rubber compound gets very hard when the temperatures fall.

Durability is an area where most budget tires fall to the ground, but not this one. Even though it is a radial tire, the Boto BT926 is very strong and can withstand the weight of almost every popular RV, and also fifth wheel RVs. This means that even when the vehicle is stationary for longer periods of time, it will not lose its shape like some other tires. Tread life is also very good, albeit not at the level of the Goodyear od Michelin. That said, it is still an excellent result for the price.

All in all, the Boto BT926 is one of the best RV tires on the market right now, especially considering the price. It offers a comfortable and safe driving experience and it should be on anyone’s list when buying new RV tires.


5. Hankook DH07

Best large RV tire for mud and snow

Hankook DH07

Get Up to $80 Prepaid Mastercard by mail when you purchase a set of four select Hankook tires.

Valid through Oct 31, 2020

Available at TireRack.comDiscountTire.com, TireBuyer.com

Most people use their RVs only in the summer, but most people are not everybody. If you’re one of the RV owners that use their vehicle in the winter, or for a trip to the mountains in the fall, then the Hankook DH07 is the best choice. It offers better traction in both snow and mud than almost every other tire in its category and is primarily made for commercial use, but there are RV sizes available as well. Don’t worry, it is also very good in other areas.

The 3D kerf tread design of the Hankook DH07 with zig-zag grooves works miracles in mud, but also prevent stone retention and enhance self-cleaning. Okay, performance is not on the level of off-road tires or winter tires, but you really can’t find anything better for your RV. Snow performance is also very good – I wouldn’t mind going on a winter holiday with these tires attached.

The best thing here is that you don’t lose in other areas. Sure, highway performance is not on the level of the best out there, but it is still very good for most people. The optimized carcass design enhances handling and it also improves comfort. Wet handling is another area where this tire shines, thanks to the deep grooves that evacuate water and help in both braking and acceleration. That said, the DH07 can be a bit noisy at higher speeds.

On the positive side again, durability is very strong here. The DH07 has minimal belt motion for less heat generation, which helps for longer tread life. The tough compound, on the other hand, resists cracking and can withstand impacts, even on heavier RVs.

For the price it is offered, the Hankook DH07 is a very good deal. You can even use it in combination with other tires – due to its excellent traction in most conditions, the DH07 can be used on the driven axle, while other, less expensive tires can be used on the other axle(s).


6. Roadlux R508 Drive Radial Commercial Truck Tire

Best budget RV tire for long distance driving

Roadlux R508 Drive Radial Commercial Truck Tire

Most of the tires on this list are suitable for both long and short distances. However, the Roadlux R508 is specifically made for long distances. In other words, for owners of RV vehicles who are more often on the road than not. Not that it is not tough enough to be stationary for longer periods of time, but the primary function of this tire is long distance driving.

On the road, the Roadlux R508 shows excellent road holding. The grip is up there with the best premium tires – lane changing with a set of these tires is a breeze. Traction is also very good in both dry and wet conditions. As a matter of fact, this tire is one of the best when it’s raining, especially in heavy rain. High-speed stability is also excellent, and the same can be said for braking performance.

The reason why this tire is so highly rated for long-distance driving is comfort though. The ride is plush, even on bumpy and uneven roads, and the tire doesn’t produce a lot of noise. This is not something you see often in a tire that with deeper tread that works in heavy rain. Your family will be definitely satisfied with your purchase.

On the other hand, you will definitely be satisfied with how long the tread lasts on this tire. The rubber compound is made to cover a lot of miles and is wear resistant. Owners say that this is one of the longest-lasting tires for RVs and light commercial trucks, and I have no reason to doubt those claims.

The best thing about the Roadlux R508 is that you get all those performances at a fraction of the price of premium tires. The reason why it is not higher on this list is durability when the RV is stationary. Otherwise, you get one of the best long-distance tires on the market right now, and also one of the longest-lasting.


7. Otani OH-650 Commercial Truck Tire

Best budget RV tire for all-season traction

Otani OH-650 Commercial Truck Tire

Another option for buyers who are on a budget, but this time made for all-season traction. And when I say all-season traction, I mean everything – from rainy weather to snow. This is one of the few tires for RVs and commercial trucks that are pinned for studs, which dramatically improves traction in snow. Of course, you still need to put studs on the tire, but it is nice to have the option when the need arises.

On the road, the Otani OH-650 proves to be a very capable tire. Grip and traction are very good in dry conditions, and excellent in wet conditions. The reinforced bridges of rubber that tie together the tread package help for stability on the highway, or at least that’s what the manufacturer says. In real life, there are better tires for highway driving, even though the Otani is not bad by any means. Ride comfort, on the other hand, is very good, even on bumpy roads. Noise levels are higher than premium tires though, something that can become tiring on longer journeys.

Durability is surprisingly good here. The rugged construction helps the tire keep its shape when the RV is stationary for longer periods of time, while the rubber used can also withstand both warm and cold weather. However, tread life is not the best. Owners report that they get much fewer miles from these tires when compared to premium RV tires, especially if your vehicle is loaded all of the time. In other words, the Otani is best-suited to owners who use their RVs only several times per year.

With all that said, you can’t complain too much considering the price, which is much lower than that of premium tires in the same category. And to be perfectly honest, not a lot of tires offer a variety of different abilities like this one does. The Otani OH-650 is an all-rounder, a tire that’s suited for almost every type of weather and that’s why it absolutely deserves a place on this list.


8. Triangle TR685 HIGHWAY RIB 16 PLY

Best tough highway RV tire at a budget price point / best RV tires fifth wheel

Triangle TR685 HIGHWAY RIB 16 PLY

Triangle is a company that’s synonymous with commercial and pickup tires, not with RV vehicles per se. However, the qualities that their tires posses are very well suited to RVs and that’s why I’ve included one here. And it’s not just quality – the Triangle TR685 HIGHWAY is an extremely cheap tire for what it offers, especially when compared to premium tires of the same size.

I find the TR685 to be extremely capable on the highway. Stability is excellent, almost at the level of the best premium tires in the class. Changing lanes, even when the RV is loaded to the max is a breeze with a set of these tires, and braking performance is also excellent. The advanced tread compound helps the tire with grip in both dry and wet conditions, but beware that this is not a snow tire and shouldn’t be used like one. Traction is very good though, which means that this tire can be used on the driven wheels, as well as the other axis. Comfort is also very good, even on rougher terrain, but noise can be an issue at higher speeds.

The tread life is pretty long for the price this tire is offered, but premium tires will still offer longer-lasting performance. However, most RV owners don’t use their vehicles every day and that’s why I think that this is a worthy compromise. Durability, on the other hand, is excellent. This is a 16-ply rated tire and one that can withstand a lot of weight on its shoulders, even when stationary. Triangle says that it also resists scrub and curbing abuse, something that most owners report as well. These qualities are very important for RV owners who use their vehicles a few times a year. They are also a great choice for fifth wheel RV vehicles, especially given the fact that those are only used few times per year.

Overall, the Triangle TR685 has some disadvantages when compared to premium tires, but when you take the price into consideration, they are very capable for every RV owner that’s searching for a budget-friendly set of tires that will do the most important things fine.


9. Grand Ride Trailer Tires ST (set of four)

Best cheap RV tires for lighter motorhomes

Grand Ride Trailer Tires ST

If you have a smaller RV and don’t have a huge amount of money in your pocket, then these tires might be a great choice. I say “these” because they come in a set of four tires, for the same money that will buy you two tires in other places. The Grand Ride Trailer tires are not only budget-friendly – they are dirt cheap to buy. The best thing about them is that you get a very reasonable tire for the money and one that can serve you well for several years, especially if you don’t use your RV every single day.

Okay, the performance will not be on the level of premium tires, but at this price, nobody expects that. For the casual driver, they are a good option for highway driving in dry and wet conditions. Grip and traction are okay, even at higher speeds. As a matter of fact, the Grand Tire Trailer tire has an “L” speed rating, which means that it can be driven up to 75 mph. In my opinion, that’s plenty for tires at this price point. tires at this price point. They are also very tough and have good load range D rating. This means that every tire can stand up to 2800 pounds of weight.

Durability is very good with these tires – you shouldn’t carry leaving the stationary even for longer periods of time. However, the same can’t be said for tread life, which is not exceptional. For RV owners that use it only a few times per year this is not a big issue, but for those that travel many miles, I recommend spending a little more. Premium tires may be much more expensive to buy, but they can cover more ground and in the long run, maybe even less expensive. This is not an issue for those that don’t travel a lot of miles though, because in those situations’ durability is a bigger issue.


10. Maxxis M8008 Radial Trailer Tire

Best RV tires for long tread life

Maxxis M8008 Radial Trailer Tire

The Maxxis M8008 is a tire that’s designed for trailers, but it can work exceptionally well on smaller motorhomes and towable RVs. As a brand, Maxxis is very trustable when it comes to tough and strong tires for trailers, RVs, UTVs or ATVs.  They are especially known for producing products that stand to the test of time and the M8008 is not an exception of that rule.

This tire is equipped with an advanced tread compound designed for decreased rolling resistance, something that you don’t often see in this category. This improves fuel economy, which is not, and it also helps in tread life. RV owners around the world consider this tire to be the longest lasting tire, which means that it is great for long road trips. Like with your family on summer vacation for example.

While we’re at it, the Maxxis M8008 also has very good ride quality – the sidewalls have excellent shock absorption. Stability is also very good, even at higher speeds on the highway. Traction and braking performance are very good even in wet conditions – not something you often associate with RV tires. Even though the Maxxis M8008 has a plush and comfortable ride, great performance and low rolling resistance, it is also very tough and can withstand a lot of weight thanks to its 10 Ply rating and double steel-belted construction.

Considering the fact that it is primarily a trailer tire, the Maxxis M8008 is not very expensive. As a matter of fact, it is one of the cheapest tires that can also be used on an RV. When you put the excellent fuel economy, long tread life and durability in the equation, it is clear that this is a tire for the budget-minded buyers.


What to Look Out for When Buying RV Tires?

I am pretty confident that if you choose a set of tires from the list above you will not be disappointed. However, in order to fully understand RV tires, I’ve prepared a sort of a buying guide where you can learn more about these tires, because there are some things that should also be considered when buying one, like load range, size etc.

Radial or Bias-ply – this was an issue going backward, but today almost every tire for RVs available on the market is radial. The reasoning for that is that radials are lighter and therefore better for performance and fuel economy, but also more comfortable and quieter. Bias-ply tires, on the other hand, are much tougher and stronger and better suited to uneven terrains. However, they are not as flexible as radial tires and generally have much shorter live spans, especially when driven a lot.

With all that said, even though bias-ply tires are tougher, most manufacturers don’t produce them anymore, especially for RVs. They are mostly used for ATVs and UTVs today, and some commercial vehicles. In my opinion, you should only choose radial tires for your RV as they are strong enough for any need;

LT (light truck) or Trailer tires – generally, LT tires should be used on the driven wheels. These are similar to car tires in a way that they are great at providing traction for acceleration. They are also very tough and durable and should be able to sustain a lot of weight on their shoulders.

Trailer tires, on the other hand, offer better stability at very high loads on axles that are not driven. They can be used on a driven axle, but it is not recommended. For bigger motorhomes, it is best to use LT tires on the front and driven wheels, and use trailer tires for the other axles.

Load range – RVs don’t come in only one size and shape, and the same is true for tires made for these vehicles. Depending on the load, or in other words the full weight of your RV, you will need tires with different load ranges. Thankfully there is a rating for that from the tire manufacturers, and even your RV manufacturer may state what kind of tires you need for your particular vehicle.

There are four different load ranges you should care about – B (4 ply), C (6 ply), D (8 ply) and E (10 ply). For example, load range C tires can carry up to 1820 pounds per tire, which is fine for most trailer owners, but unusable for very heavy trailers. Load range B tire will carry less weight than this, while D and E tires will carry more weight. Always buy tires that have enough load range capacity for your needs or they may get damaged, sometimes during use, which is not something you’ll want;

Size – as with load range, you will need different tire size depending on your RV. Generally, Class C RVs, or those that are based on traditional cars or SUVs and have the additional cab attached, use smaller tires – from 15-17” in diameter. For example, a tire for Class C RV would be 225/75R15 or 265/70R17 etc. Some tires may have “LT” in front of the numerals, which means “Light Truck”. Those are also suitable for Class C RV.

Class B RVs are a little bit bigger than Class C. They are also known as campers or campervans and these also use the same tire size as their smaller counterparts. However, most of them are in the 16-17” diameter range and maybe with a wider footprint.

Class A RVs are the biggest ones, also called motorhomes. Tires for these vehicles are 19.5” in diameter, the same size that is used for lighter commercial trucks. Of course, tires for these vehicles are much more expensive. They are predominant on the Top 10 list above;

Durability and Tread life – be advised that durability and tread life are not the same thing, even though they sound synonymous. Durability is a measure of how tough the tire is. For example, a durable tire will sustain heavier RVs without a problem, and will not change its shape when stationary for prolonged periods of time. Tread life, contrarily, is about how many miles the tire can cover before the tread is unusable.

In other words, if there is not enough tread on the tires on your trailer, it may lose grip sooner, especially in wet conditions, or when the road isn’t as clean. You can measure the tread depth with a coin, or even better the Lincoln penny. This is a very popular choice because it is very easy to measure – just turn the coin so that the head of Lincoln is upside-down. If you can see the whole head, then your tires need to be changed;

Speed rating – ​even though most owners don’t drive their RVs like maniacs, it is best to buy tires with higher speed rating, as they are much safer at higher speeds. Also, tires with higher speed rating are generally better suited to highway driving than tires with smaller speed rating;

Resistance to moisture and sunrays – most RV tires are used only a few times per year and then they are left in a garage or some backyard. If you keep your RV in an open area, make sure that there is no moisture and that it is protected from direct sun rays. Or you can buy tires that are resistant to moisture and sunrays. Manufacturers of RV tires usually give this information.

Fifth wheel – RV’s don’t need a fifth wheel because they don’t need to be towed. However, there are some RV’s available that can be towed using your truck via a fifth wheel. They are almost the same dimensions of a big trailer, with the added benefit of easier maneuvering in tight spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do RV Tires Last?

This depends on how much you use your RV and how much it stays stationary. Generally, RV tires last for 4-6 years between changes, and up to 40.000 miles. Keep in mind though that premium tires last longer than budget tires.

How to Keep RV Tires from Dry Rotting?

The sun is the worst enemy of tires, especially when they are stationary. If you don’t have a garage, you should cover the wheels. Cardboard will work just fine. Then, roll those tires every once in a while. If you haven’t driven your RV for more than a month, take it for a spin around the neighborhood. You only need a few miles every month and you’re good to go.

For ultimate protection, you can use special tire protectants in combination with the cardboard and moving the vehicle. Just be sure that those protectants don’t contain petrochemicals or harmful silicone oils.

Can I Regroove RV Tires?

Some Bus and Semi-Truck tires can be regrooved. This means that they have extra rubber under the crown area which can then be regrooved for a new-looking tread. However, I most RV tires can’t be regrooved and you should absolutely not do that.

How to replace RV tires?

Checkout video from RVgeeks:

Conclusion

After reading this exhausting article, I’m sure that you know a thing or two about RV tires and your buying decision will be easier. Due to the fact that tire manufacturers don’t often change their lineup, the Top 10 list of best RV tires will be valid for a longer period of time, which means that you can also revisit it in the future.

1 thought on “Best RV Tires Reviews: Trailer & Fifth Wheel Buying Guide”

  1. I am using Michelin tires and service and I am very satisfied with it. These tires are heavy, solid, well, with good load-carrying capacity. Great, smooth, and no noise

    Reply

Leave a Comment