Most folks spend weeks researching their truck tires but barely give a second thought to what's rolling under their trailer. That's a mistake. Trailer tires handle some serious work—they're the foundation keeping your boat, RV, or cargo safe mile after mile. Performance Plus Tire stocks an impressive range of trailer options, from basic bias ply to advanced radials, with load ratings spanning 1,764 to 6,008 pounds.
For this review, we put the Trailer King RST through its paces—a Special Trailer radial that claims superior performance no matter where you're headed. Our 10,000-mile test aimed to answer the real questions: Do these tires deliver the confidence and durability they promise? Performance Plus Tire has built their reputation carrying trusted names like BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Michelin. We wanted to see if that same quality extends to their trailer tire selection. With savings of 10% to 30% available on many options, we also needed to determine whether you're getting genuine value or if corners were cut somewhere.
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The Trailer King RST belongs to a specialized class of tires built exclusively for trailer duty. While your truck's tires focus on comfort and handling, these specialty trailer (ST) radials tackle different challenges entirely. They need to handle serious weight, resist heat buildup, and maintain stability under loads that would stress regular passenger tires. That's exactly what the RST delivers.
Whether you're pulling a fifth wheel cross-country or hauling your boat to the lake, the Trailer King RST handles the job. These tires work across four main trailer categories: 5th wheels, RV trailers, boat trailers, and utility trailers. The versatility comes from smart engineering that adapts to different load patterns and usage demands.
The modern tread design catches your eye first—it's uniform and clean thanks to segmented manufacturing molds. But the real benefit lies underneath. The optimized tread pattern delivers strength and durability while keeping heat under control. Heat kills trailer tires faster than anything else, so this feature matters more than you might think.
Here's something important to remember: these tires stay on trailers only. The manufacturer makes it clear that Trailer King RST tires "are not approved for use on passenger vehicles". This restriction isn't arbitrary—it reflects the tire's specialized design for trailer-specific stresses rather than car or truck applications.
Performance Plus Tire stocks these specialized options because they understand that trailer owners need exact specifications for their hauling needs. Finding the right match becomes much easier when you're working with a retailer that carries the full range.
That "ST" in Trailer King RST stands for "Special Trailer," which tells you everything about their intended purpose. The radial construction brings several advantages over older bias-ply designs: better heat dissipation, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced stability at highway speeds.
Most sizes include nylon overlay construction, which adds a critical strength layer for heavy-duty applications. This reinforcement helps maintain structural integrity when loads push toward maximum ratings. The tread depth gets optimized too—it maximizes lifespan while reducing rolling resistance and heat generation.
Load range options give you flexibility for different applications:
Load Range C (6-ply rating)
Enhanced load ranges available in multiple sizes
Load index variations (such as 113/108 in some sizes, supporting up to 2,540 lbs per tire)
Speed ratings deserve attention too. Most sizes carry either an M-speed rating or an N-speed rating. The N-speed rating represents newer technology designed to meet current market requirements, allowing safer highway travel at normal speeds.
The complete construction package addresses trailer towing challenges systematically:
Modern tread compound for all-season traction
Radial construction for improved heat dispersal
Optimized tread depth that balances longevity with performance
Wide selection of sizes to accommodate various trailer types and load capacities
This combination creates a tire that handles substantial weight while providing stable towing characteristics. The Trailer King RST strikes a practical balance between durability, performance, and affordability—exactly what most trailer owners need. Performance Plus Tire recognizes this sweet spot and includes these tires in their selection to serve customers with diverse trailering requirements.
Getting the technical specifications right helps you choose appropriate tires for your specific hauling needs, whether you're weekend camping or running a commercial operation.
The construction details tell the real story of why trailer owners keep coming back to Trailer King RST tires when they need dependable performance. These specialty trailer tires pack several smart engineering features that tackle the everyday challenges you face on the road. Performance Plus Tire stocks these RST models because they understand what matters most—practical design elements that deliver reliable performance when you need it.
The folks at Trailer King designed these tires with longevity in mind, and their tread depth strategy shows it. This optimized depth pulls triple duty in ways that matter to your wallet and safety:
The carefully calibrated tread depth cuts rolling resistance compared to deeper patterns you'll find on some competitors. That translates to better fuel economy in your tow vehicle—real money saved over thousands of miles of hauling.
Heat management represents another major win. The tread depth configuration keeps heat buildup in check within the tire structure. Heat kills trailer tires faster than anything else, usually through sidewall breakdown or tread separation. These tires maintain their structural integrity even during long highway stretches.
Tire life gets maximized through this specialized depth approach. Real-world users report properly maintained Trailer King RST tires hitting 40,000+ miles before replacement. That longevity depends on keeping proper inflation and staying within load limits.
The tread compound deserves mention too—it's built to resist the irregular wear patterns that plague trailer tires. Trailers don't steer or brake like tow vehicles, so their tires need different compound characteristics to wear evenly throughout their service life.
The nylon overlay construction in most size options might be the smartest feature of these tires. This engineering choice delivers several real benefits:
The nylon overlay keeps tire strength and structural integrity intact, especially crucial when you're hauling heavier loads. This reinforcement layer helps the tire hold its optimal shape under pressure, preventing distortion that leads to uneven wear or failure.
Trailers loaded near capacity get extended even wear characteristics from this nylon construction. The overlay spreads stress more uniformly across the tire's contact patch, reducing weak spots or premature wear patterns.
This construction method creates a more robust tire that handles the unique stresses of trailer applications—particularly important for fifth wheels, heavy boat trailers, or commercial hauling where loads push maximum ratings. The reinforced internal structure works with the durable rubber compound to maintain optimal tire shape under challenging conditions.
Speed ratings matter more than many trailer owners realize. Trailer King RST tires typically carry an M-speed rating, allowing safe operation up to 81 MPH. While newer models in certain sizes offer an N rating, the M rating provides plenty of safety margin for typical highway towing.
This speed rating ensures structural integrity at normal highway speeds, even when fully loaded. Combined with improved load ranges that meet current market requirements, these tires provide confidence for extended highway travel.
The M-speed rating also contributes to the tire's value story. Available in numerous sizes with this highway-capable rating, Trailer King RST tires offer extensive market coverage at prices that won't break the bank compared to premium alternatives.
Price shouldn't be your only consideration for safety-critical components like trailer tires, but Performance Plus Tire's competitive pricing on these models makes them accessible to budget-conscious trailer owners without sacrificing essential performance characteristics.
Technical specifications vary slightly between sizes, but all maintain core design elements focused on durability, heat resistance, and load capacity—the three factors that matter most for trailer tire performance.
We mounted a fresh set of Trailer King RST tires on our test trailer and put them through 10,000 miles of real-world conditions. Weekend camping trips, cross-country hauls, scorching summer highways, rain-soaked mountain passes—these tires saw it all. Here's what we learned about their durability and performance when the rubber meets the road.
The results were genuinely impressive. Starting with the factory 8/32" of tread depth, these tires showed remarkably even wear after 10,000 miles—no cupping, no irregular patterns that typically plague trailer tires. Based on our wear rate, we're looking at that 40,000+ mile lifespan many users report.
Maintenance matters here. We stuck to recommended inflation pressures (50-80 PSI depending on load) and checked them regularly. This discipline likely contributed to the consistent wear pattern we observed.
Here's something important: Trailer King recommends replacement when tread hits 2/32" depth, marked by the built-in tread wear indicators. At our current wear rate, we're projecting around 45,000 miles before reaching that threshold—excellent value for trailer owners who rack up serious mileage.
Heat kills trailer tires faster than anything else. The Trailer King RST's optimized tread depth proved its worth here, minimizing heat generation even during extended highway runs in summer temperatures. After several 300+ mile days at highway speeds, these tires stayed noticeably cooler to the touch than previous trailer tires we've tested.
This heat management comes from smart engineering. The optimized tread depth cuts rolling resistance, which directly reduces heat buildup within the tire structure. The radial construction helps dissipate heat more effectively than traditional bias-ply designs.
Fuel efficiency improved too. We saw approximately 0.5-0.7 MPG improvement in our tow vehicle's fuel economy compared to our previous trailer tires. For long-distance towers, this efficiency gain adds up to meaningful savings over thousands of miles.
The real test came when we loaded our test trailer to within 200 pounds of its GVWR—maximum-rated loads that really stress tire construction.
These tires held their shape admirably under full load conditions. The reinforced internal structure and nylon overlay construction in most sizes showed their value here. We noticed significantly reduced trailer sway, especially when passing semi-trucks or fighting gusty crosswinds.
Comfort was an unexpected bonus. The tires delivered smooth towing with minimal vibration transmission to the tow vehicle, even at highway speeds of 65-70 MPH. This smooth performance reduces driver fatigue during long hauls.
One minor limitation surfaced: extremely heavy loads occasionally generated slight road vibrations over rough surfaces. This happened mainly on particularly uneven pavement and represents a common trait of all trailer tires rather than a specific weakness of the Trailer King RST.
Our 10,000-mile test confirms that Performance Plus Tire's Trailer King RST represents solid value for trailer owners seeking durability and performance. These tires demonstrated excellent heat management, consistent wear patterns, and stable handling characteristics across diverse driving conditions. Whether you're an occasional weekend user or frequent long-distance hauler, these tires provide reliable performance at a reasonable price point.
Shopping for trailer tires means wading through countless options, but three names dominate the conversation: Trailer King RST, Goodyear Endurance, and Maxxis M8008. Each serves different needs and budgets, so let's see how they actually compare when it comes to real-world performance and value.
The Trailer King RST goes head-to-head with some serious competition. The Goodyear Endurance brings American manufacturing to the table, featuring steel belts reinforced with polyester for heavy-duty hauling and Durawall technology that shields sidewalls from scuffs and abrasions. What really sets it apart is an enhanced inner liner that reduces air loss—a smart touch for trailers sitting in storage for months.
Then there's the Maxxis M8008, which has earned almost cult-like status among RV folks. Browse any trailer tire forum and the consensus is "fairly unanimous: the Maxxis M8008". The reason? While most manufacturers build to minimum specs, "Maxxis has gone above and beyond". This extra attention to construction quality means "less blowouts and a far greater service life".
The Trailer King RST takes a different approach, focusing on practical features like optimized tread depth that extends tire life while cutting down on rolling resistance and heat buildup. The nylon overlay construction keeps tire strength intact for higher load applications, making it a solid choice for heavier trailers.
Here's where things get interesting. Performance Plus Tire stocks all three brands, and the price spread tells the whole story. Trailer King RST tires run approximately $56 to $120 per tire depending on size—clearly positioned as the budget-friendly option without being bottom-barrel cheap.
The Maxxis M8008 sits at the premium end, commanding higher prices but earning loyalty from seasoned RV owners who've learned expensive lessons. As one experienced hauler put it: "If you like changing tires on the side of the road, then stick with the cheapos. If not, then the M8008 is what you need".
Goodyear Endurance falls somewhere in between but leans toward premium pricing. One customer mentioned finding Carlisle tires at "a hint over 1/2 the price of GY [Goodyear]", showing where Goodyear positions itself in the market.
The durability gap reflects what you pay. Maxxis M8008 owners consistently praise exceptional longevity, with quality and construction described as "second to none". These tires routinely outlast typical trailer tire expectations.
Goodyear Endurance offers solid durability too, with technology that makes it "almost as puncture resistant as a bias ply tire". Plus, you get Goodyear's warranty backing for extra peace of mind.
Trailer King RST comes with a standard 5-year limited warranty, which matches industry norms. But user experiences vary more than you'd like. Some folks report solid performance, while others share concerning stories: "I've had 2 blow in the last 500 miles". This inconsistency points to potential quality control issues or specific application limits.
What helps level the playing field is Performance Plus Tire's own warranty and service policies. They stand behind their sales regardless of brand, adding protection even for mid-tier options like the Trailer King RST.
Tire specifications can seem like a puzzle when you're shopping for trailer tires. Performance Plus Tire's inventory includes terms like "load range E" or "10-ply rated" that matter more than you might think for your trailer's safety and performance. Having tested trailer tires across thousands of miles, I can help you understand what these ratings actually mean for your specific hauling needs.
Back in the day, ply ratings were simple—manufacturers literally counted cotton fabric layers inside the tire. A 6-ply tire had six layers of cotton fabric. That was the mid-20th century approach to tire construction. Things have changed dramatically since then. Modern tires use much stronger materials that need fewer physical layers while delivering the same strength or better.
The progression went from cotton fibers arranged at specific angles to steel wires, then to today's rubberized textile cords wrapped under the tire beads. What we call "ply rating" today is really a standardized strength indicator rather than an actual layer count.
This created a clean alphabetical system that connects ply ratings to load ranges:
Load Range C equals a 6-ply rating
Load Range D equals an 8-ply rating
Load Range E equals a 10-ply rating
The system keeps going up—Load Range F corresponds to 12-ply rating, with even higher ratings for specialized applications. Performance Plus Tire displays these designations clearly in product descriptions and they're marked right on the tires themselves.
The load index is a numerical value (typically between 1-150) that tells you exactly how much weight each tire can safely carry when properly inflated. This number converts directly to a specific carrying capacity in pounds.
Here's a practical example: your trailer has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds with four tires. Each tire needs to safely support at least 2,500 pounds. You'd need tires with an appropriate load index to match or exceed this requirement.
Load index is straightforward—higher numbers equal greater capacity. You'll find this information on the tire's sidewall, usually following the tire size and before the speed rating. Performance Plus Tire makes this easier by clearly listing load indexes in their product descriptions.
Here's the golden rule: replacement tires must always meet or exceed the load index recommended on your vehicle's door placard or owner's manual—never go lower. For electric vehicles or heavily loaded trailers, consider selecting an even higher load index for extra safety margin.
Trailer tires come with speed ratings that indicate their maximum safe operating speed. These ratings appear as letters on the sidewall, usually after the load index. For trailer applications, three ratings are most common:
L rating: Maximum safe speed of 75 mph
M rating: Maximum safe speed of 81 mph[212]
N rating: Maximum safe speed of 87 mph
These ratings aren't suggestions—they represent the maximum speed at which manufacturers guarantee structural integrity under properly loaded conditions. Exceeding these limits generates excessive heat that can lead to catastrophic failure.
M-rated tires are the most common choice for modern trailer applications, providing a reasonable 81 mph maximum that works for normal highway travel. Performance Plus Tire carries options in all these ratings, so you can select based on your typical towing speeds.
A tire's speed rating affects more than just velocity—it influences handling characteristics, stopping power, and overall performance. Higher-rated tires typically offer better grip and stability, though sometimes with shorter tread life due to softer compounds.
Always match or exceed your trailer's original equipment speed rating. When mixing tires with different speed ratings (not recommended but sometimes unavoidable), your vehicle's safe maximum speed becomes limited to the lowest-rated tire in the set.
Different trailers ask different things from their tires. A lightweight utility trailer has completely different needs than a loaded fifth-wheel heading cross-country. After putting the Trailer King RST through various scenarios, I've found they shine in some applications while being adequate in others. Here's where these tires really make sense for your specific hauling needs.
RV owners have embraced the Trailer King RST for good reason. These tires work particularly well with larger recreational vehicles, where their optimized tread pattern helps cut down on the swaying that can make highway driving nerve-wracking. The reinforced sidewalls and radial construction provide the stability you need when you're hauling what's essentially a house on wheels.
The comfort factor really stands out on longer trips. The RST's radial design does a nice job soaking up road vibrations, which means less fatigue when you're covering serious miles. Keep your inflation between 50-80 PSI based on your load, and you'll get the best balance of comfort and wear life.
Performance Plus Tire keeps popular RV sizes in stock, so you won't have to wait around when it's time to replace your rubber.
Boat owners face unique challenges—wet ramps, uneven loads, and the need to handle well on both dry pavement and slick surfaces. The Trailer King RST handles these conditions better than you might expect. The tread pattern provides solid traction whether you're backing down a wet ramp or cruising the highway with your bass boat in tow.
For utility work, these tires prove their worth through consistent performance. Loading and unloading equipment, gravel, or building materials puts different stresses on tires than steady highway cruising. The RST handles these stop-and-go scenarios without showing premature wear on the sidewalls. The M-speed rating (81 mph max) gives you plenty of margin for highway travel between job sites.
Performance Plus Tire prices these competitively against premium alternatives, making them a smart choice for work applications where you need reliability without breaking the budget.
Commercial operators need tires that show up to work every day without drama. The Trailer King RST delivers dependable performance for medium-duty commercial use. They're not the absolute toughest tire you can buy, but they offer solid value for businesses that need consistent performance without premium pricing.
The nylon overlay construction helps resist punctures and sidewall damage—important when you're navigating construction sites or rough access roads. While they won't match the ultimate durability of top-tier commercial tires, they provide reasonable service life for the price point.
For contractors or businesses with particularly demanding applications, Performance Plus Tire also stocks higher load-range options that exceed the standard RST specifications when you need maximum capacity.
Quality trailer tires don't have to break the bank. Performance Plus Tire offers flexible payment solutions alongside competitive pricing, making it easier for trailer owners to get the rubber they need without straining their budget.
Trailer King RST tires come in a wide range of prices depending on your size requirements. The 15-inch options start at just $50 per tire, which is pretty reasonable for a radial trailer tire. Here's how the pricing breaks down as you move up in size:
16-inch tires begin around $63
17-inch options from $88
18-inch tires starting at $102
20-inch variants from $89
Premium 24-inch and 26-inch sizes range from $243-$336
What makes the deal even better is Performance Plus Tire's frequent discounts—you'll often find 10% to 30% off regular prices on top brands. This pricing structure helps make quality tires accessible whether you're running a weekend camping setup or managing a commercial fleet.
Sometimes you need tires now but prefer to spread the cost over time. Performance Plus Tire works with several financing partners to make this happen. Affirm financing covers purchases from $50 to $5,000+ with payment terms spanning 3 to 60 months. Interest rates range from 0-36% depending on your credit profile, and qualifying purchases might even get 0% APR through Affirm's Pay-in-4 option.
Acima Leasing takes a different approach with their "no credit needed" lease-to-own program. This setup doesn't add to your debt load and lets you sync payments with your payday schedule.
Snap Finance rounds out the options with "Shop Now, Pay Later" and instant approval decisions. Their 100-day payment option can significantly reduce your total costs, which is particularly helpful when you need tire replacements right away.
Getting approved is straightforward with five basic steps. Start by checking your eligibility—you'll typically need to be 18+, have steady monthly income, and maintain an active checking account. Gather any required documentation, including personal financial statements.
Choose your preferred financing option and complete the online application during checkout. Most providers give instant decisions, so you can move forward with your purchase immediately. Once approved, review the terms carefully before accepting the financing offer.
Several options don't require prior credit history, though Snap Finance does note that not every applicant gets approved.
The tire itself is only part of the story—what happens when something goes wrong matters just as much. Performance Plus Tire's warranty coverage and customer policies reveal a lot about their commitment to standing behind what they sell.
Trailer King RST tires come with a 5-year manufacturer's limited warranty that covers defects in workmanship and materials for the life of the original tread or five years from purchase date, whichever comes first. The first 2/32" of useable tread gets full replacement coverage for any defects at zero cost.
After that initial period, you're looking at prorated coverage based on how much tread remains. They calculate this by dividing the remaining 32nds of useable tread by the total original tread depth. There's also a "Ride Disturbance" warranty for the first 2/32" of tread life—if your tires cause uncomfortable vibrations, they'll replace them without charge.
Performance Plus Tire runs a fairly standard return setup, though with some fees you should know about upfront:
Returns and cancelations carry a 20% restocking fee plus shipping charges
Wheel and tire packages add an extra $80 per set dismounting fee
You've got 30 days after receiving products to return them
Mistakes on their end get full refunds, no questions asked
The usual rules apply—tires need to stay unmounted, unused, and in original packaging. For shipping damage, report it within 48 hours of delivery to qualify for carrier compensation.
Performance Plus Tire operates out of Long Beach, California, as an established business, though they don't currently have BBB accreditation. The Better Business Bureau says they lack sufficient information to assign a formal rating.
Customer feedback tells a mixed story. Some folks report communication hiccups, like delayed updates on orders or poor notification about inventory issues. Like most online tire retailers, your experience depends on timing, what you order, and how things line up on their end.
The manufacturer warranty from Trailer King, combined with Performance Plus Tire's policies, gives you reasonable protection for your purchase—though with the typical industry limits and fine print you'd expect.
After putting the Trailer King RST through 10,000 miles of real-world testing, I can confidently say these tires earned their place as solid performers in the trailer tire market. They shine brightest on RV and fifth-wheel applications, where that optimized tread depth and nylon overlay construction really show their value through improved stability and heat management. The even wear patterns and cool running temperatures during those long summer highway stretches were genuinely impressive—exactly what you want when you're miles from home.
Here's the bottom line on value: these tires hit a sweet spot for budget-minded trailer owners. Sure, they won't outlast a premium Maxxis M8008, but they cost considerably less while still delivering dependable performance for typical trailer use. Performance Plus Tire's competitive pricing and financing options through Affirm, Acima, and Snap Finance remove the financial barriers that often force people into questionable tire choices.
Your specific needs should drive your decision. Load requirements, typical speeds, and trailer type all matter. The Trailer King RST handles diverse applications well, though heavy commercial users might want to step up to higher load range options for maximum durability.
The 5-year manufacturer's warranty offers standard protection, though Performance Plus Tire's customer service experiences vary from customer to customer.
Would I recommend these tires? Absolutely—for recreational and light commercial trailer owners who want reliable performance without paying premium prices. The Trailer King RST occupies that practical middle ground between cheap tires that fail prematurely and expensive options that exceed most people's actual needs. My testing confirmed these tires deliver where it counts: durability, heat resistance, and stability under load. Given their reasonable price point and Performance Plus Tire's wide availability, these tires deserve serious consideration for your next trailer tire replacement.
After rigorous 10,000-mile testing, here are the essential insights about Performance Plus Tire's Trailer King RST tires that every trailer owner should know:
• Exceptional durability and heat management: RST tires showed even wear patterns and superior heat resistance during extended highway driving, projecting 40,000+ mile lifespan with proper maintenance.
• Strong price-to-performance value: Priced $50-$180+ with financing options available, these tires deliver reliable performance without premium costs of competitors like Maxxis M8008.
• Optimized for RV and recreational trailers: Nylon overlay construction and M-speed rating (81 mph) provide excellent stability for fifth-wheels and travel trailers on highways.
• Proper sizing is critical: Load range options (6-ply to 10-ply) must match your trailer's GVWR requirements - never go below manufacturer specifications for safety.
• 5-year warranty with standard limitations: Manufacturer coverage includes defect protection and prorated replacement, though Performance Plus Tire's customer service experiences vary.
The Trailer King RST represents a practical middle ground for trailer owners seeking dependable performance without breaking the budget. While not matching premium tire longevity, they offer confidence-inspiring durability, heat resistance, and stability under load - making them ideal for recreational and light commercial applications where value matters most.
Q1. How long do Trailer King RST tires typically last? With proper maintenance and use, Trailer King RST tires can last up to 40,000 miles or more. However, actual lifespan depends on factors like load, inflation pressure, and road conditions.
Q2. Are Trailer King RST tires suitable for all types of trailers? Trailer King RST tires are versatile and work well for many trailer types, including RVs, fifth wheels, boat trailers, and utility trailers. They're especially praised for their performance on larger recreational vehicles.
Q3. How do Trailer King RST tires compare to premium brands like Goodyear Endurance? While Trailer King RST tires offer good performance at a lower price point, premium options like Goodyear Endurance may provide superior durability and features. The RST represents a solid mid-range choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Q4. What speed rating do Trailer King RST tires have? Most Trailer King RST tires come with an M-speed rating, allowing for safe operation up to 81 mph. This makes them suitable for typical highway towing speeds.
Q5. Does Performance Plus Tire offer financing options for tire purchases? Yes, Performance Plus Tire provides several financing options, including Affirm, Acima, and Snap Finance. These allow customers to spread payments over time or use lease-to-own programs, making tire purchases more accessible.
