6 Best 13-Inch Trailer Tires for Hauling Your Motorcycle with Confidence

I’ve hauled bikes on small open trailers for years, and I can tell you the tires are the part most people neglect until something goes wrong. A blowout on a loaded trailer is miserable. It’s worse when there’s a motorcycle strapped on top of it.

The 13-inch wheel size is a sweet spot for lightweight bike trailers. It’s tall enough to roll smoothly over road imperfections and small enough to keep the deck low for easy loading. In this guide I share the six tires I’d actually consider for that job, and why.

How I Chose These Tires

I focused on ST175/80R13 and 175/80D13 sizes, since these are what most 13-inch motorcycle trailers use. Every tire here is a real, widely sold model from a known brand.

I judged each one on load capacity, construction, ride quality, heat resistance, and price. I also weighed how well it suits the typical bike trailer: lightweight, often parked outside, and towed in bursts rather than daily.

One caveat: availability and load ratings vary by retailer and production run. Before buying, check the exact spec listed for your size against your trailer’s axle and tire placard.

1. Carlisle Radial Trail HD — Best Overall Pick

The Carlisle Radial Trail HD is the tire I reach for first. It’s a steel-belted radial designed specifically for trailers, and the ST175/80R13 size fits a huge range of motorcycle haulers.

Why I Like It

Radial construction means the Radial Trail HD runs cooler than bias-ply tires at highway speeds. Heat is the number one killer of trailer tires, so that matters on long hauls to track days or rallies.

In my experience, the ride is noticeably smoother too. That’s gentler on your bike’s suspension and tie-downs, especially on rough pavement.

Things to Consider

The Radial Trail HD costs more than basic bias-ply options, typically in the $60 to $100 range per tire depending on retailer. I think it’s worth it if you tow more than a few times a year.

Check the load range for your size. Carlisle offers it in load ranges suited to light trailers, so confirm it exceeds your trailer’s per-tire loading.

2. Maxxis M8008 ST Radial — Best for Long-Distance Towing

If I were driving across several states with a bike on the back, I’d put the Maxxis M8008 ST Radial on the trailer. Maxxis built this tire for sustained highway use, and its reputation for tough sidewalls and long tread life is well earned.

Standout Features

The M8008 uses a steel-belted radial casing with a tread compound designed for low rolling resistance and even wear. It’s offered in 13-inch sizes, including ST175/80R13.

I like how it holds up to UV exposure and heat cycling. Those are the things that quietly age a trailer tire sitting in a driveway all summer.

The Trade-Offs

Expect to pay a premium, often similar to or above the Carlisle. It’s overkill for a trailer that only makes a short run to the local trail a few times a year.

That said, for riders who tow frequently, the M8008 is one of the few tires I’d call a set-it-and-forget-it purchase.

3. Kenda Loadstar K353 — Best Budget Bias-Ply Option

The Kenda Loadstar K353 is a classic bias-ply trailer tire, and it’s one of the most common sights on small utility and motorcycle trailers. It’s offered in 175/80D13, which suits many 13-inch setups.

Why It Works for Bike Trailers

Bias-ply sidewalls are stiff, which resists sway on light trailers. The Loadstar K353 is also inexpensive, often landing in the $40 to $65 range per tire.

For a trailer that sees occasional, shorter trips, I think it’s a smart value. I’ve seen them last for years with proper inflation and storage.

Limitations

Bias-ply tires run hotter and ride rougher than radials on long highway stretches. If you routinely tow at 65 mph or more for hours, I’d step up to a radial.

Also, don’t mix bias and radial tires on the same trailer. Keep both axle positions matched.

4. Carlisle Sport Trail LH — Best for Light-Duty, Occasional Use

The Carlisle Sport Trail LH is Carlisle’s bias-ply option for lightweight trailers. It comes in 175/80D13, and it’s a popular choice for single-bike trailers that don’t see heavy mileage.

What Stands Out

The Sport Trail LH is built around durability for light-duty towing, with a stiff casing and a simple, effective tread pattern. The Carlisle name gives me confidence in the build quality at a modest price.

It’s a good fit if you tow your bike a handful of times each season and want something dependable without paying radial prices.

My Take

I’d pick the Sport Trail LH over no-name imports every time. Even on a budget, a recognized brand tends to mean more consistent quality control.

Just keep an eye on the DOT date code and sun exposure. Even good bias-ply rubber cracks if it bakes in the sun for years.

5. Goodyear Marathon — Best Brand-Name Peace of Mind

The Goodyear Marathon is a long-running trailer tire line, and it’s available in smaller sizes including the 13-inch ST175/80R13 in many markets. It’s a radial built specifically for trailer duty.

Why Riders Choose It

Goodyear’s name carries weight, and the Marathon is designed for stable highway tracking and resistance to the sidewall scuffing that trailer tires suffer from curbs and tight parking.

If you like buying from a major manufacturer with a strong dealer and warranty network, the Marathon makes sense. Having a nationwide brand also makes replacements easy on the road.

Availability Note

Sizing in the Marathon line has varied over the years, so verify that your exact size and load range are in stock. I’d call ahead to a local shop before counting on it.

Pricing generally sits in the mid-range, a bit above basic bias-ply and often near the Carlisle radial.

6. Kenda Karrier KR35 — Best Value Radial

The Kenda Karrier KR35 is a radial trailer tire from Kenda that’s often priced lower than the premium radials above. For riders who want radial benefits without top-shelf pricing, it’s a good middle ground.

What I Like

You get steel-belted radial construction, which means cooler running and a smoother ride compared to bias-ply. That’s a real upgrade for protecting a bike on a longer trip.

The Karrier line is widely sold at trailer dealers and online retailers, so finding a matched pair or set is rarely a hassle.

What to Watch

Sizes and load ranges vary, so double-check what’s offered in 13 inches before you buy. I’d also compare reviews for your specific size, since quality can feel a notch below the Maxxis.

For the money, though, it’s a solid way to get radial performance on a budget.

What I Look for When Buying Trailer Tires

Size and Load Range

Start with the size on your current tire, usually something like ST175/80R13. Then check the load range letter and maximum load on the sidewall.

Your tires should comfortably exceed the weight of the trailer plus the bike, gear, and tongue weight. I like at least a 20 percent safety margin.

Radial or Bias-Ply

Radials cost more but run cooler and last longer on highways. Bias-ply tires are cheaper and stiffer, which suits short trips on light trailers.

Never mix the two types on one trailer. It can cause unpredictable handling and uneven wear.

Age and Inflation

Trailer tires usually age out before they wear out. I replace mine at roughly five to six years, no matter how good the tread looks.

Check pressure before every trip, since trailer tires lose air quietly. Underinflation is the leading cause of trailer blowouts.

Gear I Keep on Hand for Trailer Tire Trouble

Even the best tire can pick up a nail. I carry a plug kit, and my guide to the best tire repair kit for motorcycle use covers solid options that also work for small trailer tires.

For topping off pressure at a campsite or fuel stop, I like having a manual option too. See my picks for the best tire hand pump for motorcycle if you want something compact that fits in the trailer’s storage box.

Don’t Forget the Tires on the Bike Itself

Your trailer tires get you there, but the bike’s own rubber determines how the ride goes once you arrive. If you’re heading to a track day, my write-up on the best micheline sport tire for motorcycle riders is a good place to start.

Planning to ride in rain after the haul? Take a look at the best motorcycle tire for wet roads for grip you can trust.

And if your destination is dirt, the best motorcycle tire for desert racing is worth a look. I often tow my off-road bike to desert events, so this trailer-plus-tire pairing matters to me.

Maintenance Habits That Extend Tire Life

Cover your trailer tires when parked outdoors. UV rays are brutal on rubber, and inexpensive tire covers can add years of useful life.

Inspect the sidewalls for cracking, bulges, and uneven wear before each trip. Also check the wheel lug nuts, since they can loosen after the first miles on new tires.

Store the trailer off bare ground when possible, and keep pressure at the maximum listed on the sidewall when towing. That’s the figure tire makers typically specify for ST tires under load.

My Final Recommendation

For most riders, I’d buy the Carlisle Radial Trail HD. It balances price, durability, and ride quality better than anything else on this list.

If you tow constantly or cover big distances, the Maxxis M8008 ST Radial is my upgrade pick. If you’re on a tight budget and tow occasionally, the Kenda Loadstar K353 or Carlisle Sport Trail LH will serve you well.

Whatever you choose, match the size and load range to your trailer, keep the pressure right, and replace tires on age. Do those three things and your bike will arrive safely every time.

Frequently Asked Questions