When it comes to outfitting your dually truck or heavy-duty trailer, the right set of tires is not just an accessory—it’s a critical component for safety and performance. The 235/85R16 size is a popular choice for its balance of height, load capacity, and stability, making it ideal for demanding applications. Whether you’re hauling a fifth-wheel, towing heavy equipment, or navigating long stretches of highway, the correct tire can make a significant difference in handling, fuel efficiency, and overall peace of mind.
This roundup focuses on tires that excel in both performance and load capacity, a non-negotiable combination for serious hauling. We have compiled a selection of top-tier options from reputable brands, including specialized trailer tires and robust light truck (LT) models. From all-steel construction for maximum durability to advanced tread designs for all-season traction, each product on this list is engineered to handle substantial weight and provide reliable service mile after mile.
Top 235/85R16 Dually Tires for Heavy-Duty Use
- Set of 2 Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Trailer Tires
- Set of 4 Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Trailer Tires
- Set of 4 Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Trailer Tires
- Roundrule Xtra All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tire
- Set of 2 Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Trailer Tires
- Hankook Dynapro AT2 RF11 All Terrain Radial Tire
- Arroyo Eco Pro H/T All Season Light Truck Tire
- Michelin Agilis CrossClimate C-Metric Light Truck Tire
- Goodyear Endurance E Rated Trailer Tire
Set of 2 Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Trailer Tires
This set of two Transeagle ST Radial tires is built for heavy-duty trailer service. The all-steel construction provides exceptional strength and resistance to damage, which is essential for handling the high loads and potential road hazards encountered when towing. With a Load Range G (14-ply) rating, these tires are designed to support significant weight, making them a reliable choice for large utility, equipment, and enclosed trailers.
As highway-focused, all-season tires, they offer stable and predictable performance on paved roads. The robust design aims to minimize the risk of blowouts and premature wear, providing a dependable foundation for your trailer. The black sidewall presents a clean, professional look that holds up well under demanding conditions.
Set of 4 Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Trailer Tires
For those needing a complete set, this four-pack of Transeagle ST Radial tires offers a comprehensive solution. These tires share the same heavy-duty, all-steel construction as other models in the line but step up to an even higher Load Range H (16-ply) capacity. This increased load rating makes them suitable for the most demanding trailer applications where maximum weight support is a priority.
Purchasing a matched set of four ensures consistent performance and wear across all axle positions. The highway tread pattern is engineered for longevity and stability at higher speeds, which is vital for safe, long-distance towing. This set provides a balanced combination of extreme durability and reliable on-road handling for commercial or heavy personal use.
Set of 4 Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Trailer Tires
This is another excellent option for a complete four-tire set from Transeagle. These radial trailer tires feature a Load Range G (14-ply) rating, providing a robust and dependable platform for a wide array of heavy trailers. The all-steel carcass is engineered to resist punctures and impacts, which helps prevent downtime and maintenance issues.
The tires are designed for highway use and perform reliably in all seasons. Having four identical tires ensures uniform handling and braking characteristics, which contributes to the overall stability of your trailer while in motion. This set is a solid investment for anyone looking to outfit a new trailer or replace an aging set with a proven, heavy-duty product.
Roundrule Xtra All Steel Heavy Duty Premium Trailer Radial Tire
The Roundrule Xtra lives up to its name with extra-heavy-duty construction tailored for trailer use. It boasts an all-steel radial design with a Load Range G (14-ply) rating, positioning it as a strong contender for demanding towing needs. The focus of this tire is on delivering consistent performance and a long service life under heavy loads.
Its highway-focused tread pattern is designed to provide stable handling and even wear. The robust build quality aims to handle the stresses of frequent use, making it a suitable choice for both commercial haulers and recreational users with large trailers. This tire offers a balance of strength and on-road manners for reliable trailer operation.
Set of 2 Transeagle ST Radial All Steel Trailer Tires
This pair of Transeagle ST tires provides the superior strength of a Load Range H (16-ply) construction. This high load capacity is ideal for the rear axles of a dually trailer setup or for replacing two tires on a heavier trailer. The all-steel radial design is built to withstand the rigors of heavy loads and prolonged use.
Engineered for highway travel, these tires offer the stability needed for secure towing at speed. The set of two is a cost-effective way to upgrade the most critical axle positions on your trailer with tires that have an exceptional weight-bearing capacity. They represent a practical choice for users who need to bolster their trailer’s load handling without replacing all tires at once.
Hankook Dynapro AT2 RF11 All Terrain Radial Tire
The Hankook Dynapro AT2 is an all-terrain light truck tire that brings versatility to the table. While it carries a 10-ply E rating, it is engineered to handle a variety of surfaces, from highways to light off-road conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for a dually truck that serves as a daily driver and a tow vehicle, requiring a tire that can perform in multiple scenarios.
The aggressive tread pattern is designed to provide reliable traction in mud, snow, and on loose surfaces, while still maintaining good on-road manners. For truck owners who need a single tire that can manage both towing duties and occasional off-pavement adventures, the Dynapro AT2 offers a compelling blend of rugged capability and everyday drivability.
Arroyo Eco Pro H/T All Season Light Truck Tire
The Arroyo Eco Pro H/T is a highway-terrain tire designed for light trucks and SUVs. A key benefit is its 50,000-mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, which provides confidence in its long-term durability. The tread design incorporates four wide longitudinal grooves that actively channel water away, enhancing grip and handling on wet roads.
This focus on wet-weather performance, combined with its all-season capability, makes it a safe and reliable choice for a tow vehicle. The tire is built to offer a smooth and quiet ride while providing the load-carrying capacity required for light truck and potential towing applications. It represents a value-oriented option for daily driving with the strength for occasional heavy loads.
Michelin Agilis CrossClimate C-Metric Light Truck Tire
The Michelin Agilis CrossClimate is engineered for commercial vans and light trucks that operate in diverse conditions. As a three-peak mountain snowflake rated tire, it is designed to provide reliable traction in severe snow conditions, a feature that sets it apart from standard all-season tires. This makes it an outstanding choice for tow vehicles and work trucks that must perform reliably year-round, regardless of the weather.
Michelin’s reputation for quality and innovation is evident in this model, which aims to deliver a long tread life, all-season confidence, and robust load-carrying capacity. For business owners or individuals who depend on their vehicle in winter conditions without wanting to switch to dedicated snow tires, the Agilis CrossClimate offers a versatile and capable solution.
Goodyear Endurance E Rated Trailer Tire
The Goodyear Endurance is a premium trailer tire known for its durability and reliability. It is designed specifically for trailer service, with features that help resist wear, weathering, and damage that can occur during storage and use. The tire’s construction is optimized for the unique stresses trailers face, such as scrubbing during tight turns and extended periods of inactivity.
Goodyear has built a strong reputation with this model for its robust performance and reduced failure rates compared to some standard trailer tires. It provides excellent stability and load-bearing capacity, making it a top-tier choice for boat trailers, RVs, and utility trailers where safety and dependability are the highest priorities.
Buying Guide: Finding the Best 9/85R16 Dually Tires for Performance and Load Capacity
When I’m looking for new tires for my dually truck, I know it’s not just a simple purchase. It’s a critical investment in safety and capability. The 9/85R16 size is a workhorse, often found on medium-duty trucks and heavy-duty pickups used for towing and hauling. My main focus is always on two things: load capacity and performance. Here’s what I always check before making a decision.
First and most importantly, I look at the load range and load index. This isn’t a place to cut corners. For a 9/85R16 tire, you’re typically looking at Load Range F or G. Load Range F has a load capacity of around 3,195 pounds per tire at 95 psi, while Load Range G can handle about 3,750 pounds per tire at 110 psi. I make sure the combined capacity of all four rear tires far exceeds the maximum weight I plan to carry or tow. I also check the truck’s Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) to ensure the tires are a match. Going with a higher load range than necessary, like a G instead of an F, can provide a valuable safety buffer for those heavy loads.
Next, I consider the tire’s construction and intended use. There are all-season tires, which are a good all-around choice for a mix of highway driving and occasional work. Then there are commercial truck tires, which are built with tougher casings and deeper tread for severe service. If my truck is a daily driver that also pulls a fifth-wheel on weekends, a robust all-season or highway terrain tire might be perfect. But if I’m running a service body truck loaded with tools and materials every single day, I lean towards a commercial-grade tire designed for constant, heavy use.
Finally, I think about the performance characteristics that matter to me. Tread pattern affects wet traction, road noise, and handling. I look for tires with stable blocks and sturdy shoulders to handle the unique stresses of a dually setup. I also pay attention to the treadwear warranty; a higher number can indicate a longer-lasting tire, which saves money in the long run. While I want a smooth and quiet ride, I never sacrifice durability and load-carrying ability for a bit of comfort. Finding the right balance for my specific needs is the key to getting the best 9/85R16 dually tires for performance and load capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the actual difference between Load Range F and G for my 9/85R16 tires?
The difference comes down to weight capacity and inflation pressure. A Load Range F tire in the 9/85R16 size can typically handle 3,195 pounds at 95 psi. A Load Range G tire in the same size can handle more, usually around 3,750 pounds, but it requires a higher inflation pressure of 110 psi to do so. You need to check your vehicle’s door jamb or manual to see what load range and pressure it specifies. Using a G-range tire on a truck designed for F can be acceptable and provide extra capacity, but you must ensure your wheels are rated for the higher pressure.
Can I use a different size tire on my dually truck instead of the stock 9/85R16?
I strongly advise against it. Dually tires are engineered to have very specific dimensions. Even a small variation in width, diameter, or profile can cause the two tires on the same axle to rub against each other. This contact generates immense heat from friction, which can lead to a sudden and dangerous tire failure. Sticking with the manufacturer’s specified size, like 9/85R16, is the safest practice to maintain proper clearance and vehicle stability.
How often should I rotate the tires on my dually truck?
Rotation is just as important on a dually as it is on any other vehicle, maybe even more so because of the heavy loads. I aim to rotate my dually tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. The best pattern is a “side-to-side” rotation on the rear duals and a “front-to-back” crossover. This means swapping the outer rear tire with the inner rear tire on the same side, and then moving the front tires straight back to the inner rear positions. This helps promote even wear across all six tires.
Why is proper tire pressure so critical for dually tires?
Maintaining the correct air pressure is the single most important thing I do for my dually’s tires. Underinflation is a killer. It causes the tires to flex excessively, building up heat that can destroy the internal structure and lead to a blowout. On a dually, an underinflated tire will also bear less weight, transferring that extra load to its paired tire, which can then become overloaded. I check my tire pressures at least once a month with a reliable gauge and always before a long trip or before hooking up a heavy load.
What should I look for in a tire if I do a lot of highway towing?
For frequent highway towing, my priorities are load capacity, heat resistance, and stability. I look for a tire with a high load index, preferably Load Range G, to handle the tongue weight and payload. I also look for tires built with robust materials and compounds that resist heat buildup during long, high-speed journeys. A tread pattern with stable, continuous ribs on the shoulders will provide better handling stability and resist the squirming feeling when a heavy trailer is pushing the truck. Finding the best 9/85R16 dually tires for performance and load capacity means focusing on these heavy-duty traits.