Trailer tire selection made simple: finding the right KENDA tire for the job

Choosing the right trailer tire is about more than dimensions. Matching the tire correctly to the task makes a significant difference for the performance and lifespan of any trailer. From occasionally driving hedge trimmings to the recycling station to hauling heavy building materials daily, every trailer and use case has specific demands.

KENDA offers a focused range of high-speed trailer tires to suit a wide variety of applications, terrains and loads – from everyday hauling to harsh winter journeys and rugged off-road use. This guide helps you compare the key features of each tire, so you can make the best choice.

Why is it important to choose the right trailer tire?

Whether the trailer is transporting a beloved boat, expensive machinery, or precious livestock, a properly matched tire keeps it tracking straight, braking predictably, and absorbing road stress without premature wear. Using the wrong tire, either because it is undersized, overloaded, or unsuitable for the terrain, can lead to:

  • Increased risk of blowouts or instability
  • Uneven wear and shorter lifespan
  • Poor fuel efficiency or towing performance
  • Legal non-compliance with load, speed or winter ratings

So, in short, the right tire correctly matched to the trailer’s use case ensures peace of mind.

The KENDA trailer tire range

KENDA’s trailer tires are optimised for real-world use. Our European Technical Centre ensures that our solutions fit European standards, conditions, and preferences. Serving a third of the European OEM trailer market, our products are TÜV-tested and meet both European and North American automotive standards.

The KENDA trailer tire range covers a wide variety of towing applications. Each model is optimised for specific conditions. You can get an overview here:

No matter the model, all of our trailer tires are characterised by:

  • Robust carcass construction for reliable load-carrying capacity and stability
  • Free Rolling Tire technology, improving fuel efficiency and extending tread life under heavy use
  • All-season traction, with M+S ratings across the range and our KR500 offering true winter certification (3PMSF) and a studable design
  • Quiet, stable performance, thanks to carefully tuned tread designs that reduce vibration and road noise
  • Low rolling resistance, meeting EU standards for energy-efficient transport
  • Enhanced air retention, with advanced inner liner compounds to reduce pressure loss over time
  • ECE R117 compliance, ensuring top-tier standards in wet grip, rolling resistance, and external noise levels

Find the right tire for your trailer, load and terrain

This table provides a quick-reference overview to help match each KENDA trailer tire to its ideal application. Use it to find your perfect trailer match or to guide product recommendations based on trailer type, load demands, and operating conditions.

As with any other trailer tire, the exact load carrying capacity of any KENDA trailer tire depends on:

  • The specific tire size and LI (Load Index)
  • Whether it’s used on a single, tandem, or triaxle trailer
  • The operating speed (SI – Speed Index)

Always compare the tire’s load index with the actual gross weight and maximum axle load of the trailer in use. To verify the load capacity:

    1. Locate the Load Index (LI) on the tire’s sidewall or in the tire’s specifications on our website or in our catalogue (e.g. 104):
    2. Match it to a standard LI chart (104 = 900 kg per tire at max pressure)
    3. Multiply by the number of tires supporting the load (e.g. 4 tires of 900 kg = 3600 kg total)
    4. Adjust if needed for speed or tandem axle configurations as per local trailer regulations

How to get the most out of trailer tires

To ensure long life and safe travel, regular care is key. If you are unsure how to take care of your tires in the best way or want to provide your customers a quick and easy guide, you can find our best tips here.

  • Check that you have the right tire pressure before every journey to avoid unnecessary wear
  • Avoid overloading the trailer beyond the tire’s weight rating to avoid premature damage or unsafe towing
  • Store away from direct sunlight and elevated from the ground if possible
  • Regularly balance and align the tires to avoid uneven wear
Taking care of trailer tires (148 x 105 mm)

Keep your business moving with KENDA as your trusted partner

KENDA engineers, produces and supplies both tires and wheels in-house, giving you full compatibility, simplified logistics, and peace of mind. With distribution sites and customer care teams across Europe and a Technical Centre in Germany, you can benefit from global manufacturing expertise backed by local, responsive support. That is how we help our customers stay compliant, competitive and confident.

Learn more about how we act as your trusted partner through:

Are you looking for a reliable OEM trailer tire supplier or considering becoming a KENDA distributor?

Are you already a KENDA distributor or dealer and looking to restock your trailer tires?

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