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Carlisle is a popular tire brand that produces a wide range of specialty tires. But, are its tires reliable? This Carlisle tires review has the answers.

Carlisle produces some of the best trailer tires. Its tires are highly dependable and affordably priced. Also, its tires last longer than most of the other trailer tires on the market, thanks to their exceptional heat resistance. Furthermore, they also deliver a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride.

In this Carlisle tires review, we will take a closer look at some of its most popular tires, the brand’s warranties and guarantees a well as its strengths and drawbacks. By the time you finish going through this Carlisle tires review and brand guide, you will have all the information you need to decide whether it’s the right tire brand for your trailer’s tires.

We are committed to publishing objective, well-researched and informative reviews. And to achieve this, we have a highly reliable team, comprising experienced tire testers, reporters, researchers and various industry experts, working round the clock to identify, test and review the different products that feature on our site. So, whenever you are reading a review, informational article or brand guide, you can rest assured the information you are getting is credible.

Table of Contents

About Carlisle Tires

Carlisle is a U.S-based tire brand launched in 1917. It’s named after the town where it was launched, and this is Carlisle, Pennsylvania. This tire brand produces a wide range of tires for different settings and applications. It manufactures tires for ATVs and UTVs, trailers and haulers, construction, agriculture, lawn and garden as well as industrial, among others.

Carlisle tires are manufactured and exclusively sold by The Carlstar Group. It has a manufacturing facility in Clinton, Tennessee. Also, this brand recently opened another manufacturing facility in Jackson, Tennessee.

Its tires are engineered to deliver top-notch performance for adventures as well as reliability for everyday driving needs. Carlisle is renowned for producing tires that perform according to expectations. And this explains why its tires are used as original equipment by several automotive brands.

While some of its tires are manufactured in China and then shipped to the U.S, their quality is at par with those manufactured in the U.S. With cutting-edge technology, top-notch performances and high-quality construction, Carlisle has proven beyond doubt that it’s one of the best tire manufacturers in the industry.

Most Popular Carlisle Tires

As noted above, Carlisle has a vast selection of tires. Whether you are looking for lawn and garden tires, ATV and UTV tires, trailer tires, hauling tires, industrial tires or construction tires, Carlisle have a tire that suits your needs. Some of the brand’s most popular tires include:

Carlisle Radial Trailer HD

The Radial Trailer HD is one of the company’s most popular tires, thanks to its outstanding versatility. It can fit a wide range of vehicles such as toy trailers, boat trailers, and livestock trailers, just to name a few. Also, you can use it as a work tire or leisure tire, depending on the tasks at hand.

Tire Highlights

The Carlisle Radial Trailer HD is built to deliver be more durable, safer, and longer-lasting than the majority of the tires in its category. According to the manufacturer, this tire is ideal both for long-distance and short-distance travel. To achieve these objectives, Carlisle has outfitted it with several great features like heat-resistant and wear-resistant rubber compound, interconnected tread blocks, and ozone weathering protection.

The heat-resistant and wear-resistant rubber tread compound works with the tire’s high-tensile steel belts to provide enhanced impact resistance as well as minimal rolling resistance. And with the reduced rolling resistance, you will enjoy better fuel efficiency, leading to cost savings at the gas pump.

As for the interconnected tread blocks, they are designed to promote uniform tread wear and longer tread life. This trailer tire also comes with multiple plies in its carcass, which help to increase its load-carrying capacity.

Similar to other tires from this brand, the Radial Trail HD is also built to lose minimal pressure, thus allowing it to perform at the highest level. Also, this design helps to minimize premature wear and tear.

As noted above, this tire also comes with ozone weathering protection. This feature is designed to enhance the tire’s capability to withstand extremely high temperatures, which are a common occurrence when traveling at higher speeds or for longer distances. Again, the ozone weathering protection helps to minimize damage, thus extending the tire’s usable life.

All versions of this tire come with an L-speed rating or an M-speed rating. Therefore, you can simply choose your preferred version, depending on the type of hauling that you will be doing.

Price Range

The Carlisle Radial Trailer HD is currently retailing for around $70 to $150 in various stores around the country.

Hence, a set will cost you approximately $280 to $600, depending on the size you decide to purchase.

Sizes and Fitment

Carlisle produces this trailer tire in several sizes, ranging between 13 inches and 16 inches. The L version can hit speeds of up to 75 mph while the M-speed rated tire can reach speeds of approximately 81 mph.

Verdict

When it comes to durability, top-notch performances and reliability, it’s almost hard to come across a tire that can out-perform the Carlisle Radial Trailer HD.

It’s specifically built for trailer owners who need a highly dependable tire, which can go the distance without issues of tire failure. Also, it’s a budget-friendly trailer tire. So, if you are on the market for a trailer tire that will offer you great value for your money, then the Carlisle will be a worthy consideration.

Carlisle Sport Trail LH

The Carlisle Sport Trail LH is a solidly built, good-looking and budget-friendly tire, designed for hauling heavy loads over long distances. It’s built to produce lesser heat than other trailer tires.

Available in a wide range of sizes, this tire can be used in almost all types of trailers, including boat trailers, RV trailers, towable utility trailers, livestock trailers, all-purpose and specialty trailers.

Tire Highlights

According to the manufacturer, this tire is built to be rugged and durable enough, so that it can handle a wide range of hauling tasks. It features sturdy sidewalls, which help it to withstand heavy loads. Carlisle has also equipped this tier with a unique tread design. This unique tread design not only helps to provide the necessary traction but also minimizes the tire’s rolling resistance.

Another notable feature of this tire is that it’s bias-belted. Bias-belted tires are renowned for their smooth, comfortable and safe ride. Also, they deliver higher mileages, compared to other tires. And the Carlisle Sport Trail LH is no exception.

Sizes and Fitment

 If you are in the market for a trailer tire, you will be happy to know that the Carlisle Sport Trail LH is available in a vast range of sizes, running between 12 inches to 15 inches.

So, if you own a truck whose wheel sizes fall within this range, then it’s highly likely the Sport Trail LH will be compatible.

Price Range

The Sport Trail LH is one of the most affordable trailer tires that you can find on the market today. It’s currently retailing at approximately $30 to $150. So, a set of four tires will set you back only $120 to $600.

And if you were to purchase a set of six tires, they will still cost you less than $1000, making this tire one of the most budget-friendly on the market.

Verdict

Whether your work entails hauling heavy loads with your truck or you are an adventure seeker who is always traversing from one city to the next with a camper trailer, this tire will be a perfect solution to your hauling needs. It’s durable, sturdy and has high heat resistance.

Carlisle Ground Force

As its name suggests, the Carlisle Ground Force is a tire that’s specifically designed for ground support vehicles, dollies, utility carts and various other types of similar vehicles. It’s built to provide the performance, protection, safety and durability required by vehicles in this industry.

The Carlisle Ground Force is currently available in two versions – these are the Carlisle Ground Force Ultra Rib Industrial and the Carlisle Ground Force GSE Industrial. Each version is built for specific types of hauling.

Also, you have the option of choosing a 10-ply or 8-ply tire for the Ground Force GSE while the Ground Force Ultra Rib is available in 16-ply, 10-ply, 8-ply and 6-ply. Tires are available in several load ranges, running between C and H. Therefore, you are almost certain of getting a tire that can fit your ground support trailer.

Tire Highlights

Ground support vehicles undertake heavy hauling every day. Therefore, they will need a tire that can withstand heavy loads and perform under extreme pressure, without failing. And the Carlisle Ground Force is one such tire. To achieve these goals, Carlisle has provisioned it with extra tread depth, a durable rib tread pattern as well as a premium tread compound. These features work together to enable the tire to handle extremely heavy loads.

All versions of this tire feature a CT-4 rubber compound, injected during the molding process. This advanced rubber compound enables the tire to withstand extreme pressure. Also, it enhances the tire’s resistance against heat as well as wear and tire.

Carlisle has gone a step further and outfitted this tire with an inbuilt rim guard, designed to protect the wheel against abrasive surfaces. With all these great and advanced features, you can rest assured you are getting a tire that will last long.

Price Range

The Carlisle Ground Force is currently going for around $80 to $350, depending on the size. It’s available in some of the leading tire outlets in the country such as Discount Tire and Priority Tire, just to name a few.

Verdict

The Carlisle Ground Force is a durable and dependable tire, designed for trailers used in ground support. It’s sturdy and well-built, meaning it can handle the demanding work that ground support vehicles undertake daily. Overall, when it comes to treadwear, noise, durability and reliability, the Carlisle Ground Force scores above average.

Carlisle Ultra Sport Radial RH

 Whether your trailer is for work or leisure, you will need a sturdy and reliable tire, which can perform well under heavy load conditions. And that tire is none other than the Carlisle Ultra Sport Radial RH.

Tire Highlights

Unlike other trailer tires, then Ultra Sport Radial RH is tubeless. Hence, you don’t have to worry about punctures whenever you are towing with this tire. Also, its tubeless construction is designed to extend the tire’s life.

Trailer tires are known for their high rolling resistance. And this can lead to more fuel consumption as well as removal from service prematurely. But, this is not the case with the Ultra Sport Radial RH. Its tubeless construction also helps to minimize rolling resistance, resulting in better fuel efficiency.

Carlisle has also provisioned this tire with a wrap-around tread. Again, this wrap-around tread helps to extend the tire’s life. Also, it also improves the tire’s reliability and safety, especially during high-speed cornering.

The manufacturer has also utilized various technologies to enhance this tire’s strength while reducing heat, which is a common feature with trailer tires. These technologies include the Dural Trail technology and the Heat Shield technology. The Dura Trail technology helps to make this tire stronger, thus boosting its capacity to endure extremely heavy loads. On the other hand, the Heat Shield technology, featuring heat-resistant polymers, reduces the amount of friction between the tire and the road surface, thus minimizing heat buildup.

Sizes and Fitment

This tire is only available in two sizes – 14 inches and 15 inches. However, it’s also available in 8 plies or 6 plies. Therefore, it can fit different types of trailers like stock trailers, campers, boat trailers, cargo trailers, and various other types of trailers, used for leisure or work.

Price Range

If you would like to outfit your trailer with this tire, you are going to spend approximately $200 per tire. However, the actual cost will vary from one dealer to the other as well as the type and size that you choose.

Verdict

The Ultra Sport Radial RH is a reliable, durable and safe tire, which can fit a wide range of trailers. According to trailer owners who have outfitted their rigs with this tire, it lasts long and is not prone to failure like other trailer tires. Besides, it’s also visually appealing. Overall, the Carlisle Ultra Sport Radial RH is long-lasting and has decent heat resistance, which are usually the main issues with trailer tires. So, if you are looking to replace the tires on your trailer and you are looking for a dependable replacement, then the Carlisle is a decent choice.

Carlisle Sport Trail

The Carlisle Sport Trail is a high-speed, specialty trailer tire, built for use on almost all types of trailers. It can be installed on boat trailers, RV trailers, towable utility trailers, cargo trailers, horse trailers and all-purpose trailers, just to name a few.

Tire Highlights

The Sport Trail is built for towing and hauling applications that require a dependable and tough trailer tire. It features a bias-ply construction, designed to enhance the tire’s strength, especially around the sidewalls. Also, this bias-ply construction the tire’s straight-line tracking.

Carlisle has also equipped the Sport Trail Radial with an all-season, durable tread compound. This tread compound also features wide circumferential grooves, designed to channel water away from the tire’s tread and increase its traction and handling on wet roads. Also, this tread design helps to enhance the tire’s cornering performance while reducing its rolling resistance.

Sizes and Fitment

Carlisle produces this tire in several sizes, ranging from 8 inches all the way to 15 inches. As for the load ratings, you can get a C-rating or D-rating, depending on the type of towing or hauling that you intend to do with your trailer.

Price Range

Prices for this tire start from around $20 for the smaller sizes, all the way to around $80 for the large sizes, minus installation costs.

Verdict

Carlisle is renowned for producing high-quality and highly-dependable trailer tires, which are not prone to failure. And the Sport Trail is no exception. It’s sturdy, durable and rolls smoothly. According to trailer owners who have used this tire, it also delivers a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride. Also, it provides adequate traction, on both wet and dry surfaces. Overall, the Carlisle will be a great choice for someone in need of a bias-ply trailer tire.

Carlisle USA Trail

The Carlisle USA Trail is a DOT-approved tire, built to perform reliably well under heavy loads. It’s built to be used on a wide range of trailers, golf carts as well as farm equipment, among other uses.

Tire Highlights

It features a streamlined, visually appealing look, which helps to set it apart from the other tires in this category. In fact, it’s arguably one of the most aesthetically appealing trailer tires on the market today.

Besides its stylish aesthetics, this tire is also built to perform well under the most challenging conditions. It’s available in 10-ply, 8-ply, 6-ply, and 4-ply, making it one of the most versatile tires out there. It comes with a sturdy carcass, designed to prevent punctures. Furthermore, its tread compound and unique tread design work together to ensure the tire wears out uniformly.

Carlisle has also outfitted this tire with a wrap-around, long-lasting tread design, which delivers adequate traction in varying terrains and conditions, combined with a smooth and quiet ride, regardless of what you are towing.

As earlier mentioned, this tire is DOT-approved, meaning you can use it anytime and anywhere. And considering that it’s also available in a D-rating load range, you are getting a tire that handles extremely heavy loads, without worrying about it failing.

Sizes and Fitment

Sizes for this tire range between 9 inches and 15 inches. Therefore, it can fit most of the trailers out there, including snowmobile trailers, utility trailers, log splitters, boat trailers and campers, among others.

Price Range

The Carlisle USA Trail is currently going for approximately $65 to $110 in various outlets across the country. So, if you decide to go for an entire set of four tires, you are going to spend around $260 to $440, depending on your trailer’s wheel size.

Verdict

Compared to other tires within its price range, the Carlisle USA Trail’s price is slightly on the higher side. However, when you consider the outstanding performance it delivers combined with its longer lifespan, it offers excellent value for the money. Also, it’s one of the few trailer tires on the market, which is U.S-manufactured.

Carlisle Tires Warranties and Guarantees

All Carlisle highway and non-highway tires come with a standard workmanship and materials warranty.

So, in case your Carlisle tire becomes unserviceable due to workmanship or materials defect, the company will replace it with a comparable new one, free of charge.

Coverage under this warranty runs for a maximum of two years from the tire’s date of purchase.

Warranty Exclusions

Tires manufactured before 1st January 2010 are not eligible to be replaced under this warranty. Also, tires removed from service due to damage caused by road hazards, improper mounting and balancing procedures, or the use of an incorrect rim will not be replaced under this warranty.

Carlisle Pros

  • Long-lasting tires
  • Affordably-priced tires

Carlisle Cons

  • No treadwear warranty

Our Take

If you conduct a simple Google search today for the best trailer tires, there’s a high chance that Carlisle will feature in the results. And there’s a good reason for this. Its tires are among the best on the market. Carlisle produces reliable, long-lasting and safe tires.

Unlike other tire brands, Carlisle tires are not prone to failure or blowing, making them an ideal choice both for short-distance and long-distance trips. Whether you are heading for a fishing expedition with your camper or you want to haul some heavy construction materials with your trailer, Carlisle tires can handle almost everything.

Furthermore, the majority of customer reviews for this tire brand have been positive, an indication that buyers have been satisfied with this tire brand. Overall, if you are shopping for trailer tires and you want a set that you can rely on at all times, then you should check the trailer tires from this brand.

Carlisle Tires Review - Brand Guide

About The Author

Charles Redding

Charles Redding

I've spent many years selling cars, working with auto detailers, mechanics, dealership service teams, quoting and researching car insurance, modding my own cars, and much more.

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