Originally posted by lostagain Though brands are no guarantee of quality or the lack of manufacturing defects, one can reasonably say that brands like Carlisle and Goodyear have reputations to protect and don't want to risk losing it by putting out inferior products.  Especially in this time of social media, reputations can be destroyed almost at the speed of light.  It is just as likely that the incumbent brand is resting on it's laurels milking it's brand name for short term profitability while the newer market entrant has to have better quality in order to build market share. That has happened many times as CEOs have become more and more focused on next quarter's. stock price. So personally I generally ignore brand. If there is data (specs, reliability stats, customer reviews) supporting one product over another I will pay attention to that. Overall I think I'm way ahead in the benefit to cost ratio even though I've had to replace something now and then that didn't work out. Tires have not been one of those. As I said, it is a personal choice, if you want to buy by brand that's totally fine with me.

So how does one know which tire is better in terms of rubber compounding, quality of manufacturing and other components, tread design for optimum anti-hydroplaning, etc.? 

I had Carlisle Radial HD load range "D" installed and speed balanced on my 177 this spring.  First time going to a D rated (had C on my two previous sets with no problems) and have noticed a huge difference in towing as well as minimal bounce and tire flex over rough and gravel roads.  Very pleased with them thus far.

Originally posted by Welchsoft Yes makes perfect sense.  They what US made tires might meet that criteria?  The Endurance are load range E.

The letter ratings don't tell you how much weight the tire will actually carry. 14 inch and 15 inch tires can both have the same load rating but carry different loads for example. The manufacturer should provide a load table for that.

It's possible to have too high a
load rating too, which results in
an overly stiff ride which can shake your trailer to pieces. I wouldn't go above around 150% of axle rating for the two tires combined. So that's gives you a range of 125% to 150% or so to pick from.

Proper inflation is also key. ST tires have thick stiff sidewalls which won't reject heat well if they are underinflated and flex too much. There is no good reason not to inflate ST tires to their rated pressure (cold) and keep them there. Get a TPS or check them during the day. I use an IR thermometer and check the tire temps at every fuel stop. Only takes a few seconds, and I can look for overheated bearings and brakes too.

As for US made tires with the right load ratings, all of the mfgs should have a load table available you can look at.

Yes makes perfect sense.  They what US made tires might meet that criteria?  The Endurance are load range E.