Best Tyres for a Horsebox Trailer

The cargo in a horsebox may be different to that found in a standard or commercial trailer, but the fitment demands are largely the same. That’s why, when it comes to moving livestock and horses from one location to another, checking the tyres on your trailer is just as important as inspecting the tyres on the vehicle that’s doing the towing.

As towable vehicle accessories, horseboxes require ST tyres - that is, Special Trailer tyres that are purpose built for towing and that can handle sharp corners, mixed terrain, and the variable weight of the trailer’s load. And while the road laws surrounding horsebox tyres are something we’ve already covered in an existing blog on our Knowledge Hub, spanning maintenance and tread specifics, what many drivers aren’t sure about is how to identify the right tyres for your trailer.

How do Horsebox Tyres Differ From Car Tyres?

Before we share the differences between horsebox tyres and car tyres, it’s worth noting that horseboxes are considered the same as regular trailers when it comes to fitment sourcing. Tyres that suit these vehicle accessories and add-ons are not specific to horseboxes but instead can be fitted to regular trailers that are carrying all manner of goods and cargo.

In contrast to car tyres, trailer and horsebox tyres are stronger, constructed from a rigid rubber compound that minimises the flex and movement of the trailer from its direct line. Because these vehicles sit behind the towing car or truck and need to offer as smooth a ride as possible, they also have uniquely narrow tread patterns and are incredibly robust in design and build.

Horsebox tyres also tend to be much smaller than car tyres, with a much higher load rating. This means that the tyre size specification is vastly different to that of a car tyre - making the filtering of tyre types much easier for drivers.

With that said, what do drivers need to be aware of when selecting horsebox tyres, and which tyre models would we recommend?

Maintenance Tips for Horsebox Tyres

Despite the difference in size and construction, most of the laws surrounding horsebox tyres are the same as the laws that impact car tyres. Tyres should be inflated to the correct pressure for the climate and terrain and must display an even tread pattern with a depth of no less than 1.6mm.

Tyres must also be free from cracks, bulges and signs of damage, and must not have uneven wear across their surface - as this can indicate misalignment.

Because a horsebox is designed to be towed, it’s important that tyres are robust but also well aligned, following a clear and straight line behind the vehicle. All of this lies in both the way the tyres are maintained and in the quality of the tyres that you select and fit to your horsebox.

So, which tyre brands and models do we recommend choosing for your horsebox?

Our Pick of Tyres for a Horsebox in the UK

Given that horsebox and other ST tyres are so different from standard tyres in terms of both design and construction, it follows that our recommended horsebox tyres are not necessarily from the brands you’d expect. While brands like Michelin and Continental dominate the regular tyre market, it’s names like Wanda, Durun and Transeagle that you most often see fixed to trailers and horseboxes. Kenda is another prolific brand in the commercial trailer sector, while Trelleborg offers a diverse range of quality trailer tyres for different uses.

Because these brands specialise in trailer tyres, they provide a balance of durability and performance - ensuring that drivers remain both mobile and fully resilient against road obstacles and challenging conditions.

But tyre selection is only the first step in safe and sustainable travel for your horsebox. Proper tyre maintenance is crucial, ensuring that tyres are kept at the right pressure and that the towing load does not surpass the load rating and capacity of the tyres. You can find more advice and information on tyre maintenance in our Knowledge Hub, where you’ll also unlock guidance on choosing the right tyres to suit your local terrain and driving conditions.