Truck, SUV, and other off-road vehicle build threads that boast new suspension systems, bumpers, winches, and Overlanding camping setups are all over the Internet. I use the word “litter” because most of these threads display upgrades costing thousands of dollars that are out of reach for most drivers and enthusiasts alike.
Your vehicle’s off-road performance can be drastically improved for less than $1,000, and that upgrade happens to be a new set of tires. Terry at TopTireReviews.com shared a list of good set of tires you can use.
A two-wheel-drive vehicle with good all-terrain tires will perform better than a four-wheel-drive truck with defective tires. That is how important they are. Here are some things to consider when shopping for a new set of all-terrain tires now that you know to avoid the expensive options of elaborate build threads and invest in something that matters.
What are All-Terrain Tires?
According to Todd Bergeson, senior manager of product planning at Toyo Tires, an all-terrain tire is a “jack of all trades and a master of none.” Bergeson worked as an engineer and product planner at Toyota before joining Toyo, and he is in charge of engineering the tires my wife uses on her long-distance Land Cruiser. He also took part in the design of that vehicle. Other reputable 4x4s on his resume include the FJ Cruiser and the 4Runner TRD Pro.
Sadly, there are some costs associated with all of those characteristics. A highway tire will be lighter, quieter, and provide more traction on pavement than an all-terrain tire. According to Bergeson, these are the only reasons more new cars don’t come standard with all-terrain tires. He claims that most drivers don’t use their 4x4s off-road. “And they still want to compete with other vehicles with their trucks.”
What is the Right Size?
Off-road, more considerable obstacles can be rolled over easily by more extensive tires. And they look fantastic. Larger tires also result in a lower effective gear ratio for a vehicle. That can destroy a vehicle’s fuel economy, performance, and off-road ability, as I discussed in-depth in a piece about people wrecking their Tacomas.
Given that the Tacoma has 3.91 gears, changing from the standard 30.5-inch tire to a 34-inch tire will result in a new effective ratio of 3.50 to 1. There will be an 11% drop in performance.
Again, using the Taco as an example, going from a 30.5-inch tire to a 34-inch tire will reduce engine revolutions from 1,500 to 1,345 per minute at 60 mph. Additionally, there is an 11% difference there. See how your engine and transmission behave at various RPMs by putting that into practice. Remember that changing your final drive ratio with larger tires will have compound effects, which means that while your engine will run at lower RPMs at a given road speed, it will also have less power.
How to Choose the Best Off-Road Tires
Finding the size and load capacity I require before searching for the tire with those specifications that were developed most recently is how I choose an all-terrain tire. That should produce the most recent and most significant product since I assume that materials and manufacturing technologies advance over time. Specifically, I’ll look up a tire’s specifications and contrast them with alternatives. What is the crucial point of comparison? Weight. For all the reasons mentioned above, a lighter tire is preferable as long as it still has the necessary load capacity, durability, and traction.
Thus, we came to install Toyo Open Country AT/III tires on my wife’s Land Cruiser. The LT275/70R18 E size of that tire, which was released in March, weighs 53 pounds, which is over seven pounds less than the Falken Wildpeak AT3W and four pounds less than the BF Goodrich K02. This site works best with the truck’s highly complex custom suspension system.
Tread
To grip the pavement’s surface, reliable all-terrain tires must have a deep, aggressive-looking tread pattern. The Cooper Discover A/T3, in particular, is an excellent illustration of how to strike a balance between maximum grip and a comfortable ride on the road. Deep tread tires are also an excellent investment because they last longer and require fewer replacements, which saves you money.
Sidewall
Low-profile racing wheels with slick tires are frequently found in sports cars. Even though it has an excellent appearance, it is the exact opposite of what you want in an off-road tire. The portion of the tire’s sidewall between the tread and the wheel creates space between the rubber and the wheel. Many sidewalls allow off-road enthusiasts to inflate their tires for improved traction on dirt roads. More sidewall, though, can also provide more cushion in other circumstances.
Rating
A reliable all-terrain tire may have a different rating depending on its firmness and handling on and off the road. All tires are rated for specific speeds and conditions. For better traction on the trail, enthusiasts prefer softer tires, but they sacrifice fuel efficiency and tire life on the asphalt. In contrast, a firmer tire works well on the road but poorly in mud and dirt. Examine a variety of online tire rating listings to determine your ideal tire balance for all-terrain use.
Brand
Everyone has a favorite, but tire brands can be more than just a name if you’re looking for a particular feature. While BF Goodrich is well known for producing everyone’s preferred off-road tire, the KO2 Cooper Tires perfectly balance off-road and pavement performance. Last but not least, Nitto sells some of the most intimidating-looking all-terrain tires. Some choose the mud-terrain version for the added traction.
Price
Although tires are a product where you generally get what you pay for, you can save money to get a good set. While examining tire prices, there are a few things to remember.
Is there a warranty included?
In addition to the factory warranty, many tire retailers offer extended warranties on their tires up to a certain number of miles and, in some cases, free patching and replacements. Strong security can assist in justifying the price.
Exist any promotions?
You can save money during the holidays through BOGO or discounted prices.
Avoid the outliers:
Buying cheap tires will save you money, but paying the price significantly higher than the average is not worthwhile. Instead, search for tire prices that are comparable to those of all the well-known brands and vehicles.
Differentiate the Way You Drive
Getting new tires can completely change how you drive. Your truck or SUV will function well on the road and through the wilderness if you check all the boxes to find the right set.
Conclusion
Which all-terrain tires suit you the best? To determine the correct size, run the numbers through the formulas I listed above. Choose P/Euro-metric or LT tires based on whether your use case is more on-road or off-road. (Consider a flotation size if you drive a heavily customized truck.) If you can’t find a tire lighter than the AT/III, run those instead. Don’t be shocked if those tires make your truck feel brand new.
