Due to the heavy loads (standard 6,000 pounds or less) pickup trucks have to tow, and the fact that they have to combat adverse weather conditions, both off and on road; picking the right kind of tire can be confusing in many ways. Keeping the off road factor in mind, manufacturers design truck tires with a far more aggressive tread pattern than say a normal car tire would have. This is particularly done in order to provide optimum traction and a good grip. Moreover, truck tires are also accustomed with a special type of rubber, this is to ensure a better ride quality, hence boost a truck’s productivity and efficiency. Lastly, since maintaining a truck is already a major investment both in terms of time and cost, these tires are made to provide good fuel mileage and puncture resistance for the load they carry. The increased tire life and good fuel economy further helps cut down excessive costs.
To juggle all the aspects of buying truck tires such as cost, tread life, off road capabilities, highway driving, looks and many more can be tricky, to say the least. Here we have compiled a list of the best 4×4 trucks tires as of to date which we deem to be the most suitable for your vehicle needs to spare you all the headache.
5 Best Tires for 4×4 Trucks
Overview:
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Tire – 285/75R16 126R (Editor’s choice)
- Milestar Patagonia M/T Mud-Terrain Radial Tire – 33X12.50R15 108Q
- Goodyear Wrangler Radial Tire – 235/75R15 105S
- Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac Radial – LT265/75R16 112Q
- Goodyear Wrangler SR-A Radial Tire – 275/60R20 114S
1. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Tire – 285/75R16 126R (Editor’s choice)
Our top recommendation, hands down…
BF Goodrich is known as one of oldest and most reputable off the road tire brands to exist. Coming from such a reputable manufacturer, this tire has a lot to live up to, which it does, brilliantly. The tread design also allows for better distribution of truck stress and expulsion of stone leading to an increased stability and maneuverability. This is rated excellent in terms of tire life and safety (for those that drive aggressively). Although not a dedicated winter tire, this tire exceeds the severe snow traction requirements. Cherry on top, all of this capability does not take a toll on the gas mileage, which is typical for all-terrain tires, as it is a low rolling resistance tire. This tire is a buyer favorite, as it has been customized with specially formulated rubber which is thicker and more resistant than normal. For this reason, the tires prove to be effective against splits and punctures. Moreover, they offer great traction both on and off the road while being very quiet with no added vibration.
Being the most aggressive all-terrain tire from BF Goodrich and a terrific all-rounder, this tires does come at a price. This tire, however still tops our list of recommendations due its incredible performance in all aspects and all departments.
Pros:
- Extremely capable
- Tenacious handling
- Impressive tread life
- Aggressive looks
Cons:
- A tad expensive
2. Milestar Patagonia M/T Mud-Terrain Radial Tire – 33X12.50R15 108Q
The highest rated and the most reviewed…
The biggest plus point about these tires is the tread design which gives them the prime benefit of offering a clean as well as quiet ride. 90% of the users raved over the noise free ride these allow for. They’re also adapted to handle wet surfaces thus boosting performance in rain. Capable of providing excellent traction on snow, dirt and sand, these tires are least likely to leave you stuck and stranded. The extension of the tread pattern onto the sidewall allows good protection as well as a seamless and beautiful look. Also, you’ll be struggling to find an all-American 33X12.5 mud-terrain tire that is cheaper because there just isn’t.
Among all the listed options here, this one is probably the most off-road capable. It has the ability to conquer almost anything from sand and gravel to heaps and piles of deep snow. Rocks, mud and barren, sandy terrains are its specialty. However with the amount of off-roading this tire is expected to do, you’ll struggle to maintain the wheel alignment on it for for long. This will cause uneven and premature wear of the tire.
Pros:
- Extremely well priced
- Extensively reviewed
- Soft and subtle ride
- Beautiful white lettered sidewall
Cons:
- Insufficient longevity
3. Goodyear Wrangler Radial Tire – 235/75R15 105S
Budget tire and that too from Goodyear?
Being one of America’s most reputable companies, it would be of no surprise that these tires are indeed the best. However, what’s particular in regards to this model is the affordable cost. In just $100 drivers can enjoy an all weather traction service accompanied with enhanced handling thanks to the bigger treads. These tires are fit for off road heavy duties and also offer a ride smoothly with minimal noise. It also offers a good hauling capacity allowing tires to retain good shape under load, with less strain on the truck. Not to mention, these tires are one of the increasingly few all-terrain tires that can handle snow amazingly. Oh and did we mention, these look great, much better than most of the competition.
The downside, however, is that all the capability does take a toll on the gas mileage. Expect a fall in the gas mileage of about 1-2 mpg. Also these are not hardcore off-road tires, so they might not be the best choice for heavy off-roaders. They do, however, more than make up for it by their all-season capabilities.
Pros:
- Appropriately priced for a premium brand
- Good handling
- Minimal tire noise
- Adequate load capacity
- Great looks
Cons:
- Compromised fuel efficiency
4. Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac Radial – LT265/75R16 112Q
Good off road and snow tire…
Highly versatile tires, known for their excellent stability and traction. They also feature a rim lock which will help prevent wheel slip throughout the life of the tire. Well adapted to off road and snow conditions due to state of the art TractiveGroove Technology . Since it is a Goodyear tire, the buyer can also get a limited warranty. A very handy feature also included in this tire is the tread wear indicator to give a perspective of how much tire life is remaining. This tire looks, although irrelevant performance wise, extremely aggressive and masculine, something which we are obviously going to appreciate. Another great thing about these tires is that these are 10-ply tires which translates to a really high load capacity which makes them the go-to choice for haulers.
Coming to the downsides, 10-ply tires do tend to produce some extra noise during highway driving and these are no exceptions. But the noise is comparable to most of its 10-ply competitors like BF Goodrich, so not a deal-breaker for most people.
Pros:
- Great looks and performance
- Tread wear indicator
- Come with rim locks
Cons:
- Noisy
5. Goodyear Wrangler SR-A Radial Tire – 275/60R20 114S
You can’t go wrong with OE tires…
These tires are quite popular because they are the OE tires of Dodge Ram 1500 and Ram Ecodiesel 1500 among countless other trucks. The best part about them is how shockingly inexpensive they are for OEM’s. Considering the low cost, they offer a very good traction, fuel mileage and smooth ride quality. With literally hundreds of reviews over at Amazon, these tires leave little room for doubt in their selection. These also come with a handy tread wear indicator. The compound quality is exactly what you would expect from a world leading manufacturer. And the tread patterns is, well… therapeutic, almost.
On the not so positive side, these are difficult to balance and require more frequent balancing. As a result they are a bit shaky at very high speeds for a good part of their life. Although an inconvenience, nonetheless, the issue can be easily and satisfactorily resolved by most of the reputable balancing centers.
Pros:
- OEM tires on many trucks
- Inexpensive
- Premium brand
- Extensively reviewed and tested
- Solid traction under difficult conditions
Cons:
- Requires frequent balancing
- Shaky at higher speeds
What kinds of tires are available for trucks?
Before one decides on a brand, it is important to familiarize yourself with the types of tires available for pickup trucks. The decision goes hand in hand as to whether you mostly drive off or on the road as well as the kind of weather you drive in.
1. All Season Tires
These are somewhat the most reliable tires for truck drivers mostly because they are designed to endure a bit harsher weather conditions. They are also the most common type of tire sold today with minimal concerns.
2. All Terrain Tires
These are bifunctional tires, they are customized with a bold tread pattern that provides the best traction for off road duties. At the same time, they’re also well equipped to allow smooth performance for on road tasks.
3. Mud Terrain Tires
As one would imagine, this has the most aggressive tread pattern- allowing for maximum traction and a good climb particularly in regard to muddy/rocky surfaces.
4. Winter Tires
These tires are best adapted for countries with excessive snowfall, they are built in order to simultaneously expel ice buildup and allow a firm grip on ice while maintaining flexibility.
What to consider when buying truck tires?
- While buying a tire from a warehouse try to have a look on the tire and see when it was made. The week and year are specified on it, itself. Any tire between 6-10 years old is not recommended for use. Remember that the older the tire gets, the more the tread life is diminished and the higher the risk is of it blowing.
- For those who particularly buy tires online, check carefully to see if it fits your vehicle’s dimensions. Avoid unnecessary scams by reading reviews and customer reports.
- Note that tire prices are subject to vary on the basis of specifications such as speed rating, load index and sidewalls
- It is also important to note that although a tire may be well fitted to allow good traction in snow, they are not true winter tires. Hence for those who need something for the snow, invest in winter tires only. Trying to save money by opting for a non specialized tire will only lead you to bad consequences. For the best collection of tires suited to snow, read Best truck tires for mud and snow.
- Always be on the lookout for updates. A lot of customers find that even on purchasing the same tire that they normally use, the performance is varied. This is because tires are always evolving to meet contemporary needs rather than customer demands. Being aware can help you make smarter choices.
- In the end, prioritize research. Weigh pros and cons, read multiple reviews, match tire descriptions to what you need and compare and contrast each factor. Only then can you choose the best tire with minimal repercussions.
