The Best Pickup Truck Tires

Are you in the market for the best pickup truck tires? There are different tires to choose from, and considering how important they are to your vehicle’s performance, it is a good idea to get the ones best suited for you.

There are many good options, but which is best for you depends on some variables.

It’s crucial to consider your needs if you’re looking for the best pickup truck tires.

1. Pickup truck tire

The best way to choose the right tires for your pickup truck is by figuring out what size of tire you need and what kind of tread pattern you want.

For example, if you live near the beach and regularly drive on sand and gravel roads, certain factors will influence your decision more than others.

Moreover, fuel economy or towing capability may also play into the type of tire best suited for your truck.

10 Best Pickup Truck Tires

#1. Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac 116S — Best On-/Off-Road Traction Tire

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The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac All-Season Radial Tire is a reliable, versatile tire that can handle any weather condition. With its wide tread design, this tire provides enhanced traction in mud, snow and on wet roads while still maintaining its ability to perform well on dry surfaces.

#2. Toyo OPEN COUNTRY R/T 114Q — Best All-Terrain Mud Tire

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The Traction Radial Tire is a great tire for those who want to get the most out of their trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. This tire has a tread life rating of 50000 miles, which means it will last much longer than a typical tire. It also has a deep tread design that keeps you on the road in all kinds of weather, so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in the mud or snow.

#3. Goodyear-Wrangler-DuraTrac 110S — Best All-Season Tire

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If you’re looking for a tire that can do it all, look no further. The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac All-Season Radial Tire is an all-season tire that’s designed to handle even the toughest of terrains. This tire is designed with a deep lug design that provides excellent traction on mud, snow, and on dry surfaces. The tread pattern features siping to help reduce road noise. This tire has an aggressive sidewall and deep tread grooves that provide extra puncture protection and resistance to tearing and chunking.

#4. Falken-Wildpeak-MT01 114Q — Best Mud Terrain All-Season Tire

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The Falken Wildpeak MT01 Tire is a great choice for your truck or SUV. This tire has a 114Q load index, and it can be used on both wet and dry surfaces. It has a tread depth of 120.7 32nds and an overall diameter of 33 inches. The Wildpeak has an aggressive tread pattern that provides good traction in all kinds of weather conditions, from mud to sand to snow, making it an ideal choice for off-road vehicles.

#5. Falken-Wildpeak-AT3W 127R — Best All-Terrain Tire

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If you’re looking for a tire that can take on everything from mud to sand to gravel, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W is your best bet. The tread pattern is designed to provide traction in any weather condition and at any speed. It’s also great on dry roads and will last longer than most other tires in its class.

#6. Mastercraft-Courser MXT 121Q — Best Off-Road Mud Terrain Tire

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The Mastercraft Courser MXT Mud Terrain Radial Tire is a heavy-duty off-road tire designed for use in extreme conditions and terrain. This tire has a special tread pattern that provides maximum traction, enabling it to handle mud, snow, and rocks with ease. It also features a full-depth steel belt for added strength and durability.

#7. Continental ContiProContact 82T — Best All-Season Grand Touring Tire

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The Continental ContiProContact Radial Tire is a durable, high-performance tire designed for drivers who want their vehicle to perform at its best. It is an all-season tire that delivers stability and comfort in wet and dry conditions, as well as great handling while driving on the highway. The ContiProContact also offers enhanced traction on snow-covered roads.

#8. Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac 104Q — Best All-Terrain Radial Tire

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The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac Radial is the ultimate all-terrain tire in the LT235/75R15 size. Designed to get you through any terrain you encounter, this tire features a unique tread pattern that works well in mud, snow and on loose surfaces. The aggressive tread design also provides good traction on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt.

#9. Mastercraft-Courser MXT 121Q — Best Mud Terrain Radial Tire

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The Mastercraft Courser MXT is a mud terrain tire that offers great traction and control on any terrain. It has deep grooves in the tread pattern to allow for both water and mud clearance, as well as extra shoulder knobs for more stability when pulling through muck. The tire features a reinforced sidewall to help keep your truck from punctures and other hazards.

#10. Goodyear-Wrangler-DuraTrac 126P — Best Traction Radial Tire

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The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac Traction Radial Tire is a premium choice for drivers who want to get the most out of their truck. This tire offers excellent traction and has the ability to handle wet and snowy conditions. The tread design provides drivers with excellent comfort and control. The tire also has a high resistance to hydroplaning, which makes it great for use on highways.

Pickup Truck Tire Buyer Guide

Here are the factors to help you decide which tires suit your driving needs best.

All-Terrain Tires

All-terrain tires can handle types of terrain, from deep mud, rocks, and snow to mild gravel or dirt.

They’re not just ideal for off-roading; they’re also great on-road. These are the best choice for light trucks and SUVs that need all-season traction in any weather conditions.

All-terrain tires are perfect for light truck owners who want better all-around performance than what their OEMs offer — without sacrificing highway fuel economy.

These tire models will give you good traction on loose surfaces like sand or mud without compromising the smooth ride quality you want on pavement because of their increased sidewall support (which allows them to withstand potholes).

Plus, they still come with some hydroplaning resistance levels — so you can take your vehicle off-road without worrying about losing control in wet conditions (the tread design keeps water out).

The tradeoff here is usually added noise levels due to stiffer sidewalls that help provide more stability when cornering at high speeds off-road.

However, most modern all-terrain tires come with improved noise reduction technology, which helps keep things quiet while driving through urban environments as well.

Mud-Terrain Tires

Car manufacturers optimize the mud-terrain tires for maximum performance in soft, muddy conditions. They provide exceptional traction and flotation over rocks, rolling terrain, and challenging mud holes.

These tires are for use in the roughest off-road conditions. They combine strong sidewalls and extra traction for excellent performance in the toughest terrain.

Mud-terrain or all-terrain tires are for four-wheel-drive vehicles, trucks, and off-road machinery, mainly for extreme off-road conditions.

All-Season Tires

All-season tires are the best choice for drivers who want a good blend of performance, durability, and value. The tires are for all weather conditions–including winter.

They are great for driving on the highway because they’re made from high-quality materials that provide consistent grip to maximize fuel efficiency.

The tread pattern provides adequate traction in wet or snowy conditions without being overly aggressive, so you can still get around safely when it’s raining.

The hard rubber compound also means that all-season tires can handle frequent use up and down gravel roads and grassy fields (although we recommend keeping them off paved surfaces).

Winter/Snow Tires

For winter driving, the best tires should be winter tires. These provide better traction than all-season or summer tires when ice and snow cover the roads.

Winter/snow tires are designed to handle icing conditions and feature a softer rubber compound than ordinary tire materials, making them more pliable at low temperatures.

They also have tread designs specifically to clear snow when cornering and strong sidewalls to resist punctures caused by sharp objects on the road.

Finally, they usually have a lower profile than all-season or even summer tires to fit inside fender wells and avoid rubbing against wheel wells during turns or acceleration/braking maneuvers.

2. Pickup tire types

The most common type is a regular tire, which has an average weight capacity and is typically used for driving on paved roads.

Off-Road Tires

Off-road tires have deep treads and a rugged tread pattern, which helps them grip loose dirt, gravel, sand, and mud. They’re also for use in rugged terrains like hills or rocks.

The tires are typically more expensive than all-terrain tires because they offer better performance in off-road situations, but they don’t have the speed ratings required for highway driving.

The tire you use should match your driving needs. Here are other things to consider before choosing the best pickup truck tires.

#2. Are Tires Included?

If you’re looking for new tires, the first thing to consider is whether they come with the truck.

Some manufacturers offer tires as part of a package deal, while others will let you purchase them separately.

If you have your heart set on a particular model, ensure it includes all the features essential to you—tires included.

#3. What Size Fits Your Truck?

The first thing to consider is the size of your tires. You can’t use a tire that’s too small for your wheel well, or else it won’t fit.

Many people make this mistake — we all do. But if you have smaller tires than what came with your vehicle, then you should keep an eye out for larger versions.

Another essential factor is the size of the wheel wells in your truck bed and garage, driveway, etcetera.

If they’re too wide and tall, it will be difficult to maneuver around while loading up on new rubber — and even more difficult if you want off-road tires (which tend to be larger).

So, before buying anything else, we recommend checking both dimensions carefully.

#4. How Much Do They Cost?

How much you pay for your tires depends on the size, brand, and tread. The average cost of a set of truck tires is between $100 and $250 per tire. It depends on these factors.

It is not an insignificant amount of money for something that can last up to 80,000 miles (though we recommend replacing them before then).

Tire prices are just one part of the equation — you’ll also need to factor in taxes and labor costs when determining how much you’ll spend on new tires yearly.

3. Tire tread types

Your tires need to be in good shape, with good tread, and you  should replace them when they start to wear down.

#5. What Kind of Tread Design Do You Want?

When you’re looking for pickup truck tires, the tread design can be a big factor in determining which tires will work best for you. There are different tread designs, each with its purpose and benefits.

The most common design is siping, which creates grooves in the tire that allow it to grip better on wet or dry roads.

Another common type of tread pattern is directional tires. The design is for more traction on one side than the other.

For example, if you live where it rains regularly and often snows during winter, you won’t worry about losing control when turning corners.

Your directional tire has extra traction on one side versus another (the same goes for mud).

Another thing to consider when considering the tread pattern type best suited for your needs is whether fuel economy is essential to you.

Some manufacturers offer eco-friendly options made from recycled materials such as natural rubber instead of synthetic ones like butyl insulation foam, which might help reduce environmental impact.

#6. What Is the Terrain Like Where You Drive?

You’ll need tires that can grip the road in many weather conditions and terrain. If you live in an area with snow and ice, look for tires that offer great traction on snow and ice.

Likewise, if there’s plenty of mud or sand where you drive, consider a tire designed for optimal traction in those conditions.

Finally, if gravel is an issue where you travel (or simply dirt), consider what type of tread design would best suit your needs.

#7. Do You Need a Directional Pattern or Not?

If you drive on dirt roads or snow, it’s best to get a directional tire. These tires deliver the best performance in one direction. They’re better at handling uneven surfaces and steering in wet conditions.

They also have rounded tread blocks that help resist hydroplaning (when your car slides across the road because of water).

On the downside, directional tires are usually more expensive than non-directional ones because they require a more complex manufacturing process.

4. Studded tires

 Studded pickup truck tires are made for the toughest conditions. They’re designed for extreme weather and road conditions, with an aggressive tread to keep you on the road at all times.

#8. Do You Need Studs or Not?

If you live in an area that sees regular snow and ice, or if you plan to do a lot of off-roading, studded tires may be a good choice.

Studs are built into the tire to provide more traction on slippery surfaces like mud, sand, and rocky terrain. They can also help with ice grip if conditions are icy.

If your truck is primarily for commuting on paved roads during the winter months when there’s little chance of encountering severe weather conditions (or even rain), purchasing non-studded winter tires is probably enough to get by without any problems.

#9. Do You Want To Change Your Ride Height?

If you want to change your ride height, you need to get a different tire. The taller the tire, the bigger it will be and the more ground clearance it will have.

The lower-profile tires are cheaper than their higher-profile counterparts because they use less rubber and can be manufactured much quicker than a high-performance tire with more tread depth.

#10. Are They Highway-Friendly or Off-Road Focused?

Tires designed for highway driving typically have a high-speed rating, so you can drive at higher speeds for longer periods (we’re talking about up to 120 mph).

The tread pattern helps channel water and slush away from the tire’s contact patch.

These tires tend to be a little more expensive than their off-road-focused counterparts, but if you spend most of your commuting time on flat roads and highways, they may be worth it.

Those who intend to spend more time in the dirt should look into off-road tires; these are for short distances and low speeds through rugged terrain.

They have aggressive tread patterns that help provide traction over loose surfaces like sand, mud, snow, and gravel.

Some models even have mud grooves, which are channels cut into their sidewalls (usually by large lugs) that allow mud or other substances to fall out of contact with the rubber when they’re spinning at high speeds through deep ruts.

Off-roaders might notice that their vehicles feel heavier when equipped with such tires — which is why many SUV owners opt for all-terrain models instead of mud terrain units when upgrading from stock equipment.

5. Winter tires

Winter driving conditions can be tricky, especially snow and ice. That’s why it’s important to have winter tires on your vehicle. Winter tires are made of softer rubber that grips better on snow and ice than regular tires, which means you can stop faster in those conditions.

#11. Are They Rated for Winter Driving?

Winter tires handle snowy conditions. They have a softer rubber compound that provides more traction, and they’re made with deeper tread patterns, which can dig into the snow and ice for better grip.

Most winter tires feature more sipes (or grooves), which help with braking, acceleration, and cornering performance.

The number of sipes varies from brand to brand; most have between nine and 14 per tire.

The more sipes a tire has, the better it will perform in cold weather conditions like snow or ice — but there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to finding the right fit for your vehicle.

Winter tires are available in many tread patterns: some look like conventional all-season performance tires.

They have winter treads added onto them. Others come covered in snow/ice grooves throughout their entire surface area.

Others may appear similar to regular summer performance tires, with aggressive sidewalls.

They boast winter treads underfoot instead of summer rubber compounds used by similar non-winterized versions of those same models.

#12. Is a Longer-Lasting Tire Important to You?

While longer-lasting tires can save you money, there are a few downsides. For one thing, these tires are usually heavier than other types of truck tires.

Larger diameter wheels accommodate a more durable tire, which means that your truck will be carrying more weight on its axles and consuming more fuel.

Also, while longer-lasting tires may last longer than others, they are not indestructible. A pothole or curb can still puncture them if you’re unlucky enough to hit one at high speed.

6. Gas mileage and tires

The larger the diameter and width of your tires, the less gas you’ll use. The lower your tire pressure, the more gas you’ll use. That’s because when you drive with low tire pressure, you have to exert more force on the steering wheel to make turns and accelerate. This increases the amount of fuel consumed.

#13. Is Gas Mileage the Main Concern for You?

The right tires will save you money eventually. Not only do they affect your fuel economy, but they also have a major impact on how much wear and tear your truck experiences.

Driving with the wrong tire can cause more than 10% of your annual cost you spend on maintenance and repairs.

Here are some things to consider:

  • Low rolling resistance — tires with lower rolling resistance will reduce the energy needed to move a vehicle forward. It means less gas for each mile driven, which translates into savings at the pump.
  • Low profile — A low-profile tire has less rubber between its treads than other sizes do, so it requires less material to produce. That means lower costs overall!
  • Large contact patch — The larger contact area provided by wide tires reduces slippage when cornering or braking — which cuts down on wear and tears on those vital parts and fuel consumption during long trips through hilly terrain.
  • Wide tread pattern — The wider tread pattern allows for a greater surface area between rubber and road surfaces. It means better traction during wet weather conditions (when other vehicles may hydroplane) or icy roads, where traction is lost due to surface conditions alone.

#14. Do You Often Drive With Heavy Loads in the Bed of the Truck?

If you often drive with heavy loads in the truck bed or tow heavy trailers with it, you’ll want to consider a tire with a higher load rating and speed rating than your typical passenger car tires.

In this case, the higher speed rating is more important than the load rating because your truck can handle higher speeds safely.

When choosing tires for towing or hauling heavy loads, look for these three numbers:

  1. Tire Load Index (or Load Range). It is an indication of how much weight each tire will support.

There are five categories: L denotes light-duty vehicles that can carry up to 2,000 lbs; M denotes medium-duty that can carry 2,000–3,500 lbs; H denotes heavy-duty vehicles that can carry 3,500–5,000 lbs; V denotes very heavy vehicles that can carry 5,000–6200 lbs; and lastly ZR, which means over 6200 lbs capacity.

If you have a pickup truck carrying more than 4 tons (around 5 metric tons), you should purchase tires in the V or ZR category.

  1. Maximum Speed Rating (or Speed Symbol). It indicates how fast your vehicle can safely drive while using those specific tires under its weight.
  2. Load Range/Maximum Combined Single Axle Weight Rating. It’s important to note that both maximum single axle weights (referred to as SW) and combined maximum single axle weights must not exceed legal limits when driving on these types of specialty tires.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that there is no such thing as the absolute best pickup truck tires. After all, there are many things to consider — from your driving habits to the terrain you’ll be driving on most frequently, to the weather you’ll likely encounter.

But by familiarizing yourself with these important considerations, you can get a good sense of which tire will work best for you and your unique situation.

So don’t get too caught up in what makes one tire better than another. Instead, research and figure out which tire will work best for you.

7. The Best Pickup Truck Tires 8. Best Pickup Truck Tires 2