For truck owners, the tires are arguably just as important as the engine. They're the contact point between your vehicle and the road, dictating traction, handling, and overall driving experience. And if you're the kind of driver who likes to venture off the beaten path, you need tires that can handle it. That's where all-terrain (AT) tires come in. Designed to balance on-road comfort with off-road capability, AT tires are the go-to choice for truck owners who demand versatility. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right set can feel overwhelming. This guide will break down the best all-terrain truck tires of 2021, helping you make an informed decision and equip your truck for any adventure.
What Are All-Terrain Tires and Why Do You Need Them?
Conquer Any Terrain: The Best All-Terrain Truck Tires of 2021
All-terrain tires are a hybrid, offering a compromise between the smooth ride and fuel efficiency of highway tires and the aggressive grip of mud-terrain tires. They feature a more open tread pattern than highway tires, with larger tread blocks and reinforced sidewalls for improved off-road traction in dirt, gravel, mud, and even snow. They also maintain decent on-road performance, providing acceptable noise levels and handling characteristics.
Why would you need them?
- Versatility: AT tires are perfect if you split your time between paved roads and off-road trails.
- Improved Traction: They offer significantly better grip than highway tires on loose surfaces like dirt, gravel, and sand.
- Enhanced Durability: Reinforced sidewalls resist punctures and cuts, essential for off-road driving.
- Aggressive Appearance: Many truck owners appreciate the rugged look that AT tires add to their vehicle.
- All-Weather Performance: Many AT tires are rated for severe snow conditions (look for the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol), offering confident winter driving.
Key Considerations When Choosing All-Terrain Tires
Before diving into specific models, consider these factors:
- Driving Style and Terrain: How much time do you spend on and off-road? What types of terrain do you typically encounter (mud, rocks, snow)? This will determine the aggressiveness of the tire you need.
- Tire Size: Ensure you choose the correct tire size for your truck. Consult your owner's manual or a tire size calculator. Consider whether you want to maintain the stock size or upsize for a more aggressive look and improved ground clearance (but be mindful of potential rubbing issues).
- Load Rating: The load rating indicates the maximum weight each tire can support. Make sure the tires you choose have a load rating suitable for your truck's weight and typical payload.
- Noise Level: More aggressive tread patterns typically mean more road noise. Read reviews and consider your tolerance for noise, especially if you spend a lot of time on the highway.
- Ride Comfort: Some AT tires offer a smoother ride than others. Again, reviews can be helpful in assessing ride comfort.
- Tread Life: AT tires tend to wear faster than highway tires, especially if used primarily on pavement. Look for tires with good treadwear warranties.
- Price: AT tires can be expensive. Set a budget and compare prices from different retailers.
- Snow Rating: If you live in an area with significant snowfall, prioritize tires with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF) for superior winter traction.
- Weight: All-terrain tires are typically heavier than standard tires. Heavier tires can impact fuel economy and acceleration.
The Top All-Terrain Truck Tires of 2021: A Detailed Look
Here's a rundown of some of the best all-terrain tires available in 2021, along with their strengths and weaknesses:
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BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2: A legendary tire and a perennial favorite. The KO2 is known for its exceptional durability, aggressive sidewall design, and reliable off-road performance. It excels in rocks, gravel, and dirt, and it's also 3PMSF-rated for snow.
- Pros: Excellent durability, aggressive looks, good off-road traction, 3PMSF rated.
- Cons: Can be noisy on the highway, relatively expensive.
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Falken Wildpeak A/T3W: A top contender offering a great balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Wildpeak A/T3W boasts excellent wet and snow traction, thanks to its innovative tread design and silica compound. It's also known for its long tread life and relatively quiet ride.
- Pros: Excellent wet and snow traction, long tread life, quiet ride for an AT tire, 3PMSF rated.
- Cons: Off-road performance not quite as aggressive as the KO2 in extremely challenging terrain.
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Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac: A more aggressive all-terrain tire that leans towards off-road performance. The DuraTrac features angled tread blocks and self-cleaning shoulders for excellent traction in mud and snow. It's also surprisingly quiet on the highway for its aggressive design.
- Pros: Excellent mud and snow traction, aggressive looks, relatively quiet on the highway for its type, 3PMSF rated.
- Cons: Tread life can be shorter than other AT tires, sidewalls not as robust as the KO2.
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Nitto Ridge Grappler: A hybrid terrain tire that bridges the gap between all-terrain and mud-terrain tires. The Ridge Grappler offers a unique tread pattern that provides excellent off-road grip while maintaining decent on-road manners. It's a popular choice for those who want a more aggressive look and enhanced off-road performance.
- Pros: Aggressive looks, excellent off-road traction, decent on-road manners for its type.
- Cons: Can be noisy on the highway, relatively expensive, not 3PMSF rated.
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Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S: A well-rounded all-terrain tire that provides a comfortable ride and good all-weather performance. The AT3 4S features a silica-enhanced tread compound for excellent wet and snow traction, and it's known for its long tread life and quiet ride.
- Pros: Comfortable ride, excellent wet and snow traction, long tread life, quiet ride, 3PMSF rated.
- Cons: Off-road performance not as aggressive as some other AT tires.
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General Grabber ATX: An updated and improved version of the older AT2, the ATX offers a more aggressive tread pattern and improved performance in snow and mud. It's a solid all-around performer at a competitive price point.
- Pros: Good value, improved snow and mud performance compared to the AT2, 3PMSF rated.
- Cons: Can be a bit noisy on the highway.
Tips for Maintaining All-Terrain Tires
- Regularly Rotate Your Tires: Rotating your tires every 5,000-8,000 miles will help ensure even wear and prolong their lifespan.
- Check Tire Pressure Frequently: Maintain the correct tire pressure as specified in your owner's manual or on the tire placard.
- Inspect for Damage: Regularly inspect your tires for cuts, bulges, or other damage.
- Balance Your Tires: Unbalanced tires can cause vibrations and uneven wear.
- Proper Alignment: Ensure your vehicle is properly aligned to prevent premature tire wear.
- Adjust Tire Pressure for Off-Roading: Consider lowering your tire pressure when off-roading for improved traction and a smoother ride (but be careful not to go too low, as this can increase the risk of punctures).
- Clean Your Tires: Remove mud and debris from your tires after off-roading to maintain optimal traction.
Potential Challenges and Solutions
- Increased Road Noise: Solution: Choose a less aggressive AT tire or consider soundproofing your truck's cabin.
- Reduced Fuel Economy: Solution: Maintain proper tire pressure, drive conservatively, and choose a lighter-weight AT tire.
- Faster Tread Wear: Solution: Rotate your tires regularly, maintain proper alignment, and avoid aggressive driving.
- Increased Cost: Solution: Shop around for the best deals and consider buying tires during sales events.
All-Terrain Tire Price Comparison Table
| Tire Model | Size (Example: 265/70R17) | Approximate Price (per tire) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 | 265/70R17 | $250 - $350 | Excellent durability, aggressive looks, good off-road traction, 3PMSF rated |
| Falken Wildpeak A/T3W | 265/70R17 | $200 - $300 | Excellent wet and snow traction, long tread life, quiet ride for an AT tire, 3PMSF rated |
| Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac | 265/70R17 | $230 - $330 | Excellent mud and snow traction, aggressive looks, relatively quiet on the highway for its type, 3PMSF rated |
| Nitto Ridge Grappler | 265/70R17 | $280 - $380 | Aggressive looks, excellent off-road traction, decent on-road manners for its type |
| Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S | 265/70R17 | $180 - $280 | Comfortable ride, excellent wet and snow traction, long tread life, quiet ride, 3PMSF rated |
| General Grabber ATX | 265/70R17 | $170 - $270 | Good value, improved snow and mud performance compared to the AT2, 3PMSF rated |
Disclaimer: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on retailer, location, and tire size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Q: What does the "3PMSF" symbol mean?
- A: The three-peak mountain snowflake symbol indicates that the tire meets specific performance requirements for snow traction.
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Q: Can I use all-terrain tires year-round?
- A: Yes, most all-terrain tires are designed for year-round use, especially those with the 3PMSF rating.
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Q: How often should I rotate my all-terrain tires?
- A: Rotate your tires every 5,000-8,000 miles.
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Q: Are all-terrain tires louder than highway tires?
- A: Yes, all-terrain tires generally produce more road noise than highway tires.
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Q: Will all-terrain tires affect my gas mileage?
- A: Yes, all-terrain tires can reduce your gas mileage due to their heavier weight and more aggressive tread patterns.
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Q: What's the difference between all-terrain and mud-terrain tires?
- A: Mud-terrain tires are designed for extreme off-road conditions, particularly mud. They have larger tread blocks and wider voids for maximum traction. All-terrain tires are a compromise, offering a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability.
Conclusion
Choosing the best all-terrain tires for your truck is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your driving experience, both on and off the road. By carefully considering your driving style, terrain, and budget, you can select the perfect set of tires to conquer any adventure. The models highlighted in this guide represent some of the top performers of 2021, each offering a unique blend of features and benefits. Do your research, read reviews, and talk to other truck owners to find the all-terrain tires that best suit your needs and transform your truck into a true all-terrain machine. Remember to prioritize safety, and happy trails!