What Are Off Road Tires?
Off road tires are crafted for superior traction and durability to handle rugged, rocky, loose, sandy, and snowy surfaces. They feature aggressive tread patterns, reinforced sidewalls, and extremely durable construction.
Off roading tires deliver superior resilience in the most uneven and challenging conditions while remaining steady against punctures and cuts. An off-road tire is the best solution for jagged rocks and non-paved surfaces. Yet, not all offroading tires are equal. While some deliver superior control in trail crawling, others are better for drivers who split their driving time between uneven and highway roads.
This section is about the difference between off-road tires and off and on road tires, what off-roading tires serious off-paved adventurers choose, and how to pick the right tire size for your vehicle.
Types of Off Roading Tires
The "off-road tire" is an extensive term with several tire subcategories. These are mud-terrain, all-terrain, rock-crawling, and sand tires. While all are useful in offroading conditions to a certain extent, each of them has unique features as follows:
Mud-Terrain Tires (MT)
This type of off roading tire is perfect for deep, thick mud, wet trails, and off-grid use. MT tire extra-large tread blocks feature a deep void that pushes debris out, allowing for optimal grip on uneven surfaces. While on the highway, MT tires are generally loud and rough. So, their use should be limited to muddy environments where they perform at their best.
All-Terrain Tires (AT)
AT tires are optimal for drivers who cover mixed roads, splitting time between trail and highway. Off and on road tires blend decent comfort on highways with moderate off-road capabilities.
Rock-Crawling Tires
This off-road tire subcategory is optimized for boulder-strewn terrain, delivering high-grip power at low speed. Rock crawling tires are capable of taking abuse from the most brutal activities. This is due to well-placed biting edges that maximize contact area with the rock and solid construction that provides resistance against damage.
Sand Tires
Paddle/sand tires feature special rubber cups that prevent the tire from sinking in the sand. These cups or paddles dig into the sand, pushing the tire off. This off-road tire subcategory is often used in desert conditions where flotation is crucial.
Off-Road Tires vs Off and On-Road Tires
What Tire Size Is Best for Off-Roading?
The optimal size of off-road tires depends on the terrain and driving style. While there's no one-size-fits-all off-road tire sizing, this guide helps you navigate the options better:
- 31–33'' tire size: for Light Trails and Forest Roads
This size fits campers, weekend adventurers, and overlanders driving stock SUVs and trucks without needing modifications;
- 33–35'' size with wider treads: for Mud, Wet terrain, and Clay
Tires within this size range featuring deep treads help make it well in sloppy terrains. Wider mud options are optimal for better weight distribution and reduced sinking risks. The BFGoodrich KM3 in a 315/70R17 size is a good start to consider;
- 35–37'' size: for Rock Crawling and Technical Terrain
The larger your off road tires are, the greater the clearance over obstacles and rocks. At the same time, remember that your vehicle might need suspension upgrades and re-gearing to fit the larger wheels. Consult a specialist if you are not sure;
- 33–35'' size: Desert and Sandy Terrains
These terrains need tires that ensure flotation. For this, opt for wider treads to create larger contact patches and avoid digging into soft sand. Also, choose a lighter tire for sandy terrains to reduce pressure on the sandy area.
Apart from your driving environment, the specifics of the vehicle also play an important role in tire size matching for off-road adventures. Make sure the off-road tires you choose fit your vehicle suspension, and consider upgrades or adjustments if applicable.
Best Off Road Tires: Top 5 Picks
Our top five best off-road tire picks include Cooper Discoverer STT Pro, BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT, Toyo Open Country M/T, and Nitto Ridge Grappler. All these models meet all off-roading criteria (superior traction, dependable durability, reliable trail performance) at the highest level.
Cooper Discoverer STT Pro
Why we recommend it:
This model is the most aggressive off-road tire in the entire Cooper catalog. The Discoverer STT Pro performs solidly in hardcore terrain, including deep trails, rocks, and mud. At the same time, it doesn't cut off on-road manners, making it a solid option for all-terrain explorers.
Key features:
- Stone Armor Technology for superior protection against damage
- Rock Climber Sidewall Technology for superior rock grip and power through mud
- Armor Trek3 Technology for sidewall and tread durability
- Mud Slinger 2.0 for mud ejection out of the tread
- Eath Diggers Technology for improved mud, sand, and dirt digging capabilities
Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT
Why we recommend it:
This product is one of the best tire options for trucks covering tough terrain exposed to heavy towing and hauling. In addition, it behaves decently on the pavement when off-roading ends. The Discoverer AT3 XLT is available with 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake Standard (3PSF-certified), making it a versatile solution for harsh winter conditions.
Key features:
- Rugged traction shoulders for superior off-roading
- Even Wear Arc Technology to prolong treadwear and ensure superior on-road handling
- Snow certification (3PMSF)
- 60,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Whisper Grooves Technology to balance noise
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
Why we recommend it:
This extra-rugged off-road tire provides robust performance and impressive toughness in complex driving environments. With a rugged tread and superior strength to bite through snow, soil, and gravel, BFG All-terrain T/A KO2 is also incredibly durable.
Key Features:
- Locking 3-D sipes for powerful off-road traction
- Optimized deflection design preventing objects from splitting the sidewall
- 3PMSF certification for slush and snow
- Staggered shoulder blocks for superior maneuverability in various terrains
Toyo Open Country M/T
Why we recommend it:
The Open Country off-roading lineup has earned a reputation for durability, strength, and superb traction in various challenging conditions. The Open Country M/T is one of the best examples to tackle sand, mud, and gravel terrains intended for trucks, light trucks, and lifted rigs. This off-roading tire works hard where there are no roads, resisting damage and abuse gorgeously.
Key Benefits:
- High turn-up with tough polyester construction
- Rugged tread with hooked-shaped blocks to provide on-road handling and superior off-road steadiness
- Deep siping to grip dependably in the wet
Nitto Ridge Grappler
Why we recommend it:
These off-road tires excel in their off-pavement grip, trail-tackling capabilities, and unexpected comfort for their class. The Ridge Grappler is optimal for lifted-truck or Jeep drivers who combine off-roading experiences with weekday commutes.
Key Features:
- Hybrid design for superior all-terrain balance
- Rugged tread blocks for traction on dirt, rocks, and light mud
- Reinforced sidewalls for superior resistance and durability under load
- Alternating shoulder grooves to maintain off-road traction while clearing mud
Off Road Tires: FAQs
Can I Use Off Road Tires on The Highway?
You can technically use off-road tires on highways but expect low fuel efficiency and some road noise. Keep them for serious off-roading to get the most out of them. Consider off and on road (all-terrain) tires if you split time between smooth pavement and rough terrain.
How Long Do Off Roading Tires Last?
Longevity varies between 20,000 and 50,000 miles, depending on the off-road tire type and use. Mud terrain products last between 20,000-40,000 as they primarily exploit difficult terrains and are subject to damage and abuse. All-terrain alternatives can reach 50,000 or more if highways are their primary driving scenario.
What’s The Best Tire Pressure for Off Road Tires?
The tire pressure is adjusted according to the navigation conditions of the off-road tires. For rocky terrains, 22 to 26 lbs is an optimal level. Driving in loose desert and sand might need some 22 to 26 lbs, with extreme air down to 8 or 10 lbs in emergency conditions. Typical pressure for deep snow off-roading is 26 to 28 lbs, which can be reduced to 8 lbs in emergencies. Consider a 22 to 24 lbs pressure for deeply muddy driving and reduce it to 10 lbs only if emergency situations require it.
Looking for Off Road Tires That Deliver?
Consider NeoTires your partner in crime for your most challenging off-road adventures. We provide a wide range of off-pavement tires at affordable prices for sandy, rocky, all-terrain, or muddy needs.
Let us guide you professionally through personalized recommendations, and you can receive the right tires at your door just by calling us! Explore our catalog to find your best fit and ride with confidence. Drive safe and choose your tires wisely!
Why Trust Us?
NeoTires brings together a specialized team with extensive knowledge of the automotive and tire industry. We conduct tests and evaluate products to effectively and truthfully answer the most common drivers' concerns.
Advertising partners do not influence the information displayed; we do not seek to highlight a particular product or brand for advertising purposes. We validate the information displayed through trusted sources such as Consumer Reports and Tire Rack and official sources of recognized brands such as Michelin, Bridgestone, Hankook, or Goodyear. NeoTires specializes in what it does, and here we are—ready to offer the best tire solutions for your driving needs. Drive safe!
