10 Best Tires for Pickup Trucks

When it comes to choosing the right tires for your pickup truck, the options can seem overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the 10 Best Tires for Pickup Trucks, designed to help you make an informed decision for your vehicle. Whether you’re using your truck for heavy-duty work, off-road adventures, or daily commuting, selecting the right tires is crucial for performance, safety, and longevity.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore a range of top-rated tires suitable for various pickup truck models and driving conditions. From all-terrain to highway tires, we’ve considered factors such as durability, traction, comfort, and value to bring you the best options on the market. So, if you’re in the market for new pickup truck tires, read on to discover our top 10 picks that will keep your truck rolling smoothly and safely, no matter where the road takes you.

All-Terrain Best Tires for Pickup Trucks

All-terrain tires are designed to provide a balance of on-road comfort and off-road traction, making them a popular choice for pickup truck owners who frequently drive on both paved and unpaved surfaces. Here are some of the best all-terrain tires for pickup trucks:

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The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a highly regarded all-terrain tire known for its impressive off-road capabilities and long-lasting tread life. Key features include:

• Aggressive tread pattern with interlocking tread blocks for excellent traction on various terrains
• Sidewall protection against cuts and abrasions
• Reliable performance in mud, snow, and rock
• Comfortable and quiet ride on paved roads

Pros:

• Excellent off-road traction
• Durable and long-lasting
• Versatile for various driving conditions

Cons:

• Slightly higher price point
• Not the best choice for extreme off-roading

Pricing: Approximately $200 – $350 per tire, depending on size.

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The Falken Wildpeak AT3W is a popular all-terrain tire that offers a good balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability. Key features include:

• Aggressive tread pattern with deep grooves for traction on loose surfaces
• Heat diffuser technology for better heat resistance and longer tread life
• Reinforced sidewalls for added protection against cuts and punctures
• Stable and comfortable ride on the highway

Pros:

• Excellent traction on various terrains
• Durable and long-lasting
• Affordable pricing

Cons:

• Not as aggressive as some dedicated off-road tires
• Slightly noisier on the highway compared to some competitors

Pricing: Approximately $150 – $300 per tire, depending on size.

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The Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar is a premium all-terrain tire designed for both on-road and off-road performance. Key features include:

• Kevlar reinforced sidewalls for improved durability and puncture resistance
• Aggressive tread pattern for traction on various terrains
• Optimized tread design for improved handling and stability on the highway
• Biting edges for enhanced traction on loose surfaces

Pros:

• Excellent durability and puncture resistance
• Balanced on-road and off-road performance
• Comfortable and quiet ride on the highway

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to some competitors
• Not the best choice for extreme off-roading or rock crawling

Pricing: Approximately $250 – $400 per tire, depending on size.

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The Michelin LTX A/T 2 is a premium all-terrain tire designed for light trucks and SUVs. Key features include:

• Aggressive tread pattern for traction on various terrains
• Reinforced sidewalls for added protection against cuts and punctures
• Optimized tread design for improved handling and stability on the highway
• Biting edges for enhanced traction on loose surfaces

Pros:

• Excellent on-road comfort and handling
• Durable and long-lasting
• Reliable off-road performance

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to some competitors
• Not the most aggressive tread pattern for extreme off-roading

Pricing: Approximately $250 – $400 per tire, depending on size.

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The Nitto Ridge Grappler is a popular all-terrain tire that offers a good balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability. Key features include:

• Aggressive tread pattern with deep grooves for traction on loose surfaces
• Reinforced sidewalls for added protection against cuts and punctures
• Stable and comfortable ride on the highway
• Designed for improved traction in mud and snow

Pros:

• Excellent traction on various terrains
• Durable and long-lasting
• Reliable performance in mud and snow

Cons:

• Slightly noisier on the highway compared to some competitors
• Not the most aggressive tread pattern for extreme off-roading

Pricing: Approximately $200 – $350 per tire, depending on size.

These are just a few examples of the best all-terrain tires for pickup trucks. When choosing the right tire for your needs, consider factors such as intended use, terrain conditions, and budget. It’s always recommended to consult with a tire professional or do thorough research to find the best fit for your specific driving requirements.

Best Highway Terrain Tires for Pickups

For pickup truck owners who spend most of their driving time on paved roads, highway terrain tires are an excellent choice. These tires offer a balance of performance, comfort, and durability, making them ideal for daily commuting and long-distance highway driving. Here are some of the best highway terrain tires for pickup trucks:

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The Michelin Defender LTX M/S is a top-rated highway terrain tire known for its exceptional tread life and fuel efficiency. Its EverTread compound and advanced tread design provide excellent traction on both wet and dry roads, while the MaxTouch Construction ensures an even distribution of tread pressure for longer wear. With up to 70,000 miles of tread life warranty, this tire offers outstanding value for money.

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The Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus is a premium highway terrain tire that delivers a smooth and comfortable ride. Its advanced tread compound and symmetric tread pattern provide excellent grip and handling on the highway, while the specially designed shoulder blocks enhance traction and stability. This tire also features a fuel-efficient design, helping you save money at the pump.

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The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT is a versatile highway terrain tire that offers a blend of on-road performance and light off-road capability. Its Kevlar-reinforced construction ensures durability and resistance against punctures, while the optimized tread pattern provides excellent traction and handling on both paved and unpaved surfaces. This tire also boasts impressive tread life and a comfortable ride.

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The Yokohama Geolandar H/T G056 is a popular choice among pickup truck owners who value a quiet and comfortable ride. Its advanced tread compound and optimized tread design deliver excellent traction and handling on the highway, while the unique tread pattern helps reduce road noise for a more peaceful driving experience. This tire also offers impressive tread life and fuel efficiency.

These highway terrain tires for pickup trucks provide a perfect balance of performance, comfort, and durability, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable driving experience on paved roads. When selecting the right tire, consider factors such as your driving habits, vehicle specifications, and local weather conditions to make an informed decision.

Mud-Terrain Truck Tires for Extreme Off-Roading

If you frequently find yourself tackling harsh, muddy terrain, a set of dedicated mud-terrain tires is essential for your pickup truck. These tires are engineered with aggressive tread patterns and robust construction to provide unparalleled traction and durability in the toughest off-road conditions.

One of the top mud-terrain tire options is the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3. With its massive tread blocks and deep, wide grooves, this tire excels in muddy and rocky environments. The Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 offers superior grip and self-cleaning capabilities, allowing you to power through even the most challenging mud pits and rocky trails. Additionally, its reinforced sidewalls and puncture-resistant construction ensure long-lasting performance.

Another excellent choice is the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T. This tire boasts an aggressive tread design with alternating shoulder grooves and a reinforced sidewall, making it a formidable option for extreme off-roading. The Trail Grappler M/T delivers exceptional traction on mud, rocks, and loose surfaces, while its stone ejectors and mud-release dimples help prevent stone retention and improve self-cleaning.

While mud-terrain tires excel in off-road conditions, it’s important to note that their aggressive tread patterns can contribute to increased noise levels and reduced on-road comfort compared to all-terrain or highway tires. However, for those who prioritize off-road performance and capability, the trade-off is well worth it. Just be prepared for a noisier ride and potentially reduced fuel efficiency when driving on paved surfaces.

Winter/Snow Truck Tires

When winter strikes, having a dedicated set of winter tires for your pickup truck is essential for safe driving on snow and ice. Winter truck tires feature deeper tread depths and specialized rubber compounds designed to remain pliable in freezing temperatures. This enhances traction and braking performance on slippery winter surfaces.

One top choice is the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2, engineered with a directional tread pattern and aggressive biting edges to plow through snow. The Multicell compound helps the tire grip frozen surfaces, while the 3D active sipe technology maximizes edges that bite into ice. This tire meets the severe snow service requirements, carrying the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.

Another excellent option is the Michelin LTX Winter. Its directional tread design features deep grooves and biting edges for snow traction, while the silica-based tread compound remains flexible at low temperatures. Extensive siping provides extra biting edges on ice, and this tire also bears the 3PMSF rating for severe snow performance.

For maximum winter grip, consider the Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3 studded winter truck tire. Hundreds of studs protrude from the tread, providing intense ice traction. The optimized stud placement and aggressive tread pattern make this tire a powerhouse in the deepest snow and on the slickest ice-covered roads.

Commercial/Heavy Duty Truck Tires

For those who use their pickup trucks for heavy-duty work, towing, and hauling, a set of robust and durable commercial-grade tires is essential. These tires are designed to handle immense loads, resist punctures and abrasions, and provide a long tread life even under the most demanding conditions.

One of the top choices in this category is the Michelin XDN2 Grip. This tire boasts a reinforced casing and a deep, aggressive tread pattern that delivers excellent traction on various surfaces, including mud, gravel, and loose terrain. The XDN2 Grip is available in load ranges from E to G, making it suitable for heavy-duty pickups and commercial vehicles carrying substantial payloads or towing heavy trailers.

Another excellent option is the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac. This tire combines on-road comfort with off-road capability, making it a versatile choice for those who need a tire that can handle both highway driving and occasional off-road adventures. The DuraTrac features a rugged tread compound and interlocking tread blocks for enhanced traction and durability, while its reinforced sidewalls provide resistance against cuts and abrasions.

For those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative, the Ironman All Country M/T may be worth considering. While not as premium as the Michelin or Goodyear options, this mud-terrain tire offers impressive off-road performance and durability for a fraction of the cost. With its aggressive tread pattern and reinforced construction, the Ironman All Country M/T can handle demanding work environments and challenging terrains, making it a solid choice for heavy-duty applications.

It’s important to note that commercial-grade tires often come with a higher price tag due to their advanced construction and specialized features. However, the investment can pay off in the long run through increased durability, improved traction, and enhanced safety, especially when hauling heavy loads or towing trailers.

What to Look for in Pickup Truck Tires

When shopping for tires for your pickup truck, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you get the right set for your driving needs and vehicle. The tread design plays a crucial role in determining the tire’s performance on different terrains. All-terrain tires feature an aggressive tread pattern with larger tread blocks and deeper grooves, providing excellent traction on both paved roads and off-road trails. Highway terrain tires, on the other hand, have a more streamlined tread pattern optimized for smooth rides and fuel efficiency on paved surfaces.

The tread compound, or the rubber mixture used in the tire’s construction, also impacts its performance. Softer compounds offer better grip but wear down faster, while harder compounds are more durable but may sacrifice some traction. Striking the right balance is essential for pickup truck tires, as they need to handle heavy loads and varying terrains.

Another critical consideration is the load rating, which indicates the maximum weight the tire can safely support. Pickup trucks, especially those used for hauling or towing, require tires with higher load ratings to accommodate the added weight. Choosing tires with an appropriate load rating ensures safe and reliable performance, preventing premature wear or potential failures.

The speed rating is another factor to keep in mind, as it denotes the maximum sustainable speed for the tire. While pickup trucks may not typically reach extremely high speeds, it’s essential to select tires with a speed rating that meets or exceeds the vehicle’s top speed for safety reasons.

Finally, consider whether you need all-terrain tires or highway terrain tires. All-terrain tires are versatile and can handle both on-road and off-road conditions, making them a popular choice for pickup truck owners who frequently venture off the beaten path. Highway terrain tires, on the other hand, are optimized for paved roads and offer a smoother, quieter ride with improved fuel efficiency, but may struggle in more rugged terrain.

Choosing the Right Tire Size for Your Truck

Selecting the proper tire size for your pickup truck is crucial for optimal performance, safety, and fuel efficiency. Tire sizing can be confusing, but understanding the numbers and letters on the sidewall can help you make an informed decision.

Tire sizing typically follows a format like this: 235/70R16. The first number (235) represents the tire’s width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. The second number (70) is the aspect ratio, which is the tire’s sidewall height as a percentage of the tread width. The “R” stands for radial construction, and the final number (16) indicates the wheel diameter in inches.

Many truck owners opt for “plus sizing,” which means fitting tires with a slightly larger overall diameter than the stock size. This can provide improved traction, a more aggressive stance, and better off-road capability. However, it’s essential to stay within the recommended limits for your vehicle to avoid rubbing issues or excessive stress on the drivetrain.

Larger tires can affect your truck’s performance, including acceleration, braking distances, and fuel economy. They may also require modifications like body lift kits or wheel spacers to accommodate the increased size. Conversely, downsizing tires can improve fuel efficiency but may sacrifice traction and off-road capability.

When selecting a tire size, always consult your truck’s owner’s manual or a professional installer to ensure compatibility and safe operation. Proper tire sizing can enhance your driving experience while maintaining the vehicle’s intended performance characteristics.

When to Replace Your Truck Tires

Knowing when to replace your truck tires is crucial for maintaining optimal performance, safety, and fuel efficiency. Here are some key indicators that it’s time for new tires:

Tread Depth: The tread on your tires provides traction and grip, especially in wet or slippery conditions. As the tread wears down, your truck’s handling and braking capabilities diminish. Most tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch. You can check the tread depth using a tread depth gauge or by performing the penny test: insert a penny upside down into the tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires.

Age: Even if the tread looks deep, tires can dry out and become brittle over time due to exposure to heat, sunlight, and environmental factors. Most experts recommend replacing tires after six years of use, regardless of tread depth.

Wear Patterns: Uneven tire wear can indicate problems with your truck’s suspension, alignment, or inflation pressure. If you notice bald spots, cupping, or feathering on the tread, it’s a sign that the tires need to be replaced.

Regular Rotations and Inspections: Rotating your tires according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (usually every 5,000 to 8,000 miles) can help them wear more evenly. During rotations, have your tires inspected for any signs of damage, such as cracks, bulges, or punctures, which could lead to a blowout if not addressed.

Replacing your truck tires in a timely manner is essential for maintaining control, stability, and safety on the road. Don’t wait until your tires are completely bald or damaged – staying ahead of the wear can prevent costly repairs or dangerous situations.

Truck Tire Maintenance Tips

Proper tire maintenance is crucial for ensuring optimal performance, safety, and longevity of your pickup truck tires. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Proper Inflation: Maintaining the correct air pressure is one of the most important factors in tire maintenance. Underinflated tires can lead to increased wear, poor fuel efficiency, and even blowouts. Overinflated tires, on the other hand, can cause a rougher ride and increase the risk of impact damage. Check your owner’s manual or the tire information placard for the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) and regularly monitor your tire pressure with a high-quality gauge.

Wheel Alignment: Improper wheel alignment can cause uneven tire wear and decrease the life of your tires. If you notice your truck pulling to one side or experiencing vibrations, it’s likely time for a wheel alignment. Regular alignments, as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer, can help ensure even tread wear and improve handling.

Tire Rotations: Rotating your tires at regular intervals is essential for promoting even tread wear. The front tires on a pickup truck typically wear faster than the rear tires due to the additional weight and steering forces. By rotating the tires according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, you can help distribute the wear evenly and extend the overall life of your tires.

Load Limits: Pickup trucks are designed to carry heavy loads, but it’s important not to exceed the maximum load capacity of your tires. Overloading your tires can lead to premature wear, increased risk of blowouts, and compromised handling and braking performance. Always check the load rating on your tires and ensure that you’re within the recommended limits, including the weight of passengers, cargo, and any additional accessories or equipment.

By following these tire maintenance tips, you can ensure that your pickup truck’s tires remain in optimal condition, providing a safe and comfortable driving experience while maximizing their lifespan.

Buying Tires Online vs At a Tire Shop

When it’s time to replace the tires on your pickup truck, you have two main options: buying online or visiting a local tire shop. Each approach has its own pros and cons to consider.

Buying Tires Online

One of the biggest advantages of purchasing tires online is the potential for significant cost savings. Online retailers often have lower overhead costs, allowing them to offer competitive prices. Additionally, you can easily compare prices across multiple websites to find the best deal. Many online tire retailers also offer promotions, discounts, and rebates that can further reduce the overall cost.

However, buying tires online means you’ll need to handle the installation yourself or pay an additional fee to have them mounted and balanced at a local shop. Installation costs can vary widely, so be sure to factor that into your overall budget.

Pros:

• Lower prices due to online competition and reduced overhead
• Convenience of shopping from home and having tires delivered
• Access to a wider selection of brands and models
• Ability to read reviews and compare options easily

Cons:

• Need to arrange for installation, which can be an additional cost
• Inability to physically inspect the tires before purchase
• Potential shipping delays or damages during transit

Visiting a Tire Shop

The traditional route of visiting a local tire shop offers the advantage of professional installation and service. Experienced technicians will properly mount, balance, and align your new tires, ensuring optimal performance and safety. Many shops also offer package deals that include installation, balancing, and other services at a bundled price.

However, you may pay a premium for the convenience and expertise of a brick-and-mortar tire shop. Prices can vary significantly between different retailers, so it’s essential to shop around and negotiate for the best deal.

Pros:

• Professional installation and service included
• Ability to inspect tires in person before purchase
• Potential for negotiating better prices or package deals
• Support for your local community and businesses

Cons:

• Generally higher prices compared to online retailers
• Limited selection compared to online options
• Need to physically visit the shop, which can be inconvenient

Ultimately, the decision to buy tires online or at a tire shop depends on your priorities, budget, and personal preferences. Consider factors such as cost, convenience, and the level of service you desire to make the best choice for your needs.