Finding the right all-terrain tire is crucial for any driver who regularly tows a trailer or hauls heavy loads. The ideal tire must offer a unique blend of rugged durability for off-road excursions, reliable traction in various weather conditions, and a stable, robust construction to handle the significant stresses of towing. It’s about more than just off-road capability; it’s about safety and performance under load.
This guide cuts through the noise to present a curated list of ten all-terrain tires renowned for their towing prowess. We’ve analyzed key features like tread life, snow certification, sidewall strength, and overall construction to help you make an informed decision for your truck or SUV, ensuring your next set of tires can handle both the journey and the cargo.
The Best All-Terrain Tires for Towing
- Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 All-Terrain Tire
- Crosswind Rugged Traxx All Terrain Light Truck Tire
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 Car Tire
- NITTO Ridge Grappler All_Season Radial Tire
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S All-Season Tire
- General Grabber A/TX
- Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T
- Firestone Destination A/T2 All-Terrain Truck & SUV Tire
- HANKOOK Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme
- Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac
Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 All-Terrain Tire
The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is a highly versatile all-terrain option that doesn’t compromise on-road comfort for off-road capability. It boasts a Severe Snow Traction Rating, meaning it performs reliably in harsh winter conditions, a critical factor for year-round towing safety. With a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, it is built for long-term value and dependable performance.
This tire’s balanced design provides a smooth and quiet ride on the highway, which is a significant benefit when you’re logging miles with a trailer in tow. The robust tread pattern is engineered to resist stone retention and provide even wear, ensuring consistent performance throughout its long life.
Crosswind Rugged Traxx All Terrain Light Truck Tire
Designed specifically for Jeeps, light trucks, and SUVs, the Crosswind Rugged Traxx is a solid contender for drivers seeking a certified winter performer. Its Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification guarantees reliable traction in moderate to severe snow, adding an extra layer of security for towing during the colder months.
Backed by a 50,000-mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, this tire is constructed with longevity in mind. It offers a dependable combination of off-road traction and on-road stability, making it a practical choice for those who need a tire that can work hard throughout the week and play on the weekends.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 Car Tire
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 is the latest iteration of a legendary tire, engineered to be even tougher and more durable. It features CoreGard Technology, developed from Baja racing, which provides excellent sidewall toughness—a vital feature for towing on rough or unpaved surfaces where sidewall damage is a risk.
With a new tread pattern and compound designed for durability on gravel and other challenging surfaces, the KO3 is built to overcome obstacles. The Advanced Deflection Design helps prevent sticks and stones from snagging and splitting the sidewall, ensuring your tire remains intact and reliable when you need it most.
NITTO Ridge Grappler All_Season Radial Tire
The NITTO Ridge Grappler is a hybrid all-terrain tire that combines the aggressive look of a mud-terrain with the civilized manners of an all-terrain. Its reinforced block foundation reduces tread flex, which contributes to stability and even wear, especially important under the load of towing.
Features like built-in stone ejectors protect the tire from stone drilling, preserving its integrity. The staggered shoulder lugs are designed to enhance off-road grip without generating excessive road noise, providing a capable and confident ride in various conditions.
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S All-Season Tire
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is an all-season, severe weather rated tire designed to perform reliably in rain, shine, or light snow. It features a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty, highlighting its long-lasting construction and value for drivers who put a lot of miles on their vehicles.
The tread is engineered to grip rocky or smooth surfaces with equal competence, providing confident traction whether you’re on the highway or a backcountry trail. This reliable performance in diverse conditions makes it a strong candidate for those who need a dependable tire for towing in changing weather.
General Grabber A/TX
The General Grabber A/TX is optimized to balance superior off-road traction with exceptional on-road performance. This makes it an excellent choice for drivers who demand a smooth and reliable driving experience on any terrain, especially when towing. Its durable construction is built to withstand the rigors of off-road driving.
With up to 60,000 miles of limited manufacturer tread life coverage, this tire offers serious long-term value. It is designed to be a rugged, go-anywhere tire that doesn’t punish you with a harsh ride when you’re back on paved roads with a trailer attached.
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T
The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T features an asymmetric tread pattern that is specifically optimized for reduced noise, superior off-road traction, and responsive on-road handling. This combination is ideal for maintaining control and comfort while towing. Its Extreme Sidebiters provide a bold look and serious off-road traction and sidewall protection.
A key feature is the Powerply XD construction, which adds a heavier denier cord to the angled third ply. This technology provides better puncture resistance, quicker steering response, and greater stability—all critical factors for safe and secure towing performance.
Firestone Destination A/T2 All-Terrain Truck & SUV Tire
The Firestone Destination A/T2 is built tough for dependability, whether you’re on the highway or off the beaten path. It is engineered to provide dependable traction in a variety of conditions, giving you confidence when you have a trailer in tow. Its focus is on delivering consistent, reliable performance.
This tire is designed for longer-lasting performance, aiming to provide a great balance of capability and tread life. For drivers seeking a no-nonsense, durable all-terrain tire from a trusted brand, the Destination A/T2 is a compelling option.
HANKOOK Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme
The Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme is designed with multi-directional grooves and sipes that provide better traction in any direction. This design enhances grip on wet roads, in snow, and on loose surfaces, contributing to safer towing and driving dynamics. It is suited for light-duty pickups and SUVs.
This tire offers a modern design and capable performance for drivers who need reliable all-terrain performance without an overly aggressive ride. It strikes a balance between off-road readiness and on-road comfort, making it a practical choice for daily driving and occasional towing duties.
Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac
The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac is a well-regarded tire known for its aggressive tread pattern and reliable traction in deep snow and mud. It is a popular choice for serious off-roaders who also need to tow equipment to remote locations. The tire’s rugged construction is designed to handle punishing conditions.
Featuring self-cleaning tread blocks and traction notches, the DuraTrac is built to maintain grip when it matters most. Its reputation for durability and off-pavement performance makes it a top pick for those whose towing needs extend far beyond the paved road.
What to Look For in the Best All-Terrain Tires for Towing
When I’m picking out the best all-terrain tires for towing, I don’t just look at the brand name. I focus on a few key specs that make a real difference when there’s a heavy trailer hooked to my bumper. Getting this wrong can mean a shaky, unsafe ride and tires that wear out way too fast. Here’s my practical guide on what really matters.
First up is the Load Range or Load Index. This is probably the most important number. It tells you how much weight each tire can safely support. For towing, you almost always need a higher load range, like Load Range E (often marked as 10-ply). These tires are built with tougher construction to handle the extra stress from your trailer’s tongue weight and payload. I always check my vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) to make sure the tires I pick can handle the total load.
Next, I pay close attention to the Speed Rating. While you’re not typically towing at high speeds, the speed rating is an indicator of the tire’s overall durability and heat resistance. A tire with a lower speed rating can overheat more easily under the constant strain of a heavy load, which can lead to a blowout. I look for a rating of ‘S’ (112 mph) or higher to be safe.
The Tread Design is a balancing act. You want a tire that is confident off-road but also quiet and stable on the highway. For towing, I prioritize stability. Look for tires with robust, continuous center ribs. This design provides solid on-center feel and improves steering response, which helps reduce sway when you have a trailer behind you. Aggressive, blocky treads can be great in mud, but they can sometimes make the truck feel a bit wander-y on pavement when under load.
Finally, I consider the tire compound. Many modern all-terrain tires use special compounds that resist chipping and tearing when you’re on rough roads, while also offering decent treadwear for long life. Reading through user reviews specifically mentioning towing can give you a good sense of how a tire’s compound holds up over time. By focusing on these factors—Load Range, Speed Rating, Tread Design, and Compound—you can find a set of tires that will work with you, not against you, on your next tow.
FAQ
What is the most important tire spec for towing?
Without a doubt, it’s the Load Range. This spec, often shown as Load Range E or its ply rating, tells you the maximum weight the tire can carry. When you’re towing, the weight on your rear axle increases significantly. Using a tire with too low of a load range is dangerous and can lead to tire failure. Always match or exceed the load capacity recommended for your vehicle when it’s fully loaded and hitched up.
Can I use standard all-terrain tires for towing my travel trailer?
You might be able to, but it depends on the weight of your trailer and the specific tire. Many standard all-terrain tires are Load Range SL (Standard Load), which are not designed for heavy towing duties. For a travel trailer, you will almost certainly need Load Range D or, more commonly, Load Range E tires. These are built with more robust sidewalls and construction to handle the stress. Always check your trailer’s weight and compare it to the tire’s load capacity chart.
Do I need to inflate my all-terrain tires to a higher PSI when towing?
Yes, this is a common and necessary step. The tire’s maximum PSI listed on the sidewall is for its maximum load capacity. When you’re towing, you’re putting that tire closer to its max load, so you need to inflate it to a higher pressure to support the weight properly. I always check my vehicle’s door jamb or owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressures for towing. Do not just guess; under-inflation is a major cause of tire overheating and failure.
How does tire size affect towing performance?
Tire size can have a big impact. Going to a much larger diameter tire than stock can effectively “re-gear” your vehicle, making the engine work harder to get moving, which is not ideal for towing. It can also throw off your speedometer and affect your anti-lock brakes and stability control systems. Sticking close to the manufacturer’s original tire diameter is generally the safest bet for maintaining your truck’s factory towing dynamics. When searching for the 10 best all-terrain tires for towing, I always look for options that are available in sizes that match my truck’s factory recommendations for towing packages.
Will all-terrain tires for towing wear out faster?
They can, but it’s a trade-off for the capability. The stiffer construction and tougher compounds that make a tire good for towing and off-road use can sometimes lead to a faster wear rate compared to a highway tire. However, many modern all-terrain tires are engineered for long treadlife. The key is to maintain proper inflation pressures and get regular rotations. The added wear from towing itself is often minimal if the tires are properly selected and cared for.