When you’re facing a soupy, rut-filled trail, the right set of mud tires is the difference between conquering the terrain and getting hopelessly stuck. Ground clearance is king in these conditions, and a tall, aggressive tire is your primary tool for achieving it. The extra inches lift your ATV’s vital components away from mud, rocks, and debris, allowing you to plow through obstacles that would halt a lesser machine.
Choosing a tire designed specifically for mudding means prioritizing deep, self-cleaning tread patterns and durable construction. These tires bite into the muck, find traction where there seems to be none, and expel mud to prevent clogging. This roundup focuses on ten of the best options available to give your ATV the maximum ground clearance and mud performance it needs.
Our Top Picks for Maximum Clearance Mud Tires
- Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 Radial Tire 27×9-14
- GBC XC Master ATV Neumático
- Full set of Sedona Mud Rebel ATV Tires (4)
- Interco Tire Reptile Radial ATV Tire
- Carlisle A.C.T ATV Tire – 26x10R12
- SHIQINHA 145/70-6 Tires for Mini Bike & ATV
- GBC ATV Tires Grim Reaper 32x10R-14
- Maxxis MU01 Zilla Front ATV/UTV Tire
- Full set of ITP Blackwater Evolution ATV Tires
- Kenda Bear Claw K299 ATV Tire
Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 Radial Tire 27×9-14
The Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 builds upon the legendary reputation of its predecessor by offering a lighter-weight design without sacrificing toughness. Its radial construction provides a smoother ride over rough terrain while the 27-inch height directly contributes to increased ground clearance, helping you glide over obstacles that would scrape your undercarriage.
With a 6-ply rating, this tire is built to resist punctures from sharp rocks and hidden stumps. The well-known tread pattern is aggressive enough to find grip in mud and loose soil, yet it remains relatively quiet and stable on harder surfaces, making it a great all-around performer that excels in muddy conditions.
GBC XC Master ATV Neumático
The GBC XC Master is a durable option designed for cross-country riding, which often includes navigating muddy sections. Its 6-ply construction gives it the strength to handle abrasive terrain and resist damage, providing reliability when you are far from help.
The tread design focuses on providing consistent traction across a variety of landscapes. While it may not be the most extreme mud-specific tire, its balanced approach offers dependable performance, making it a solid choice for riders who encounter mud as part of a larger, more diverse riding environment.
Full set of Sedona Mud Rebel ATV Tires
This complete set of four Sedona Mud Rebel tires offers a ready-to-install solution for transforming your ATV into a mud-conquering machine. The set includes staggered sizing with 25×8-12 for the front and 25×10-12 for the rear, a configuration that improves steering response and stability.
As the name suggests, the Mud Rebel features an aggressive tread pattern with deep, widely-spaced lugs that are engineered to bite into soft ground and effectively clean themselves. The 6-ply rating ensures these tires can withstand the punishing environment of rocky mud holes and deep ruts without failing.
Interco Tire Reptile Radial
Interco is a respected name in extreme off-road tires, and the Reptile Radial lives up to that heritage. This 28×10-14 tire offers a significant boost in ground clearance, putting more distance between your machine and the terrain. Its robust 6-ply radial construction is designed for heavy-duty use.
The tread pattern is uniquely aggressive, featuring deep, interlocking lugs that provide a formidable grip in the thickest mud. This design helps the tire maintain forward momentum by shedding mud quickly and preventing it from packing in, which is a common issue with less specialized tires.
Carlisle A.C.T ATV Tire
The Carlisle A.C.T (All Conditions Tire) is built for versatility. Its 26-inch diameter provides a good balance of increased ground clearance and manageable power delivery for many standard ATVs. The tread is designed to perform reliably in a mix of conditions, from hard-packed trails to wet fields.
With a 3-ply rating, it is a lighter-duty option compared to others on this list, making it well-suited for general use where extreme mudding is not the primary activity. It represents a practical choice for the rider who needs competent performance in occasional mud without a dedicated mud-tire compromise.
SHIQINHA 145/70-6 Tires for Mini Bike & ATV
This tire is specifically designed for smaller machines like mini bikes, youth ATVs, and go-karts. Its compact size and specific fitment make it an essential upgrade for younger riders or those with smaller utility quads that need better traction. The flame-pattern tread offers a unique look and functional grip on various surfaces.
Constructed from premium rubber, it focuses on providing a smooth and stable ride while withstanding the vibrations and shocks of off-road use. While not for full-sized ATVs, it fills an important niche for ensuring all vehicles in your garage are properly equipped.
GBC ATV Tires Grim Reaper
The GBC Grim Reaper is a true specialist for the most demanding mud terrains. Its massive 32x10R-14 size provides a dramatic increase in ground clearance, allowing you to tackle deep water holes and mud pits that would stop other riders in their tracks. The skeletal, wrap-around tread lugs are incredibly aggressive.
These lugs are engineered to maintain rubber-to-ground contact at extreme angles, providing bite even when your ATV is leaning sideways on a hill. With an 8-ply radial construction, the Grim Reaper offers superior puncture resistance, ensuring you can push through the roughest conditions with confidence.
Maxxis MU01 Zilla Front ATV/UTV Tire
The Maxxis Zilla is a purpose-built front tire designed to complement a aggressive rear mud tire. Its 27/9-12 size is tailored for precise steering and control in soft, challenging terrain. The tread pattern is designed to cut through mud and provide directional stability when the rear tires are digging for traction.
Using a dedicated front tire like the Zilla can significantly improve your machine’s handling characteristics in deep mud. It helps prevent the front end from plowing or washing out, giving you the control needed to navigate tricky lines and obstacles with greater accuracy.
Full set of ITP Blackwater Evolution ATV Tires
ITP’s Blackwater Evolution set is a premium offering for serious mudders. This complete four-tire package features a staggered setup with 26×9-12 fronts and 26×11-12 rears, optimized for balanced performance and a powerful, wide stance. The radial construction contributes to a smooth and stable ride.
A key feature is the impressive 8-ply rating, which offers maximum resistance to cuts, punctures, and abrasions. The deep, angular tread lugs are designed to provide relentless forward pull in mud while also offering surprising traction on harder surfaces, making it a top-tier, durable choice.
Kenda Bear Claw K299 ATV Tire
The Kenda Bear Claw K299 has a long-standing reputation as a reliable and tough all-terrain tire with a strong bias towards muddy conditions. Its classic, aggressive tread pattern features deep, widely spaced lugs that are effective at digging for traction and self-cleaning.
Known for its durability, the Bear Claw is constructed to take on punishing terrain. It provides a great balance of mud performance, trail manners, and longevity, making it a popular choice for riders who want a single set of tires that can handle everything from daily chores to weekend mud-running adventures.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best ATV Mudding Tires for Maximum Ground Clearance
When I’m picking out new mud tires, my main goal is always to get my machine as high off the ground as possible. More ground clearance means I’m less likely to high-center on a rut or get hung up on a hidden stump. But it’s not as simple as just buying the biggest tires I can find. There are a few key things I always consider to make sure I get the right setup for my riding style and my ATV.
First, let’s talk about tire size. This is the most direct way to increase ground clearance. A larger overall diameter will physically lift your ATV’s frame and axles higher. I look at the stock tire size and then see what my machine can realistically fit without major modifications. Jumping from a 25-inch tire to a 28-inch tire can give you over an inch and a half of extra clearance, which is a huge difference in deep mud. However, I have to be mindful of my ATV’s power. Bigger tires are heavier and put more strain on the engine, transmission, and CV joints. If I don’t have the power to turn them, I’ll just end up with a sluggish machine that bogs down easier.
Tread design is another critical factor. For mud, I want an aggressive, open lug pattern. The deep, widely-spaced lugs are designed to bite into the soft, goopy stuff and then self-clean by slinging the mud out as the tire spins. A tight, closed tread will just pack up with mud and become a slick, useless donut. I also pay attention to the lug height. Deeper lugs not only provide better traction but also contribute to the overall diameter of the tire, adding to that precious ground clearance. Look for lugs that are angled or have a V-shaped pattern to help with forward bite and directional stability.
Finally, I think about the tire’s construction and ply rating. Mudding is tough on tires. I’m constantly hitting sharp rocks, roots, and other debris hidden under the surface. A tire with a higher ply rating (like 6-ply or 8-ply) is much more resistant to punctures and sidewall damage than a standard 4-ply tire. While a stiffer, higher-ply tire might give a slightly firmer ride on hardpack, the trade-off for durability and reliability in the swamp is absolutely worth it for me. Getting the right set of the 10 best ATV mudding tires for maximum ground clearance is about balancing these factors: size, tread, and toughness, to build a setup that keeps you moving forward and out of the sticky situations.
FAQ
How much bigger can I go with my ATV tires?
This depends entirely on your specific ATV model and its stock setup. A good rule of thumb I use is that most sport and utility quads can handle a 2-inch increase in tire diameter without any modifications. So, if you’re running 25-inch stock tires, 27-inch tires are usually a safe bet. Going larger than that often requires a lift kit, forward-mounted A-arms, or fender trimming to prevent rubbing at full compression or while turning. Always check forums and owner’s groups for your specific model to see what others have successfully installed.
Will bigger mud tires affect my ATV’s speed and power?
Yes, absolutely. Think of it like changing the gearing on a bicycle. Putting on larger tires is like shifting into a harder gear. Your engine has to work harder to turn them, which can make your ATV feel slower to accelerate and reduce its top speed. It also puts more stress on your CVT clutch system, transmission, and axles. If you have a smaller or less powerful machine, you might notice a significant performance drop. On bigger, high-horsepower models, the effect is less pronounced but still present.
What is the best tire pressure for mudding?
For mudding, I almost always air down. Lowering your tire pressure increases the tire’s contact patch, which improves flotation and helps prevent you from sinking down to the frame. It also allows the tire to flex and conform to obstacles better, improving traction. I typically start around 4-5 PSI for deep, soupy mud. However, you have to be careful. Running too low of a pressure, especially at high speeds, can cause the tire to unseat from the rim. It also increases the risk of pinching the sidewall and causing a puncture on a sharp rock.
Are radial tires better than bias-ply tires for mud?
This is a classic debate. Bias-ply tires are the traditional choice and are known for their stiff sidewalls and aggressive, rugged tread patterns. They are generally less expensive and great for resisting punctures. Radial tires, on the other hand, have a more flexible sidewall which provides a smoother ride and a larger, more consistent contact patch. This can sometimes offer better traction on certain surfaces. For a pure mud application, many hardcore riders still prefer the stiff, durable feel of a bias-ply tire, but modern radial mud tires are excellent and the gap is closing. Your choice might come down to your budget and desired ride quality.
Do I need to get new wheels when I buy new mud tires?
Not necessarily. If you’re happy with your current wheel size, width, and offset, you can just mount the new tires on your existing wheels. However, this is a great opportunity to upgrade. A wider wheel can help stabilize a larger tire and prevent it from looking “ballooned.” Changing the wheel’s offset can also widen your ATV’s stance, which dramatically improves stability on side hills and in ruts. If you’re making a significant jump in tire size, it’s worth considering a wheel upgrade to optimize the entire setup for performance and safety.