When the trail turns to soup and deep mud threatens to halt your adventure, the right set of tires is the only thing standing between you and a long, frustrating winching session. All-terrain tires are versatile, but for true mud domination, you need a specialized tread pattern designed to clean itself and bite into the muck for forward momentum. The best ATV mud tires combine aggressive, deep lugs with durable construction to withstand hidden rocks and stumps.
This roundup is designed to help you find the perfect set of claws for your machine. We’ve compiled a list of ten highly-regarded options, from complete sets to individual front or rear tires, to suit a variety of riding styles and machine sizes. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a serious mud bogger, investing in the right tires will transform your riding experience and give you the confidence to tackle the deepest ruts.
The Best ATV Mud Tires for Superior Traction
- Full set of BKT AT 171 (6ply) 30×9-14 ATV Mud Tires (4)
- ITP Mud Lite XTR All-Terrain ATV Radial Tire – 27X9R12
- Maxxis BigHorn 2.0 Radial (6ply) ATV Tire [27×11-14]
- GBC ATV Tires Grim Reaper Front/Rear Tire – 32x10R-14 (14)
- Full set of Sedona Mud Rebel 25×8-12 and 25×10-12 ATV Tires (4)
- RC4WD Interco Super Swamper 1.9 TSL/Bogger Scale Tire RC4Z-T0046
- Carlisle A.C.T ATV Tire – 26x10R12
- GBC Motorsports Dirt Commander Front Tire (27×9-12)
- Tusk Mud Force ATV Tire 25×8-12 x 25×10-12 Set Of 4
- System 3 SB-4 Beadlock Wheel and STI XC ATV Tire Combo
Full set of BKT AT 171 (6ply) 30×9-14 ATV Mud Tires (4)
This complete set of four BKT AT 171 tires offers a ready-to-ride solution for those looking to upgrade their ATV’s off-road capability. The 6-ply rating provides a robust build that resists punctures and damage from sharp rocks and debris commonly found in muddy terrain. With a substantial 30-inch height, these tires provide excellent ground clearance, helping you glide over obstacles that would stop a smaller tire.
The aggressive tread pattern is designed to dig into soft ground and eject mud efficiently, maintaining traction when you need it most. Coming as a full set, this bundle ensures a balanced and consistent performance across all four corners of your vehicle. It’s a straightforward upgrade for riders who want a capable, all-around mud tire without the hassle of piecing together a set.
ITP Mud Lite XTR All-Terrain ATV Radial Tire – 27X9R12
The ITP Mud Lite XTR is a legendary name in the ATV world, known for its exceptional balance of mud performance and a reasonably smooth ride on harder surfaces. Its radial construction allows for more flex, which conforms to the terrain for better traction and a more comfortable experience during long trail rides. The lightweight design helps reduce unsprung weight, which can improve your ATV’s handling and acceleration.
While it’s an excellent all-terrain tire, its deep, angled lugs are particularly effective at clearing mud and providing forward bite. Manufactured in the United States, this tire benefits from a reputation for quality and durability that many riders trust. It’s a fantastic choice for someone who encounters a mix of trails and mud pits and needs a tire that excels in both environments.
Maxxis BigHorn 2.0 Radial (6ply) ATV Tire [27×11-14]
Designed specifically for the rear position of ATVs and UTVs, the Maxxis BigHorn 2.0 is a workhorse tire built for traction and durability. Its 6-ply radial construction offers a strong defense against punctures while providing a stable footprint. The wide 11-inch width creates a large contact patch, which helps to float over soft ground and provide stability on various terrains.
The tread pattern features robust, blocky lugs that are effective in mud, rocks, and hard-packed trails. This tire is known for its long tread life and consistent performance, making it a reliable choice for riders who put a lot of miles on their machines. If you need a dependable rear tire that can handle deep mud while also performing well on the trail back home, the BigHorn 2.0 is a top contender.
GBC ATV Tires Grim Reaper Front/Rear Tire – 32x10R-14 (14)
For riders who demand maximum aggression, the GBC Grim Reaper lives up to its intimidating name. The skeletal tread design and deep, wrap-around shoulder lugs provide biting edges at every angle, which is crucial for maintaining grip when your ATV is at an extreme lean or digging through a rut. This design ensures constant rubber-to-ground contact for powerful forward motion.
Built with an 8-ply rated radial construction, this tire offers superior puncture resistance, allowing you to charge through the roughest conditions with confidence. The large 32-inch diameter provides significant ground clearance for overcoming larger obstacles. This is a tire for the serious mud bogger or rock crawler who needs uncompromising traction and durability from a premium product.
Full set of Sedona Mud Rebel 25×8-12 and 25×10-12 ATV Tires (4)
This Sedona Mud Rebel bundle provides a complete, matched set with specifically sized front (25×8-12) and rear (25×10-12) tires. Having properly sized tires for the front and rear axles optimizes handling and steering response, which is often overlooked in a dedicated mud tire. The 6-ply rating gives these tires a tough character, ready to resist damage from hidden trail hazards.
The Mud Rebel’s tread features widely spaced lugs that are designed to self-clean quickly, preventing mud from packing in and turning your tires into slick donuts. This complete package is an excellent value for someone looking to equip their midsize ATV with a purpose-built mud tire system without needing to source front and rear tires separately.
RC4WD Interco Super Swamper 1.9 TSL/Bogger Scale Tire RC4Z-T0046
This product is a scale model tire designed for RC (remote control) crawlers and trucks, not a full-size ATV tire. It replicates the iconic Interco Super Swamper TSL/Bogger, one of the most aggressive mud tires ever made for full-size vehicles. For RC enthusiasts, it offers extreme looks and performance for their miniature off-roaders.
If you are building an RC vehicle and want it to have the ultimate mud-terrain appearance and capability, this is the tire to consider. It allows hobbyists to scale down the legendary performance of Interco tires for their detailed projects. Please note its intended use to avoid confusion with full-size ATV products.
Carlisle A.C.T ATV Tire – 26x10R12
The Carlisle All Conditions Tire (A.C.T) is built for versatility and reliability. Its 3-ply construction offers a good balance of weight and durability for general use. The tread pattern is designed to perform adequately across a wide range of conditions, from hard-packed trails to moderate mud, making it a practical choice for the utility ATV owner.
This tire is a solid option for those who use their ATV for work around the property as well as recreational riding. It provides dependable traction without the extreme aggressiveness that can lead to a rough ride or rapid wear on harder surfaces. Remember that this listing is for the tire only, and a rim is not included.
GBC Motorsports Dirt Commander Front Tire (27×9-12)
The GBC Dirt Commander is a front-specific tire built with toughness as a top priority. Its 8-ply rated bias construction makes it exceptionally resistant to punctures and abrasions, which is vital for a steering tire that often takes the brunt of impacts from unseen rocks and stumps. This tire is crafted for riders who demand maximum durability.
Engineered with an optimal lug depth and deep sipes, the Dirt Commander provides superior traction across diverse surfaces, from rocky inclines to muddy creek beds. The tread design allows for aggressive engagement with the terrain, giving you confident steering control in challenging conditions. This listing is for the tire only, and a rim is not included.
Tusk Mud Force ATV Tire 25×8-12 x 25×10-12 Set Of 4
The Tusk Mud Force set offers a complete package with two front and two rear tires, sized for optimal performance. This tire is designed as a great all-around option that provides strong mud capability without sacrificing too much comfort on the trail. The tread is engineered to maintain constant contact with the ground, which contributes to a smoother and more consistent ride.
For riders looking for a balanced tire that can handle deep ruts but also won’t vibrate excessively on the ride back to the truck, the Mud Force is an excellent value-oriented choice. Getting a matched set from a reputable brand like Tusk simplifies the buying process and ensures all four tires work in harmony on your ATV.
System 3 SB-4 Beadlock Wheel and STI XC ATV Tire Combo
This combination package includes both wheels and tires, offering a complete bolt-on solution for your ATV. The System 3 SB-4 beadlock wheels are a premium feature that physically locks the tire bead to the wheel, which is crucial for running low tire pressures in deep mud without the risk of the tire slipping on the rim or losing a bead. The included STI XC tires are known for their cross-cut tread design.
The STI XC tire provides traction across a variety of conditions, from hard-packed trails to loose dirt and mud. This combo saves you the time and effort of having a tire shop mount and balance your new tires, as they come pre-assembled. It’s an ideal upgrade for riders who want the performance benefits of beadlock wheels and a capable tire in one convenient package.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best ATV Mud Tires for Deep Mud and Trail Riding
Picking the right set of tires is the single most important upgrade you can make for your ATV, especially when you plan on tackling deep mud and mixed trails. I have learned from experience that the wrong tires will leave you stuck and frustrated, while the right ones can turn a challenging ride into an absolute blast. The goal is to find a tire that can clean itself in thick mud while still providing decent manners on hardpack trails. Let us break down the key things I always look for.
First, consider the tread pattern, or the lugs. For deep mud, you want tall, aggressive, widely-spaced lugs. This design is what gives you that forward bite and, more importantly, allows the tire to self-clean. When mud gets packed between tight lugs, you are essentially riding on slick, round donuts. Wide spacing lets the mud fling out as the tire spins, keeping the tread clear for maximum grip. Look for lugs that have angled or staggered edges, as these help to dig and pull you through the slop.
Next is tire size. This involves two numbers: the overall diameter and the width. A larger diameter tire will give you more ground clearance and a longer contact patch, which helps you float on top of deep mud instead of digging down to the frame. A wider tire also adds to this flotation effect. However, you need to make sure a larger tire will actually fit your ATV without rubbing on the fenders, suspension, or frame, especially when you are turning or the suspension is fully compressed. Sometimes a lift kit is necessary.
Ply rating is your tire’s measure of toughness. It tells you how many layers of material are in the tire’s carcass. A higher ply rating (like 6-ply) means a more puncture-resistant and durable tire that can handle sharp rocks, sticks, and other trail hazards. The trade-off is that a stiffer, heavier tire can slightly reduce ride comfort and might require more power to spin. For serious trail and mud riding, I never go below a 6-ply rating; it is worth the extra weight for the peace of mind.
Finally, think about the rubber compound. Softer rubber conforms better to obstacles, providing a smoother ride and better traction on rocks. Harder rubber compounds last longer but can be less grippy. Many dedicated mud tires use a harder compound to resist chunking and tearing from the extreme forces in the mud. You also need to decide between bias-ply and radial construction. Bias-ply tires (the most common for ATVs) have a stiff sidewall that is great for resisting punctures and providing a stable feel, while radials offer a smoother ride on harder surfaces but can be more vulnerable to sidewall damage. For my money, a bias-ply tire is the go-to for hardcore mud and trail use. Getting the right set of the 10 best ATV mud tires for deep mud and trail riding means balancing all these factors to match your specific machine and the terrain you ride most often.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a mud tire and an all-terrain tire?
The biggest difference is in the tread design. Mud tires have tall, widely-spaced, aggressive lugs designed to bite into soft ground and, crucially, to eject mud as they spin. This self-cleaning action prevents the tire from becoming a slick, packed block. All-terrain tires have tighter, more numerous lugs that provide a smoother, quieter ride on hard surfaces like trails and pavement, but they clog up almost immediately in deep mud, losing all traction. A mud tire sacrifices some on-trail comfort for ultimate performance in the slop.
Can I use my stock ATV wheels with new mud tires?
In most cases, yes, you can. As long as you purchase new tires with the same diameter and width as your stock ones, they will mount right up to your existing wheels. However, many riders choose to go with a larger tire size for increased ground clearance and flotation. If you decide to upsize, you need to double-check that the new tire and wheel combination will fit within your ATV’s fender wells without rubbing. Sometimes this requires aftermarket wheels with a different offset or even a lift kit.
How much air pressure should I run in my mud tires?
This is a great question, and the answer can change based on conditions. For deep, soupy mud, I often lower my tire pressure to around 3-5 PSI. This allows the tire to flex more, creating a larger contact patch and helping the tire “float” on top of the mud. For general trail riding that includes harder surfaces, I will run a higher pressure, usually between 5-8 PSI, to prevent the tire from rolling over on the rim during sharp turns and to protect the sidewalls. Always check your tire’s specific recommendations and never exceed the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall.
Are 6-ply tires always better than 4-ply tires?
Not necessarily “better,” but they are more durable. A 6-ply rated tire is built with more layers of material, making it much more resistant to punctures, cuts, and bruises from rocks, stumps, and other trail debris. This makes them an excellent choice for the 10 best ATV mud tires for deep mud and trail riding in harsh environments. The downside is that they are heavier and can provide a slightly stiffer ride. If you primarily ride in soft, deep mud with few hard obstacles, a 4-ply might be sufficient and save you some weight and money.
Do I need to get my new mud tires balanced?
It is a very good idea, especially if you do any riding on hard-packed trails or gravel roads. Mud tires, with their heavy, aggressive lugs, can be significantly out of balance from the factory. An unbalanced tire will cause vibration at higher speeds, which is not only uncomfortable but can also lead to premature wear on your wheel bearings and other suspension components. Getting them balanced, often with internal bead-lock balancing compounds, will give you a smoother ride and help protect your machine.
How long can I expect a set of mud tires to last?
Tire life varies massively based on how and where you ride. A set of high-quality 6-ply mud tires ridden aggressively on rocky, technical trails will wear faster than the same tires used mostly in soft mud. Your riding style also plays a huge role; spinning the tires excessively will burn through the lugs quickly. With normal use, you can typically expect a good set to last for several thousand miles. Regularly checking your tire pressure and avoiding pavement will help you get the most life out of your investment.