Finding the right set of all-terrain tires for your truck or SUV is crucial for unlocking its full potential off the paved path. The LT285/75R16 size is a popular choice for many light trucks, offering a substantial footprint for improved traction and a commanding look. The right tire can mean the difference between confidently navigating a rocky trail and getting stuck in the mud.
This roundup focuses on eight top-performing options in this size, each designed to handle the rigors of off-road driving while maintaining decent on-road manners. We have analyzed key features, from aggressive tread patterns and durable constructions to specialized siping for wet and winter weather performance, to help you make an informed decision for your next adventure.
Top 8 All-Terrain Tires for Your LT285/75R16 Wheels
- Atturo Trail Blade A/T All-Terrain Off-Road Light Truck Radial Tire
- Milestar PATAGONIA A/T R All Terrain Radial Tire
- Mastertrack BADLANDS AT All Terrain LT285/75R16 10 Ply
- Thunderer RANGER A/TR All Terrain Tire
- Travelstar Ecopath AT All Terrain 285/75R16 10 Ply
- Nitto Ridge Grappler All-Terrain Tire
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 All-Season Radial Tire
- Toyo Open Country A/T III All-Terrain Tire
Atturo Trail Blade A/T All-Terrain Off-Road Light Truck Radial Tire
The Atturo Trail Blade A/T is built for drivers who face a mix of challenging conditions. Its key advantage is the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMS) certification, which means it is tested and proven as a confident performer in severe winter weather. This allows it to be a true year-round tire, eliminating the need for a seasonal changeover for many users.
Its tread design incorporates wave-shaped sipes that flex to provide optimal traction on wet pavement, loose gravel, and snow. Furthermore, four wide channels linked to lateral grooves work to efficiently flush water and slush out from the contact patch, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and maintaining a solid grip in adverse weather.
Milestar PATAGONIA A/T R All Terrain Radial Tire
The Milestar Patagonia A/T R is designed to deliver consistent performance both on and off the road. Its tread pattern features offset tread blocks that create numerous biting edges, which are essential for gaining traction on loose dirt, gravel, and wet surfaces. This design contributes to its reliable all-weather capability.
Durability and long-term performance are addressed with variable depth sipping. This feature helps the tire maintain consistent traction characteristics as it wears down over time. Angled tread notches increase the void area, which is particularly beneficial for self-cleaning in mud and providing extra grip in winter conditions.
Mastertrack BADLANDS AT All Terrain LT285/75R16 10 Ply
The Mastertrack BADLANDS AT is a robust 10-ply rated tire built with a Load Range E construction, making it suitable for heavier light trucks and SUVs, especially when towing or carrying heavy loads. With a maximum pressure of 80 psi, it is designed to handle significant weight while providing a durable off-road footprint.
This tire comes as a set of four and includes a road hazard warranty, which adds value and peace of mind for buyers. It is important to note that due to the size and weight of these tires, shipments may arrive in separate packages on different days, even when ordered together.
Thunderer RANGER A/TR All Terrain Tire
The Thunderer RANGER A/TR is an all-terrain radial tire made for light truck owners seeking a dependable option for various surfaces. Its construction is focused on providing a balanced performance, capable of handling daily driving duties as well as weekend off-road excursions without excessive road noise.
While specific feature details are limited, the tire’s design typically incorporates an aggressive tread pattern that aids in traction off-road, while still maintaining stability and control on paved roads. Its E load range rating confirms its durability and ability to carry heavy loads.
Travelstar Ecopath AT All Terrain 285/75R16 10 Ply
The Travelstar Ecopath AT stands out with its included 50,000-mile limited tread wear warranty, which signals a commitment to longevity. This, combined with a road hazard warranty, makes it a compelling choice for cost-conscious buyers who plan on putting many miles on their vehicle.
Like other tires in this category, it features a 10-ply, Load Range E construction for strength and durability under heavy loads. Its all-terrain design is intended to provide reliable performance across a spectrum of conditions, from highway driving to light off-road trails.
Nitto Ridge Grappler All-Terrain Tire
The Nitto Ridge Grappler is a hybrid all-terrain tire that combines the aggressive look and off-road traction of a mud-terrain tire with the quieter ride and comfort of an all-terrain tire. It was developed for performance pickups and SUVs, offering a blend of impressive aesthetics and confident handling.
Its aggressive directional tread design features linked shoulder blocks for stability, variably sized intermediate tread blocks for traction, and two continuous center ribs for improved highway manners. This design provides year-round traction while maintaining a commanding presence on any vehicle.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 All-Season Radial Tire
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a legendary name in the off-road community, known for its exceptional durability and trail-proven performance. It is engineered with a tough sidewall rubber and reinforced construction to resist chips and tears from sharp rocks and rough terrain.
This tire also boasts the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake rating for severe snow service, and its tread compound is designed to remain flexible in cold temperatures for enhanced winter traction. The interlocking tread blocks provide additional biting edges for rock crawling and help to reduce stone retention.
Toyo Open Country A/T III All-Terrain Tire
The Toyo Open Country A/T III is a modern all-terrain tire designed to excel in wet conditions while providing long tread life. It features a durable tread compound and an optimized tread pattern that reduces road noise for a comfortable highway ride, making it an excellent daily driver.
It carries the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, ensuring reliable performance in snow and ice. The tire’s design includes stone ejectors to help prevent rocks from getting lodged in the tread, and its variable pitch tread blocks are arranged to minimize noise on pavement.
What to Look For in the Best 8 75R16 All Terrain Tires for Off-Road Capability
When I’m looking for a new set of all-terrain tires, especially in the 8.75R16 size which is common on older 4x4s and light trucks, I focus on a few key things that make a real difference when the pavement ends. It’s not just about the aggressive look; it’s about how the tire performs when I really need it.
First up is the tread pattern and the rubber compound. A good all-terrain tire needs a balance. The tread blocks should be large and spaced out enough to eject mud and gravel, but they also need plenty of siping—those little cuts in the tread—to grip on wet roads and slick rocks. I always check the sidewall; many all-terrain tires have additional side-biters or stone ejectors. These are a big help when airing down for sand or when you need extra traction in a rocky rut. The rubber compound matters for longevity and how it handles in different temperatures. A tougher compound might last longer but can be less flexible in cold weather.
Next, I consider the tire’s construction. Many of the best options in this category have reinforced sidewalls, often called an “E-load” range. This doesn’t just mean they can carry more weight; it means the sidewalls are more resistant to punctures and damage from sharp rocks and roots. For someone who spends a lot of time on rough trails, this is a huge plus. However, a stiffer sidewall can sometimes mean a slightly firmer ride on the highway, so it’s a trade-off I’m willing to make for the extra durability off-road.
Finally, I think about my typical driving mix. Am I doing a 50-mile commute on the highway every day, or is this truck mostly for weekend adventures? This determines how much I prioritize road noise and on-road handling versus pure, uncompromised off-road performance. A tire that is whisper-quiet on the interstate might not have the same bite in thick mud as a louder, more aggressive one. For a true all-rounder, I look for tires that get strong reviews for their on-road manners without sacrificing their off-road credentials. Reading reviews from other owners of similar vehicles is one of the best ways I get a feel for how a specific tire will perform in real-world conditions, helping me find the best 8 75R16 all terrain tires for off-road capability that fit my specific needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the actual size of an 8.75R16 tire?
This is a common question because the naming can be confusing. The 8.75R16 is an older metric size that is very close to a more modern, and more common, 235/85R16 tire. The two sizes are often considered interchangeable, with nearly identical overall diameter and width. When you’re shopping, you will likely find many more options listed as 235/85R16, and they will fit on the same 16-inch wheels designed for an 8.75R16. It’s always a good idea to double-check the exact specifications, but for all practical purposes, you can shop for tires in the 235/85R16 size.
Are all-terrain tires good in deep mud?
All-terrain tires are a fantastic compromise, but they are not specialized mud-terrain tires. They will handle light to moderate mud just fine, thanks to their open tread patterns. However, in deep, sticky mud, the smaller voids between the tread blocks can quickly become packed with clay, turning the tire into a slick. For occasional muddy trails, a good all-terrain is sufficient. But if you plan on regularly tackling serious mud pits, a dedicated mud-terrain tire with larger, more aggressive lugs is a better, though noisier and less road-friendly, choice.
How long can I expect a set of all-terrain tires to last?
Tire lifespan varies a lot based on the specific model, your vehicle, your driving style, and how well you maintain them (like regular rotations). Generally, you can expect a quality set of all-terrain tires to last anywhere from 40,000 to 60,000 miles. More aggressive tires with softer rubber compounds might be on the lower end of that range, while those designed with more highway comfort in mind might reach the higher end. Consistent highway driving will typically yield the longest life, while frequent off-road use will naturally wear them out faster.
Do I need to get an alignment when I install new tires?
Yes, I always recommend getting an alignment when you install a new set of tires. Even a slightly misaligned vehicle can cause uneven wear on your new investment, significantly shortening their life. You might not feel any pulling in the steering wheel, but that doesn’t mean the alignment is perfect. Getting an alignment ensures that your new tires wear evenly across the entire tread, which helps you get every last mile out of them and provides the best possible handling.
Can I mix all-terrain tires with my existing highway tires?
This is not a good idea. For optimal safety and performance, especially with four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles, you should have identical tires on all four corners. Mixing tire types or even significantly different tread depths can cause strain on the drivetrain, lead to unpredictable handling, and confuse the vehicle’s stability control and ABS systems. It’s best to replace all four tires at once. If that’s not possible, the minimum is to replace both tires on the same axle with the same model and similar tread depth.
Is it worth airing down my tires for off-roading?
Absolutely. Airing down is one of the simplest and most effective techniques for improving off-road performance. By reducing the tire pressure (often to around 15-20 PSI, depending on the vehicle and terrain), you increase the tire’s contact patch with the ground. This provides much better traction in sand, rock crawling, and over loose surfaces. It also helps smooth out the ride over bumps. Just remember, you must re-inflate the tires to the proper road pressure before driving at highway speeds. A portable air compressor is an essential piece of gear for any off-roader.