Buyers Guide to off Road Truck Tires
There's something cleansing about crawling in the pickup and spinning through the largest mud puddle that can be found. You can always tell who has been out having fun by the amount of mud covering the vehicle. The less paint showing through the mud equates to how much fun was had.
So much clean fun can be found off road driving. Whether for fun or for work, off road driving requires special tires on the vehicle you are using. In all seriousness there are several factors regarding the type of tire if off road driving is a spur of the moment adventure, a serious past time or work requirement or done for professional reasons.
When looking at tires for any vehicle that will be used off road the terrain beyond the pavement should be taken into account. Tires will need to be able to transition from roadway to off road and still function. Different states have different laws regarding tires so before spending money check into your local laws.
Most vehicles are not specifically designed for off road thrills so choosing a good all around tire is important. A visit to the tire store quickly shows that there are tires designed for specific terrains. Soft sand and dirt should have a different tire from rocky steep terrain just as tires vary for different road conditions. Knowing the capabilities of tires and what you plan on doing is a start.
Tires designed for specific purposes are going to be higher in price, but there are some good all around tires that won't break the bank. A good mud and snow tire can assist in most off road terrain, but the climate where the tires will be used is a factor to consider as well. Different vehicles have a range of tire sizes that can go on that vehicle so check with the manufacturer's specifications. If a radically different tire size is chosen then modifications will need to be done to the vehicle, which adds up in cost fairly quickly.
How many layers of tire, the tire ply, are dependent on whether or not the vehicle will be used for heavy hauling while off road as well. More tire ply should be obtained for heavier loads. Suspension of the vehicle should always be considered when looking at different tires as well.
Check with others who drive off road frequently and find out what they think. While different people have different preferences experience and what they have gone through are good guides for anyone. A rancher, for instance, will know what works and does not work in wet fields. A logger will know what works and does not work in mountainous areas. Oil field workers will know what works and does not work in a variety of terrain conditions.
There are several good name brand tires out there for off road driving but any tow truck driver can tell you it doesn't matter how good the tire claims to be they all can go flat. So don't forget the spare tire either. But the unknown is part of the adventure of off road driving.
