The Ford F250 series trucks offer the best of both worlds. The F250s have a powerful V8 engine for strong hauling and towing performance and the rugged looks of a heavy-duty pickup truck. At the same time, they share many interior amenities with their luxury-oriented F-150 sibling.
While the F250’s ride is a bit firm, it is still more comfortable than what you get from its rivals, especially those that can match the F250’s superior payload ratings. The only thing this truck needs from you is a set of tires that could handle all the abuse it would inevitably hand out to them.
That is something easier said than done. While almost every truck tire on the market claims to enhance the F250’s performance, only a few deliver what they promise. Finding those few is as easy as finding a needle in a haystack. You’d thus have to spend time and effort to get lucky.
Luckily for you, we’ve come up with detailed reviews of 10 best tires for F250. Aware of the fact that not everyone will use this light truck for the same purpose, we’ve divided models into various categories. Make sure to pick the tire that you think could meet all your requirements.
#1. Michelin Defender LTX M/S – Best Overall
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S is our top tire pick for Ford F250. This highway tire boosts excellent road manners, supreme high-speed stability, and short braking distances on wet roads. Its brilliant fuel economy and long treadwear warranty further enhance this tire’s reputation.
A symmetric tread pattern helps the LTX M/S provide consistent grip for reduced rolling resistance and enhanced fuel economy. The tread pattern’s design also enables it to soak up road vibrations for a comfortable driving experience, especially when you’re on the highway.
Unlike most highway tires, the LTX M/S performs decently in snow. Variable 3D sipes help this model plow through light wintry conditions without any slipping or skidding. Still, the biting edges aren’t aggressive enough to keep this model stable on hard-packed snow and ice.
MaxTouch Construction is the reason why Michelin backs this tire with a 70,000-mile treadwear warranty, an impressive number no matter how you slice it. This feature ensures a widened contact patch every time the rubber meets the road, ensuring even and long-lasting wear.
Wet conditions are also taken care of, thanks to the four circumferential grooves, which evacuate water particles before they can accumulate and invite hydroplaning. The grooves’ quick action helps keep the contact patch dry, improving this tire’s wet traction.
Its availability in plenty of sizes means the Defender LTX M/S can go on almost every F250 trim. Yet not every F250 driver would purchase this tire. That is because this model is incredibly expensive, even when compared with its pricey Michelin siblings.
Pros
- Available in a large number of sizes
- Backed with an excellent 70,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Superb hydroplaning resistance
- Excellent levels of grip in dry and wet conditions
Cons
- Doesn’t come cheap
#2. Cooper Discoverer HTP – Best Runner Up
The Cooper Discoverer HTP ticks several boxes for the average F250 owner. The first of which is that it’s available at a pocket-friendly price, especially when compared with the Defender LTX M/S. Most people would be able to afford it without blowing their budget.
A computer-optimized tread pattern helps this tire offer a comfortable driving experience on the highway. The tread pattern’s design enables it to soak up road vibrations before they can reach the cabin. As a result, you won’t have to shutter up windows to block outside noise.
The Discoverer HTP also excels in wet conditions. A combination of serpentine sipes and biting edges improves its wet traction and shortens the braking distances. Plus, multiple longitudinal grooves ensure quick water evacuation for a reduced risk of aquaplaning.
Even though this tire costs much less than our top pick, you cannot guess the same based on its treadwear warranty. The Discoverer HTP is backed to last 65,000 miles, only 5,000 miles lower than the Defender LTX M/S, despite the difference in pricing.
Yet there are reasons why this tire isn’t our top pick. Its cornering performance and high-speed stability are lackluster compared with the LTX M/S. Cooper has to improve this model quite a bit on both counts for this tire to truly compete with its premium rivals.
Pros
- Available at a budget price point
- Offers a decent treadwear warranty for the price
- Excellent wet traction
Cons
- Struggles at high-speed cornering
#3. General Grabber HTS 60 – Best Budget
The General Grabber HTS 60 is another pocket-friendly highway tire capable of taking your F250’s highway and street performance to the next level. Still, while it can rival the performance of the Discoverer HTP, this tire still lags our top pick on at least two counts.
A cut- and chip-resistant tread compound means you won’t have to worry about punctures with this tire and can even trust it to withstand infrequent light off-roading trips. In addition, the tread compound’s rigidity makes the HTS 60 a reliable performer on gravel roads.
Once you’re back on the highway, this model’s vehicle-tuned tread pattern will come into action to give you the kind of grip that will increase your confidence in its abilities. At the same time, its continuous center rib will ensure high-speed stability for sure-footed driving.
To cast the net wider, General offers this tire in two versions. The lighter version will suit those of you who use the F250 for highway and street driving. The heavier model, meanwhile, will go to extreme lengths to complement this truck’s superior payload ratings.
All of this is not to say that this model is faultless. A 65,000-mile treadwear warranty is average for tires in this class, but it’s still 5,000 miles lower than what you get with the Defender LTX M/S. Furthermore, our top pick is a much better performer on snow and ice.
Pros
- Competitively priced
- Offers excellent high-speed stability
- Delivers superb traction in wet conditions
Cons
- Not the best for snow driving
#4. Firestone Destination LE3 – Best Quiet Tires
The Firestone Destination LE3 is the brand’s flagship replacement tire for crossovers, medium-size trucks, and light-duty pickup trucks. This tire is the successor of the uber-popular LE2, which means you can expect it to offer better performance.
Compared with the Destination LE2, the LE3 poses less rolling resistance, meaning your F250’s engine will have to output less power and burn less fuel with this tire. It also has a softer tread compound than its predecessor, offering much enhanced wet traction.
Treadwear warranty is another area where the LE3 has improved over the LE2. The previous version of this tire only came with a 40,000-mile warranty, a pittance when compared with rivals. Firestone has rectified that mistake by backing the LE3 for 70,000 miles.
An asymmetric tread pattern delivers the kind of steering response and handling people usually associate with high-performance models. Plus, its 3D tread feature enables this model to avoid the dangerous loss of traction many tires face in their last few days on the road.
Full-depth 3D sipes mean the Destination LE3 will perform better on the snow than the two tires you saw above. Aside from that, with the help of grooves in the tread area, Hydro-Grip Technology minimizes the risk of dangerous aquaplaning on wet/slippery roads.
Pros
- Backed with a generous 70,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Short braking distances in wet conditions
- Produces no growl at higher speeds
Cons
- Not the best for off-roading
#5. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 – Best Budget All-Terrain Tires
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 was one of our recommendations for the Ford F150. There is no reason why this tire shouldn’t go on the F150’s much more powerful sibling. After all, this tire is available in almost all sizes that go on F250’s various trims.
A double-thick tread compound should erase all the doubts you may have in your mind about this model’s off-road credentials. The tread compound has the toughness needed to perform reliably on loose, tough, or soft surfaces. Plus, its rigidity keeps punctures at bay.
A sidewall that looks as thick as the tread compound has enhanced this tire’s feedback and is protected by a built-in rim guard against curb damage. It also features mud buster bars to not let the squishy substance stop the T/A KO2 from traversing through it.
Side biter lugs are also on offer to help this tire perform reliably on snow-laden roads. The reason we’re mentioning all these design elements is not just because they enhance this tire’s performance. It’s also because the T/A KO, this tire’s predecessor, lacked them.
If you already own the T/A KO or are considering purchasing that tire, you should know that the T/A KO2 offers 19% higher snow traction and 10% higher mud traction. That too while coming in the same mid-range price that made its precursor off-roaders’ favorite budget tire.
Pros
- Comes with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Performs reliably on rock, gravel, slush and mud
- Offers best-in-class snow traction
Cons
- Has a tendency to get loud at higher speeds
#6. Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure – Best All-Terrain Tires
Few all-terrain tires are as good for off-roading as they are on snow- and ice-laden roads. Fewer still come with decent treadwear warranties. Luckily for you, the Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar belongs to the minority of A/T tires that boost all-three attributes.
If you mostly use your F250 for highway or city driving, make sure to opt for P models. These tires have a relatively lightweight construction and thus consume less fuel. Plus, they’d be quieter at higher speeds, though you can’t use them for towing or hauling heavy loads.
Speaking of dealing with heavy stuff, that’s where the LT-Metric models will come in handy. The LT models come with high load ratings and can thus be relied upon to do the heavy-duty stuff. Plus, their 3PMSF symbol indicates that they’ll be reliable in harsh wintry conditions.
Both models come with a symmetric tread pattern, open shoulder and traction ridges, and unique siping detail. The tread pattern’s design helps the tire keep vibrations to a minimum, with the other two design elements enhancing the All-Terrain Adventure’s snow performance.
Unfortunately, despite having a stiff sidewall, this tire doesn’t perform well in the handling department. Its steering feedback is also below-average for an all-terrain tire.
Pros
- Best-in-class treadwear warranty (60,000 miles)
- P-models perform brilliantly on the highway
- Very useful in light snow conditions
Cons
- Only LT-Metric models carry the 3PMSF symbol
#7. Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S – Best for Snow Traction
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is different from your average all-terrain tire. Your standard A/T tire dedicates all its energies to enhancing its performance on the off-roads. In contrast, Cooper had snow-laden roads in mind while designing the AT3 4S.
An Adaptive Traction Technology lays bare where this tire’s focus lies. This technology works by softening the tread compound upon its contact with snow or ice. The resulting flexibility increases the tire’s traction and grip, making it ultra-stable in wintry conditions.
An innovative silica tread compound is also geared toward winter driving. Silica has the uncanny ability to stay flexible in sub-zero temperatures. Together with this tire’s zigzag sipes, which improve vehicle stability on snow, silica boosts the tire’s winter performance.
Then comes the Saw Tooth Technology, which sees to it that the tire traps snow inside the tread to offer shortened braking distances on snow. And when the trapped snow will inevitably turns into ice, it will be forced out of the tread by the uniquely shaped deep center grooves.
A class-leading 65,000-mile warranty indicates that this model should easily last you 4 to 5 winters. Which seems just about right once you look at this model’s price. Even for an off-road tire, the Discoverer AT3 4S is nowhere near competitively priced.
Pros
- 65,000 miles treadwear warranty
- Comes with the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating
- Offer good off-road grip
Cons
- Doesn’t come cheap
#8. BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 – Best Mud-Terrain Tire
Models like the T/A KM3 are the main reason BFGoodrich has been in the tire-manufacturing business for over a century. This mud-terrain tire goes the extra mile by matching its superb mud performance with solid rock crawling and snow-driving capabilities.
The KM3 comes with a specialized tread compound that has enhanced its mud traction by just over 5% compared to its predecessor. Large spike blocks in the tread area dig into mud and slush to give this tire the traction it needs to keep rolling over loose surfaces.
The combination of mud-phonic bars and symmetrical grooves help with mud evacuation. But both of them don’t work side by side. The symmetrical grooves only come into action when the mud bars are overloaded with mud particles and can no longer work as intended.
An M+S rating means that this tire can hold its own in light snow, too, with the Terrain-Attack tread making it a reliable rock crawler. Furthermore, since the inside of this tire features a three-layer rugged polyester structure, it won’t be punctured that easily while encountering road debris.
BFG has to be appreciated for indirectly claiming that this tire won’t do wonders on the highway. The tire manufacturer’s statement that KM3 is 80% for off-road and only 20% for the highway means that you’d do well to replace it with a set of highway tires for city driving.
Pros
- Offers outstanding mud traction
- Is a reliable rock crawler
- Comes with the M+S symbol
Cons
- Isn’t designed for highway driving
#9. Mickey Thompson Baja Claw – Best for Rock Crawling
The Mickey Thompson Baja Claw is one of the best rock crawler tires on the market. Its manufacturer has left virtually no stone unturned to make this model super tough and strong, thereby making it an ideal option for rock crawling with your F250.
Mickey Thompson has made this tire super strong by using bias-belted construction. The ruggedness results in enhanced rock crawling capabilities while also protecting this tire against premature deformation, a fate suffered by cheap rock crawlers.
Directional side biters are also on offer to increase this model’s grip across a wide range of surfaces. The same goes for the directional tread, which makes this tire a reliable performer over snow. These features indicate that the Baja Claw works well over various terrains.
There is, however, one thing that you should know about this model. It is a poor performer on the road, especially on the highway. You’d thus do well to replace it as soon as you return from an off-roading trip.
Pros
- Brilliant traction for rock crawling
- Highly durable bias-belted construction
- Puncture-resistant tread compound
Cons
Useless on the highway
#10. Bridgestone Blizzak LT – Best Winter Tires
The Bridgestone Blizzak LT is currently one of the best heavy-duty winter tires on the market. This is because this tire uses a winter-specific tread compound that retains its flexibility in sub-zero temperatures, thereby offering adequate grip and traction.
An elaborate siping pattern helps it plow through snow and ice by increasing the number of biting edges coming into contact with the road surface. Aside from that, a detailed tread design ensures that this model doesn’t skid or slip in harsh wintry conditions.
Multiple straight and zigzag circumferential grooves reduce the risk of hydroplaning by evacuating water quickly and effectively. In doing so, they keep the contact patch dry for better traction on wet, slippery, and icy roads.
Lastly, an internal polyester and steel belt structure helps this tire justify its heavy-duty credentials. The sturdiness of the internal structure is why this tire can easily carry heavy loads without allowing the driving pressures to deform the tire’s shape.
Pros
- Enhanced winter weather direction
- Doesn’t deform under heavy loads
- Is incredibly controllable on dicey surfaces
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a treadwear warranty
Best Tires for F250
Highway Tires
Highway tires are the best option for the average F250 driver. These models come with high load ratings, meaning you can use them to tow and haul heavy stuff. Plus, their puncture-resistant tread compound makes them a pocket-friendly choice for light off-roading.
Highway tires are also incredibly durable. As you have seen already, the best highway tires are backed for as many as 70,000 miles by their manufacturer. This means that if you cover 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year, these models will last you up to 5 to 6 years.
All-Terrain Tires
All-terrain tires should be your go-to option if your daily driving routine involves anything other than paved roads. As their name implies, these tires can work almost anywhere. They are as reliable for light off-roading as they are for challenging conditions.
All-terrain tires are also pretty good on the road. Sure, they don’t offer the same kind of refinement you could get from highway tires, but they aren’t that far off. Most people are surprised by the kind of traction, grip, and high-speed stability these models offer.
Mud-Terrain Tires
Mud-terrain tires deserve your attention if you want nothing short of ultimate traction on slippery surfaces. And it isn’t only on mud that these tires perform at their best. The best mud-terrain tires are also pretty good on dirt, sand, and even rocks.
Bear in mind that mud-terrain tires perform much worse than their A/T counterparts on the road. High-speed stability is almost non-existent, braking distances are noticeably longer, and the noise levels are audibly high. Plus, they have shorter tread lives than all-terrain tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tires come standard on a Ford F250?
The Ford F250 came in the following tire sizes:
- 275/65R18
- 275/70R18
- 285/75R18
- 275/65R20
- 245/75R17
- 265/70R17
- 275/65R18
- 275/70R18
How long do F250 tires last?
The length of time your F250 tires will last will depend on your driving habits and how much distance you cover in a year. For instance, if you drive conservatively and cover around 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year, the best highway F250 tires should last 5, 6 years.
Conclusion
The Ford F250 is a highly competent truck. However, to make the most of its qualities, be sure to install premium tires. Cheap tires might cost less up front, but they would perform poorly and last less long, proving to be costly in the long run.
