Lifted trucks inspire awe and wonder in onlookers. These trucks are so big and so far from the ground that those standing nearby cannot help but stop and gawk as they pass by. That said, extracting glances from bystanders isn’t the reason why people choose to lift their trucks.
To their drivers, lifted trucks offer a clear view of the road ahead. You can spot traffic problems from a distance and take appropriate measures to avoid a jam. Aside from that, a higher sitting position enables you to inspect potential road hazards and see over other vehicles.
Their utility doesn’t end once you’re off the road. In fact, one of the major benefits of owning a lifted truck is that you can quickly get under it and make any modifications you want. Such convenient access to the truck’s underbody is a boon for drivers who fear confined spaces.
However, for all the benefits of having a lifted truck, there are also some glaring pitfalls. The biggest of which is that these vehicles have poor stability on the road. That is especially the case while turning corners, which is where lifted trucks are at their most vulnerable.
Fortunately, the best tires for lifted trucks can rectify some of the issues that plague these vehicles’ performance. Furthermore, the right set of tires will enhance your lifted truck’s performance in off-road conditions. Let’s look at some excellent tires for your lifted truck.
#1. BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 – Best Overall
Why is the BFG Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 our top pick for lifted trucks?
Start with its heavy-duty construction. The T/A KM3 is made of a sturdy rubber compound with thick sidewalls and an internal three-layer polyester. The result? This tire will stay glued to the surface in on- and off-road conditions, enhancing the stability of your lifted truck
This model is also highly puncture-resistant. The credit for this goes to a trinity of features: a rubber compound that has been strengthened to avoid penetration, enhanced shoulder protection (vis-à-vis T/A KM2), and thicker 3-ply sidewalls that won’t let anything across.
Like most MT tires, the Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 doesn’t have siping on its tread area. Instead, it features massive tread voids which are specially designed to evacuate hard-packed mud, snow, and sand. The voids also minimize the risk of stone drilling to keep cuts and chips at bay.
Despite all these design elements, this model is incredibly quiet and smooth, especially when it’s aired to the recommended PSI. A six-year longevity warranty and shorter braking distances in the rain further justify this model’s selection as one of the best tires for lifted trucks.
Pros
- Outstanding traction in deep mud
- Incredibly tough and durable construction
- Quiet and smooth for a mud-terrain tire
- Backed by a six-year longevity warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t come cheap
#2. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 – Best Runner Up
The Nitto Terra Grappler G2 rivals our top pick on various counts. This tire is as smooth and quiet on paved roads as the T/A KM3. Both tires offer outstanding grip and traction in various conditions, are backed with 6-year-limited warranties, and offer a quiet and comfortable experience.
Despite all these similarities, the Grappler G2 isn’t our top pick for lifted trucks. Want to know why? This model cannot resist punctures as well as the BFG Mud-Terrain T/A KM3. But that shouldn’t pose an issue if you stay away from the rocky terrain for the most part.
A deep tread design propels the Grappler G2 in challenging conditions. The tread design enables the G2 to claw its way through mud, slush, gravel, and even rocks. Its aggressive siping and massive voids ensure that the G2 can safely carry you from point A to point B on any surface.
Reinforced coupling joints further enhance this model’s performance. They do that by adding rigidity to its shoulder blocks, tread pattern, and sidewalls. Aside from that, full-depth sipes allow the tire to tackle soft and loose terrains with minimal danger of getting stuck.
Thanks to the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, the G2 shines on snow. This emblem indicates that the tire has what it takes to tackle harsh wintry conditions. That said, if you regularly drive on snowy roads, a set of dedicated winter tires might be a better option.
Pros
- Backed with a 65,000-mile six-year treadwear warranty
- Comes with a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol
- Offers outstanding on- and off-road performance
Cons
- Puncture resistance isn’t that great
#3. Cooper Discoverer STT Pro
The Cooper Discoverer STT Pro ticks several boxes for lifted truck drivers. The most important of which is that this model is available at an affordable price. This should be excellent news for those of you who have already spent way too much money on modifying the truck.
An advanced silica and carbon black tread compound features an internal 3-ply Armor-Tek3 protection against rocks, fallen trees, and other roadside debris. If Cooper is to be believed, this combo has made this tire 50% more durable than your standard 2-ply model.
Muddy conditions are where this tire performs at its best. Mainly because of the side-biters that line its outer sidewalls and help this tire provide added grip and traction on soft and loose terrains. But also because of the mud-evacuating dimples and scoops on the outer lugs.
An aggressive tread pattern means more feedback at the steering wheel, which might be good or bad depending on how you like to drive. Still, while the ride will be firm, it won’t be noisy, thanks to the rib pattern which does a phenomenal job of dissipating road noise.
Unfortunately, like most budget-friendly mud tires, the STT Pro struggles in snow, even though it comes with dedicated scoops to evacuate snow and ice from its tread area. As far as we can tell, the shortage of siping is to blame for this model’s poor snow performance.
Pros
- Available at a pocket-friendly price
- Boosts excellent puncture resistance
- More durable than its competitors
Cons
- Not suitable for harsh wintry conditions
#4. Dick Cepek Extreme Country
The Dick Cepek Extreme Country is a popular option among drivers of lifted trucks, thanks to its flexible tread compound, M+S rating, and performance on mud-laden roads. Its affordable asking price is another factor that might convince you to select this tire.
A flexible tread compound gives this model the ability to perform reliably on soft and loose surfaces. It is supported in that by the multiple large-size voids between the treads. These massive gaps are the reason why this tire can grip solid ground underneath mud, slush, and sand.
Built-in rock ejectors and side-biters mean you can also use this tire for rock crawling, too. The rock ejectors prevent stone drilling and, in doing so, minimize the risk of punctures. As for the side-biters, they protect the sidewall against cuts, chips, and punctures.
Specially designed chamfers, inner and outer lugs, and notches ensure this tire stays glued to the surface, regardless of weather or road conditions. Plus, the fact that this model is M+S rated means you can count on it to perform reliably in mild-to-moderate wintry conditions.
There is, however, one area where the Extreme Country disappoints. This model is nowhere near as refined as some of the tires you saw above. Which is a shame considering its noise levels are extremely low, even when compared with the top picks in this review.
Pros
- Won’t blow your budget
- Quiet for a mud-terrain tire
- Can be used for rock crawling
Cons
- Not the most refined ride quality
#5. General Grabber X3
The General Grabber X3 is one of General’s flagship mud-terrain tires. However, unlike many of its rivals, this model performs reliably and smoothly on paved roads. As a result, despite carrying the M/T moniker, the X3 won’t let you down in dry, wet, and dirty conditions.
DuraGen Technology enables this tire to offer the best of both worlds. It has enhanced this tire’s flexibility to help the X3 become a reliable performer in wet and wintry conditions. That is because only a flexible tread compound can offer adequate traction on slippery surfaces.
The technology has also enhanced the X3’s off-road credentials. It has done that by providing extra protection to the sidewall as well as the outboard shoulder blocks. This has increased the thickness of both design elements, elevating their resistance to punctures.
Not everything that is good about this tire stems from the DuraGen Technology, though. For instance, this model owes its ruggedness to the internal three-ply polyester casing. Two ultra-high-strength steel belts also play their part in keeping premature deformation at bay.
However, while this model does come with a uniformity warranty (1 year/first 2/32” of wear), General doesn’t back it with a mileage or treadwear warranty.
Pros
- Admirable off-road performance
- Superior resistance to punctures
- Tough and durable construction
Cons
- Zero treadwear warranty
#6. Mickey Thompson Baja ATZP3
The Mickey Thompson Baja ATZP3 is an incredibly capable off-road tire. This model can come in handy on muddy terrains, rock trails, and even snow-laden roads. The way it performs on snow would make you want to believe that the ATZP3 is a dedicated winter tire.
Compared with its fellow all-terrain tires, the ATZP3 maintains added road contact at all times, thanks to the continuous tread block sequence and added tread stability. Its excellent road contact is the main reason why the ATZP3 boasts an excellent fuel economy.
The added road contact also ensures greater feedback at the steering, resulting in quicker and more precise inputs. In addition, it will evenly distribute the pressure forces your lifted truck will subject this tire to, thereby ensuring an even and long-lasting treadwear.
A multi-ply polyester casing and strengthened steel belt architecture help this tire maintain its original shape under a variety of driving and load conditions. This means that no matter how much weight you’re going to put on this model, its shape won’t deform.
You can also use this tire for snow-plowing. A combination of sipes and super-flexible tread compound won’t let harsh wintry conditions get the better of it.
Pros
- Performs reliably on snow-laden roads
- Optimized road contact ensures even treadwear
- Short braking distances in slippery conditions
Cons
- Stiff ride
#7. Firestone Destination M/T2
Firestone tires are renowned worldwide for their affordable asking prices, long uniformity warranties, and amazing dry handling and traction. Luckily for you, the Destination M/T2 isn’t any different. This mud-terrain tire is as reliable and pocket friendly as any other model from this brand.
A cut- and chip-resistant tread compound does exactly what its name implies – not letting anything get the better of the M/T2’s rubber. It’s helped in its mission by the 30ply sidewall construction, which is something you don’t normally get to see in a budget-friendly tire.
Compared with its predecessor, the Firestone M/T, this model’s sidewall features more aggressive lugs to offer added protection against glass pieces, rocks, and other roadside debris. As a result, you can count on the M/T2 to keep unwanted mid-journey stops to a minimum.
This tire also performs reliably on loose surfaces such as sand, dirt, gravel, and of course mud. A plethora of tread blocks set at 23-degree attack angles ensure that it can stay stable in conditions where other M/T models struggle. Plus, it can hold its own on wet roads as well.
Lastly, Firestone has made this tire’s tread area studdable. So, if you regularly drive in harsh wintry conditions, the M/T2 should be somewhere near the top of your wishlist. Plus, this model’s uniformity warranty backs it for the first 1/32” of wear
Pros
- Features a 3-ply sidewall
- Performs reliably in harsh wintry conditions
- Resists punctures quite well
Cons
- Zero treadwear warranty
#8. Federal Couragia MT
The Federal Couragia MT has been on the market for quite some time. A few years after its release, its successor hit the shelves. At the time of writing, many of its rivals are also on the market. Yet, here we’re, recommending you to install the Couragia MT on your lifted truck. Here’s why.
The Couragia MT is one of those few MT tires that weigh light on your pocket yet perform reliably in challenging conditions. That has been made possible by its aggressive tread design, which enables this model to dig deep in mud, slush, and snow for a performance you can rely on.
Although it isn’t a premium MT tire, this model’s toughness may make you think otherwise. Federal has reinforced this model’s shoulders and sidewall to ensure rocks cannot get the better of them. In addition, the shoulders also improve this tire’s traction in specific off-road conditions.
Federal has also provided this tire with its unique tread pattern. Referred to as the Sloped Radius Gradient (SRG), the tread pattern joins forces with this tire’s cut- and chip-resistant tread compound. As a result, improved traction and exceptional wet handling is all but guaranteed.
Incremental edges around the blocks minimize the build-up of mud, slush, and dirt inside the tread area, helping the tire perform better in such conditions. However, poor wet performance and lack of refinement might prove to be deal-breakers for many of this tire’s potential customers.
Pros
- Performs excellently in mud and sand
- Usable in light wintry conditions
- Available at a pocket-friendly price
Cons
- Poor wet performance
#9. Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar
The Goodyear Wrangler AT Adventure with Kevlar is one of the best all-terrain tires on the market. Sure, this model doesn’t come cheap (in fact, its asking price might blow a hole in your wallet). Yet, if you want unrivaled performance, you have no choice but to bite the bullet.
Goodyear has equipped the All-Terrain Adventure with a Kevlar-reinforced tread compound. This material, alongside the tread compound’s all-season credentials, is the major reason why the All-Terrain Adventure can cope with extremely high as well as frigid temperatures.
A symmetric tread pattern is a curious choice for an all-terrain tire, given that most models in this class come with an asymmetric tread design. Still, based on how the tread pattern lowers this model’s noise levels and makes its ride quality plusher, we are not complaining.
A combination of open shoulders, traction ridges and unique siping detail enhance this tire’s snow performance. Which shouldn’t come as a surprise given that this model carries the 3PMSF symbol, the guarantee that it can hold its own in light frigid conditions.
One thing you may want to note about this tire is that it comes in two versions. Only the LT-Metric model will come in handy for lifted trucks, as it has the load rating for the heavy-duty stuff. The other version (P) can’t be relied upon for towing or hauling heavy loads.
Pros
- Excellent treadwear warranty (60,000 miles)
- Very useful in light snow conditions
- Offers a comfortable and quiet riding experience
Cons
Only LT-Metric models carry the 3PMSF symbol
#10. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
The BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2 is another exciting all-terrain option for light truck drivers. This model is designed to handle extreme off-roading scenarios. As a result, it has the toughness and durability you expect to get from premium all-terrain tires.
A double-thick tread compound keeps cuts and punctures at bay while also keeping this tire stable on soft, hard, and loose surfaces. It will be supported in its mission by the doubly-thick sidewall, which has been reinforced to minimize the chances of cuts, nips, and punctures.
However, the sidewall’s thickness also introduces more vibrations to the steering. So be ready for a slightly firm riding experience.
BFG’s internal tests reveal that the T/A KO2 features several improvements over its predecessor. For instance, this model offers 10% higher mud traction and 19% higher traction on snow. These are major improvements regardless of how you look at them.
The only deal braking flaw about this tire is its noise, especially if you use this tire for what it isn’t designed for, which is driving on the highway.
Pros
- Class-leading snow traction
- Backed by a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Performs reliably on mud, slush, and even rocks
Cons
- Will be loud on the highway
How to Choose Best Tires for Lifted Trucks
Consider the driving conditions
If you mostly use your lifted truck for off-road driving, then mud-terrain or all-terrain tires might prove to be better picks. Conversely, if you spend most of your time behind the wheel on highway or streets, a tire with a symmetric tread pattern and more balanced profile is a better choice.
Understand the tire sizes
According to a rule of thumb, the tires you’re going to install on your lifted truck must be at least 33 inches in diameter. Only then you’d be able to get a comfortable ride, sufficient road clearance, and the traction needed to grip dry and wet roads reliably.
Pick the light load rating
To pick the light road rating, make sure to consider the weight of your truck. For instance, if your tire’s weight is anywhere close to 1,500 pounds, you might want to pick tires with an E load range. These tires can easily carry up to 1,550 pounds of load and 60 – 85 PSI of air pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tires can I put on my lifted truck?
Per a rule of thumb, lifted trucks should carry tires at least 33 inches in diameter. This is because smaller tires won’t give sufficient clearance, traction, and comfortable ride.
How often should you rotate your lifted truck tires?
Make sure to rotate your lifted truck tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. Otherwise, your tires might suffer uneven or faster wear, reducing their road life.
Conclusion
The best tires for lifted trucks won’t just improve these vehicles’ stability. They will also improve lifted trucks’ ride quality and make them controllable at the limit. It is therefore imperative that you only install a set of premium, high-quality tires on your lifted truck.
