Last Updated on December 21, 2024
How to Choose the Best Truck Tires for Gravel Roads
As you probably know, pickup trucks of all shapes and sizes are amongst the most popular vehicles sold in the US. According to Transportation & Logistic statistics, in 2021 alone, “some 3.3 million automobiles, about 11.6 million light trucks, and some 451,400 heavy-duty trucks were sold to customers in the United States”. The combination of practicality, versatility, powerful engines, and dependable mechanics makes them ideal for almost every purpose.
Most pickups have capable 4×4 drive trains, making them useful off-road. They are also commonly used as workhorses, construction vehicles, and minor material transportation. Typically this entails loose surfaces, like sand or gravel. So, let’s explore the best truck tires for gravel roads, OEM choices, and characteristics.
The Best Truck Tires For Gravel Roads
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
Overview: The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is renowned for its toughness and versatility. It’s a favorite among off-road enthusiasts, especially on gravel roads.
Features:
Durability: Built with BFGoodrich‘s CoreGard technology, the KO2 features reinforced sidewalls to resist punctures from sharp gravel. Its long-lasting rubber compound further extends tread life.
Traction: A serrated shoulder design paired with 3D sipes ensures excellent grip on loose gravel. The interlocking tread pattern maintains control and stability in off-road conditions.
Comfort: Despite its rugged design, the KO2 offers a relatively smooth ride, with reduced road noise compared to most aggressive all-terrain tires.
OEM Fitment:
A common aftermarket choice for trucks like the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tacoma, the KO2 is often included in off-road packages.
Ideal For: Drivers seeking durability and traction on gravel, without sacrificing too much comfort.
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac
Overview: The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is a versatile hybrid tire that combines the best aspects of all-terrain and mud-terrain tires.
Features:
Durability: Designed to withstand rugged conditions, the Duratrac is highly resistant to cuts and punctures from rough terrain.
Traction: Equipped with self-cleaning shoulder blocks and TractiveGroove Technology, it provides exceptional grip in mud and snow.
Comfort: While aggressive in design, this tire is engineered to reduce road noise and provide a comfortable highway experience.
OEM Fitment:
Popular OEM option on off-road models like the RAM 1500 Rebel and the Chevrolet Silverado Z71.
Ideal For: Drivers looking for a tire with exceptional grip on various terrains, including gravel, mud, and snow.
Michelin LTX A/T2
Overview: For truck owners seeking a premium all-terrain tire that performs well on both gravel roads and highways, the Michelin LTX A/T2 is a top contender.
Features:
Durability: Michelin’s advanced rubber compound resists chipping and tearing. The tire’s internal structure includes twin steel belts for added strength.
Traction: Michelin’s Comfort Control Technology ensures a smooth ride with a reliable grip, thanks to its tread pattern designed for all-terrain use.
Comfort: Known for being one of the quietest all-terrain tires, it provides a highway experience.
OEM Fitment:
Often found on luxury trucks and SUVs like the GMC Sierra Denali and the Ford Expedition.
Ideal For: Drivers prioritizing a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability.
Toyo Open Country A/T III
Overview: Built for versatility, the Toyo Open Country A/T III is a robust all-terrain tire designed to perform well on gravel roads.
Features:
Durability: Its durable tread compound resists cuts and chips, making it perform for gravel-heavy driving. The tire’s construction features a 3-ply sidewall on specific sizes for added toughness.
Traction: The staggered shoulder lugs and deep grooves ensure optimal traction on loose surfaces, while multi-wave sipes help with wet and snow performance.
Comfort: Despite its rugged design, it’s a great upgrade for trucks like the Toyota Tundra and Nissan Frontier.
OEM Fitment:
While not typically found as an OEM option, it’s a popular aftermarket choice for trucks like the Toyota Tundra and Nissan Frontier.
Ideal For: Drivers seeking an all-around performer with excellent durability and comfort, even on mixed terrain.
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
Overview: Falken’s Wildpeak A/T3W is an all-terrain tire designed for exceptional off-road performance, including gravel roads.
Features:
Durability: The rugged tread compound, rugged construction, and Heat Diffuser Technology withstand heavy loads and rough conditions.
Traction: The aggressive upper sidewall and offset shoulder blocks provide excellent traction on gravel, while the 3D Canyon Sipe Technology ensures grip in wet and snowy conditions.
Comfort: Designed for a smooth ride, the A/T3W offers a smooth, low-noise ride.
OEM Fitment:
The A/T3W is an aftermarket option for trucks like the Jeep Gladiator and the Ford Ranger.
Ideal For: Excellent Off-road enthusiasts looking for a durable, long-lasting tire with top-tier traction and comfort.
Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT
Overview: The Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT is an all-terrain tire that handles various conditions, including gravel roads.
Features:
Durability: The AT3 XLT features Cooper’s Durable-Tread Technology, which enhances the tire’s resistance to cuts and chips from gravel. The tire’s robust internal construction includes a two-ply polyester casing and twin steel belts.
Traction: Its large, interlocking tread blocks provide excellent traction, while the stone ejector technology prevents gravel from getting lodged in the tread.
Comfort: Despite its rugged design, the AT3 XLT offers a comfortable ride, with minimal road noise even on highways.
OEM Fitment:
The AT3 XLT is typically found as an aftermarket option for trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado and the Ford F-250.
Ideal For: Drivers requiring strong gravel-road performance with good durability and resistance to damage.
General Grabber A/TX
Overview: The General Grabber A/TX is an all-terrain tire that balances on-road comfort and off-road performance, making it suitable for gravel roads.
Features:
Durability: The A/TX is designed with a cut- and chip-resistant compound that holds up well on rough gravel surfaces.
Traction: Deep, self-cleaning grooves, an aggressive tread, and Comfort Balance Technology contribute to excellent traction on loose surfaces.
Comfort: The A/TX is designed for a smooth and quiet ride, with reduced road noise and improved highway handling.
OEM Fitment:
The Grabber A/TX is often found on trucks like the Ford F-150 and the Nissan Titan as an aftermarket option.
Ideal For: Drivers seeking a balanced tire that can handle both gravel roads and highway cruising. traction on gravel and off-road surfaces
Nitto Terra Grappler G2
Overview: The Nitto Terra Grappler G2 is a reliable all-terrain option for balanced performance on gravel roads and highways.
Features:
Durability: Its durable tread compound and reinforced sidewall protect against wear and tear from gravel and other rough surfaces.
Traction: The G2’s tread pattern, staggered shoulder lugs, and deep grooves provide solid traction while variable-pitch tread blocks help reduce road noise.
Comfort: The Terra Grappler G2 offers a smooth and quiet ride when transitioning between highways and gravel paths.
OEM Fitment:
The Terra Grappler G2 is often an aftermarket option for trucks like the RAM 1500 and the Chevrolet Silverado.
Ideal For: Good Truck drivers who want a balanced tire with excellent durability and comfort for both on- and off-road driving.
Conclusion
Due to the wide range of duties that modern pickups have, opting for tires that excel on loose surfaces and gravel is a wise decision for many drivers, particularly those utilizing pickups in light off-road settings or on construction sites. Browse our full inventory online today to find the perfect fit for your truck at a competitive prices
