Best All Terrain Tires in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 in LT275/70R18 is our top pick. The listing shows an 18-inch LT tire with an E load range and a 125/122S load and speed index, so it suits pickups and SUVs that need a light-truck all-terrain. It is one of 15 picks chosen from a pool of 60 all-terrain listings by comparing stated specifications, pack format, rim size, and vehicle fit. Nobody at our site has mounted or measured these tires.
15 picks from 99 tires that match this guide with a price we can quote today. The prices below are current and each carries its read time.
Quick picks
The best fit for you
- For pickup owners who tow: Look for a tire with an LT prefix and an E load range, such as the Milestar Patagonia A/T R in LT235/80R17. See pick 10
- For crossover and SUV commuters: A car and SUV all-terrain like the Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT in 275/60R20 balances a common crossover size with an XL designation. See pick 3
- For 16-inch truck owners: If your truck still runs 16-inch wheels, the Aplus Shredder A/T is listed as an LT245/75R16 with a 120/116Q load index. See pick 14
- For ATV and UTV riders: The SunF A033 set gives you four 6-ply tubeless ATV/UTV tires in front and rear sizes. See pick 15
Our 15 picks
1 Best overall
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 Car Tire for Light Trucks
- Vehicle
- Light truck
- Tread
- All Terrain
- Rim size
- 18 in
- Tire size
- LT275/70R18
$348.99 price as of 2026-10-05 05:29 UTC (Details)
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 is listed in a light-truck size, LT275/70R18, with an E load range and a 125/122S load and speed index. That makes it a heavier-duty option than the car and SUV all-terrains in this guide while keeping a common 18-inch fitment. It is the pick to compare first for a pickup or SUV that needs an LT all-terrain.
Pros
- LT275/70R18 size with an LT designation
- E load range is stated in the listing
- 125/122 load index is stated
- 18-inch rim diameter fits many modern trucks and SUVs
Cons
- Covers only the 18-inch size in this listing
- S speed symbol is lower than the H and V speed symbols used by the car and SUV all-terrains here
- A crossover that only needs a passenger-car tire may not need this LT construction
Good fit if
- Pickup and SUV owners who want an LT all-terrain in 18 inches
- Drivers who want a 70-series sidewall in a common truck size
Skip if
- Crossover owners who only need a P-metric or XL tire
- Drivers with 17-inch or 20-inch wheels who need that size
Verdict: The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 LT275/70R18 is the best overall pick because it pairs a light-truck size with an E load range in a common 18-inch fitment.
2 Best for daily-driving trucks and SUVs
TOYO OPEN COUNTRY A/T III
- Vehicle
- Car and SUV
- Tread
- All Terrain
- Rim size
- 17 in
- Tire size
- 265/70R17
The Toyo Open Country A/T III is listed as a 265/70R17 115T car and SUV tire, making it a closer fit for daily drivers than the E-load light-truck picks above. The 70-series sidewall and 17-inch diameter cover a common truck and SUV size without the heavier LT construction. It also carries a T speed symbol, which is higher than the S speed symbol used by some all-terrains in this guide.
Pros
- 265/70R17 is a widely used truck and SUV size
- 115T load and speed index is stated in the listing
- Car and SUV classification, not a heavier LT truck tire
- 17-inch rim diameter covers many current and older vehicles
Cons
- No E or 10-ply load range is stated
- The listing is for the 17-inch size only
- The 115 load index is lower than the E-load light-truck picks in this guide
Good fit if
- Drivers who want an all-terrain for a 17-inch daily truck or SUV
- Owners who do not need a commercial or heavy-towing load range
Skip if
- Pickup owners who need an E or 10-ply load range
- Drivers with 16-inch or 18-inch wheels looking for this specific model
Verdict: The Toyo Open Country A/T III 265/70R17 is the best fit here for 17-inch trucks and SUVs used mostly on the road.
3 Best for crossovers and SUVs
Goodyear Wrangler Territory At All-Season 275/60R20 XL 116 H Tire
- Vehicle
- Car and SUV
- Tread
- All Terrain
- Rim size
- 20 in
- Tire size
- 275/60R20
$283.99 price as of 2026-10-05 05:46 UTC (Details)
The Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT is listed as a 275/60R20 XL 116 H car and SUV tire. Of the 20-inch car and SUV picks, it has a higher speed symbol than the Pirelli and Nitto options in this section. That makes it a reasonable choice for crossover and SUV owners who want an all-terrain tread but stay with a passenger-car style load range.
Pros
- 275/60R20 is a common 20-inch SUV size
- XL designation indicates an extra-load tire in the listing
- H speed symbol is above the T and S speed symbols used by the other 20-inch car and SUV picks
- Goodyear is an established tire maker in this pool
Cons
- Not listed as an LT or E-load tire
- 20-inch fitment only in this listing
- The 116 load index is below the 122 and 125 indexes of the light-truck picks
Good fit if
- Crossover and SUV owners with 20-inch wheels
- Drivers who want an extra-load passenger-car tire rather than an LT tire
Skip if
- Half-ton pickup owners who need an LT or 10-ply tire
- Drivers with 17-inch or 18-inch wheels looking for this model
Verdict: The Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT 275/60R20 XL is the pick for 20-inch crossovers and SUVs that need an all-terrain tread without an LT designation.
4 Best for crossover 20-inch wheels
Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail 255/50R20 109V XL
- Vehicle
- Car and SUV
- Tread
- All Terrain
- Rim size
- 20 in
- Tire size
- 255/50R20
$243.00 price as of 2026-10-05 05:40 UTC (Details)
The Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail is listed as a 255/50R20 109V XL car and SUV tire. Its V speed symbol is the fastest of the 20-inch all-terrains in this guide, and the narrower 255 width fits crossover wheels better than 275 or 285 tires. This is the more pavement-oriented crossover pick in the group.
Pros
- 255/50R20 size fits many modern crossovers
- V speed symbol is the fastest among 20-inch picks in this guide
- XL designation is stated in the listing
- 20-inch rim diameter with a 50-series sidewall
Cons
- 50-series sidewall is shorter than the 65- and 70-series all-terrains here
- Not an LT or E-load tire
- The 109 load index is below the light-truck picks in this guide
Good fit if
- Crossover owners who want an all-terrain tread on 20-inch wheels
- Drivers who favor a lower-profile sidewall for street-oriented fitment
Skip if
- Truck owners who need an LT or 10-ply tire
- Anyone wanting a taller 65- or 70-series sidewall
Verdict: The Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail 255/50R20 is the best crossover-specific 20-inch all-terrain in this guide.
5 Best for highway-first SUVs
Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus 275/60R20 115T All Terrain Tire
- Vehicle
- Car and SUV
- Tread
- All Terrain
- Rim size
- 20 in
- Tire size
- 275/60R20
$262.01 price as of 2026-10-05 06:09 UTC (Details)
The Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus is listed as a 275/60R20 115T car and SUV tire with no LT or E-load designation. Among the 20-inch car and SUV picks, it sits between the Goodyear H speed symbol and the Nitto S speed symbol, making it a middle-ground all-terrain for SUV drivers. It is one of the 20-inch car and SUV tires here from a major European-based tire maker.
Pros
- 275/60R20 is a common full-size SUV size
- 115T load and speed index is clearly stated
- Car and SUV classification, not a commercial-truck tire
- Pirelli is an established tire maker in this pool
Cons
- No XL or LT designation is stated in the listing
- 20-inch fitment only
- T speed symbol is lower than the H and V speed symbols used by other picks in this guide
Good fit if
- SUV owners who stay mostly on paved roads but want all-terrain tread
- Drivers who need a common 20-inch SUV size without a heavy-truck load range
Skip if
- Pickup owners who need an E load range
- Drivers who want a higher speed symbol than T
Verdict: The Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus is the highway-first 20-inch SUV pick in this guide.
6 Best for 22-inch wheels
Continental TerrainContact A/T All-Season Radial Tire
- Vehicle
- Car and SUV
- Tread
- All Terrain
- Rim size
- 21 in and up
- Tire size
- 285/45R22
$331.99 price as of 2026-10-05 05:34 UTC (Details)
The Continental TerrainContact A/T is listed as a 285/45R22XL 114H tire, and it is the only pick here with a 22-inch rim diameter. That makes it the natural choice for full-size trucks and SUVs fitted with large-diameter wheels. It also carries an H speed symbol, one of the highest speed symbols among the car and SUV picks in this guide.
Pros
- 285/45R22 is the only 22-inch size among the picks
- XL designation is stated in the listing
- H speed symbol is above the T and S speed symbols used by other car and SUV picks here
- Continental is an established tire maker in this pool
Cons
- 45-series sidewall is the shortest of any pick here
- The 22-inch rim diameter will only fit vehicles designed for that wheel size
- No LT or E-load designation is stated
Good fit if
- Owners of 22-inch wheel packages who still want all-terrain tread
- Drivers who need an H speed symbol in a 22-inch SUV tire
Skip if
- Trucks running 17-inch or 18-inch wheels
- Drivers who want a tall 70-series sidewall
Verdict: The Continental TerrainContact A/T is the pick to consider when your vehicle requires a 22-inch all-terrain.
7 Best for 20-inch light trucks
Nitto 275/60R20XL 116S NIT RECON GRAPPLER A/T
- Vehicle
- Car and SUV
- Tread
- All Terrain
- Rim size
- 20 in
- Tire size
- 275/60R20
$321.00 price as of 2026-10-05 06:06 UTC (Details)
The Nitto Recon Grappler A/T is listed as a 275/60R20XL 116S car and SUV tire, giving 20-inch truck and SUV owners an XL option if they do not need the LT and E load range of the Armstrong pick. The S speed symbol is lower than the Goodyear H and Falken V, so it is not aimed at sustained high-speed driving. It is the middle option between the passenger-car Goodyear and the E-load Armstrong in this guide.
Pros
- 275/60R20 is a common light-truck and SUV size
- XL designation is stated for extra capacity
- Nitto is an established tire maker in this pool
- Fits 20-inch wheels without the heavier E-load construction
Cons
- S speed symbol is lower than the H and V speed symbols used by other 20-inch picks here
- Not listed with an LT or E load range
- Listing is for the 275/60R20 size only
Good fit if
- Drivers who want a 20-inch all-terrain without moving to an E-load tire
- Light trucks and SUVs that need an XL tire
Skip if
- Owners who need a 10-ply or E load range
- Drivers looking for a higher speed symbol than S
Verdict: The Nitto Recon Grappler A/T is the best 20-inch XL pick for light trucks and SUVs that do not need an E load range.
8 Best for commercial light trucks
Firestone Transforce AT2 All Terrain Commercial Light Truck Tire
- Vehicle
- Light truck
- Tread
- All Terrain
- Rim size
- 17 in
- Tire size
- LT235/80R17
$219.00 price as of 2026-10-05 05:41 UTC (Details)
The Firestone Transforce AT2 is listed as an LT235/80R17 120R E C commercial light truck tire. The C in the listing points to commercial service, and the E load range makes it a heavier-duty option than the 17-inch car and SUV tires in this guide. It is one of two commercial-designated picks here, alongside the Bridgestone Duravis.
Pros
- Commercial designation appears in the listing
- LT235/80R17 size with an E load range
- 17-inch rim diameter fits many work trucks and vans
- 120 load index is stated in the listing
Cons
- R speed symbol is lower than the T and S speed symbols used by other light-truck picks here
- 80-series sidewall is not the low-profile style of the 20-inch picks
- Only the LT235/80R17 size is listed here
Good fit if
- Work trucks and vans that need a commercial tire
- Owners who want a tall sidewall in a 17-inch LT tire
Skip if
- Crossover drivers looking for a passenger-car tire
- Pickup owners who want a 20-inch or low-profile fitment
Verdict: The Firestone Transforce AT2 LT235/80R17 is the best commercial light-truck pick in this guide.
9 Best for heavy fleet work
Bridgestone Duravis M700HD All Terrain Commercial Light Truck Tire
- Vehicle
- Light truck
- Tread
- All Terrain
- Rim size
- 17 in
- Tire size
- LT265/70R17
$356.00 price as of 2026-10-05 05:30 UTC (Details)
The Bridgestone Duravis M700HD is listed as an LT265/70R17 121R E commercial light truck tire, pairing a 17-inch LT size with an E load range and a commercial designation. It is the heavier-duty counterpart to the Firestone pick here, with the same E load range and a 121 load index. It also uses a 70-series sidewall, closer to the proportions of the BFGoodrich KO3 pick.
Pros
- LT265/70R17 with E load range
- Commercial line designation in the listing
- 121 load index is stated
- 17-inch fitment for trucks and vans that need an LT tire
Cons
- R speed symbol is lower than most non-commercial picks
- Only the 17-inch size is listed here
- The listing does not include a dual load index
Good fit if
- Fleet trucks and delivery vehicles needing LT construction
- Owners who prefer a 70-series sidewall in 17 inches
Skip if
- SUV drivers who only need a passenger-car or XL tire
- Trucks running 18-inch or 20-inch wheels
Verdict: The Bridgestone Duravis M700HD is the heavy-fleet 17-inch LT pick in this guide.
10 Best 17-inch E-load pickup tire
Milestar Patagonia A/T R LT235/80R17 Rugged Terrain E
- Vehicle
- Light truck
- Tread
- All Terrain
- Rim size
- 17 in
- Tire size
- LT235/80R17
$154.07 price as of 2026-10-05 06:01 UTC (Details)
The Milestar Patagonia A/T R is listed as an LT235/80R17 E (10 ply) tire, which gives it an E load range in a 17-inch size without the commercial designation of the Firestone and Bridgestone picks. The 80-series sidewall is the tallest ratio among the 17-inch tires here. It is another 17-inch E-load option for pickups that do not need a commercial fleet label.
Pros
- LT235/80R17 E 10-ply load range
- 17-inch rim diameter
- No commercial designation, so it is aimed at private light trucks
- Tall 80-series sidewall is stated in the size
Cons
- No speed symbol is given in the listing
- Only the LT235/80R17 size appears here
- 235 width is narrower than the 265 and 275 options in this guide
Good fit if
- Owners of 17-inch pickups that need an E-load tire
- Drivers who want a tall sidewall and a narrower tread width
Skip if
- Drivers who need a stated speed symbol for high-speed highway work
- Trucks with 18-inch or 20-inch wheels
Verdict: The Milestar Patagonia A/T R is the best 17-inch E-load pickup tire without a commercial label in this guide.
11 Best 20-inch E-load pickup tire
Armstrong Tru-Trac AT LT285/55R20 122/119S All Terrain E
- Vehicle
- Light truck
- Tread
- All Terrain
- Rim size
- 20 in
$181.08 price as of 2026-10-05 05:26 UTC (Details)
The Armstrong Tru-Trac AT is listed as an LT285/55R20 122/119S E (10 ply) tire, making it the only LT-size and E-load pick in the 20-inch group. It brings the dual load index that light-truck owners often look for, and its 55-series sidewall sits between the tall 70-series off-road tires and the low-profile 45-series Continental. That makes it the pick for a 20-inch pickup that needs 10-ply capacity.
Pros
- LT285/55R20 with E 10-ply load range
- 122/119 dual load index is stated
- Only LT-size tire in the 20-inch group
- 20-inch rim diameter for modern pickups
Cons
- 55-series sidewall is shorter than the 70-series LT picks here
- S speed symbol is lower than the H and V speed symbols used by 20-inch tires
- Only one size is listed for this model
Good fit if
- 20-inch pickup owners who need E-load capacity
- Drivers who want a low-profile LT tire
Skip if
- Crossover owners who do not need LT construction
- Anyone wanting a taller 70-series LT tire
Verdict: The Armstrong Tru-Trac AT is the 20-inch E-load pickup tire in this guide.
12 Best E-load 18-inch tire
LT275/70R18 125/122S E/10 BW WESTLAKE SL369 ALL TERRAIN
- Vehicle
- Light truck
- Tread
- All Terrain
- Rim size
- 18 in
- Tire size
- LT275/70R18
$164.06 price as of 2026-10-05 05:59 UTC (Details)
The Westlake SL369 is listed as an LT275/70R18 125/122S E/10 tire, and it gives 18-inch truck owners a second E-load option alongside the BFGoodrich pick. Its 125/122 dual load index matches the BFG listing exactly. If the BFG KO3 is unavailable or you are comparing E-load 18-inch tires, this is the spec-matched alternative.
Pros
- LT275/70R18 with E/10 load range
- 125/122 dual load index is stated
- 70-series sidewall in a common 18-inch truck size
- Two E-load 18-inch options appear among the 15 picks
Cons
- S speed symbol is the same as the BFG but below the T speed symbol used by some other picks
- Listing is a single tire, not a set
- No commercial designation is stated
Good fit if
- Drivers comparing E-load 18-inch all-terrains in the LT275/70R18 size
- Truck owners who want an alternative to the BFGoodrich pick
Skip if
- Crossover owners who do not need an LT tire
- Drivers with 17-inch or 20-inch wheels
Verdict: The Westlake SL369 LT275/70R18 is the spec-matched E-load 18-inch companion to the BFGoodrich KO3 in this guide.
13 Best for 18-inch everyday light trucks
Ironman All Country AT-X All Terrain 275/65R18 116T Light Truck Tire
- Vehicle
- Light truck
- Tread
- All Terrain
- Rim size
- 18 in
- Tire size
- 275/65R18
$165.06 price as of 2026-10-05 05:52 UTC (Details)
The Ironman All Country AT-X is listed as a 275/65R18 116T light truck tire, with a T speed symbol and no E load range. It fills the gap between the heavier E-load 18-inch tires and the passenger-car 20-inch picks: a light-truck listing in a common 18-inch size for owners who do not need 10-ply capacity. It is also the only 18-inch pick here that keeps a 65-series sidewall rather than a 70-series.
Pros
- 275/65R18 size with a light-truck listing
- 116T load and speed index is stated
- 65-series sidewall is shorter than the 70-series E-load 18-inch tires
- Fits 18-inch wheels without requiring an E load range
Cons
- No E or 10-ply load range is stated
- Only one size appears in the listing
- 116 load index is lower than the 125/122 index of the E-load 18-inch picks
Good fit if
- 18-inch light-truck owners who do not need a 10-ply tire
- Drivers who prefer a 65-series sidewall over the taller 70-series
Skip if
- Truck owners who need E-load capacity
- Crossover drivers who want a passenger-car tire
Verdict: The Ironman All Country AT-X is the best everyday 18-inch light-truck pick here when E load range is not required.
14 Best for 16-inch light trucks
Aplus Shredder AT A/T All-Terrain Off-Road Light Truck Radial
- Vehicle
- Light truck
- Tread
- All Terrain
- Rim size
- 16 in
- Tire size
- LT245/75R16
$125.76 price as of 2026-10-05 05:25 UTC (Details)
The Aplus Shredder A/T is listed as an LT245/75R16 120/116Q tire, and it is the only 16-inch light-truck pick in this guide. That gives owners of older or smaller pickups a current all-terrain option without stepping up to a 17-inch or larger wheel. Its Q speed symbol is the lowest in this list, so it is suited to local and off-road use rather than sustained high-speed highway running.
Pros
- LT245/75R16 size for 16-inch trucks
- 120/116 dual load index is stated in the listing
- 75-series sidewall is part of the stated size
- Only 16-inch light-truck option among the 15 picks
Cons
- Q speed symbol is the lowest of all 15 picks
- No load range letter such as E is stated in the listing
- 16-inch fitment only in this guide
Good fit if
- Owners of 16-inch light trucks looking for an LT all-terrain
- Drivers who use their truck mostly off-road or around town
Skip if
- Drivers who need a higher speed symbol than Q
- Trucks with 17-inch or larger wheels
Verdict: The Aplus Shredder A/T LT245/75R16 is the 16-inch light-truck pick in this guide.
15 Best ATV/UTV set
SunF ATV Tires 27x9-14 Front & 27x11-14 Rear UTV All Terrain Tires 6 Ply
- Vehicle
- ATV and UTV
- Tread
- All Terrain
- Sold as
- Set of 4
The SunF A033 listing is a set of four 6-ply tubeless ATV and UTV tires, with 27x9-14 front and 27x11-14 rear sizes. It is the only ATV/UTV set among the 15 picks and the only pick that comes as a complete four-tire package. For riders who want one listing that covers both axles, this is the set to compare.
Pros
- Set of 4 is included in the listing
- Front and rear sizes are both stated: 27x9-14 and 27x11-14
- 6-ply tubeless construction is listed
- ATV and UTV vehicle fit is stated
Cons
- Not a tire for cars or highway vehicles
- No automotive speed or load index is stated
- Only ATV/UTV sizes are offered
Good fit if
- ATV and UTV owners who want a matched set
- Riders who want tubeless 6-ply tires in 27-inch front and rear sizes
Skip if
- Truck and SUV owners looking for a road-legal tire
- Riders who need different front or rear sizes than 27x9-14 and 27x11-14
Verdict: The SunF A033 set of four is the ATV/UTV pick in this all-terrain guide.
Specifications side by side
How the picks were chosen
The pool started with 138 listings that met the All Terrain tread filter. After folding near-duplicate listings, 60 remained. We kept tires from named manufacturers, avoided repeating the same model in multiple sizes, and shortlisted across vehicle fit: light trucks, cars and SUVs, and ATVs/UTVs. The 15 picks include 8 light-truck listings, 6 car and SUV listings, and 1 ATV/UTV set. We did not use customer comments, and we did not test any tire. Prices shown on the page are live, so they can change. Every specification cited here comes from the pool data or from the maker's own listing.
Picking the right one for you
Start with the vehicle's tire size and load index
Federal safety standards require that each axle be equipped with tires whose combined maximum load capacity is at least the axle's gross weight. Under FMVSS No. 110 and No. 120, tire selection starts with the load capacity needed for that axle, not with tread pattern. All-terrain tires in the pool are sold in passenger-car sizes, XL sizes, LT sizes, and commercial light-truck sizes; check the vehicle placard before comparing tread designs.
Know the difference between an LT tire and a passenger-car tire
FMVSS No. 139 defines a light truck (LT) tire as one intended primarily for use on lightweight trucks or multipurpose passenger vehicles. Passenger-car tires are defined for cars, multipurpose vehicles, and trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less. In this guide, LT-prefixed sizes like LT275/70R18 and LT235/80R17 are the heavy-duty options, while car and SUV listings like 275/60R20 and 255/50R20 use passenger-car sizing without the LT prefix.
Read the load index and load range
Load capacity is the maximum load a tire can carry at a given inflation pressure, and FMVSS No. 109 uses that definition as the basis for sidewall labeling. A listing such as LT275/70R18 125/122S gives two load indexes: 125 for single-wheel use and 122 for dual-wheel use. An E or 10-ply load range is a construction and capacity marker seen on many light-truck all-terrains. If the seller does not state a load index, ask for it before assuming the tire can carry your axle load.
Check speed symbol and rim diameter
Speed symbols are part of the size description and run from Q through V in the picks here. They mark the service speed for which the tire is designed, so a Q-speed tire is not the same as an H-speed tire for sustained highway use. Rim diameter also matters: the picks in this guide range from 14-inch ATV/UTV rims to 22-inch SUV rims, and the tire must match a rim size listed by the manufacturer.
Keep tires inflated to the placard pressure
The U.S. Department of Energy and EPA report that keeping tires inflated to the proper pressure can improve gas mileage by 0.6 percent on average, up to 3 percent in some cases, and that under-inflated tires can lower mileage by about 0.2 percent for every 1 psi drop in average pressure. Use the cold inflation pressure from the vehicle placard, not the maximum pressure molded on the tire sidewall. All-terrain tires follow the same rule.
Understand UTQG grades and tire registration
Passenger-car tires are graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance under the Uniform Tire Quality Grading standards in 49 CFR 575.104. Those grades are molded into the tire or placed on a label, and they are intended to help you compare tires within a category. New tires also carry a DOT identification code under 49 CFR Part 574; registering the tire with the manufacturer is part of normal tire safety maintenance.
Questions
Are all-terrain tires the same as winter tires?
No. An All Terrain tread label describes the tire's intended surface mix, not winter certification. Under FMVSS No. 139, a snow tire is one that meets a snow traction threshold and is marked with an Alpine Symbol on the sidewall. If you drive on packed snow or ice, do not assume that an all-terrain tire has that certification; check the sidewall symbol and the listing details before relying on it in winter.
What do LT and P-metric sizes mean?
LT stands for light truck, and FMVSS No. 139 defines a light truck tire as one intended primarily for lightweight trucks or multipurpose passenger vehicles. A passenger-car tire is defined for cars, multipurpose vehicles, and trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less. The vehicle placard and owner's manual are the best guide when deciding between a passenger-car tire and an LT tire.
Do I need an E-load or 10-ply tire to tow?
Not by itself. Federal tire selection rules require that the sum of the maximum load capacities of the tires on an axle is not less than the axle's gross weight. An E-load or 10-ply tire is one common way to reach high capacity, but a correctly matched XL or LT tire may be enough for a lighter vehicle. Start with the axle weights and placard, then compare the stated load indexes.
How do I check tire pressure on an all-terrain tire?
Use the cold inflation pressure from the vehicle placard, usually inside the driver's door jamb, and check it when the tires are cold. The number molded on the sidewall is the maximum pressure, not the recommended pressure. The Department of Energy and EPA report that under-inflated tires reduce fuel economy by about 0.2 percent for every 1 psi drop in average pressure, so proper inflation is part of all-terrain tire ownership.
Why do all-terrain tires have different speed symbols?
Speed symbols are part of the standardized tire description and indicate the tire's intended service speed. In this guide you will see Q, R, S, T, H, and V symbols across the picks. The right symbol for your vehicle depends on what the vehicle maker specifies and how you use the tire; a lower symbol may not be suitable for sustained high-speed highway driving.
Revision notes
- : First published.
Sources
- 49 CFR 571.109: New pneumatic tires for vehicles manufactured 1949 to 1975, bias ply tires, and T-type spare tires
- 49 CFR 571.110: Tire selection and rims for vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less
- 49 CFR 571.119: New pneumatic tires for vehicles over 10,000 pounds and specialty tires
- 49 CFR 571.139: New pneumatic radial tires for light vehicles
- 49 CFR 575.104: Uniform tire quality grading standards
- 49 CFR Part 574: Tire identification and recordkeeping
- Gas Mileage Tips: Keeping Your Vehicle in Shape (DOE/EPA)
- U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association