The best tires for a lifted truck are the BFGoodrich KO2, Nitto Ridge Grappler, Toyo Open Country A/T III, Falken Wildpeak A/T3W and Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T for all-terrain use, and the BFGoodrich KM3, Nitto Trail Grappler, Toyo Open Country M/T and Baja Boss M/T for mud and rock. All-terrains run $180-$400 a tire and suit most owners; mud-terrains run $250-$450 and trade noise, tread life and fuel economy for traction. A 3-4 inch lift on 35-inch tires is the most popular combination we install.
In This Guide
The sections below cover how to choose by the way you drive, the top all-terrain and mud-terrain picks with prices, which sizes fit each lift height, trail and load-rating considerations, and our recommendations by use case. If you are still deciding on your lift kit, read our lift kit guide first so you know what tire sizes your setup will support.
How Do You Choose Tires for a Lifted Truck?
Choose lifted-truck tires by how the truck is actually used: mostly pavement calls for an all-terrain, regular mud or rock calls for a mud-terrain, and towing or heavy accessories call for a higher load rating. Four questions settle it before you look at a single tread pattern:
- What is your primary use? Highway commuting, towing, weekend trails, mud, or rock crawling each demand different tread patterns and compounds.
- How much lift do you have? Your lift height determines the maximum tire diameter you can fit without rubbing or requiring additional modifications like fender trimming or regearing.
- What is your budget for a set of four? Lifted truck tires range from about $800 for a budget all-terrain set to over $2,000 for premium 37-inch mud-terrains.
- How many miles do you drive per year? High-mileage drivers benefit from longer-wearing all-terrain compounds, while weekend-only trail rigs can tolerate softer, stickier rubber.
Pro Tip
If your truck sees 80 percent or more highway use, an all-terrain tire will almost always be the smarter choice. Mud-terrain tires on a daily driver cost you roughly 1 to 3 MPG in fuel economy and wear out 20,000 miles sooner on average.
What Are the Best All-Terrain Tires for Lifted Trucks?
All-terrain tires are the right choice for most lifted trucks: they handle highway commuting, gravel and moderate trails without the noise and wear of a mud-terrain. Our five picks, from $180 to $400 a tire, are the BFGoodrich KO2, Nitto Ridge Grappler, Toyo Open Country A/T III, Falken Wildpeak A/T3W and Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T.
1. BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain T/A
The KO2 has been the benchmark all-terrain tire for lifted trucks for years, and for good reason. Its CoreGard sidewall technology resists punctures and splits, making it a solid choice for trucks that see rocky terrain. Tread life is exceptional -- BFGoodrich backs it with a 50,000-mile warranty. On-road noise is moderate, and wet traction is above average for the category.
Best for: Owners who want proven durability and all-season confidence.
Available sizes: 33", 35", 37" in popular truck bolt patterns.
2. Nitto Ridge Grappler
The Ridge Grappler sits in a unique space between all-terrain and mud-terrain. Its variable-pitch tread design keeps highway noise in check while the aggressive shoulder lugs provide real off-road bite. If you want your lifted truck to look aggressive without the noise penalty of a full mud-terrain, the Ridge Grappler is hard to beat.
Best for: Truck owners who want the most aggressive look possible in an A/T-class tire.
Available sizes: 33" through 38" in LT and flotation sizing.
3. Toyo Open Country A/T III
The Open Country A/T III earns the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) rating, which means it meets severe snow traction standards -- a nice bonus if you ever head north. It is one of the quietest all-terrain tires on the market and carries a 65,000-mile tread warranty. Off-road performance is capable but not class-leading; this tire prioritizes road manners and longevity.
Best for: High-mileage daily drivers who want maximum tread life and low noise.
Available sizes: 33" and 35" in common LT fitments.
4. Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
The Wildpeak A/T3W consistently punches above its price. It is 3PMSF rated for severe snow, has excellent wet performance thanks to deep sipes, and comes with a 55,000-mile warranty. For lifted truck owners on a budget, this is one of the best values in the segment. The heat-resistant compound on the lower sidewall adds durability for trail use.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who do not want to sacrifice capability.
Available sizes: Wide range from 33" up to 35".
5. Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T
Mickey Thompson engineered the Baja Boss A/T with race-proven technology from their Baja 1000 program. The asymmetric tread design gives it one of the most aggressive looks in the all-terrain category while still delivering a reasonably quiet ride. Stone ejector ribs keep debris from lodging in the tread, and the 3PMSF severe snow rating rounds out an impressive all-weather package.
Best for: Truck owners who want race-bred toughness in an all-terrain package.
Available sizes: 33" through 37" in LT and flotation.
What Are the Best Mud-Terrain and Rock Crawling Tires?
Mud-terrain and rock-crawling tires deliver traction in axle-deep mud and on boulders that all-terrains cannot match, at the cost of road comfort and tread life. Our four picks run $250-$450 a tire: the BFGoodrich KM3, Nitto Trail Grappler M/T, Toyo Open Country M/T and Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T.
1. BFGoodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain
The KM3 is the tire to beat for rock crawling. Its Krawl-TEK compound is specifically formulated for grip on wet rock surfaces, and linear flex zones in the tread allow the tire to conform around obstacles. CoreGard Max technology gives it the thickest sidewalls in the BFGoodrich lineup. If you are asking what tires are best for rock crawling in a truck, this is the answer most experienced off-roaders give.
Best for: Rock crawling and serious off-road use.
Trade-off: Noticeable road noise on highway; tread life around 30,000 to 40,000 miles.
2. Nitto Trail Grappler M/T
The Trail Grappler is a mud-terrain tire that manages to be surprisingly civilized on pavement. Its three-ply sidewall construction resists punctures and cuts while the deep, self-cleaning tread pattern evacuates mud quickly. Road noise is lower than most mud-terrains thanks to Nitto's alternating shoulder groove design.
Best for: Owners who want M/T capability without the worst of M/T road noise.
Trade-off: Moderate tread life; not as aggressive on rock as the KM3.
3. Toyo Open Country M/T
The Open Country M/T has been a workhorse mud-terrain for years. Deep tread depth and large, aggressive lugs give it excellent traction in mud, sand, and loose soil. It is one of the more affordable options in the mud-terrain category, making it a popular choice for builds where budget matters.
Best for: Mud, sand, and general off-road use at a reasonable price.
Trade-off: Louder than competitors on the highway.
4. Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T
Developed from actual Baja racing experience, the Baja Boss M/T uses a silica-reinforced compound that grips on both wet and dry surfaces. The asymmetric tread pattern is different on each side of the tire, which reduces harmonic noise on the highway -- a clever engineering solution that most M/T tires lack. The PowerPly XD sidewall construction adds three extra layers of protection.
Best for: Aggressive off-road use with better-than-average highway manners.
Trade-off: Premium price point; heavier than some competitors.
Which Tire Sizes Fit Lifted Trucks Best?
A stock or leveled truck fits 33-inch tires, a 3-4 inch lift fits 35s, a 5-6 inch lift fits 37s with possible fender trimming, and 7-8 inches of lift fits 38-40s with regearing. 35s on a 3-4 inch lift are the most popular combination because they avoid drivetrain modifications. The table shows common fitments for each:
| Lift Height | Maximum Tire Size | Common Fitments | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock / Leveling Kit (0-2") | 33" | 285/70R17, 285/75R16 | Fits most half-tons without rubbing |
| 3" - 4" Lift | 35" | 315/70R17, 35x12.50R17 | The sweet spot for most builds |
| 5" - 6" Lift | 37" | 37x12.50R17, 37x13.50R20 | May need fender trimming; regear recommended |
| 7" - 8" Lift | 38" - 40" | 38x13.50R17, 40x13.50R17 | Requires regearing and possible drivetrain mods |
The 35-Inch Sweet Spot
For most lifted truck builds, 35-inch tires represent the ideal balance. They provide a significant visual upgrade over stock, improve ground clearance for trail use, and typically do not require expensive drivetrain modifications like regearing. A 3-inch to 4-inch lift kit paired with 35-inch tires is the most popular combination we install at our shop, and it works well on everything from F-150s to RAM 2500s.
When to Go 37 Inches or Larger
Moving to 37-inch tires or larger is a commitment. You will almost certainly need to regear your differential (from 3.73 to 4.56 or higher) to maintain drivability, and some trucks will need driveshaft modifications depending on the lift height. Fuel economy typically drops an additional 1 to 2 MPG compared to 35s. However, if you are building a serious off-road truck that sees rock trails, deep ruts, or competitive use, the added ground clearance and contact patch of a 37 or larger is worth it.
Important: Speedometer and Gearing
Larger tires make your speedometer read low and your odometer accumulate miles more slowly. At 35 inches, you will be off by about 5 percent. At 37 inches, roughly 8 percent. Get your speedometer recalibrated after any tire size change, and consider regearing if you notice sluggish acceleration or the transmission hunting between gears.
What Matters When Choosing Tires for Trail Use?
If your lifted truck sees any amount of trail time, there are factors beyond tread pattern that matter. Here is what you should consider when selecting tires for lifted trucks on trails.
Tread Compound
Softer compounds grip better on rock and wet surfaces, but they wear faster on pavement. If trails are your primary use, a softer compound like the BFGoodrich KM3's Krawl-TEK is ideal. If you split time between road and trail, a firmer all-terrain compound from Toyo or Falken will last significantly longer.
Sidewall Strength
Trail riding puts your sidewalls at risk from rocks, stumps, and sharp ledges. Look for tires with reinforced sidewall construction -- at least 3-ply for light trail use or specific sidewall armor technology (like BFGoodrich's CoreGard or Mickey Thompson's PowerPly) for more aggressive terrain. A sidewall blowout ten miles down a trail is not just an inconvenience -- it can end your trip.
Aired-Down Performance
Running lower tire pressures (15 to 20 PSI) is standard practice on trails to increase the contact patch and improve traction. Not all tires perform equally when aired down. Tires with stiffer sidewalls and bead-lock-compatible designs hold their shape better at low pressures. If you regularly air down, consider running beadlock-capable wheels to prevent the tire from popping off the rim.
Self-Cleaning Tread
Mud-terrain tires use wider channel spacing and angled lugs to fling mud and debris out of the tread as the tire rotates. This is critical in thick clay or deep mud where an all-terrain tire's tighter tread pattern would simply pack up and turn into a slick. If your trails involve stream crossings, mud pits, or saturated soil, a self-cleaning tread design is essential.
Stone Ejectors
Small raised bars between tread blocks prevent stones from lodging deep in the tread. This protects against stone drilling -- where a trapped rock slowly works its way through the tread over hundreds of highway miles after a trail run. The BFGoodrich KO2 and Mickey Thompson Baja Boss both include effective stone ejector features.
What Load Rating Does a Lifted Truck Need?
Lifted trucks often carry additional weight from the lift kit, heavier wheels, bumpers, winches, and other accessories. Choosing a tire with the correct load rating matters more than many owners realize.
| Load Range | Ply Rating | Typical Use | Max Load (per tire) |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 6-ply | Light-duty half-tons | ~2,200 lbs |
| D | 8-ply | Half-tons with accessories | ~2,600 lbs |
| E | 10-ply | 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks, towing | ~3,200 lbs |
| F | 12-ply | Heavy commercial / max towing | ~3,750 lbs |
For most lifted half-ton trucks (F-150, Silverado 1500, RAM 1500), a Load Range D or E tire is appropriate. If you are running a lifted 3/4-ton or 1-ton truck -- especially one that tows -- Load Range E is the minimum we recommend. Going with a higher load range than you need adds weight and makes the ride stiffer, so do not automatically jump to the heaviest option. Match the load range to your actual use.
Which Tire Should You Buy for Your Use Case?
After fitting thousands of tire sets on lifted trucks at our Tampa shop, here are our recommendations based on how you actually use your truck.
| Use Case | Our Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall tire for lifted trucks | BFGoodrich KO2 | Best balance of durability, traction, and tread life |
| Best all-terrain on a budget | Falken Wildpeak A/T3W | Excellent performance at 25-30% less cost |
| Best aggressive look (A/T) | Nitto Ridge Grappler | M/T appearance with A/T road manners |
| Best for highway-heavy driving | Toyo Open Country A/T III | Quietest ride, longest tread warranty (65K miles) |
| Best for rock crawling | BFGoodrich KM3 | Purpose-built Krawl-TEK compound for wet rock grip |
| Best mud-terrain for mixed use | Nitto Trail Grappler | Real M/T capability with lower road noise than competitors |
| Best race-bred option | Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T | Baja-proven toughness with asymmetric noise reduction |
How Do Tires Affect a Lifted Truck's Performance?
Tires are the single largest factor in how your lifted truck rides, handles, and stops. Here is a quick overview of the trade-offs so you can set realistic expectations.
- Fuel economy: Expect a 1 to 3 MPG drop when moving from stock tires to larger, heavier lifted truck tires. Mud-terrains cost more at the pump than all-terrains due to higher rolling resistance.
- Braking distance: Larger, heavier tires increase rotational mass, which extends stopping distance. This is most noticeable with 37-inch and larger setups. Ensure your brakes are in good condition.
- Ride comfort: Higher-ply tires ride stiffer. A Load Range E tire on a half-ton truck will feel noticeably firmer than a Load Range C. Adjust air pressure to find the right balance between load capacity and comfort.
- Noise: Aggressive tread patterns are louder. Mud-terrain tires produce a constant hum at highway speeds. If you spend a lot of time on the interstate, factor road noise into your decision.
- Acceleration: Every inch of additional tire diameter slows acceleration slightly because the engine has to spin more weight. Regearing helps offset this, especially on 37-inch and larger setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tires for a lifted truck that is primarily a daily driver?
For daily driving, an all-terrain tire like the BFGoodrich KO2 or Falken Wildpeak A/T3W offers the best balance of road comfort, tread life, and off-road readiness. Avoid mud-terrains for daily use unless you genuinely need them -- the noise, wear, and fuel economy penalties add up over time.
Do I need to regear my truck after installing bigger tires?
At 33 inches, regearing is rarely necessary. At 35 inches, it depends on your current gear ratio and engine -- most drivers find it optional but beneficial. At 37 inches or larger, regearing is strongly recommended to avoid sluggish performance, excessive transmission heat, and premature wear.
How long do lifted truck tires last?
All-terrain tires typically last 50,000 to 65,000 miles with proper rotation and alignment. Mud-terrain tires last 30,000 to 40,000 miles on average. Keeping your lifted truck properly aligned is critical -- misalignment wears oversize tires much faster than stock-size tires. Schedule an alignment check whenever you install new tires.
Can I mix all-terrain and mud-terrain tires on the same truck?
No. Always run matching tires on all four corners. Mixing tread types causes uneven traction, unpredictable handling, and puts stress on your drivetrain -- especially on 4WD and AWD trucks.
Shop Tires for Your Lifted Truck
LR Wheels N Lifts carries all major brands including BFGoodrich, Nitto, Toyo, Mickey Thompson, and Falken. We will help you find the right tire size, load rating, and tread pattern for your specific truck and driving style.
Browse Our Tire Selection Schedule InstallationBottom Line: Match the Tire to the Driving
The best tires for lifted trucks are the ones that match how you actually use your vehicle. Do not buy the most aggressive tires for lifted vehicles just because they look good in photos if 90 percent of your driving is on pavement. Conversely, do not cheap out on budget all-terrains if you spend every weekend on rocky trails.
If you are in the Tampa area and need help choosing the right tires for your build, stop by LR Wheels N Lifts at 6923 W Hillsborough Ave. We have been fitting lifted trucks with the right tire setups since 2013, and we are happy to walk you through the options in person. You can also call us at (813) 464-9023 or request a free quote online.
Browse our full tire catalog to see pricing and availability, check out our installation services, or learn more about our lift kit packages if you are still planning your build. You might also find our wheel offset guide and lift kit guide for Ford Super Duty trucks helpful when planning the complete setup.