All-Terrain Tires for Trail Trucks: What the Category Means and Who It Fits

An all-terrain tire is the default upgrade for a plated truck or SUV that sees dirt on weekends and pavement the rest of the week. The category sits between a highway tire and a mud-terrain: more open tread and a tougher casing than the tire the truck left the factory on, but still quiet enough and long-wearing enough for a daily commute. Our parts database lists two products in the category for the machines we cover.

The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 is listed for the Wrangler JL (JL, 2018–2026), Gladiator (JT, 2020–2026), Bronco (U725, 2021–2026), 4Runner (N280, 2010–2026) and Tacoma (N300, 2016–2026). The note describes it as a durable all-terrain tire for daily driving with regular trail use, which is a fair summary of what most buyers in this category want.

The Falken Wildpeak A/T4W is listed for the Colorado ZR2 (ZR2, 2017–2026), F-150 Raptor (RAPTOR, 2010–2026) and Tacoma (N300, 2016–2026). Its note calls out an all-weather rating with a snow designation for mixed-use trucks. If the truck also has to get through a Rocky Mountain or Northeast winter, that snow rating is the detail that separates the two listings.

The most important thing to understand about tire fitment in our database is that the platform row tells you the tire is offered in sizes that suit that truck. It does not tell you which size to buy. Size is set by the wheel you are running, the lift you have or do not have, and how much rubbing you will tolerate at full lock. A KO3 listed for the JL still comes in sizes that will not fit a stock JL.

Before ordering, read the sidewall of the tire on the truck now and the door placard for the original size. Staying at stock size, order that. Going up a size, check whether your lift maker lists that size as clearing without trimming; the Rough Country 2in kit says 33in on most JL trims. A taller tire than the lift is rated for is your problem, not the tire maker's.

Tire pressure is where owners most often ask us for a number and where we will not give one. The right pressure depends on the tire size, load range and the truck's weight, and the value for road use is on the door placard while the value for airing down on the trail is a judgement covered in our evergreen piece on airing down. Do not run a pressure from a forum post for a different tire on a different truck.

Our truck and SUV maintenance schedule asks for a tire rotation and sidewall inspection every 5,000 miles, and the reason given is that rock damage often shows on the sidewall before it shows anywhere else. A new set of all-terrains does not change that interval. Start the rotation clock at zero when the tires go on and keep it.

Finally, weigh the tire. A tougher casing is heavier, and heavier tires load the brakes, wheel bearings and fuel bill. That is a fair trade for durability off pavement, but an all-terrain will not feel like the factory highway tire on the road. It is a compromise in the useful direction, not a free upgrade.