Our Overlanding Tire Guide
By: Discount Tire
You know what goes into planning an overlanding adventure. But what are the right tires for this kind of extended off-road exploring and camping?
You don’t want a one-dimensional tire that can only handle mud or that is only good aired down over steep rocks.
No, you’re looking for a rugged, durable tire that has the off-road performance you need to get you to your next epic destination while also confidently and comfortably mowing down the hundreds of miles of pavement for the way there.
As you make your way from waypoint to waypoint and face any inclement weather on your route, you need the right tires on your rig for an extended overlanding journey.
Sure, whether you plot your path through forest service roads or abandon maps entirely, you’re likely to run into mud and rocks (not to mention other harsh terrain). But you’re probably also not looking for an off-road tire that can handle deep mud but that sacrifices ride comfort and braking performance on pavement. And you’re certainly not looking for a tire that prioritizes on-pavement ride comfort over off-road performance and reliability.
If you’re spending the weekend at your favorite spot or going for an overlanding long haul that takes you away from civilization entirely, you want to make sure that your tires are tough enough to handle the terrain and reliable enough for your journey.
Because there are as many tires to choose from as there are vistas to see and basecamps to establish, we’ve put together a list of our overlanding tire picks so that you can focus on planning and prepping for your next adventure—not online sifting through overlanding tire options.
BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2
Whether you’re new to overlanding or you’ve been “bugging out” for years, you’ve probably heard of the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2. Based on the original BFG All Terrain, which made movie history as the go-to tire in Jurassic Park, the BFG T/A KO2 all-terrain tire maximizes traction in mud, snow and on rocks.
Not only are the KO2 tires tough enough to resist tear and punctures while you’re on the trail, they’re also built in LT fitments and a variety of load ranges, giving you all of the load-carrying capacity you need. So, whether you’re hauling a trailer, loading up a rooftop tent, or any other gear you want to load up in your overlander.
And if your route takes you through mountains or high elevation fire roads during the harsh winter months, you can count on the KO2 to keep you rolling safely. These tires are M+S and 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, meaning they exceed the RMA requirements for Severe Snow Traction requirements.
If you’re not sure how long your overlanding excursion will last, BFG KO2 tires are engineered for extreme durability and wear-resistance. That’s why BFG backs most KO2 fitments with a 50,000-mile warranty, so you can answer adventure’s call, wherever it may lead.
Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT
Another favorite contender from the all-terrain tire segment, the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT lays down powerful off-road traction and rugged durability so you can take on long trips across the harshest terrains.
The UltraTerrain AT is engineered with a chip and tear-resistant tread compound that will help you avoid tire failure on the side of the road or the edge of a mountain. This Goodyear Wrangler tire also features aggressive shoulder elements that help prevent sidewall damage while enhancing traction in soft terrains and when aired down.
To add to the list of reasons you should consider outfitting your light truck or SUV with UltraTerrain AT tires, it is certified for severe snow and winter weather traction and is backed by the 3-peak Mountain Snowflake symbol. That means a turn in the weather doesn’t have to stop you in your tracks on your next overland journey.
Like many all-terrain product offerings, the Goodyear UltraTerrain is available in p-metric and LT-metric fitments, and a wide range of sizes. That means you can find the right size and load carrying capacity to suit your towing or hauling needs.
Toyo Open Country A/T III
From a manufacturer that has quickly become a legend in the off-road world, the next option in our guide to the best tires for overlanding is a truly heavy hitting all-terrain tire — the Toyo Open Country A/T III.
Built on the foundation of the original Open Country AT, the Toyo AT3 features an aggressive off-road tread design that features alternating shoulder lugs and an evenly distributed void pattern for serious traction in the harshest terrains with remarkable on-road stability.
Open Country A/T III tires also feature a rugged tread compound, which improves grip in wet conditions while also increasing resistance to tears and chips. This makes the AT3 a huge asset when you’re on a forest service road, miles away from the nearest tire service center.
Available in LT-metric, P-metric and high-flotation sizes, Toyo Open Country AT III tires can meet all your needs in terms of fitment and load-carrying capacity.
And because some journeys are longer than others, Toyo A/T III tires are engineered to be long-lasting. P-Metric and Euro-Metric sizes are backed by a 65,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, while LT-metric and high-flotation sizes are backed by a 50,000-mile warranty. Have you been wanting to go on an extended overlanding adventure?
Meet the tire that has the long-lasting tread life to take you there and back again without missing a beat.
If you’re planning on going for an extended overlanding trip, you might encounter inclement weather. But you can venture out there with no fear. The Toyo Open Country ATIII is certified for use in severe service in snow and wintry weather and it is backed by the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol to prove it.
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac
Some drivers want the aggressive traction of a mud terrain tire without sacrificing on-road comfort and tread life. That’s why we recommend this next tire, the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac.
Engineered with aggressive, high-void shoulder blocks, the Duratrac puts down powerful traction in mud and sand and snow. And just in case you’re planning a winter overlanding adventure, almost all Duratrac tires are certified for use in severe weather conditions. Furthermore, Duratrac tires in LT-fitments are pinned for studding, for strong traction on icy roads.
Meanwhile, its all-terrain inspired center tread area maintains consistent road contact for a smoother ride than the average mud terrain. It also works responsive handling and resistance to uneven treadwear when you’re on the road.
And because you’re going to need to load your overlanding rig up with potentially hundreds of extra pounds of gear, you can count on these tires to handle the extra load. They’re built in a variety of load ranges so you can comfortably support all the gear you want while getting the off-road traction you need.
That resistance to uneven treadwear helps ensure long-lasting tread life, which is why the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is backed by a 50,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, so whether you’re overlanding for a weekend or a year, your Duratrac tires will be there with you mile after mile.
Cooper Discoverer STT PRO
For some overlanding enthusiasts, the main feature they want from their tires is all-out traction in any condition. That’s where the Cooper Discoverer STT PRO comes in.
This mud terrain tire is built for powerful grip in soft, loose terrain like mud, sand and snow. With its high-void tread pattern and alternating scalloped shoulders, you can expect strong grip in the harshest driving conditions. Discoverer STT PRO tires are built with side-biter sidewall features, which enhance traction and puncture resistance when you leave the road behind.
While the Discoverer STT PRO delivers aggressive off-road traction for wherever your overlanding adventure takes you, it also features large tread blocks that resist distortion that also help promote a relatively long tread life.
If you’re looking for aggressive off-road performance to help you get to your next overland destination without sacrificing on-road reliability, the Cooper Discoverer STT PRO may be the choice for you.
From tall, skinny road tires to wide, aggressive mud terrains, there are many options when it comes to the best tires for overlanding. If we were to include a list of honorable mentions, this post would be so long you would never have time to hit the trails in your Land Cruiser or Jeep.
To make it easier, you can browse off-road tires for your specific vehicle! Check out our favorite tires for some of the top overlanding rigs below!
Shop tires by vehicle:
- Jeep Wrangler Tires
- Toyota 4Runner Tires
- Land Rover Defender Tires
- Jeep Gladiator Tires
- Ford Bronco Tires
Check out other related blogs!
- Best All-Terrain Tires for Daily Driving
- Overland Trailer Tires
- Pros and Cons of Mud Tires
- Soft-Roading: Everything You Need To Know
- Spare Tire Mount Guide
Adventure is calling; be sure you have the right overlanding tires to answer.
Find a location near you to get your adventure underway!
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