How we researched this guide
We compared six all-terrain tires chosen for trucks first — half-ton, 3/4-ton and 1-ton work — on evidence a buyer can check: maker spec sheets and warranty terms, plus owner reports on retailer pages. Five maker sources, twelve retailer listings and eight owner-report pages were checked, and every load figure below traces to one of them.
We do not test tires, and no star ratings are used as evidence. Winter ratings are printed exactly as published: four picks carry the 3PMSF symbol, and two — the Cooper AT3 XLT and the Continental TerrainContact A/T — are M+S rated only, flagged wherever they appear. The wider shortlist lives in our pillar guide, best all terrain tires; price-first readers should start with the mid-tier guide or the budget guide, and the full set sits in our all-terrain tires category.
The 30-second answer
Start with the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W — the deepest LT bench here. Towing points to the Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT; mud to the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T. Rock belongs to the BFGoodrich KO2, big fitments to the Nitto Recon Grappler A/T, and quiet highway miles to the Continental TerrainContact A/T — the Cooper and Continental are M+S rated, not 3PMSF.
Best Overall for Trucks
Falken Wildpeak A/T4W
The complete truck package: 3PMSF rating, warranties to 65,000 miles, LT ranges to F. Best for mixed work, winters and towing.
Best for Towing and Hauling
Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT
The hauler: an LT-only line built around towing. M+S rated only — not a severe-snow tire. Best for 3/4-ton trucks and trailers.
Best Rugged Hybrid for Trucks
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T
The aggressive one: 18.5/32 in of tread, 3-ply LT sidewalls and Sidebiters, still 3PMSF rated. Best for mud, sites and lifted half-tons.
Best for Rocky Trails
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
The durability benchmark: reinforced sidewalls for gravel and rock. Best for trail trucks.
Best for Larger Fitments
Nitto Recon Grappler A/T
The big-fitment pick: LT sizes run large, including the 34-inch class, behind a 3PMSF rating. Best for lifted trucks.
Best Highway Manners for Trucks
Continental TerrainContact A/T
The calm one: quietest highway manners here, 60,000-mile warranty, M+S rated only. Best for highway-first half-tons.
Store-only pick. The TerrainContact A/T is sold through tire stores in its truck fitments; no Amazon listing for the LT reference size could be verified. The closest buy-on-Amazon alternative in this guide is the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W in an LT fitment:
| Tire | 3PMSF | Mileage warranty | Load ranges | Tread depth (ref. size) | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falken Wildpeak A/T4W | Yes | 65,000 mi (P-metric) | SL, XL, LT C/E/F | 13/32 in | Check Price |
| Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT | No — M+S only | 60,000 mi | LT C, D, E | 17/32 in | Check Price |
| Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T | Yes (sizes 12.50 and narrower) | 50,000 mi (LT) | LT D, E; XL/SL SUV sizes | 18.5/32 in | Check Price |
| BFGoodrich KO2 | Yes | 50,000 mi | LT C, D, E | 15/32 in | Check Price |
| Nitto Recon Grappler A/T | Yes | 55,000 mi (LT) | SL, LT C/D/E/F | 16.1/32 in | Check Price |
| Continental TerrainContact A/T | No — M+S only | 60,000 mi | SL, XL, LT E | 16/32 in (LT) | Store only — alternative: Falken Wildpeak A/T4W on Amazon |
Figures are for the reference fitments and vary by size. Two picks here are M+S rated only — their reviews explain what that means for winter use.
Truck all-terrain tire chooser
Answer four questions. Every result recommends one of this guide’s six tires, with its Check Price button — or the Continental’s alternative button.
How to choose the best all terrain tires for trucks
A truck asks more of a tire than an SUV does: payload, tongue weight and long loaded miles. Work through these six in order. Recovery gear pairs with the tire choice — see our truck winch guide and the sizing maths in our what size winch for a truck guide.
Truck class first: half-ton, 3/4-ton or 1-ton
Class decides the casing. Half-tons can run SL or LT fitments; 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks ship on LT load range E tires and should stay there — a P-metric replacement undercuts the placard’s load index and payload rating with it. The Cooper XLT and the LT Falken, Baja Boss and Recon fitments are the HD bench.
Load range, payload and towing
Load range is the strength class: SL for daily half-ton use, then LT C, D, E and F as loads rise. Match or beat the placard, then set pressure for the load carried — towing pressure run empty rides harshly, and daily pressure run towing overheats the sidewall. Five of six lines here offer an E-range fitment.
The 3PMSF winter rating — and what M+S really means
The three-peak mountain snowflake means the tire met an industry snow-traction threshold; M+S lettering alone has no test behind it. Four picks here carry the symbol; two do not — the Cooper AT3 XLT and Continental are M+S rated only, honest towing and highway tools, but where winter rules apply choose the four.
Tread depth and what it is for
Depth is working capital: the Baja Boss starts at 18.5/32 in, the Cooper XLT at 17/32, the Recon at 16.1/32, the KO2 at 15/32. Deep tread clears mud and leaves more usable life before the wear bars. It is not free — deep, open treads hum more and feel less precise on wet pavement.
Tread life and the mileage warranty
The mileage warranty is the maker’s own wear promise: 65,000 miles on the Falken’s P-metric sizes, 60,000 on the Cooper XLT and Continental, 55,000 on LT Recon sizes, 50,000 on the KO2 and LT Baja Boss. Every warranty assumes documented rotation — keep the paperwork.
Size, gearing, payload and the spare
Staying at factory size keeps the speedometer, gearing, payload maths and spare correct. One size up usually fits; two sizes up can rub at full lock, dull towing gearing and force a fifth tire for the spare. HD trucks’ factory LT sizes are already tall — the table below starts from what the truck shipped on.
Factory tire sizes for common trucks
The factory fitments truck owners most often replace with one of the six picks, including the heavy-duty sizes SUV-focused guides skip. Trims vary, so confirm size and load index on your placard before ordering. Working trucks pair these sizes with the winches in our heavy-duty truck winch guide.
| Truck | Common factory size | Typical load need | Picks in this guide sold in this size class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | 265/70R17 | SL daily; LT E for regular towing | All six |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 265/65R18 | SL; LT E for towing | Falken, Cooper XLT, Baja Boss, Recon, Continental |
| Ram 1500 | 275/55R20 | SL or XL; LT for towing | Falken, Baja Boss, Recon, Continental |
| Toyota Tacoma | 245/75R16 or 265/70R16 | SL or LT C | Falken, KO2, Baja Boss, Continental |
| Ford F-250 Super Duty | LT275/70R18 E | LT E — do not undercut the placard | Falken, Cooper XLT, Recon |
| Ram 2500 / Silverado 2500HD | LT285/70R17 E or LT265/70R18 E | LT E for payload and towing | Falken, Cooper XLT, Baja Boss, Recon |
All terrain tires for trucks by budget
No prices are printed — truck fitments vary too much by size and load range for a single figure to be honest. The tiers show where each pick sits.
| Tier | What you get | Example pick from this guide |
|---|---|---|
| Value end of the truck market | LT casings and long warranties from value-leaning lines | Continental TerrainContact A/T or Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT |
| Mainstream truck tier | 3PMSF rating, deep LT benches, named sidewall construction | Falken Wildpeak A/T4W or Nitto Recon Grappler A/T |
| Premium and specialty | The most aggressive treads and reinforced casings | Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T or BFGoodrich KO2 |
| Shopping by a fixed ceiling instead | The same family sorted by price band | See budget all-terrain tires and the mid-tier guide |
Types of all-terrain tire for trucks
Truck all-terrains split by the job they are built around, not by brand.
| Type | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highway-leaning all-terrain | Quietest, best wet braking, long warranties | M+S only in this guide’s example; mildest off-road ceiling | Highway-first half-tons — Continental TerrainContact A/T |
| Balanced truck all-terrain | 3PMSF, LT ranges to F, real trail ability | Mid-pack at the extremes of mud and rock | Mixed work and towing — Falken A/T4W, Nitto Recon Grappler |
| Hauling-first LT | Deep tread, LT-only focus, towing stability | M+S only here; firm ride run empty | Trailers and payloads — Cooper AT3 XLT |
| Aggressive and hybrid | Deepest tread, reinforced sidewalls, Sidebiters | More hum, shorter warranties | Mud, rock, sites — Baja Boss A/T, KO2 |
Detailed reviews of the best all terrain tires for trucks
Each review follows the same order — why it earned its award, specs, fit, pros and watch-outs, owner reports, who should skip it, and pairings. Listings are for the stated fitment; check your own size.
Best Overall for Trucks: Falken Wildpeak A/T4W
Best Overall for Trucks Best for truck owners who want one tire to cover commuting, towing and winter.
Why the Wildpeak A/T4W is our pick
The A/T4W leads this guide as it leads the pillar: no weak line for a working truck. A 3PMSF rating, warranties to 65,000 miles, LT ranges reaching F and DuraSpec sidewalls on select LT sizes cover a half-ton commuter and a heavy-duty work truck alike.
Wildpeak A/T4W key specs
- Winter rating: 3PMSF (three-peak mountain snowflake)
- Mileage warranty: 65,000 miles (P-metric); 60,000 miles (LT)
- UTQG (P-metric): 660 A B
- Tread depth: 13/32 in (reference class); LT flotation sizes run deeper
- Load ranges: SL and XL, plus LT C, E and F
- Sidewall: DuraSpec 3-ply construction on select LT sizes
- Reference fitment: 265/70R17 115T, max load 2,679 lb at 51 psi
- Maker part number: 28844300 (reference size)
- Size range: 15 to 22 in rim diameters
- Extras: 30-day ride guarantee
Wildpeak A/T4W: fits and best for
Half-tons that tow and commute, and 3/4-ton trucks whose owners want the 3PMSF symbol the hauling-first picks here do without. The LT range is why the chooser sends winter towing here.
Wildpeak A/T4W pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Most complete truck spec sheet in this guide
- LT ranges reach F — widest load coverage here
- 3PMSF rating the two M+S-only picks lack
- 65,000-mile P-metric warranty
- DuraSpec sidewall option for rocky work
Watch-outs
- LT and DuraSpec versions ride firmer and weigh more
- Shallower reference tread than the aggressive picks
- Aggressive sizes can hum as they wear
- LT warranty drops to 60,000 miles
Wildpeak A/T4W: what owners report
- Retailer review pages credit the A/T4W with quiet highway manners for the class (City Limit Tire A/T4W page).
- Owner coverage also credits its snow behaviour, consistent with the 3PMSF rating (Tire Discounters A/T4W page).
- LT owners note the firmer ride of heavy-duty sizes — the load trade.
Wildpeak A/T4W: who should not buy
Skip it if your truck is a dedicated hauler that never sees snow — the Cooper XLT’s towing focus may suit you better. Skip P-metric versions for sustained towing; take an LT fitment.
Wildpeak A/T4W: pair it with
A do-everything tire belongs on a do-everything truck: our essential winching accessories guide lists the recovery order to buy in, starting with rated shackles: Check the AMBULL shackles on Amazon.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Listing shown for 265/70R17 115T — check your size before ordering.
Tip: Choose the load range before the size — the same model name covers very different tires. Winch sizing for the same trucks: our what size winch for a 3/4-ton truck guide.
Best for Towing and Hauling: Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT
Best for Towing and Hauling Best for 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks that tow or haul as their main job.
Why the Discoverer AT3 XLT is our pick
The AT3 family splits three ways, and the XLT is its heavy-duty member: an LT-only line built around towing and hauling. One disclosure matters most here: the XLT is M+S rated only. The family’s 3PMSF symbol belongs to the AT3 4S — do not order the XLT expecting severe-snow certification.
Discoverer AT3 XLT key specs
- Winter rating: M+S only — no 3PMSF symbol (the AT3 4S sibling carries it)
- Mileage warranty: 60,000 miles
- UTQG: Not published for LT sizes
- Tread depth: 17/32 in (reference fitment)
- Load ranges: LT C, D and E across the line
- Reference fitment: LT285/70R17 121/118S E, max load 3,195 lb at 80 psi
- Maker part number: 170053002 (reference size)
- Weight: About 55.8 lb (reference fitment)
- Tread features: Whisper Grooves; Rugged Shoulders; stone ejector ledges
- Compound: Shred-resistant compound per maker copy
- Extras: Even Wear Arc technology per maker copy
Discoverer AT3 XLT: fits and best for
F-250, Ram 2500 and HD Silverado trucks, and half-tons that tow near their rating most weeks. The reference E-range fitment is a common Ram 2500 size.
Discoverer AT3 XLT pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Built around towing and hauling first
- 17/32 in tread — second-deepest here
- 60,000-mile warranty on an LT-only line
- Stone ejectors suit gravel and site work
- Quiet-running grooves for a hauling tire
Watch-outs
- M+S only — no severe-snow symbol
- Firm ride run empty at LT pressures
- Easy to confuse with the AT3 LT and 4S when ordering
- Snow and mud are the recurring owner watch-outs
Discoverer AT3 XLT: what owners report
- Fitment-page owner reports on 3/4-ton trucks credit quiet running and road manners (Fitment Industries AT3 XLT page).
- Retailer listings confirm the warranty and hauling brief (TireAgent AT3 XLT listing).
- The same coverage is cooler on snow and mud — consistent with the M+S-only rating above.
Discoverer AT3 XLT: who should not buy
Skip it if your winters are severe — it has no 3PMSF symbol; the Falken in an LT fitment is this guide’s winter-towing answer. Check the variant name on the invoice: XLT, LT and 4S are three different tires.
Discoverer AT3 XLT: pair it with
Hauling trucks earn their recovery gear: our winch recovery kit guide covers the kit in order, and a snatch block multiplies a careful pull: Check the WARN Epic snatch block on Amazon.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Listing shown for LT285/70R17 121/118S — check your size before ordering.
Tip: Set pressures from the load, not habit. Diesel-truck fitments pair with our winch for diesel truck guide.
Best Rugged Hybrid for Trucks: Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T
Best Rugged Hybrid for Trucks Best for trucks that work in mud and on sites, then drive home on the highway.
Why the Baja Boss A/T is our pick
The Baja Boss is the aggressive end of this guide with its paperwork intact: a silica compound, PowerPly XD 3-ply LT sidewalls, Extreme Sidebiters and the deepest tread here at 18.5/32 in — behind a 3PMSF rating for sizes 12.50 and narrower.
Baja Boss A/T key specs
- Winter rating: 3PMSF (sizes 12.50 / 315 and narrower)
- Mileage warranty: 50,000 miles (LT); 60,000 miles (SUV/P-metric sizes)
- UTQG: Not published for the reference LT fitment
- Tread depth: 18.5/32 in (reference fitment) — deepest in this guide
- Load range: E (reference fitment); LT D and E across the line
- Reference fitment: LT265/65R17 E, max load 3,085 lb at 80 psi
- Maker part number: 90000036815 (reference size)
- Weight: 58 lb (reference fitment)
- Sidewall: PowerPly XD 3-ply construction on LT sizes; Extreme Sidebiters
- Tread: Asymmetric design; silica-reinforced compound; stone ejectors
Baja Boss A/T: fits and best for
Lifted half-tons, site and farm trucks, and owners who want mud-terrain looks with all-terrain manners. The LT265/70R17 E sibling fitment (part 90000036816) covers the common half-ton size at the same tread depth.
Baja Boss A/T pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Deepest tread in this guide
- 3-ply LT sidewall construction
- 3PMSF rating despite the aggressive brief
- Sidebiters add aired-down bite and protection
- 60,000-mile warranty on SUV sizes
Watch-outs
- LT warranty is 50,000 miles — shortest here with the KO2
- Reference fitment is heavy at 58 lb
- Aggressive tread will hum more than the highway picks
- Widest flotation sizes lose the 3PMSF symbol
Baja Boss A/T: what owners report
- Retailer spec pages confirm the reference fitment’s figures and LT construction (TFS Wheels Baja Boss A/T listing).
- TireAgent’s listing repeats the family brief — mud ability with on-road handling and the 50,000/60,000-mile warranty split (TireAgent Baja Boss A/T listing).
- Published long-term owner coverage is thinner than for the legacy lines — said plainly; the spec sheet is the evidence here.
Baja Boss A/T: who should not buy
Skip it if your miles are mostly dry highway — you pay in noise and weight for unused ability; the Continental and Falken are calmer answers. Skip the widest flotation sizes if the snowflake matters to you.
Baja Boss A/T: pair it with
Mud work pairs with anchor protection: our tree saver strap guide covers it, and the verified strap we list is this one: Check the GearAmerica tree saver on Amazon.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Listing shown for LT265/65R17 E — check your size before ordering.
Tip: Air down for soft ground and re-inflate before the highway — the Sidebiters earn their keep soft. Recovery basics: our how to get out of mud guide.
Best for Rocky Trails: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
Best for Rocky Trails Best for trail trucks that measure a tire by what its sidewalls survive.
Why the KO2 is our pick
The KO2 remains the durability reference: CoreGard sidewalls, a 15/32 in tread in the reference LT fitment and the longest owner record here. It earns its place on gravel, ranch and rock work, and gives back refinement to get there.
KO2 key specs
- Winter rating: 3PMSF (three-peak mountain snowflake)
- Mileage warranty: 50,000 miles
- UTQG: Not published for LT sizes (maker footnote: UTQG does not apply to LT tires)
- Tread depth: 15/32 in (reference fitment)
- Load ranges: LT C, D and E across the line
- Sidewall: CoreGard technology; TriGard construction
- Reference fitment: LT265/70R17/C 112/109S, max load 2,470 lb at 50 psi
- Maker part number: 66255 (reference size)
- Weight: About 45 lb (reference fitment)
- Line note: The newer KO3 also exists; the KO2 remains widely sold
KO2: fits and best for
Tacomas and half-tons that see rock and gravel weekly, and anyone whose previous set died by sidewall rather than tread. E-range sizes extend it to heavier trucks.
KO2 pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Sidewall toughness is the class benchmark
- Deep tread for gravel and rock
- Huge size range, including C, D and E loads
- 3PMSF rating despite the aggressive brief
- Long owner record to judge by
Watch-outs
- Wet grip fades as the tread wears, per owner reports
- Road noise grows late in life
- 50,000-mile warranty matches the shortest here
- Reference C fitment is not the heavy-towing choice
KO2: what owners report
- The long-running owner survey credits sidewall toughness and gravel durability (Tire Rack KO2 owner survey).
- Buyer ratings repeat the same strengths on truck fitments (Fitment Industries KO2 ratings).
- The maker’s page notes UTQG grades do not apply to the LT line (BFGoodrich KO2 page).
KO2: who should not buy
Skip it if most miles are wet highway — the Continental and Falken are calmer there. Skip the C-range reference fitment for heavy towing; take an E-range size or the Cooper XLT.
KO2: pair it with
Rock work pairs with rated recovery points: our D-ring shackle guide covers ratings; a snatch block multiplies a careful pull: Check the WARN Epic snatch block on Amazon.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Listing shown for LT265/70R17/C 112/109S — check your size before ordering.
Tip: Air down for rock and re-inflate before the highway. Trail-truck builds pair with our 12,000 lb winch for full-size trucks guide.
Best for Larger Fitments: Nitto Recon Grappler A/T
Best for Larger Fitments Best for lifted trucks and owners stepping up to larger fitments.
Why the Recon Grappler A/T is our pick
The Recon Grappler is Nitto’s current truck all-terrain: staggered shoulder lugs and a reinforced block foundation over a 3PMSF-rated tread, with the widest big-fitment range here. The reference LT295/70R18 is a 34-inch-class tire — the pick when a truck has outgrown factory sizes.
Recon Grappler A/T key specs
- Winter rating: 3PMSF (three-peak mountain snowflake)
- Mileage warranty: 55,000 miles (LT sizes); 65,000 miles (non-LT sizes)
- UTQG: Not published for the LT reference fitment
- Tread depth: 16.1/32 in (reference fitment)
- Load range: E (reference fitment); SL and LT C/D/E/F across the line
- Reference fitment: LT295/70R18 129/126R E
- Maker part number: 218610 (reference size)
- Diameter: 34.29 in (reference fitment)
- Weight: 63.6 lb (reference fitment)
- Tread features: Staggered shoulder lugs; wide circumferential grooves; dual sidewall designs
Recon Grappler A/T: fits and best for
Lifted half-tons and HD trucks running 33- to 35-inch-class fitments. LT265/70R17 E (part 218740) covers stock half-ton sizes in the same line.
Recon Grappler A/T pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Widest big-fitment range in this guide
- 3PMSF rating across the line
- Reinforced blocks suit heavier trucks
- Dual sidewall designs — two looks, one tire
- 65,000-mile warranty on non-LT sizes
Watch-outs
- Reference fitment is the heaviest here at 63.6 lb
- Largest sizes can measure under nominal diameter, per owners
- LT warranty is 55,000 miles, not the 65,000 headline
- Big sizes cost gearing and spare-wheel room
Recon Grappler A/T: what owners report
- Retailer spec listings confirm the LT warranty and 3PMSF brief across sizes (OK4WD Recon Grappler listing).
- Fitment listings for the reference size class repeat the size and load data (Extreme Customs Recon Grappler listing).
- Owner comments credit quiet manners for the tread’s aggression, and note the largest sizes run slightly under nominal diameter.
Recon Grappler A/T: who should not buy
Skip it if your truck is stock-height and staying that way — the Falken covers factory sizes with less weight. Skip it if warranty length tops your list on an LT fitment.
Recon Grappler A/T: pair it with
Bigger tires change recovery maths too: our winch for pickup truck guide matches the winch to the truck, not the tire catalogue.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Listing shown for LT295/70R18 E — check your size before ordering.
Tip: Price the fifth tire first — a 34-inch spare does not fit every carrier. See our what size winch for a 1-ton truck guide.
Best Highway Manners for Trucks: Continental TerrainContact A/T
Best Highway Manners for Trucks Best for highway-first half-tons in mild-winter country.
Why the TerrainContact A/T is our pick
The TerrainContact A/T is the refinement pick: TractionPlus thinking aimed at wet braking and quiet running, and a 60,000-mile warranty across a line that still offers a proper LT E fitment. Two limits define it: the mildest off-road ceiling here, and an M+S-only rating — no 3PMSF symbol.
TerrainContact A/T key specs
- Winter rating: M+S only — no 3PMSF symbol
- Mileage warranty: 60,000 miles
- UTQG: 680 A B (SL sizes); not published for LT sizes
- Tread depth: 16/32 in (LT reference fitment); 12/32 in (SL sizes)
- Load ranges: SL and XL, plus LT E
- Reference fitment: LT265/70R17 E 121/118S, max load 3,195 lb at 80 psi
- Maker part number: 15506650000 (LT reference size)
- Weight: About 54.5 lb (LT reference fitment)
- Tread features: TractionPlus technology; noise blockers; traction grooves for snow
- Extras: 60-day trial under the Total Confidence Plan per retailer copy
TerrainContact A/T: fits and best for
Highway-first F-150s, Silverados and Rams in regions where snow is occasional rather than a season. The SL sizes suit daily-driven half-tons that rarely leave the road.
TerrainContact A/T pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Quietest, most car-like manners here
- Wet-braking brief is the maker’s headline claim
- A real LT E fitment behind the comfort brief
- 60,000-mile warranty with a trial period
- 680 UTQG treadwear grade on SL sizes
Watch-outs
- M+S only — no severe-snow symbol
- Mildest off-road ceiling in this guide
- No Amazon listing for the truck fitment — store-only here
- SL tread depth is a shallow 12/32 in
TerrainContact A/T: what owners report
- Retailer spec listings confirm the LT fitment’s figures and warranty (Pep Boys TerrainContact A/T listing).
- Continental’s plan details are set out on retailer pages (TireBuyer TerrainContact A/T page).
- Owner coverage credits quiet highway manners; winter comments match the M+S brief.
TerrainContact A/T: who should not buy
Skip it if you drive in severe winters — no snowflake symbol; the Falken is the highway-capable 3PMSF answer. Skip it if your weekends involve real trails; the Baja Boss and KO2 are built for that ceiling.
TerrainContact A/T: pair it with
Highway trucks still need a maintained recovery kit: our winch maintenance checklist keeps tires and winch on one service rhythm.
Store-only pick. The TerrainContact A/T is sold through tire stores in its truck fitments, and no Amazon listing for the LT reference size could be verified. The closest buy-on-Amazon alternative in this guide is the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W in an LT fitment, with its button directly below:
Check Price — Falken Wildpeak A/T4W (alternative)
We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Listing shown for LT265/70R17 E — check your size before ordering.
Tip: Use the trial window deliberately: run your commute, one wet drive and one dirt road early. Half-ton fitments pair with our winch for F-150 guide.
Spec comparison
Maker-published figures for the reference fitments — a like-for-like comparison at the stated sizes.
| Spec | Falken A/T4W | Cooper AT3 XLT | Baja Boss A/T | BFGoodrich KO2 | Nitto Recon | Continental A/T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter rating (3PMSF) | Yes | No — M+S only | Yes (12.50 and narrower) | Yes | Yes | No — M+S only |
| Mileage warranty | 65,000 mi (P-metric) | 60,000 mi | 50,000 mi (LT) | 50,000 mi | 55,000 mi (LT) | 60,000 mi |
| UTQG (where published) | 660 A B | Not published (LT) | Not published (LT) | Not published (LT) | Not published (LT) | 680 A B (SL) |
| Tread depth (ref. size) | 13/32 in | 17/32 in | 18.5/32 in | 15/32 in | 16.1/32 in | 16/32 in (LT) |
| Load ranges offered | SL, XL, LT C/E/F | LT C/D/E | LT D/E | LT C/D/E | SL, LT C/D/E/F | SL, XL, LT E |
| Reference fitment | 265/70R17 115T | LT285/70R17 E | LT265/65R17 E | LT265/70R17 C | LT295/70R18 E | LT265/70R17 E |
| Max load (ref. fitment) | 2,679 lb | 3,195 lb | 3,085 lb | 2,470 lb | Not published | 3,195 lb |
| Studdable | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Protection features | DuraSpec sidewall (select LT) | Rugged Shoulders; stone ejectors | PowerPly XD sidewall; Sidebiters | CoreGard sidewall | Reinforced blocks | Not published |
| Our score (out of 10) | 9.0 | 8.7 | 8.8 | 8.6 | 8.5 | 8.3 |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Store only — alternative: Falken on Amazon |
How the score works: each score weights warranty, winter rating, tread depth, load-range coverage and owner-report consistency against this guide’s truck brief. It is editorial judgement, not test results.
Fitment & installation basics
Tires are fitted, not installed at home: a shop mounts and balances each assembly and torques the lug nuts to the maker’s figure. On trucks the extras matter more — TPMS service keeps the warning system honest under load, and an alignment check belongs with any set replacing an unevenly worn one.
Before the appointment, confirm size, load index and pressures from the placard, and make sure the spare matches — on HD trucks the spare is an LT tire too. After fitting, re-check lug torque at about 50 miles and set a rotation reminder on the same rhythm as our winch maintenance checklist. First loaded trip, re-read the recovery basics in our how to use a winch guide, and match the truck’s other half with our winch for pickup truck guide.
Safety essentials
Safety rules
- Never fit a lower load index or load range than the door-jamb placard states — on HD trucks that means LT E stays LT E.
- Run the pressure for the load carried; towing pressures run empty — and empty pressures run towing — are both wrong.
- Re-inflate after airing down before highway speeds; sidewalls overheat run soft, loaded worst of all.
- Replace in axle pairs at minimum, and all four on four-wheel-drive trucks, so diameters match.
- Retire any tire with sidewall cuts, bulges or exposed cord — no plug fixes a sidewall.
- Re-check lug torque about 50 miles after fitting, and after hard trail sessions.
Three verified recovery accessories:
WARN Epic snatch block — doubles a winch line’s pull, safely.
Check Price — WARN Epic snatch block
GearAmerica tree saver strap — protects anchor and rope on self-recovery pulls.
Check Price — GearAmerica tree saver
AMBULL shackles — rated connection points; see our recovery kit guide.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Centre tread wears first | Over-inflation for the load carried | Set placard pressures for your load; rotate |
| Both shoulders wear first | Under-inflation, or towing at daily pressures | Use towing pressures when hitched; check leaks |
| Feathering and rising hum | Skipped rotations | Rotate now, then every 5,000 to 7,500 miles; check alignment |
| Trailer sway feels worse than before | Soft daily fitment or pressure under a tow load | Move to the LT fitment and towing pressures |
| Tread blocks chunking | Spinning on sharp rock at full pressure | Air down for rock; inspect for cuts |
| Vibration at highway speed | Lost balance weight or mud in the rim | Clean rims, re-balance, inspect the wheel |
Who should NOT buy these tires
Severe-winter drivers eyeing the two M+S-only picks. The Cooper AT3 XLT and Continental are honest towing and highway tires, but neither carries the 3PMSF symbol. If snow is a season, choose from the four rated picks here or read the full shortlist in our best all terrain tires guide.
HD-truck owners tempted by a cheaper P-metric set. A 3/4-ton or 1-ton truck ships on LT E fitments for a reason: payload and towing ratings assume them. Dropping to SL fitments undercuts the placard. Sizing help: our 1-ton winch sizing guide.
Anyone planning to skip rotations. Deep treads here — the Baja Boss and KO2 especially — feather and hum when rotations slip, and warranties assume the paperwork. No tire here will deliver its warranty life without that rhythm.
Drivers who need a dedicated tool. A mud-terrain, a winter tire or a highway rib each beats every pick here at its own job. All-terrains are the compromise by design; spend instead on the truck’s working half — our truck winch guide and heavy-duty winch guide are the honest next reads.
Final verdict
One line each:
- Best Overall for Trucks — Falken Wildpeak A/T4W: the complete truck pick, commute to LT towing, snowflake included. Check its price.
- Best for Towing and Hauling — Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT: the hauler, M+S rated and proud of the job. Check its price.
- Best Rugged Hybrid for Trucks — Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T: the deepest tread and 3-ply LT sidewalls. Check its price.
- Best for Rocky Trails — BFGoodrich KO2: sidewalls first, refinement second. Check its price.
- Best for Larger Fitments — Nitto Recon Grappler A/T: the big-size bench with a snow rating. Check its price.
- Best Highway Manners for Trucks — Continental TerrainContact A/T: the calm commuter pick, sold through tire stores — see our all-terrain tires category.
FAQ
What is the best all-terrain tire for a truck overall?
On published specs, the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W: a 3PMSF rating, warranties to 65,000 miles, and LT ranges reaching F, so one model covers a half-ton commuter and a working 3/4-ton. Specialists beat it at their own jobs, but nothing else here covers as much.
Do I need LT tires on a half-ton truck?
Only if you tow or haul regularly. LT fitments carry higher load indexes and ride firmer empty; a half-ton that tows a few times a year is usually better on the placard’s SL fitment. Tow most weeks, and LT is the honest answer.
Can I put P-metric tires on a 3/4-ton or 1-ton truck?
No — not without undercutting the truck. HD trucks ship on LT load range E fitments, and their payload and towing ratings assume that casing strength. A P-metric replacement below the placard’s load index is the one downgrade this guide will not soften: keep LT E.
Which of these tires are actually rated for severe snow?
Four of the six: the Falken A/T4W, BFGoodrich KO2, Baja Boss A/T (sizes 12.50 and narrower) and Nitto Recon Grappler A/T carry the 3PMSF symbol. The Cooper AT3 XLT and Continental TerrainContact A/T are M+S rated only — capable in light snow, not severe-snow certified.
Is M+S enough for winter driving in a truck?
M+S is a tread-pattern designation with no test behind it; the snowflake means the tire passed a snow-traction threshold. For occasional snow, M+S all-terrains cope. For months of snow or winter-tire rules, choose a 3PMSF pick here or a dedicated winter tire.
What is the difference between the Cooper AT3 4S, LT and XLT?
Three members of one family, three jobs. The 4S is the SL, wet-weather member and the only AT3 with the 3PMSF symbol. The LT is the towing member in our pillar guide. The XLT here is the heavy-duty hauling member — deepest tread, LT-only, M+S rated.
How long do truck all-terrain tires usually last?
The mileage warranty is the best published guide: 65,000 miles on the Falken’s P-metric sizes, 60,000 on the Cooper XLT and Continental, 55,000 on LT Recon sizes, 50,000 on the KO2 and LT Baja Boss. Documented rotations every 5,000 to 7,500 miles protect tread and warranty alike.
Does going up a tire size affect towing?
Yes. A taller tire lengthens the effective gearing, felt most when towing, and changes the speedometer and the spare. One size up is a mild effect; two sizes up deserves a gearing conversation with a shop before ordering.
Should I replace all four tires at once on a four-wheel-drive truck?
Yes. Four-wheel-drive systems are sensitive to diameter differences, and one new tire beside three worn ones can strain the drivetrain. Replace in full sets where you can; if one tire is destroyed early, a shop can shave a new one to match.
Sources & changelog
Maker and spec sources: BFGoodrich KO2 page; Falken A/T4W listing; Cooper AT3 XLT listing; Fitment Industries AT3 XLT page; Baja Boss A/T listing; TireAgent Baja Boss A/T listing; OK4WD Recon Grappler listing; Extreme Customs Recon Grappler listing; Pep Boys TerrainContact A/T listing; TireBuyer TerrainContact A/T page.
Owner sources: Tire Rack KO2 owner survey; Fitment Industries KO2 ratings; Tire Discounters A/T4W page; ARKON TerrainContact A/T page.
Changelog — October 16, 2026: guide first published.
By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider
Leo runs WinchInsider’s research desk: maker spec sheets, warranty fine print and owner reports, checked line by line. See our about us page.
Related guides
- Best all terrain tires — the pillar guide: the full shortlist.
- Mid-tier all-terrain tires — the same family sorted by a higher price ceiling.
- Budget all-terrain tires — the cheaper end, M+S-only picks flagged.
- Best truck winches — the recovery half of a working truck.
- Best winch for Ford F-150 — half-ton picks and fitment.
- Best winch for diesel trucks — for the HD end of this guide.
- Best off-road winch — trail winch picks.
- How to get out of mud without a winch — when tires were not enough.