Mud Tires vs All Terrain Tires (2026): 6 Picks

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How we researched this guide

We compared 6 tires with verified Amazon listings: 5 all-terrain and 1 mud-terrain. For each pick we checked listing size, load and service description, part number, tread depth, pressure and diameter, keeping load-range variants separate.

We also checked maker and distributor spec pages for the same part numbers and owner-report sources, including Tire Rack pages and a MotorTrend long-term KM3 report. Unconfirmed figures are stated as such. No vehicle-specific fitment was verified.

The 30-second answer

Choose an all-terrain tire for a daily-driven truck that sees gravel, light mud and winter roads, and a mud-terrain tire only if deep, sticky mud is regular. The all-terrain picks here are the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 in LT285/70R17/E 126/123S, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 in LT285/70R17/C 116/113S, the Falken WildPeak A/T4W in LT285/70R17 126/123S, the Falken WildPeak A/T4W in 285/70R17 116T, and the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT in LT285/70R17. The mud-terrain pick is a different-size example, the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 in 33×12.50R15/C 108Q, for a 15-inch wheel only. It is not a same-size counterpart to the 17-inch picks; your door-jamb placard size decides which group you can consider.

Best overall all-terrain

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 – LT285/70R17/E 126/123S

Best for Load Range E all-terrain use in LT285/70R17, severe-snow certified, 16/32 tread. E variant only.

Check Price

Single tire only. Exact size: LT285/70R17/E 126/123S.

Best lighter-duty LT all-terrain

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 – LT285/70R17/C 116/113S

Best if your truck calls for LT285/70R17 but not Load Range E capacity. Same nominal size as E, different load range, pressure, tread.

Check Price

Single tire only. Exact size: LT285/70R17/C 116/113S.

Best LT all-terrain tread depth

Falken WildPeak A/T4W – LT285/70R17 126/123S, Load Range E

Best for the deepest tread among verified LT picks, at 18/32, with a 60,000-mile limited warranty figure, this LT listing. 3PMSF status not maker-confirmed.

Check Price

Single tire only. Exact size: LT285/70R17 126/123S, Load Range E.

Best P-metric all-terrain

Falken WildPeak A/T4W – 285/70R17 116T (P-metric, not LT)

Best if your fitment calls for P-metric 285/70R17 116T rather than an LT tire. Not an LT substitute where LT capacity is needed.

Check Price

Single tire only. Exact size: 285/70R17 116T (P-metric, not LT).

Best rugged all-terrain

Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT – LT285/70R17

Best for the most mud-leaning all-terrain here, 18/32 tread, three-ply sidewall. RT model only; older non-RT figures do not apply.

Check Price

Single tire only. Exact size: LT285/70R17, Load Range E.

Mud example, different size

BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 – 33×12.50R15/C 108Q (different-size example)

The only verified mud-terrain pick here, for a 15-inch wheel only. Use it to understand dedicated mud tires, not as a same-size swap.

Check Price

Single tire only. Exact size: 33×12.50R15/C 108Q. Does not fit a 17-inch wheel.

Product Exact size Load / pressure Tread depth Check Price
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 LT285/70R17/E 126/123S 126/123S, 80 psi 16/32 Check Price
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 LT285/70R17/C 116/113S 116/113S, 50 psi 15/32 Check Price
Falken WildPeak A/T4W LT285/70R17 126/123S 126/123S, 80 psi 18/32 Check Price
Falken WildPeak A/T4W 285/70R17 116T 116T, 51 psi 14/32 Check Price
Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT LT285/70R17 126R, 80 psi 18/32 Check Price
BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 33×12.50R15/C 108Q 108Q, 45 psi 18/32 Check Price

Read by exact size, not model name: two KO3 rows and two Falken rows share a model name and nominal size, but load, pressure and tread differ.

Tire finder: rim size and load need

Choose your rim diameter and the load description your placard calls for, then press Enter or the finder button. Every result recommends a tire from this guide, with its own button, except a rim size with no verified pick, marked not available. This finder does not verify clearance.

Choose a rim size and a load need to see a recommendation.

How to choose mud tires vs all terrain tires

Tread design and self-cleaning

Mud tires use large, open blocks with wide voids. All-terrain tires use tighter, interlocking blocks with more siping, helping wet roads but clearing heavy mud more slowly. No void-ratio figure was maker-confirmed, so compare designs qualitatively, not by invented percentage.

Load index and load range

Load index and load range decide carrying capacity, not the mud or all-terrain label alone. Here, LT285/70R17/E at 126 carries far more per tire than LT285/70R17/C at 116 or P-metric 285/70R17 at 116T, Match placard load and towing weight before comparing tread patterns.

Exact size, rim width and clearance

An exact size is a package: rim diameter, width, diameter, load index and approved rim-width range. Several picks show 7.5 to 9.5 inches, per pick, not universal. Check placard size, approved rim range for the exact part number, and clearance, lift and trimming for larger diameters.

Wet roads and winter roads

All-terrain tires generally hold the wet-road advantage from siping, while mud tires are weaker on wet and icy roads in owner reports. For severe snow, do not badge every all-terrain tire alike: the KO3 carries the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol in its maker summary, while Falken A/T4W and DuraTrac RT snow status is unconfirmed.

Noise, comfort and tread life

Mud tires are louder and heavier at the same nominal size, a cost on long highway drives. All-terrain tires are the quieter compromise, but tread life depends on rotation, alignment, load and driving mix. No decibel or fuel-economy figure was maker-verified, so no numeric noise or economy claim is made.

Warranty type, not just warranty length

Read the warranty kind. Some all-terrain picks carry a mileage tread-life figure; the KM3 carries a 6-year standard limited warranty for defects and materials, not mileage tread-life. A longer-sounding warranty is not automatically a longer tread-life promise, and the conflicting DuraTrac RT mileage figure stays unpublished pending Goodyear confirmation.

Size and fitment facts for the verified picks

No vehicle trim or year table is included: no year, make or model fitment was verified. Use this size table only against your placard and part number, then confirm clearance professionally.

Exact size Diameter Max pressure Approved rim width Fitment check
LT285/70R17/E 126/123S (KO3) 32.8 in 80 psi 7.5 to 9.5 in Placard and clearance
LT285/70R17/C 116/113S (KO3) 32.8 in 50 psi Not published Placard, load and clearance
LT285/70R17 126/123S (Falken A/T4W) 33.00 in 80 psi Not published Placard, load and clearance
285/70R17 116T (Falken A/T4W) 32.8 in 51 psi 7.5 to 9.5 in Placard, P-metric only
LT285/70R17 (DuraTrac RT) Not published 80 psi Not published Placard, load and clearance
33×12.50R15/C 108Q (KM3) Not published 45 psi Not published 15-inch wheel only

Amazon’s “Universal Fit” label is not a fitment guarantee. A 33×12.50R15 tire does not fit a 17-inch wheel, and an LT285/70R17 tire does not automatically fit a stock setup requiring a narrower tire.

Mud tires vs all terrain tires by ownership cost

Tier What you get Example pick
Everyday all-terrain Highway manners, siping, mileage figure on listing Falken WildPeak A/T4W – 285/70R17 116T
Heavy-duty all-terrain Load Range E capacity, deeper tread, towing headroom BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 – LT285/70R17/E 126/123S
Rugged all-terrain Mud-leaning tread, three-ply sidewall, all-terrain compromise Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT – LT285/70R17
Dedicated mud example Open mud blocks, mud-clearing bars, highway trade-offs BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 – 33×12.50R15/C 108Q

No prices are shown. Every listing here is a single tire; rotation and alignment affect tire life, and matched sets avoid diameter and tread mismatch.

Types: mud-terrain vs all-terrain vs rugged-terrain middle ground

Type Strengths Trade-offs Best for
All-terrain Balanced highway, gravel, light mud; siping for wet roads Deep mud clearing is limited Daily drivers with weekend dirt
Mud-terrain Open blocks and self-cleaning bars for deep, sticky mud Noise, wet-road and tread-life trade-offs Regular deep-mud use
Rugged-terrain middle ground More aggressive than mild all-terrain, less extreme than pure mud Compromise in deep mud and on highways Drivers who want a mud lean without a pure mud tire

No rugged-terrain hybrid has its own pick here: no verified hybrid Amazon ASIN was confirmed for these sizes. The DuraTrac RT is the closest verified pick to that middle ground, labelled all-terrain, not pure mud. For mud recovery, see our how to get out of mud without a winch and best off-road winch.

Detailed reviews: mud tires vs all terrain tires

Each review names its exact size first, keeps load-range variants separate, and prints unpublished figures as unpublished.

Best overall all-terrain: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 – LT285/70R17/E 126/123S

Best overall all-terrain – LT285/70R17/E 126/123S only

Why the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 LT285/70R17/E 126/123S is our pick

Top pick for drivers needing Load Range E capacity in LT285/70R17 without a dedicated mud tire. Severe-snow certification, triple-ply casing and mud-clearing features cover highway, gravel and winter use better than a pure mud tire, with light-mud ability.

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 LT285/70R17/E 126/123S key specs

  • Exact size: LT285/70R17/E 126/123S
  • Load Range: E
  • Maximum pressure: 80 psi
  • Tread depth: 16/32
  • Overall diameter: 32.8 in
  • Maximum load: 3750 lb
  • Approved rim widths: 7.5 to 9.5 in
  • Manufacturer part number: 19795
  • UPC: 086699197955
  • UTQG: 400 AA A
  • Casing: triple-ply polyester casing, twin steel belts
  • Severe snow: three-peak mountain snowflake symbol

Tread-life mileage for this exact E size was not maker-confirmed in this pass, so none is printed here.

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 LT285/70R17/E 126/123S: fits and best for

Best for trucks whose placard or verified upsizing check allows LT285/70R17 with Load Range E capacity, and for drivers towing or carrying heavy loads who need a severe-snow-certified all-terrain tire. The maker summary cites CoreGuard sidewalls, Mud Phobic bars and shoulder scoops for protection and mud clearing.

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 LT285/70R17/E 126/123S pros and watch-outs

Pros

  • Load Range E capacity, 126 load index
  • Severe-snow certification
  • Triple-ply polyester casing, twin steel belts
  • Mud Phobic bars and shoulder scoops
  • 16/32 tread depth, this E listing

Watch-outs

  • Not a dedicated deep-mud tire
  • Tread-life mileage unpublished for this E size
  • Needs 80 psi and Load Range E fitment check
  • 32.8 in upsizing still needs a clearance check

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 LT285/70R17/E 126/123S: what owners report

Owner-report coverage for this exact E listing was thin in this pass, so no owner rating is invented. The Tire Rack KO3 model page is a maker-design summary, not an owner survey, describing CoreGuard sidewall technology, Mud Phobic bars and the severe-snow symbol.

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 LT285/70R17/E 126/123S: who should not buy

Do not buy this E pick if your placard calls for a lower load range, a P-metric tire or a different size, or as a deep-mud specialist. Lighter-duty drivers should check the C or P-metric picks below; regular deep-mud drivers, the mud discussion and different-size KM3 example.

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 LT285/70R17/E 126/123S: pair it with

Pair it with a matched full-size spare in the same exact size and a recovery plan for mud work, including the guide on how to get out of mud without a winch.

Check Price

We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Single tire only. Exact size: LT285/70R17/E 126/123S.

Tip: Before you order, compare your door-jamb placard size and load description with this exact listing, not with the KO3 name alone. Our best winch for Jeep Wrangler guide is a recovery companion only.

Best lighter-duty LT all-terrain: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 – LT285/70R17/C 116/113S

Best lighter-duty LT all-terrain – LT285/70R17/C 116/113S only

Why the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 LT285/70R17/C 116/113S is our pick

Collapsing the two KO3 listings into one “KO3” recommendation would be wrong. The C pick gives drivers needing LT285/70R17 without Load Range E capacity a verified, separate option, with its own maximum pressure, tread depth and part number.

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 LT285/70R17/C 116/113S key specs

  • Exact size: LT285/70R17/C 116/113S
  • Load Range: C
  • Maximum pressure: 50 psi
  • Tread depth: 15/32
  • Overall diameter: 32.8 in
  • Inflated width: 11.22 in
  • Maximum load: 2755 lb at 50 psi
  • Construction: 6-ply, per package listing
  • Manufacturer part number: 62187
  • UPC: 086699621870
  • UTQG: 400 AA A
  • Load index: 116

Tread-life mileage for this exact C size was not maker-confirmed in this pass, so none is printed here.

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 LT285/70R17/C 116/113S: fits and best for

Best for trucks whose placard or verified upsizing check allows LT285/70R17 with Load Range C capacity, where the E pick would exceed the fitment’s needs. Diameter matches the E pick at 32.8 inches, so clearance is similar, but load and pressure limits are not. Never use the E pick’s 80 psi or 3750 lb figure here.

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 LT285/70R17/C 116/113S pros and watch-outs

Pros

  • Verified LT285/70R17 option without Load Range E
  • Same 32.8 in diameter as the E pick
  • KO3 all-terrain design for mixed highway and dirt
  • Separate part number and listing
  • UTQG 400 AA A

Watch-outs

  • Lower load capacity than E: 2755 lb at 50 psi
  • Shallower tread than E: 15/32 versus 16/32
  • Tread-life mileage unpublished for this C size
  • Not a dedicated deep-mud tire

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 LT285/70R17/C 116/113S: what owners report

Owner-report coverage for this exact C listing was thin in this pass, so no owner rating is invented. The Tire Rack KO3 model page is a maker-design summary for the KO3 model generally, not a C-specific owner survey.

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 LT285/70R17/C 116/113S: who should not buy

Do not buy this C pick if your vehicle requires Load Range E capacity, if you tow at loads needing the E pick’s higher single-tire figure, or if your placard calls for a P-metric tire. Check the E or P-metric Falken pick below, subject to your placard.

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 LT285/70R17/C 116/113S: pair it with

Pair it with a matched spare in LT285/70R17/C 116/113S and a pressure check routine that respects the 50 psi maximum for this listing.

Check Price

We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Single tire only. Exact size: LT285/70R17/C 116/113S.

Tip: When you compare the two KO3 listings, compare part numbers 19795 for E and 62187 for C side by side. Our best winch for Jeep Gladiator guide is a recovery companion only.

Best LT all-terrain tread depth: Falken WildPeak A/T4W – LT285/70R17 126/123S, Load Range E

Best LT all-terrain tread depth – LT285/70R17 126/123S only

Why the Falken WildPeak A/T4W LT285/70R17 126/123S is our pick

The deepest-tread verified LT tire here, at 18/32, with the same 126 load index and 80 psi maximum as the KO3 E pick: a genuine heavy-duty alternative. Its 60,000-mile limited warranty figure is the LT-size figure, not the 65,000-mile P-metric figure.

Falken WildPeak A/T4W LT285/70R17 126/123S key specs

  • Exact size: LT285/70R17 126/123S, Load Range E
  • Maximum pressure: 80 psi
  • Tread depth: 18/32
  • Overall diameter: 33.00 in
  • Construction: 10-ply, per listing
  • Manufacturer part number: 28840612
  • UPC: 848983026071
  • Limited warranty: 60,000-mile figure, this LT listing
  • Load index: 126/123S
  • Severe snow: 3PMSF status not maker-confirmed
  • Sidewall ply: not maker-confirmed for this part

The two “not confirmed” lines above are deliberate: they mark figures this guide does not claim, rather than leaving a gap to fill with another tire’s figures.

Falken WildPeak A/T4W LT285/70R17 126/123S: fits and best for

Best for trucks whose placard or verified upsizing check allows LT285/70R17 with Load Range E capacity and who want the deepest LT tread depth here. The 33.00 inch diameter is slightly larger than the KO3’s 32.8 inches, so the clearance check differs. Do not assume the KO3 rim range applies here.

Falken WildPeak A/T4W LT285/70R17 126/123S pros and watch-outs

Pros

  • Deepest LT tread depth here: 18/32
  • Load Range E capacity, 126 load index
  • 60,000-mile limited warranty figure, this LT listing
  • 80 psi maximum, heavy-duty use
  • All-terrain balance: highway, gravel, light mud

Watch-outs

  • 3PMSF status not maker-confirmed
  • Sidewall-ply construction not maker-confirmed
  • 33.00 in diameter needs its own clearance check
  • Not a dedicated deep-mud tire

Falken WildPeak A/T4W LT285/70R17 126/123S: what owners report

A/T4W-specific owner survey coverage was not verified in this pass, so previous-generation survey themes are not presented as A/T4W owner results. The Tire Rack WildPeak A/T3W page is previous-generation benchmark context only.

Falken WildPeak A/T4W LT285/70R17 126/123S: who should not buy

Do not buy this LT pick if your vehicle requires a P-metric tire, if you need maker-confirmed severe-snow certification, or if your placard calls for a different load range. Check the P-metric Falken pick, or the KO3 E pick for severe snow.

Falken WildPeak A/T4W LT285/70R17 126/123S: pair it with

Pair it with a matched spare in LT285/70R17 126/123S and a rotation routine. For mud recovery planning, see our best off-road winch guide as a recovery companion, not as tire advice.

Check Price

We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Single tire only. Exact size: LT285/70R17 126/123S, Load Range E.

Tip: Do not copy the 65,000-mile P-metric warranty figure onto this LT listing. Our best winch for Toyota Tacoma guide is a recovery companion only.

Best P-metric all-terrain: Falken WildPeak A/T4W – 285/70R17 116T (P-metric, not LT)

Best P-metric all-terrain – 285/70R17 116T only

Why the Falken WildPeak A/T4W 285/70R17 116T is our pick

A tire can share width and rim size with an LT tire and still be a different tire. This P-metric pick has no LT prefix, a 51 psi maximum instead of 80 psi, and 14/32 tread instead of 18/32, for lighter-duty fitments calling for exactly this service description.

Falken WildPeak A/T4W 285/70R17 116T key specs

  • Exact size: 285/70R17 116T (P-metric, not LT)
  • Maximum pressure: 51 psi
  • Tread depth: 14/32
  • Overall diameter: 32.8 in
  • Maximum load, single: 2756 lb
  • Measuring rim: 8.5 in
  • Approved rim-width range: 7.5 to 9.5 in
  • Manufacturer part number: 28844913
  • UPC: 848983025630
  • UTQG: 660 A B
  • Limited warranty: 65,000-mile figure shown on this P-metric listing

3PMSF status for this exact part number was not confirmed from a Falken maker document in this pass, so no severe-snow claim is made for it here.

Falken WildPeak A/T4W 285/70R17 116T: fits and best for

Best for lighter-duty fitments whose placard calls for 285/70R17 116T, where lower maximum pressure and single-tire load are acceptable for mixed highway and dirt use. Diameter matches the KO3 picks at 32.8 inches, but diameter alone never makes LT and P-metric tires interchangeable.

Falken WildPeak A/T4W 285/70R17 116T pros and watch-outs

Pros

  • 65,000-mile limited warranty figure, this P-metric listing
  • Approved rim-width range: 7.5 to 9.5 in
  • All-terrain design for mixed highway and dirt
  • 32.8 in diameter, comparable clearance check
  • Separate part number from LT Falken pick

Watch-outs

  • Not an LT tire: not for LT capacity needs
  • Lower maximum pressure: 51 psi, not 80 psi
  • Shallower tread than LT Falken: 14/32 versus 18/32
  • 3PMSF status not maker-confirmed

Falken WildPeak A/T4W 285/70R17 116T: what owners report

A/T4W-specific owner survey coverage was not verified in this pass, so no owner rating is invented for this P-metric part number. The Tire Rack WildPeak A/T3W page is previous-generation benchmark context only for the older model.

Falken WildPeak A/T4W 285/70R17 116T: who should not buy

Do not buy this pick for towing or heavy loads requiring LT load capacity, or if your placard requires an LT tire. Check the LT Falken pick or KO3 E pick instead, and let placard load description, not shared 285/70R17 width, decide.

Falken WildPeak A/T4W 285/70R17 116T: pair it with

Pair it with a matched spare in 285/70R17 116T and a pressure routine that respects the 51 psi maximum for this listing.

Check Price

We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Single tire only. Exact size: 285/70R17 116T (P-metric, not LT).

Tip: If a listing title has no LT prefix, stop and check the service description before you compare it with an LT tire. Our best winch for Ford F-150 guide is a recovery companion only.

Best rugged all-terrain: Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT – LT285/70R17

Best rugged all-terrain – LT285/70R17 RT model only

Why the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT LT285/70R17 is our pick

The most mud-leaning all-terrain tire in this verified set, between a mild all-terrain tire and a pure mud tire. It offers 18/32 tread depth, a three-ply sidewall with Durawall compound and DuPont Kevlar tread protection, per the listing description.

Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT LT285/70R17 key specs

  • Exact size: LT285/70R17
  • Load Range: E
  • Load index and speed rating: 126R
  • Load capacity: 3750 lb
  • Maximum pressure: 80 psi
  • Tread depth: 18/32
  • Manufacturer part number: 243324
  • UPC: 697662154211
  • Sidewall: three-ply sidewall with Durawall compound
  • Tread protection: DuPont Kevlar tread protection
  • Tread-life warranty: not published, conflicting figures unsettled

Do not copy the older non-RT DuraTrac figures, 121Q and Load Range D, onto this RT listing; they belong to a different model listing.

Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT LT285/70R17: fits and best for

Best for trucks whose placard or verified upsizing check allows LT285/70R17 with Load Range E capacity and whose driving leans toward gravel, muddy tracks and rugged surfaces over pure highway use. Check load, pressure and clearance for this exact RT part number.

Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT LT285/70R17 pros and watch-outs

Pros

  • Most mud-leaning all-terrain pick here
  • Deep tread: 18/32, this RT listing
  • Load Range E capacity: 3750 lb at 80 psi
  • Three-ply sidewall with Durawall compound
  • Kevlar tread protection

Watch-outs

  • Not a pure deep-mud tire
  • Tread-life warranty mileage unsettled
  • Older non-RT figures do not apply to this RT model
  • Severe-snow status not maker-confirmed

Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT LT285/70R17: what owners report

The Tire Rack DuraTrac RT survey page summarises dry, wet, winter and comfort themes for the RT model, reported here without invented numeric scores. It is a survey summary, not a maker spec sheet, so its themes do not settle any spec figure.

Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT LT285/70R17: who should not buy

Do not buy the RT as a pure mud tire, if you need a settled mileage warranty figure before ordering, or on older DuraTrac reviews describing the non-RT model. Regular deep-mud drivers should read the KM3 example below and accept its size limits.

Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT LT285/70R17: pair it with

Pair it with a matched spare in LT285/70R17 RT and a recovery plan for the muddy tracks it is built to favour. For recovery equipment context, see our best winch recovery kit guide, which covers recovery gear, not tire fitment.

Check Price

We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Single tire only. Exact size: LT285/70R17, Load Range E, RT model only.

Tip: Always check the letters RT in the model name before you trust a DuraTrac review or figure. Our best winch for Toyota 4Runner guide is a recovery companion only.

Mud example, different size: BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 – 33×12.50R15/C 108Q

Mud example, different size – 33×12.50R15/C 108Q only

Why the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 33×12.50R15/C 108Q is our pick

A clearly labelled different-size mud example, the only fully verified mud-terrain Amazon ASIN in this pass. It is not a same-size counterpart to any 17-inch pick, and must not be ordered for a 17-inch wheel.

BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 33×12.50R15/C 108Q key specs

  • Exact size: 33×12.50R15/C 108Q
  • Rim diameter: 15 in only
  • Load Range: C
  • Load index and speed rating: 108Q
  • Load capacity: 2205 lb
  • Maximum pressure: 45 psi
  • Tread depth: 18/32
  • Manufacturer part number: 28830
  • UPC: 086699288301
  • Warranty: 6-year standard limited warranty, defects and materials only
  • Tread-life mileage warranty: none printed
  • Severe snow: not 3PMSF in this pass, M+S only in secondary summaries

The maker leaflet cites CoreGard Max sidewall protection, Terrain-Attack tread design, Mud-Phobic bars and Traction-Armor sidewall sculpture for this 15-inch size.

BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 33×12.50R15/C 108Q: fits and best for

Best only for vehicles whose placard or verified fitment check allows 33×12.50R15 on a 15-inch wheel with Load Range C capacity, for regular deep, sticky mud driving. The provisional KM3 size LT285/75R17 is not used as a pick here because its ASIN field was not captured, so it cannot stand in as a 17-inch mud counterpart yet.

BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 33×12.50R15/C 108Q pros and watch-outs

Pros

  • Dedicated mud design: open blocks and Mud-Phobic bars
  • CoreGard Max sidewall protection
  • Terrain-Attack tread design
  • Deep tread: 18/32, this listing family
  • Only verified pure mud pick in this pass

Watch-outs

  • 15-inch wheel only: no 17-inch replacement
  • Lower load capacity: 2205 lb, Load Range C
  • No mileage tread-life warranty printed
  • Not a 3PMSF severe-snow tire in this pass

BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 33×12.50R15/C 108Q: what owners report

The MotorTrend 10,000-mile KM3 report is in a different size, 285/70R17, so it gives only qualitative wear and noise themes, never this ASIN’s weight or load figures. It noted 18/32 tread at 16/32 after 10,000 miles, no chunking, and wet-road weakness as an owner theme.

BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 33×12.50R15/C 108Q: who should not buy

Do not buy this KM3 if you have 17-inch wheels, if you need Load Range E towing capacity, or if you need a severe-snow tire. Check an all-terrain pick above against your placard instead. Do not buy a different KM3 size on the strength of this ASIN’s button.

BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 33×12.50R15/C 108Q: pair it with

Pair it with a matched spare in 33×12.50R15/C 108Q and a mud recovery plan, including our how to get out of mud without a winch guide.

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We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Single tire only. Exact size: 33×12.50R15/C 108Q. Does not fit a 17-inch wheel.

Tip: If you air a mud tire down off-road, re-inflate it before highway driving, and never use this 15-inch button for a 17-inch order. Our best winch for pickup truck guide is a recovery companion only.

Spec comparison

Two tables keep every table narrow; do not merge them into one “KO3” or “Falken” column.

Spec KO3 E KO3 C Falken LT
Exact size LT285/70R17/E 126/123S LT285/70R17/C 116/113S LT285/70R17 126/123S
Load range E C E
Max pressure 80 psi 50 psi 80 psi
Tread depth 16/32 15/32 18/32
Diameter 32.8 in 32.8 in 33.00 in
Part number 19795 62187 28840612
Warranty type Mileage unpublished Mileage unpublished 60,000-mile LT figure
Severe snow 3PMSF, maker summary Not published Not maker-confirmed
Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price
Spec Falken P-metric DuraTrac RT KM3 mud example
Exact size 285/70R17 116T LT285/70R17 33×12.50R15/C 108Q
Load range P-metric, not LT E C
Max pressure 51 psi 80 psi 45 psi
Tread depth 14/32 18/32 18/32
Diameter 32.8 in Not published Not published
Part number 28844913 243324 28830
Warranty type 65,000-mile P-metric figure Not settled 6-year limited, no mileage
Severe snow Not maker-confirmed Not maker-confirmed Not 3PMSF in this pass
Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price

No score row is included: no scoring rubric was verified, and a score would imply an unmade measurement. The verdict is editorial judgement on the verified figures, not test results.

Fitment and installation basics

Fitment starts with the placard, not a model name. Check placard size, load index and load range, approved rim-width range for the exact part number, and clearance for the diameter considered. A 32.8 inch tire and a 33.00 inch tire need separate clearance checks; a 33×12.50R15 tire needs a 15-inch wheel. If upsizing, ask a tire professional about lift, trimming, speedometer and gearing.

Installation basics are the same for every pick: fit matched tires in the same exact size across axles, respect the maximum pressure for the exact listing, and re-check pressure after settling. Do not mix mud and all-terrain tires across axles, or LT and P-metric tires on the same vehicle. For recovery planning, see our how to use a winch, how to install a winch on a truck and what size winch do I need guides. Those cover winching, not tire fitment.

Safety essentials

Follow these rules for every tire here:

  • Check door-jamb placard size and load before ordering.
  • Never fit a tire to a wheel diameter it was not made for.
  • Respect the maximum pressure for the exact listing.
  • Replace tires in matched sets; never mix mud and all-terrain tires across axles.
  • Re-inflate before highway driving after off-road airing down.
  • Inspect sidewalls and tread regularly; have sidewall damage checked professionally.

Recovery accessories for mud work, with their own buttons, are listed below. They are winch recovery accessories, not tire products.

Recovery accessory

WARN Epic Snatch Block

For winch recovery after mud work. See our best snatch block for winching guide.

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Recovery accessory

GearAmerica Tree Saver Strap

For a tree anchor during winch recovery. See our best tree saver strap guide.

Check Price

Recovery accessory

AMBULL Shackles

For connecting recovery straps and lines. See our best D-ring shackles for recovery guide.

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For a full recovery setup, see our best winch recovery kit, best winch cover, best portable winch and essential winching accessories guides. A recovery kit does not fix a wrong-size tire.

Troubleshooting

Symptom Likely cause Fix
Mud packs the tread Tight all-terrain tread in deep mud Clear tread, lower speed, use a mud recovery plan
Vibration after fitting Balance, fitment or mismatched size Have balance and fitment checked
Uneven wear Pressure, alignment or rotation gaps Correct pressure and alignment, then rotate
Wet-road slip Worn tread or mud-tire design limits Slow down, check tread depth; mud tires lack wet grip
Sidewall damage Rock, rut or curb contact Stop, inspect; have a professional judge the tire
Pressure loss Valve, bead or puncture issue Check cold pressure, valve and bead; repair as advised

Who should NOT buy these

Do not buy any pick here if your placard size is different. A different placard size means a different tire. Check the Tires and Wheels archive at https://winchinsider.com/tires-wheels/ for a guide covering your size.

Do not buy a mud tire for a mostly highway life. Noise, wet-road and wear trade-offs show up daily, while the deep-mud advantage is rarely used. An all-terrain pick above, checked against your placard, suits daily drivers with occasional dirt use.

Do not buy a P-metric tire for LT towing work. The Falken P-metric pick is not an LT substitute; its 51 psi maximum and 2756 lb single-tire load do not become LT figures. Check the LT picks instead, and let the placard decide.

Do not buy on a warranty number alone. A mileage figure on one size does not apply to another, a defects-only warranty is not a tread-life promise, and the DuraTrac RT mileage figure stays unpublished. Read the warranty type for the exact part number.

Do not buy a different size on the strength of any button here. Every button belongs to one exact size and part number. If its size does not match your placard, that button is not your tire, and no other button here substitutes without a fresh fitment check.

Final verdict

Best overall all-terrain: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 – LT285/70R17/E 126/123S Check Price

Best lighter-duty LT all-terrain: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 – LT285/70R17/C 116/113S Check Price

Best LT all-terrain tread depth: Falken WildPeak A/T4W – LT285/70R17 126/123S Check Price

Best P-metric all-terrain: Falken WildPeak A/T4W – 285/70R17 116T Check Price

Best rugged all-terrain: Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT – LT285/70R17 Check Price

Mud example, different size: BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 – 33×12.50R15/C 108Q Check Price

FAQ

Can I run mud tires every day?

You can, but a daily driver pays in noise, wet-road grip and wear. Open mud blocks clear deep mud well, yet give up highway comfort and wet-road performance. If deep mud is a weekend exception, an all-terrain pick is the better daily compromise.

Will LT285/70R17 fit my truck or Jeep?

Only if your door-jamb placard or a verified upsizing check allows it. Several picks show an approved rim-width range of 7.5 to 9.5 inches, per part number, not universal. Clearance, lift and trimming vary, and no year, make or model fitment was verified, so no universal yes.

What is the difference between LT285/70R17/E, LT285/70R17/C and P-metric 285/70R17?

Load index, pressure, tread depth and warranty differ at the same nominal size. KO3 E is 126/123S at 80 psi with 16/32 tread, KO3 C is 116/113S at 50 psi with 15/32 tread, and Falken P-metric is 116T at 51 psi with 14/32 tread. Check the listing’s service description, not just the size label.

Are all-terrain tires good in mud?

All-terrain tires handle light mud, gravel and muddy tracks well, especially the rugged DuraTrac RT, but deep, sticky mud is where open blocks and self-cleaning bars matter. Do not overclaim all-terrain mud performance: with regular deep mud, an all-terrain tire packs and slips sooner, so carry a recovery plan.

Are mud tires good in snow?

The KM3 here is not a 3PMSF severe-snow tire on the evidence in this pass; secondary summaries call it M+S rated only, not severe-snow certified. The KO3 E pick is the snow-certified pick here, with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol. Deep snow and ice differ; deep-snow bite is not ice performance.

Do I need to replace all four tires?

Yes, replace tires in matched sets with the same exact size, tread and load. Mixing mud and all-terrain tires across axles, or LT and P-metric tires on the same vehicle, creates a diameter and grip mismatch not recommended as a standing practice. This is guidance for matched handling and wear, not a maker quote.

How long do mud tires last compared with all-terrain tires?

Answer by warranty type, not invented mileage. Falken LT shows 60,000 miles and Falken P-metric 65,000 miles, while KO3 mileage figures for these sizes were unpublished and the DuraTrac RT figure unsettled because sources conflict. The KM3 carries a 6-year standard limited warranty for defects and materials, not mileage tread-life.

Can I air down mud tires off-road?

Lower pressure can help off-road traction and climbing, but re-inflate before highway driving. No aired-down pressure value is given beyond the per-pick maximum pressures above; none was verified for these sizes. Check maker guidance for your tire; never drive at highway speed aired down.

Do mud tires hurt fuel economy?

Qualitatively, yes: a heavier, more aggressive tread raises rolling resistance, working against fuel economy. No fuel-economy figure was maker-verified, so no miles-per-gallon claim is printed. Treat economy cost as a trade-off to accept only if mud capability is genuinely used.

Which is better for towing, a mud tire or an all-terrain tire?

Load range and load index decide towing suitability, not the mud or all-terrain label. Load Range E picks in LT285/70R17 carry the higher single-tire load figures here; the P-metric pick and Load Range C KM3 example carry lower figures. Check placard load and towing weight first, then choose tread type within your vehicle’s load range.


Sources & changelog

Manufacturer, distributor and retailer sources: Tire Rack BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 page; Quattro Tires KO3 part 19795 size table; TrailBuilt Offroad KO3 part 62187 listing; Continental Auto Group Falken part 28844913 table; BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 leaflet.

Owner-report and survey sources: Tire Rack Goodyear DuraTrac RT survey; Tire Rack Falken A/T3W previous-generation survey; MotorTrend 10,000-mile KM3 report, 285/70R17.

Size-existence sources checked but NOT used as picks: no verified Amazon ASIN was confirmed for those sizes: Falken WildPeak M/T size list; Nitto 2025 brochure, Ridge Grappler table; TireBuyer Toyo Open Country M/T listing. The provisional KM3 LT285/75R17 ASIN was also not used, because its ASIN field was not captured in the research pass.

Changelog — October 29, 2026: guide first published.

By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider

Leo researches winch and off-road equipment guides from manufacturer specifications and owner reports, so readers can compare verified figures before they buy. This comparison follows the same method: exact sizes first.

About WinchInsider

Related guides

Tires and Wheels | Best Off-Road Winch | How to Get Out of Mud Without a Winch | Best Winch for Jeep Wrangler | Best Winch for Jeep Gladiator | Best Winch for Toyota Tacoma

Top pick: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 – LT285/70R17/E 126/123S Check Price