5 All-Terrain Options for Consumers

Often we’re told, “You can’t have it all.” But with improvements in design and quality construction, many vehicle owners are setting their sights on all-terrain tires as a very viable option. And the aftermarket continues to fuel this trend. Let’s take a look at five excellent choices for consumers.

“There’s PB and then there’s everything else…”

A while back, Four Wheeler Network ran a feature with a big, bold headline that read, “There’s PB and then there’s everything else.” Renowned for their mud-terrain performance, the team at Pit Bull Tires noticed a trend toward a reliable all-terrain option. “As gas increased, consumers limited their off-road trips and moved toward tires that looked mean, but would work for a daily driver. It’s all about the economy. I suspect that as the economy gets better, the market will change again. But many drivers have figured out that you can have a mean looking tire that is also road efficient and still have fun on the trails,” said Michael Green of Pit Bull Tires. In the meantime, Pit Bull has answered the mean-as-Grumper consumer call.

A Different Approach

“Our goal is to approach a market from all angles, with the idea of introducing something completely innovative. The PBX A/T Hardcore is truly a unique tire. It bites like a mud terrain, but feels incredibly smooth and quiet on the road. And that’s not just boasting; it’s what our customers are telling us. They can’t believe how quiet the tires are, but yet, how incredibly they grip,” said Green. “It’s also Winter Performance rated and as such, time and again people are telling us that they are the best severe weather tires they’ve ever used. A lot of thought, time, and testing went into these tires. We consulted with consumers and experts to make sure we introduced a product that did all that we wanted it to and had proper styling. They also have a 40,000 limited Tread-wear warranty and are made in the USA. And, of course, the tires had to have killer traction and mean looks…we are Pit Bull after all,” continued Green.

MICKEY THOMPSON DEEGAN 38 ALL-TERRAIN TIRE

“What do you get when action sports legend and pioneer Brian Deegan collaborates with the genius tire minds at Mickey Thompson… again? How about an aggressive all-terrain tire that crosses the line with the industry’s best warranty? It’s safe to say that we like when these two work together,” said Bonser in a recent The Engine Block new products feature. “When Mickey Thompson and Brian Deegan partnered a few years back, we got the wildly popular Deegan 38. With its rugged look, long tread life, and signature Deegan touches, the Deegan 38 became an instant classic among the mud-terrain space. Fast forward and the demand for all-terrain applications is expanding rapidly–enter the Mickey Thompson Deegan 38 All-Terrain. These bad boys can certainly hold their own in mud and dirt. But we like them because they are also mild mannered on the road for solid daily-driver usage,” continued Bonser. “So whether you’re looking for that next set of rubber for your off-road rig or just want to turn up the aggressiveness on your truck or SUV, the Deegan 38 All-Terrain tires have you covered,” he concluded.

FEATURES
  • Silica-Reinforced Tread Compound and Siping for all weather performance, cut/chip resistance, and longevity
  • High-Tensile 2-Ply Body Cord for increased durability with reduced weight and improved ride
  • Variable Draft Angles and Tread Edge
  • Chamfers help to reduce stone retention
  • Angled Shoulder Scallops and Two-Pitch SideBiter Pattern for off road traction

Deegan A/T

TOYO OPEN COUNTRY A/T II AND R/T

If consumers prefer a tire with a quiet, comfortable ride that can tackle 4-plus-rated trails at Moab, then the Toyo Open Country A/T II is near the very top of the list. “The owners of these vehicles fully utilize their rides Monday through Friday for work and commuting, but also are a strong reflection of their active lifestyle and being outdoors whether it be fishing, camping, or mountain biking. All-terrain tires like Toyo’s Open Country A/T II deliver the weekday on-road performance that owners want along with the reliable off-road performance that owners demand and rely upon,” said Gomez. Furthermore, “all-terrain products like Toyo’s Open Country A/T II or R/T deliver the on-road manners that owners expect like a quiet, comfortable ride and also provide the confidence to tackle a number of off-road situations that owners may find themselves in,” he continued.

FEATURES A/T II

This versatile all-terrain tire offers excellent traction and tread life along with a blatantly-aggressive design and hush ride. The Open Country A/T II is backed by a tread-wear warranty of up to 65,000 miles and a “No Regrets, 45-Day 500 Mile Trial Offer.” Xtreme sizes feature an even deeper tread depth and
a more aggressive tread and more menacing shoulder design.

Open Country R/T

FEATURES R/T

Nestled comfortably between the M/T and A/T II is the R/T, where off-road performance meets on-road comfort. Built rugged for any terrain, this powerful 4×4 tire offers excellent off-road traction, durable construction, aggressive styling, and a 45,000-mile warranty. Its ability to tackle mud, dirt, sand, and rocks is inspired by the legendary Open Country M/T, while its softer ride is a nod to the best-selling Open Country A/T II. “No Regrets, 45-Day 500 Mile Trial Offer.”

Falken WildPeak A/TW3

Tire Reviews lists both the Falken WildPeak and BFGoodrich T/A KO2 as top picks for 2017. “New for 2016, the A/TW3 features a hybrid AT-MT type of tread design that allows this tire to get through the toughest of terrains without issues. The winter grip you’ll find on this AT tire is among the best in class thanks to the tread design and Falken’s Canyon Sipes. With its 55K mile warranty and lower cost, it’s easy to see why this tire rates so highly,” said Tire Reviews.

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2

As difficult as it is for any tire maker to improve on an already best-selling tire, BFGoodrich has done just that with the new KO2. Its cut and chip resistant tread compound is also built to provide a longer lasting treadlife. Tri-Guard sidewall construction helps prevent all types of obstructions from puncturing the tire and increasing durability that weekend warriors look for. On the street this is a tire that is built to handle rain and snow as well as any tire in its class.

 

We covered some staples in the all-terrain category, but this is by no means the end of the list.  Other great options are available from the likes of Pro Comp, Dick Cepek, Atturo, Maxxis, and others.  And with the explosion in popularity you can be sure that other manufacturers will throw their hat into the A/T ring as well.  But when it boils down to putting a new set of rubber on your own rig, take solace in knowing that you do have plenty of options.  Times have changed, and throwing a set of aggressive-looking, highly capable tires on your vehicle no longer means having to compromise.  You can have your cake AND eat it too–off-road prowess and on-road manners.

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