In a discussion about gear, tires might not seem like a top priority for most hunters. However, if you put some thought to it, tires are the one gear item that gets all of the other gear where it’s going. Additionally, these same tires are likely hauling your other treasures — family and friends, and yourself — to and from work, the store, around town, and much more. Truck tires are put to the test year-round, not just during hunting season. Therefore, when it comes to outfitting your hunting rig with the best boots, you should give it some thought.
To save you a little time, I have put together a list of the top tires for your hunting rig. Making a tire purchase involves several individual choices. For example, an individual that drives on pavement the majority of the time is not likely to want or need the same tire as an individual that drives on dirt and gravel the majority of the time. In the same vein, a desert dweller is not likely to need a strong snow-performing tire. Furthermore, individual vehicles require different-sized tires. A guy running a stock tire size will not use the same tire as a guy that has installed a 6-inch suspension lift. That said, the majority of hunters are likely to demand a tire that wears well on pavement and also performs well in wet conditions, mud, snow, and off-road conditions.
To compile my 2021 Editors’ Choice selections, I devised a scoring methodology comprising ratings and reviews from tire manufacturer websites and from sites like www.tirerack.com, www.discounttire.com, www.bigotires.com, www.anthemwheels.com, as well as surveying tire shop owners, hunters, and professional guides. The following are my selections for Editors’ Choice in the Offroad Tire category. Note: not all of the tires selected will have an exact fitment (maximum load, speed rating, load range, etc.) for every hunting rig out there.
Editors’ Choice | Best All-Around Tire
Cooper Discoverer S/T MAXX
Why?
This tire is made to tackle harsh terrains, especially dirt and gravel. Let’s face it, most of us spend the majority of our time “off-road” on dirt. In addition to its great tread design, this tire has one of the largest tread depths (18.5/32″ on many models) within the lineup of selected tires. While this tire does not have the highest overall consumer ratings on the websites mentioned above, I know several tire shop owners, hunters, and professional guides that depend on this tire for their hunting rigs.
From Cooper Tires
The Discoverer S/T MAXX is designed for tough terrain, including rocks and gravel, with on-road stability and performance.
- Tread design helps to prevent stone retention
- Armor Tek3 Construction for added tire durability
- Cut and Chip resistant tread compound/composition
Learn more at us.coopertire.com/tires/discoverer-s-t-maxx.
Purchase your next set of Cooper Discoverer S/T MAXX tires from Anthem Wheels at www.anthemwheels.com/brands/tires/Cooper/Discoverer-S_T-Maxx.
Editors’ Choice | Best Value
BF Goodrich TA KO2
Why?
BF Goodrich has a long-standing name in the tire market. I remember a time when tires were simply called, “BFGs.” Across the board, this tire is rated well and comes in as the lowest-priced tire from a variety of vendors. To top it off, it gets good marks from consumers in every performance category.
From BF Goodrich
Learn more at www.bfgoodrichtires.com/auto/tires/all-terrain-t-a-ko2.
Purchase your next set of BF Goodrich TA KO2 tires from Anthem Wheels at www.anthemwheels.com/brands/tires/BFGoodrich/All-Terrain-TA-KO2.
Editors’ Choice | Top Seller
Toyo Open Country A/T III
Why?
Toyo Tires is a brand that people trust. Although it’s a relative newcomer to the market, this tire is a top-seller at Anthem Wheels and on several tire-buying sites. It’s popular for a reason: it’s a performer.
From Toyo Tire
The Open Country A/T III all-terrain tire delivers gripping off-road traction with responsive and predictable on-road handling.
- Strong wet performance
- Durable construction
- Great treadwear life
Learn more at www.toyotires.com/product/open-country-at3.
Purchase your next set of Toyo Open Country A/T III tires from Anthem Wheels at www.anthemwheels.com/brands/tires/Toyo+Tires/Open-Country-A_T-III.
Editors’ Choice | Top Wildcard
General Grabber X3
Why?
This tire gets great reviews on the websites mentioned above. A quick look at the tire’s specs shows that it has an aggressive tread pattern with deep treads. Although I don’t have any first-hand knowledge of the tire, it looks like one that many depend on in the field.
From General Tire
A bold and aggressive Mud-Terrain tire that delivers extreme off-road performance in mud, dirt and rocky terrain, with 3-ply durability, balanced with impressive on-road performance.
- DuraGen Technology – Off-road durability
- Sidewall Protection Lugs – More grip during extreme off-roading
- Multi-Pitch Pattern Design – Off-road traction and a quiet ride on the street
- Siped Tread Design – Provides wet and winter performance
Learn more at generaltire.com/tires/light-trucksuv/grabber-x3.
Purchase your next set of General Grabber X3 tires from Anthem Wheels at www.anthemwheels.com/brands/tires/General/Grabber-X3.
Editors’ Choice | Consumer Rating
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac
Why?
This tire gets rave reviews across all categories for its dry performance, wet performance, off-road performance, and snow and mud performance. It performs and it’s a well-liked tire.
From Goodyear
A workhorse tire for rugged off-road terrain — including snow — that still offers a quieter ride on paved roads. The bold aggressive tread design is great for work truck towing and hauling.
- Enhanced traction
- Quiet ride
- Rim protection
- Winter performance
Learn more at www.goodyear.com/en-US/tires/wrangler-duratrac.
Purchase your next set of Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires from Anthem Wheels at www.anthemwheels.com/store/brands/tires/Goodyear/WranglerDuratrac.