The rock crawling tires are an essential part of the thrilling world of off-roading and mountaineering. With the resurgence of adventure-driven experiences, more people are turning to pickup trucks and SUVs. They are equipped with features like lifted suspension and advanced AWD. These vehicles often require specific aftermarket modifications, including the installation of specialized wheels and tires designed for maximum traction on harsh terrains.

Whether you’re a rock crawling enthusiast driving a 4×4 vehicle or seeking an aggressive steering response, the right set of tires will provide the support needed. All-terrain tires with a specialty in rock crawling are designed by reputable manufacturers, and offer a balance between rugged capability and durability.

Remember, rock crawling tires can also be used for mud-terrains, though there are special tires for mud-terrains as well.

The ultimate goal is to ensure a perfect blend of sidewall strength and adaptability over rocky terrain. Attributes such as tire size, wheel upgrades, aggressive lugs, puncture resistance, and unique constructions like bias-ply also contribute to the tire’s performance.

With a suitable set of rock crawling tires, adventurers can conquer challenging landscapes with confidence and ease, cementing the role of these specialized tires in the ever-evolving field of off-roading.

Note

The tires listed here are specifically designed for rock crawling and off-road adventures, not for smooth and quiet highway rides. With their aggressive and deep tread pattern, these off-road tires might create noise during regular driving. Though usable for on-road driving, they won’t be as quiet or comfortable as conventional all-season or on-road all-terrain tires.

Our Top Picks of the 8 Best Tires for Rock Crawling

All the tires on my list are high-quality off-road tires with specialized treads for rocky and mountainous terrains. In this detailed guide, you can find tires for various types of vehicles including jeeps, light trucks, SUVs, and ATVs/UTVs. I hand-picked all the tires with a lot of effort so you can choose any tire without further hesitation.

How We Select the Best Tires

We don’t just pick the tires randomly. There is a lot of work behind suggesting the lists of the best possible tires for readers and buyers. We adopt a multi-dimensional approach rather than just a ‘single person experience’. Our lists and reviews are a collective wisdom of many users rather than a single user.

To determine the best tires, we undertake extensive market research, meticulously examine the specifications of each tire, and carry out a very thorough analysis of user reviews from top retailers. Finally, our keen tire experts apply their experience and expertise and provide a well-rounded assessment to create the final list of the best possible tires. Read our detailed review process.

1. Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek

Cooper Discoverer Rugged - One of the best tires for rock crawling

Embrace the outdoors with the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek, your go-to tire for all-terrain adventures. I highly admire its aggressive wide tread design and stellar off-road traction, especially on rugged mountains and challenging paths. But that’s not all; this tire boasts the severe snow service certification, complete with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, assuring you of its winter capabilities.

Although the tread design does create some noise on paved roads, it’s a small price to pay for the outstanding performance elsewhere.

The Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek wins us over with its versatile performance. The solid performance on rocks is praised by many users. They are quite happy with the grip and durability of this tire over dangerous rocks.

What seals the deal for us is the 6-year/60,000-mile warranty and a 45-day road test. If are planning for some rocky adventure, we believe this tire is a trustworthy choice.

Pros

  • Impressive grip on diverse terrains, including rocks, snow, mud, sand, and gravel.
  • Nice off-road traction for adventurous journeys.
  • Good handling and braking capabilities on packed snow, enhancing safety.

Cons

  • The aggressive tread design may lead to noise during highway driving.
  • Certain tire sizes might lack the 3PMSF symbol, which signifies winter capability.

Pro Tip

Rock crawling tires need regular alignment checks, proper balancing, regular pressure checks, and rotation (rotate once every 3000-5000 miles). Why? Because they frequently expose to uneven, rugged surfaces and encounter rock strikes that can affect the wheel alignment and may cause other issues like bubble forming on the tire’s sidewall. By adhering to these maintenance guidelines, owners can maximize the durability and performance of their rock crawling tires, keeping them ready for the next off-road adventure.

2. Nitto Ridge Grappler

Nitto Ridge Grappler tire

The Nitto Ridge Grappler is highly recommended by our tire market researcher and is a top pick for adventure-seeking owners of SUVs, Jeeps, and pickup trucks. Its unique tread design and sidewall blocks, coupled with a versatile and stylish look, make this tire a standout choice. The Ridge Grappler’s reinforced tread blocks with tapered edges optimize surface contact for an excellent grip on dry surfaces.

I am quite impressed with its extra chunk of tread blocks on the sidewall which fully protect the sidewall from punctures. I also observed that Nitto Ridge Grappler has more rubber throughout the tread area as compared to other tires in the category. This gives extra durability and grip over highly uneven rocks.

Furthermore, the lateral zig-zag patterned Z grooves enhance traction on wet tracks, contributing to a safe and secure ride. While offering exceptional traction on various terrains like rocks, wet, dry, sand, gravel, light snow, and highways, it’s worth noting that the Ridge Grappler has an M + S rating but lacks the 3PMSF rating.

Many owners of 4-wheel drive vehicles have praised the Nitto Ridge Grappler for its exceptional performance on demanding terrains, including excelling in deep snow conditions. They are also satisfied with its long tread life. Those using the tires on 2-wheel drive vehicles have found the snow traction to be satisfactory, reflecting an average performance.

Overall, the feedback highlights the tire’s capability to handle challenging roads, with particularly strong performance noted in 4-wheel drive configurations. Nitto’s confidence in this tire’s quality means they don’t offer any treadwear warranty or a trial run period, and we share that confidence.

Pros

  • Superior off-road traction overall.
  • Exceptional traction on dry surfaces.
  • Offers outstanding grip around sharp road curves.

Cons

  • Absence of 3PMSF symbol, potentially affecting deep snow performance with 2-wheel drive.
  • Lack of treadwear warranty.

3. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire

Jeep and pickup truck owners seeking a tire that can endure off-road escapades and deliver outstanding snow traction should consider the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2. This tire is lauded for its remarkable off-road traction and durability. Its tread compound is resistant to cutting, chipping, and tearing, and comes with interlocking tread blocks that provide a firm grip on various surfaces like sand, snow, and rocks.

Some users report average wet track performance with the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2. A slightly hard ride on smooth roads due to the stiff sidewall is common with many all-terrain tires. Built for heavy-duty tasks, the tire features a high load-carrying capacity and increased inflation pressure limits. Its durability and strong off-road performance are largely appreciated by the drivers.

BFGoodrich supports this model with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, along with a severe snow service certification and the 3PMSF symbol, assuring its suitability for snowy conditions.

If you’re considering purchasing the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, keep in mind the “DT” labeled variants. These variants use a unique tread compound and do not have the 3PMSF symbol, which distinguishes them from the standard versions.

Pros

  • Exceptional traction on rocky mountains.
  • Impressive snow traction, especially in deep snow.
  • Excellent durability and wear and tear resistance.
  • Performs well on dry and muddy tracks.

Cons

  • May hydroplane at high speeds.
  • Expensive

4. Falken Wildpeak A/T3W

Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tire

Falken’s Wildpeak A/T3W is a versatile off-road tire designed for pickup trucks, vans, and full-sized SUVs, offering impressive traction on loose snow, mud, and rocky tracks. The tire’s 3D Canyon Sipe Technology, coupled with an aggressive tread design, provides better wear resistance and enhanced traction on wet rocks, gravel, snow, and ice.

To ensure durability and performance during summer, the tire features heat-diffusing technology in the lower sidewall, which helps dissipate heat while towing or hauling loads. Falken offers a 5-year/55,000-mile warranty and a 30-day or 1,000-mile trial ride for customer satisfaction.

Furthermore, the tire carries the 3PMSF symbol and meets severe snow service requirements, assuring buyers of its ability to handle harsh winter conditions. Handling, steering response, and all-season capabilities are standout aspects of this tire, making it an excellent all-terrain option.

Pros

  • Steering response and handling are commendable.
  • Traction on rocky and snowy surfaces is outstanding.

Cons

  • Maybe a little noisy on paved roads.
  • Resistance to hydroplaning is merely average

5. General Grabber A/TX

General Grabber A/TX tire

General Grabber A/TX, my budget-friendly pick for jeeps, full-size SUVs, and pickup trucks, offers exceptional rock and snow performance, making it highly suitable for adventurers. This tire’s all-terrain tread pattern features a tough, cut- and chip-resistant compound, while Stone bumpers between the alternating shoulder blocks help eject rocks and debris to avoid drilling. It is also considered one of the best all-terrain tires for snow and winter.

For added grip on terrains like packed snow and ice, the deep tread design allows for optional metal studs. General’s Comfort Balance Technology ensures noise control through an absorption layer under the tread and an acoustic pattern. Furthermore, Sidewall Protection Lugs are designed to protect from sidewall punctures.

Users applaud the General Grabber A/TX for its performance on mountains, gravel, and other rough terrains. Its durability and puncture-resistant abilities are highly praised, contributing to overall satisfaction with the tire’s robust performance.

Available in a wide variety of sizes, the Grabber A/TX carries a 6-year/60,000-mile warranty for metric sizes and a 6-year/50,000-mile warranty for light trucks and flotation sizes. Also backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee. The tire possesses the severe snow service certification and the 3PMSF symbol.

Pros

  • Good grip and handling on various terrains including rocks, snow, sand, and gravel.
  • Exceptional durability.
  • Minimal noise, offering a more comfortable ride than competitors.

Cons

  • No noticeable cons to highlight.

6. Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac

Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tire

Designed for drivers of multi-purpose full-sized pickups, vans, sport utility, and commercial vehicles, the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac is a tire that’s built for both play and hard work. With the 3PMSF symbol, Wrangler DuraTrac light truck tires meet the industry’s severe snow service standards. And don’t forget about the numbers! This is one of the highest-selling off-road tires!

A rugged tread compound is featured, which resists tread block chipping, chunking, and tearing, particularly during heavy loading on rough, rocky terrains.

Users of the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac report ultimate performance on rocky and mountainous roads, along with a commendable resistance to chipping and puncturing. I also observe its solid dry traction and comfortable driving experience and praise its effective snow traction.

Durability seems to be robust, particularly with cautious driving. However, feedback also indicates some dissatisfaction with wet grip and traction, as the tires are perceived to perform only average in rainy conditions.

Goodyear offers a 6-year/50,000-mile warranty and a 30-day test drive on this tire. Additionally, Wrangler DuraTrac tires come with a rim lock that helps prevent wheel slip and a built-in rim protector to shield wheels from accidental on- and off-road damage.

Pros

  • Noted for its longevity and even tread wear.
  • Delivers a smooth and comfortable highway ride.
  • Outstanding grip on challenging terrains, including gravel and rocks.
  • Praised for its performance in dry conditions.

Cons

  • Struggles to provide good traction in wet and rainy conditions. You have to keep the speed low to get desired traction.

7. Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx

Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx tire

Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx is tailored for pickup trucks, SUVs, full-size crossovers, and vans, engineered for navigating mountains, gravel roads, and off-road terrains. This tire features a cut- and chip-resistant compound, enhanced by a hybrid four-five rib design that promotes even wear. Stone ejector ribs, along with non-parallel groove walls, prevent rock retention, reducing potential damage and improving longevity.

The open pattern and multiple block edges furnish the vital traction required on uneven surfaces, rocks, or gravel. Uniquely, the Discoverer S/T Maxx tires are molded to accept optional #15 metal studs, thus enhancing traction on packed snow and ice, simulating the functionality of a dedicated winter tire.

Although I admire the Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx for its superior grip on challenging terrains such as rocks, mud, sand, and gravel, it lacks behind its fellow Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek and its competitor Nitto Ridge Grappler.

Although the wet traction is initially satisfactory, it may begin to diminish after 25,000 miles. Some users have noted that the tire may be noisy on dry pavements and highways, but this is a typical characteristic of a rock-crawling tire. The product also comes with a 45-day road test.

Pros

  • Delivers optimal performance in rocky and mud terrains.
  • Suitable for towing.
  • Exemplary performance on both light and deep snow; studs offer superior ice traction.
  • Despite the lack of an official treadwear warranty, many users report the longevity of the tire.

Cons

  • After approximately 25,000 miles, wet traction might begin to reduce.

8. Sedona Ridge Saw

Sedona Rig Saw - Best rock crawling tire for ATVs and UTVs

With a specially designed 8-Ply rating for rocks, the Sedona Ridge Saw is an all-terrain ATV/UTV tire ready for the harshest conditions. The tire’s rubber compound wards off cuts, chips, and abrasions, ensuring an extended tread life. It features an aggressive all-terrain lug tread pattern and a reinforced sidewall that makes it damage-proof.

This tire’s robust construction includes a damage-resistant tread compound that adds to its strength and durability. Additionally, a crown radius has been crafted into the design to optimize both performance and handling, further enhancing its suitability for rugged terrain.

ATV drivers have expressed satisfaction with the Sedona Ridge Saw’s robust performance on rocky and muddy terrains. They particularly commend the tire’s high durability and resistance to punctures, highlighting its ability to withstand demanding off-road conditions.

Pros

  • Resistant to punctures and damage, ensuring high durability on rough terrains.
  • Excellent performance on rocks and mud, thanks to specialized grip and control.
  • Built for longevity with an 8-ply rating, enhancing tire life.

Cons

  • Potential discomfort on highways, attributed to aggressive tread patterns and stiff sidewalls.

What Is the Best Tire Size for Rock Crawling?

When selecting tires for rock crawling, 32 to 36-inch tires are generally suitable for 15 to 18-inch wheel diameters. These sizes provide a good balance of performance and comfort. Conversely, larger sizes than this may increase discomfort when going over rocks, speed bumps, gravel roads, and other road hazards.

Things To Consider When Buying Rock Crawling Tires

When purchasing rock crawling tires, there are key factors to consider, as they must be specially designed to handle the rigorous and unpredictable terrains often encountered. Here’s an overview of the essential aspects to keep in mind:

Tire Size

As previously mentioned, a size ranging from 32-36 inches tires for 15-18 inches wheel diameters is typically ideal. Tire sizes bigger than 36 inches may not provide the right balance of comfort and functionality.

Tread Design and Material

The tread pattern should be aggressive and chunky and able to provide excellent grip on rough terrains, especially rocks, while the material should be durable enough to withstand wear and tear.

Sidewall Design

The sidewall of the tire should be reinforced and designed to resist cuts and chips, which are common when crawling over rocks and other sharp objects.

Load Rating

Understanding the weight of your vehicle and the maximum weight the tires can support is crucial. This ensures that the tires can withstand the load, especially during tough off-road conditions. Make sure to choose the tire with a load rating that can handle your vehicle’s weight.

Is Wheel Modification Required for Rock Crawling Tires

No, wheel modification is not necessarily required for fitting rock crawling tires, provided you choose the appropriate tire size that matches your vehicle’s wheel diameter. However, if your budget allows and you desire enhanced handling and performance, you may opt to modify the wheel size to better align with your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Preparing your tires for rock crawling involves selecting the appropriate tire size, usually between 32 to 36 inches. Consider choosing tires with a robust tread design and material, sidewalls that offer cut-and-chip resistance, and an adequate load rating. If you desire better handling and performance, you may consider modifying the wheel size according to your budget.

Low tire pressure is often recommended for rock crawling due to its effect on increasing the tire’s contact patch with the ground. This larger surface area in contact with the rocks and rough terrain allows for better traction and grip, essential in rock crawling. Furthermore, a softer tire can more easily conform to uneven surfaces, effectively “wrapping” around obstacles, and reducing the likelihood of slipping or losing control.

The reduced air pressure acts like a suspension mechanism, absorbing some of the impacts and shocks from the harsh terrain. However, care must be taken not to reduce the pressure too much, as it might lead to other issues like bead unseating or increased tire wear.

The recommended tire pressure for rock crawling tires varies depending on several factors including the wheel and tire size, weight of the vehicle, and specific terrain. Generally, it is advisable to start at 20 PSI and adjust down from there based on the terrain condition and the vehicle’s weight. For non-beadlock wheels, lowering the tire pressure between 10-12 PSI is typical, but it should not go below 10 PSI to avoid de-beading the tire.

When equipped with a beadlock, pressures of 7-10 PSI are common. Remember, if your vehicle carries a heavy load, you may need to increase the pressure a little bit so that the tires can bear the load efficiently.

Narrow tires are often more suitable for rock crawling because they provide better pressure per square inch on the surface, allowing them to grip and traverse rocky terrains more effectively.

Unlike wider tires that may spread the vehicle’s weight over a larger area, narrow tires concentrate the weight, helping them to dig into crevices and cracks in the rocks. This focused pressure can give better traction and control, making narrow tires a popular choice among rock crawlers.

For rock crawling, people generally prefer at least 6-ply tires as it signifies a tire construction that is more robust and durable. Experts often recommend high ply ratings of 6-10 ply for rock crawling. Manufacturers build these tires with more layers, offering increased resistance to cuts, punctures, and abrasions. The reinforced construction ensures that tires can withstand the rough and jagged terrains encountered in rock crawling.

In terms of radial and bias ply, bias-ply tires are more suitable for rock crawling. Bias-ply tires have their ply cords extending diagonally across the tire, creating a stiffer structure. This design provides greater resistance to punctures and cuts, which can be advantageous in the rugged conditions encountered in rock crawling. Radial tires provide more comfort and better ride quality and are suitable for on-road purposes.

Conclusion: Fuel Your Rock Crawling Adventure With Appropriate Tires

Rock crawling is an intense and adventurous driving experience. It requires specialized equipment, especially when it comes to tires. For jeeps, SUVs, and trucks, the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek and Nitto Ridge Grappler stand out for their unparalleled performance. Budget-conscious drivers can go for General Grabber A/TX which gives solid off-road performance.

It does not imply that other options are inferior. Tires have different features for different needs. To find the best one, it’s important to know what your vehicle needs.

Meanwhile, the Sedona Ridge Saw emerges as the preferred choice for adventurous ATV and UTV riders. It is specially designed to conquer rocks and mud.

Junaid Khalid

Junaid Khalid, the man behind Tires Book, is a passionate car enthusiast with a chemical engineering background and extensive knowledge of rubber technology. His skills extend beyond engineering, encompassing blogging, publishing, and content writing. His diverse expertise ensures Tires Book’s commitment to accurate, top-quality tire content that distinguishes the platform.

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