Okay, as I explained a few entries ago, there are a few different types of off-roading experiences. There’s the desert-busting sand dune bashing, the relatively-safe greenlaning, the messy mud bogging (mudding), and there’s the tricky rock crawling. Now with all these numerous types of off-roading events, the term one size fits all doesn’t necessarily apply to your off-road truck’s tires. In actuality, there are also a variety of different tire types for every off-roading expedition, and that, dear reader, is what we’re going to explore today.

Now next to your truck, your off-road tires are one of the most important aspects that you should consider when you go off-roading. So before you start searching the net for a proper set of off-roading tires for your truck, I suggest you look into these considerations first. These are what you should look for when searching tires:

• Tire Size
• Tread Pattern
• Terrain & Temperature Variations
• Traction
• Tread & Sidewall Rubber Compounds
• Water, Mud & Ice Clearing
• Flotation Capabilities
• Tire Wear

When it comes to tire size, it’s best that you know how much your truck weighs first. for off-road vehicles that weigh 1000 to 1400 kg, your tires must have a 31-33″ height and a 10″ width, for those that weigh around 1400 to 1800 kg, it should be a 35″ - 36″ height and a 12″ width, and for those heavy trucks (2200 - 3000 kg) it should be a 44″ in height and 16″ in width. If your truck is even heavier, your tires should be bigger.

Also, if radial tires are available, you should choose this type as well since radial tires provide better traction and a softer ride.

Now when it comes to tread pattern, there are also a variety of tire treads that has different uses as well. But basically, there are about four types of tire treads for your truck or SUV. Namely, these are:

• Street - these tire treads are, as the name says, for street use only. So go figure.
• All Terrain - these tire treads are useful for both street and off-road driving. However they’re not that good when it comes to wet snow.
• Mud Terrain - these tire treads are, again as the name says, used for mudding or mud bogging. These treads provide a good grip when it comes to handling muddy terrain.
• Special - these tire treads come in the form of the Swamp Bogger. These treads are designed for a specific use only, like rock crawling or driving on heavy and dense mud.

As with terrain and temperature variations, it’s best to know where you’re going to go off-road driving. If your going to be off-road driving on the Sahara, or on the tundras of Siberia, there’s a different type of tire and air pressure requirement for every environment your truck is in. If the ground is too hot, your tires might be ruined by too little air pressure. And if it’s too cold, your tires’ rubber compound might become too stiff and hence it might start to crack.

The same goes when it comes to your sidewall & treads. Thinner sidewalls are softer and have a lower resistance when it comes to lower air-pressure. Plus, thinner sidewalls usually means a lower tire weight. So choose wisely.

Now when it comes to driving on snowy trails, tire flotation is also important. Your off-road tires must be able to distribute its weight over a large area; so as to avoid your trunk from sinking in the snow. Also, tire flotation applies on muddy or sandy terrain.

And last comes tire wear. Your tires must be able to resist virtually all of the abuse of the environment that you are off-roading in while being able to carry your truck’s weight. So get good quality off-road tires.