Choosing the Right Truck Tires for Optimal Towing Capability
By:
AT Staff
/ Dec 12 2024
If you have a trailer or plan on getting one for all your towing needs, make sure you’ve considered other aspects that can greatly affect your truck’s towing capability. Having the correct tires fitted to your truck can make the biggest difference between safe and unsafe towing and your overall towing experience.
In this article, you’ll find out how to choose the right truck tires of optimal towing capability, and the factors that influence efficiency most.
Tire load capacity is the first thing to consider when buying tires specifically for truck towing purposes. Regular tires aren’t made in a way that lets them handle increased towing weight and in case your truck is fitted with tires with low load capacity, you’ll need to replace your stock tires with ones that are rated high enough for towing.
By checking your truck’s user manual, you’ll likely find its maximum load capacity. The tires should have a higher load capacity, or at least the same as your vehicle’s maximum.
Tire Size
When it comes to towing builds, truck wheels and tires are often replaced with aftermarket ones, and it’s essential to keep the same tire size that the truck manufacturer recommended. With the same tire size, you’ll have the same or better traction. Incorrect tire size can lead to reduced traction, higher fuel consumption, decreased handling, and overall performance.
Tire size is an important aspect because it has a big impact on driving safety and handling. When under heavy loads, the tires must maintain traction, especially when the weather conditions aren’t ideal.
Durability and Life
Tire durability and lifespan are important factors when choosing tires for your truck in general, not only when it comes to towing. Towing puts a lot of stress on tires, so having a set that’s durable is essential. With many options on the market, your safest bet would be to go with tires from reputable brands such as Pirelli, BF Goodrich, or Mickey Thompson.
Although investing in higher-quality tires is the more expensive option, you’ll quickly realize that tires made from higher-quality materials last significantly longer compared to tires from less-known brands.
Tire Pattern and Type
There are three main types of tires to choose from which include all-terrain tires (AT), highway tires (HT), and light truck tires (LT). Tires can also be classified by season, so you’ll also find summer tires, winter tires, and all-season tires. When it comes to tire patterns, they depend on the brand and type, and they don’t have as much effect on traction and handling capabilities as other factors.
All-terrain tires are a very common and popular choice due to their versatility and improved durability. They’re a great choice in case you need to take your truck across different types of terrain often and need all the extra grip you can get.
Highway tires are specifically made for faster speed, which is the ideal choice if you’ll be towing cargo long distances. These tires are made for paved roads, and offer the best comfort, traction, and fuel economy. When it comes to off-road towing, they’re not a recommendation.
Light truck tires are the most common as they’re fitted from the factory to many trucks. They can usually withstand the base load capacity of the truck or SUV they’re mounted on, and they’re very versatile. On the other hand, their features don’t excel at any aspect of towing, which is why so many people replace them with higher-quality tires.
The last thing you must consider before choosing the right truck tires for towing is the type of season they’re made for. This significantly affects their performance capability and handling, which is why it’s essential to choose the right one.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right truck tires for optimal towing capability will require a bit of research and time. You’ll need to take into consideration all your needs and requirements, as well as your preferred budget because higher-quality tires can set you back a fair chunk of change.
Keep in mind that higher-quality tires from brands such as Pirelli, Goodyear, and Michelin provide better handling and durability, and are highly recommended if you’re using your truck for towing frequently.
Our selection includes a wide range of tires specifically made for towing. Use your vehicle’s year, make, and model to find tires that are compatible with your truck. We offer the best prices as well as extremely fast shipping. This way, you can have your new tires delivered to your door within a few days, with just a few clicks!
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