5 of the Best Mud Tires for Off-Road Adventures: Less Slipping and Sliding
When the mud starts flying, these tires can help keep you from spinning your wheels.
Our Top Picks
- Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T Tires
- Toyo Open Country M/T Tires
- Cooper Discoverer STT Pro
- Ironman All Country M/T Tires
- General Grabber A/TX Tires
There's nothing quite like the feeling you get from off-roading—the exhilaration of being out in the middle of nowhere and having the time of your life. But Mother Nature often has more than a few tricks up her sleeve when you’re way out there, and one of her most common is leaving you to traverse a trail strewn with thick, slippery mud. Getting stuck in that can make the whole "out there alone in the middle of nowhere" scenario way less exciting.
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But you can defy nature and enjoy all your off-road adventures to the max with a good set of mud tires. While there are more than a few capable tires on the market designed to help you tackle the muddy stuff, we’ve assembled a list of five of the best mud tires for off-roading, along with some helpful tips to keep in mind when you decide to put them on and go muddin’.
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T Tires
Thick mud tires with deep grooves are great for maintaining traction in mud, but they're not very practical in most other situations. Baja Boss A/T tires are built for excellent off-road performance while providing a smooth and quiet ride on paved roads. Their asymmetrical tread pattern improves on-road handling, so you can go from daily use to off-road adventures without needing to change tires. This puts them among the best mud tires for daily driving.
Key specs (for 17-inch wheels and 35-inch tires):
- Tread depth: 18.5/32 inches
- Maximum load: 3,195 pounds
- Weight: 64 pounds
- What makes them special: Excellent on-road comfort and handling
Toyo Open Country M/T Tires
These tires aren't designed to provide a balance between on-road and off-road driving, but they do go all the way on off-roading performance. Their deep grooves and aggressive tread design help them grab mud or snow, and their scalloped shoulder blocks efficiently release the debris while you're driving to maintain optimal traction. Although they may not be the most comfortable tires on paved roads, they're extremely durable and provide efficient stability and control, putting them among the best mud terrain tires.
Key specs (for 17-inch wheels and 35-inch tires):
- Tread depth: 21/32 inches
- Maximum load: 3,640 pounds
- Weight: 78 pounds
- What makes them special: Designed to offer the best possible slippery surface traction
Cooper Discoverer STT Pro
A damaged or punctured tire can take all the fun out of your off-road adventure, so if your usual trails include rocky or stony areas, you might want to consider a set of extra-strong mud tires such as the Discoverer STT Pros. Their Armor-Tek3 technology is designed to provide a stronger sidewall, minimizing your chances of experiencing ruptures or punctures. Their high-void tread pattern and mud-release dimples also make them a great choice for muddy surfaces.
Key specs (for 17-inch wheels and 35-inch tires):
- Tread depth: 21/32 inches
- Maximum load: 3,195 pounds
- Weight: 70 pounds
- What makes them special: They're extra durable
Ironman All Country M/T Tires
This set of tires is highly durable and delivers excellent performance on slippery surfaces like mud and snow. Their large shoulder blocks clear mud and sand exceptionally well, and their three-ply sidewall design protects them from any cuts and punctures caused by rocks or other obstacles. They also feature a studdable tread so you can insert metal studs to give even better traction on difficult surfaces.
Key specs (for 17-inch wheels and 35-inch tires):
- Tread depth: 21/32 inches
- Maximum load: 3,195 pounds
- Weight: 76 pounds
- What makes them special: You can insert metal studs into the treads
General Grabber A/TX Tires
If you enjoy going on off-road trails but prefer not to feel the bumps too much, this set of tires is designed to minimize the discomfort caused by bad roads and provide a smooth ride in any condition. This convenience comes at no expense to off-roading performance with the alternating shoulder scoops doing a fantastic job of evacuating mud or snow to provide excellent grip.
Key specs (for 17-inch wheels and 35-inch tires):
- Tread depth: 16/32 inches
- Maximum load: 3,195 pounds
- Weight: 65 pounds
- What makes them special: They're designed to provide great comfort without compromising on off-road performance.
Tips for Off-Roading on Muddy Terrain
A good set of mud tires can significantly help you battle difficult terrain, but they can't drive your vehicle for you. Consider the following tips to make your next muddy, off-road adventure as fun and hassle-free as possible:
- Analyze the terrain before going in: Diving head-first onto a muddy trail is never a good idea, regardless of how capable your vehicle and its tires are. Stop and take a good look so you can notice and avoid particularly challenging areas, such as mud holes, large rocks, and deep water.
- Avoid sudden movements: Making your way through mud and snow demands a slow and steady approach. Any sudden acceleration, deceleration, or steering movement can lead to a loss of momentum and affect your traction.
- Don't overinflate your tires: If you know you're about to drive through slippery terrain, it may be best to deflate your tires a little. This will increase their contact area, giving you better grip and control.
- Stay in the lower gears: If you drive a manual, stay in a lower gear while going through thick mud. This will give you the torque you need to push forward while helping you avoid wheel spin.
- Make sure you have the gear to get you out of a jam: Even if you and your vehicle are well prepared, nature can still get the best of you and get you stuck in the mud. Have the right gear with you, such as a winch that you can attach to a tree to pull you out, or tow straps and shackles to tie yourself to another vehicle if you're part of a larger group.
- Clean your vehicle when you get home: Leaving mud and debris on your vehicle can cause corrosion and other kinds of damage. Wash it after each off-road adventure—and don't forget the undercarriage.
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