Table of Contents
1. Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac
{{tire-info-with-links="/tire/goodyear-wrangler-duratrac"}}
When it comes to tough tires, you can expect nothing less than the best from Goodyear. The Wrangler Duratrac is an excellent 10-ply towing tire with great grip and stability at high speeds. It is famous for its abrasive nature, which makes it perfect for off-roading. This tire performs really well in wet conditions, too, making it one of the most sought-after choices by heavy load towers and emergency services workers like firefighters, law enforcement officers, and paramedics.
The new Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is a 10-ply tire designed to be used on both high and low output SUVs and light-duty trucks. It features a rugged tread compound that increases durability, rigidity, and responsiveness. Goodyear's TractiveGroove technology increases off-road traction and flotation while the directional design helps evacuate water for better wet-weather performance.
The first thing you notice when you check out these new Wrangler Duratracs is how wide they are. That's because Goodyear designed them to be wider than their predecessors; this helps cut down on-road noise while improving on-road handling and control. This isn't "just another tire," but it's like no other tire currently available on today's market, which means its tread life will probably be quite impressive compared to most all-terrain tires -- especially those made for SUVs and trucks.
The Wrangler Duratrac's sidewall features a "micro-diamond" pattern which is said to help the tire grip pavement better, making them ideal for on-road use... especially since they're so much quieter than other tires (which results in less fatigue while driving long distances). This exact type of pattern also helps make them more water-resistant and helps cut down on hydroplaning. But if you intend to only keep these on your Jeep for on-road use, there are plenty of lighter-weight road tires available with the same design featured here (and they'll probably be cheaper too).
For off-road towing, the most important aspect of a tire is its lug design. It needs to have the necessary traction for pulling heavy loads up steep slopes and through deep mud, sand, gravel, and snow. In this regard, the Wrangler Duratrac really shines because of its directional tread design.
This brings us to another advantage of this tire; you'll never need to correct your steering when driving on uneven surfaces (the opposite direction in each row of lugs will "self-clean" in turns), but in addition to that, Goodyear's unique TractiveGroove technology further stabilizes these tires when turning at high speeds in wet conditions by creating channels which carry away water quickly (and thus enabling better grip).
Testing them in dirt, mud, and gravel reveals that this is a good off-road tire for any towing truck or SUV. The tread design allows the tire to be aggressive when needed, but it does not make much noise while doing so. It also clears mud quite well, even though it was designed as an all-terrain tire.
But what about its performance? The Wrangler Duratrac is available in several load ranges, and it is amazing how well they perform even when towing heavy loads on uneven surfaces. They do not cause any sway or wobble and deliver great control of your vehicle while towing, whether you're pulling a boat or taking the camper out on the trails.
The only downside of the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is that they tend to generate some noise when cruising on highways. This is a trade-off you will have to take though, because they really do grip the road very well, even in wet conditions.
The Wrangler Duratrac is available in LT275/65R18. The max load range for this specific tire size is 3415 lbs with a max psi of 80. It is also Severe Snow Rated, meaning that the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol on its sidewall is a real one and not just "for show."
All in all, this is one of the best 10 ply tires for towing because it offers great performance and durability without breaking the bank. It has an aggressive tread design with deep grooves, which make them handle exceptionally well on gravel roads and muddy trails, especially when pulling heavy trailers behind your vehicle. You can't go wrong with a tire that offers such a great balance between performance and tread wear.
If Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac sounds like the type of tire you have been looking for, then don't hesitate to check it out today at Tirerack.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Off-road traction is very good, especially in gravel and mud
- TractiveGroove Technology stabilizes tires when turning at high speeds on wet roads
- Sipes in the tread design increase water dispersion for better grip
- Decent tread life (50,000-miles)
Cons
- You will hear quite a bit of tire noise while driving on highways
2. Michelin Defender LTX M/S
{{tire-info-with-links="/tire/michelin-defender-ltx-m-s"}}
Are you looking for an all-terrain tire that can be used on the highway as well? If so, look no further than the Michelin Defender LTX M/S. The tire is designed to handle the off-road conditions of a large truck or SUV and combine it with a high level of tread life and a smooth ride for towing purposes.
Michelin's approach regarding all-season tires differs from most other brands because they take a "Dual Approach" to tread design in order to achieve both great on-road performance while improving off-road traction.
On-road, there are Auxiliary Grooves that feature deep grooves that provide additional biting edges for better grip when steering your vehicle in wet conditions or driving at high speeds on dry roads. This also helps reduce hydroplaning by shedding water away from under the footprint of your tire.
Off-road, there are Stabilizing Blocks on the shoulder of the tread pattern. These blocks help with stability when pulling heavy trailers by providing better traction and more rigidity to carry heavier loads without affecting handling on normal roads. They also make the tire great for off-road driving or bad weather conditions, especially due to their deep lugs, which are very robust and easy to clean even when submerged in mud or snow.
Michelin has also added specially blended compounds called 'EvoTread Compounds' into the Defender LTX M/S that improve wear characteristics and help improve fuel economy and low rolling resistance for better environmental impact and reduced overall operating costs. These properties were achieved by using a high silica compound designed to reduce heat build-up around the tire, which reduces the chance of tire failure.
The tread life of this tire is top class as well. Michelin has placed an impressive 70,000-mile tread warranty on it, which means you can expect to get through a couple of tow seasons before needing to consider a replacement. Of course, tread wear and performance will vary depending on weather conditions as well as the weight you are carrying
But how about towing performance? How do they handle on highways? Michelin also placed a relatively high load index and speed rating on the Defender LTX M/S. The tire has a load index of 121 which means it's perfect for towing trailers that weigh 3400 pounds or less. The max load you can put on your axle will obviously depend on the type of vehicle you drive, but 3415 lbs are more than enough for most towing purposes. Plus, it carries an R speed rating which practically guarantees safe use by most drivers.
Our only complaint is that this tire isn't best suited for towing in snowy conditions due to the lack of a higher number snow rating. Off-road in snow, these tires do fine, but when turning or going up a steep incline, you'll quickly find yourself without any grip, which can be dangerous at best and disastrous at worst.
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S is available in popular sizes such as LT265/70-R17, LT265/70-R18, 255/60-R19, and LT265/60-R20 and 305/40-R22. They are a bit pricey but well worth it considering how long you'll get out of them before needing replacement.
Overall though, this tire is an excellent choice for most drivers who only occasionally have to deal with winter weather conditions when towing. Just make sure your rig will meet the load capacity requirements before jumping in and buying a set of Michelin Defender LTX M/S Towing Tires for your SUV or truck!
If you're in the market for a set of Michelin Defender LTX M/S tires, then check out Tire Rack. They have a fantastic selection, great prices, and amazing customer service. Delivery is always fast and free, plus their rewards program is one of the best around. You can't go wrong with Tire Rack - Check 'em out!
Pros
- Dual tread design provides excellent performance on and off-road
- Eco-friendly tread compound reduces rolling resistance and improves fuel economy
- Great all-terrain tire that's also suitable for highway driving
- Loaded with a 70,000-mile tread warranty
Cons
- Not the best in snowy conditions due to lack of higher snow rating
- A tad expensive
3. Falken WildPeak A/T3W
{{tire-info-with-links="/tire/falken-wildpeak-a-t3w"}}
The Falken WildPeak A/T3W has been configured to perform in various conditions -- from off-road towing to highway driving - while providing impressive traction. It features an all-new durable off-season tread compound designed to reduce rolling resistance and help maintain speed on dry pavements.
For starters, the Wildpeak is built with Falken's signature two-ply polyester sidewall, which strengthens the tire and resists against damage due to curbs and other obstacles. This all-terrain design offers high-speed capabilities and stability during light snowfall and rain conditions. The tread compound itself is made from a special blend of silica and carbon black compounds that provide excellent wet and dry grip as well as cut resistance - It was developed especially for SUVs and trucks.
The aggressive upper sidewall design provides additional traction and stability when crossing light to medium off-road terrain. In the case of a blowout, this tire has been designed with an all-new rugged off-road shoulder design to maintain traction and ensure a smooth ride.
You can expect the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W to last quite a while, thanks in large part to its high treadwear rating, which is especially useful in heavy-duty applications such as towing. This particular model isn't known for getting particularly bad fuel economy but it won't give you much help when trying to save from week to week either - It's relatively middle of the road in that regard.
When it comes to towing performance, the Falken WildPeak A/T3W has a load index rating of 118, which makes it suitable for just about anything you'd want to tow, including RVs and trailers with a gross vehicle weight of up to 10,000 pounds. The sidewall also features a labeling system that clearly displays the correct pressure range, so you'll always be in compliance.
The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W is available in popular sizes such as LT265/70-R17, LT265/65-R18, LT275/55-R20, and 285/45-R22, plus many more. They also have a load index rating of 125 which means they have sufficient enough weight capacity for most light-duty towing purposes. Furthermore, these tires have the 3PMSF symbol on the sidewall, which means they have been designed for increased traction on snow surfaces.
Overall, the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W is a great all-terrain tire that provides excellent grip and offers both fantastic highway and off-road performance. They're ideal for towing in snowy conditions thanks to the additional weight allowance and feature loads of tread life. For a high-performance tire that's also suitable for heavy towing and hauling, this one gets our vote.
Tire Rack's large inventory has all your favorite brands, so you too can be riding in Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tires - Search for yours today!
Pros
- Good tread life (55,000-miles)
- Rigid shoulder design for increased stability
- Blended tread compound provides excellent grip in wet and snow conditions
- Great for towing heavy loads
Cons
- A tad pricey for an all-terrain tire
- Rough ride quality (lots of road noise)
4. Hankook Dynapro AT2
{{tire-info-with-links="/tire/hankook-dynapro-at2"}}
Hankook is a company most people know for their high-performance tires, but many do not realize they also produce an extensive line of towing tires. The Dynapro AT2 RF11 is named after the most notable feature - its reinforced sidewalls are designed to protect against damage incurred during towing. As more SUVs are being pressed into service as tow rigs, this tire is built to handle that specific duty.
The Dynapro AT2 is great for severe weather conditions with a load index of 120. It has a towing capacity of 1200 pounds and is built from compound which helps survival rates in colder climates. The sidewalls have been reinforced with special dual steel belts that increase the tire's durability when being towed or carrying heavy loads - This extra protection bestows these tires a higher weight allowance than its competitors.
In addition to excellent load handling capabilities, this tire also offers long tread life (60,000-miles) thanks to its deep tread design that increases traction on wet surfaces and provides even wear over time. Its rubber compound was specially designed to resist impact damage while maintaining flexibility under extreme temperatures making it ideal for use in colder climates.
When it comes to braking and handling capabilities, the Dynapro AT2 RF11 has great control in all weather conditions because of an advanced compound that reduces hydroplaning at high speeds while also offering superior traction when accelerating out of corners. The tire's weatherproof construction ensures reliability even in heavy snowfall conditions.
The Dynapro AT2 RF11 is available in popular sizes such as LT245/75R16 and 275/60-20. It also has a speed rating of S which means it's capable of reaching speeds up to 112 mph, meaning it can be used on the highway without concerns. The sidewalls also feature the 3PMSF symbol meaning they have been specifically designed for increased traction in winter weather conditions.
Overall, the Dynapro AT2 RF11 is an excellent all-terrain tire that offers smooth and quiet operation thanks to its reinforced sidewalls and deep tread design. They're great for those looking for a tire capable of handling heavy loads due to their additional weight allowance and long service life. For those who tow or haul, this one gets our vote.
Tire Rack stocks the full-size range, so you too can be rolling around on Dynapro AT2 RF11 tires.
Pros
- 60,000-mile tread life (deep tread design)
- Reinforced sidewall protects against damage during towing
- Great grip in wet and snow
- Effective as a 10 ply radial tire
Cons
- Not great for aggressive off-road driving
5. Firestone Transforce HT 2
{{tire-info-with-links="/tire/firestone-tire-transforce-ht2"}}
The Firestone Transforce HT 2 is a premium 10-ply tire designed for drivers looking for a DOT-approved all-season tire with an aggressive tread pattern capable of handling high speeds and towing heavy loads. This tire features a unique five-rib design that increases the surface area in contact with road surfaces - The effect being enhanced grip when accelerating out of corners or when pulling heavy loads.
In addition to its aggressive sidewall appearance, this tire also has large sidewalls, which add stability while cornering and reduce noise during operation by minimizing vibrations from the road surface. While speed ratings are critical when considering safety factors such as braking, these tires have been rated R (108 mph), meaning they can be used safely on highways without issues. They have also been built with attention to keeping noise levels low for a comfortable ride.
The Firestone Transforce HT 2 is an unsprung weight tire which means it has no springs in its construction because all of them are built directly into the suspension system - This allows the tire to travel over uneven road surfaces more smoothly, especially when towed at slow speeds. When installed on a vehicle, this type of tire enhances fuel efficiency and reduces vibration because it does not move around under varying loads like standard tires.
And while the tread design features aggressive grooves that reduce hydroplaning during heavy rain conditions, these tires also provide excellent grip in colder weather thanks to their four deep voids that help evacuate water away from the center of the contact patch that's in contact with road surfaces. This ensures that smooth and safe operation is always possible regardless of the season.
In terms of pure performance, this tire is quite impressive and comes highly recommended from consumers who've purchased them for their own vehicles - This includes those who tow large trailers full time or even haul heavy equipment around in work trucks. It's simply an excellent all-terrain tire that offers smooth and quiet operation thanks to its rigid bead construction, deep tread grooves, and solid sidewalls.
Furthermore, this tire has a load index rating of 120, meaning it's ideal for even the heaviest of loads, including campers and large boats. It has a max load capacity of 3086 lbs per tire and roughly weighs 40lbs a piece which means it's less cumbersome than those 44 lb all-terrain tires you're used to.
The only downside to this tire is a lack of treadwear warranty from the manufacturer - A common issue with Firestone tires; however, this isn't an indication of poor treadwear. They come with a 60-day all-risk tire replacement warranty which means the manufacturer will not only replace your tires if they are defective or damaged but also if they wear out before you expected them to so long as you've maintained proper air pressure.
Consumers who've purchased these tires tend to agree that they're some of the best performing all-terrain tires on the market today - And for those who tow or haul heavy loads around for work on a regular basis, this one gets our vote due to its high level of performance, superior grip in wet and snowy conditions, low
The Firestone Transforce HT 2 is available in a wide range of popular sizes, such as LT235/75R15 and LT275/65R18.
All these features make the Firestone Transforce HT 2 an excellent choice for drivers who tow heavy loads on highways regularly as it offers safety, durability, and comfort with no trade-offs. Plus, they're tough enough to handle off-road conditions should you find yourself venturing into the woods over the weekend!
Tire Rack stocks the full-size range of Firestone Transforce HT2, so if this sounds like your cup of tea, head on over and check them out today!
Pros
- Good traction in snow and wet weather conditions
- Lower rolling resistance than traditional all-season tires
- More stable when cornering thanks to larger sidewalls
- Ideal for towing heavy loads
Cons
- No treadwear warranty from the manufacturer
- Not ideal of aggressive off-roading
6. Kumho Road Venture APT KL51
{{tire-info-with-links="/tire/kumho-road-venture-apt-kl51"}}
The Kumho Road Venture APT KL51 is one of the more affordable all-terrain tires on the market today - But this doesn't mean you have to sacrifice performance in order to save a little money. In fact, its high level of durability makes it an excellent choice for drivers who tow heavy loads or haul heavy equipment around on worksites regularly.
The pattern featured on this tire's tread maximizes grip thanks to large grooves that help evacuate water away from the contact patch more efficiently while maintaining exceptional levels of control even during inclement weather conditions. Its deep tread helps prevent hydroplaning even when driving through deep puddles of standing water at speeds upwards of 50mph And despite these aggressive features, this tire still offers a quiet and nice ride on the road - And its increased void ratio allows for increased flexibility and durability, especially in colder temperatures.
In addition, Kumho Road Venture APT KL51 has a load index rating of 112, meaning they can be used to tow loads in excess of 9000 lbs. Furthermore, each tire only weighs 35 lbs which is extremely lightweight compared to other all-terrain tires that usually weigh more than 50 lbs each. They also come with a V-speed rating of 149 mph for improved high-speed stability on highways so you can get where you need to go without any problems.
When it comes to construction, these tires feature a reinforced sidewall that protects against sidewall punctures and tears that may occur while off-roading - And they also come with a 60-day all-risk warranty in case anything goes wrong with your tires during the first two months of driving them.
Consumers who've purchased these tires agree that they're an excellent choice if you tow or haul heavy equipment around regularly as it offers superior traction even in wet conditions, low noise levels, and a smooth ride on all road surfaces, including highways.
Kumho Road Venture APT KL 51 is only available in 15 to 18-inch rim diameters, with four different sizes.
The downside with this tire is its lack of sidewall support - A common issue among budget-friendly all-terrain tires as they tend to come with low profile sidewalls that aren't as stiff as those found on more expensive models, which means you won't have as much control over your vehicle when driving through difficult terrain.
Overall, this is a great tire to tow with if you don't plan on going off-road much as it offers solid performance in both wet and dry conditions, a smooth and quiet ride even when driving at high speeds, and comes with an affordable price tag.
Tire Rack stocks the full-size range of Kumho Road Venture APT KL51, so if this sounds like the right tire for your needs today, head over and check them out to see what else they have in store!
Pros
- Excellent dry and wet weather performance
- Great towing and hauling performance
- Offers a smooth and quiet ride on the road, even at high speeds
- Affordable price tag
- Good tread life (60,000-miles)
Cons
- Lack of sidewall support
- Only available in 15 to 18-inch rim diameters, with four different sizes
- Tread warranty doesn't apply to LT tires
- Not ideal for off-roading
About The Author
Charles Redding
I've spent many years selling cars, working with auto detailers, mechanics, dealership service teams, quoting and researching car insurance, modding my own cars, and much more.
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