There’s loaded topics, and then there’s this. Tyres, and choosing the right one for your 4×4, is such a preference based decision, with so many brands and so many variables out there. Do you need a little helping hand to make the right call? If you answered yes, I’ve got you covered! This is my mud-terrain buying guide for 2023 and what to look for when picking out your next set of rubber.
Choosing the right mud-terrain 4×4 tyre for your vehicle in Australia can be a difficult task, with so many options available on the market. However, by considering a few key factors, you can make an informed decision that will best suit your specific needs. Today, I’m going to run you through my favourite brand, Maxxis. Along with some other options that are out there, and exactly what you need to be considering when you start shopping for your next set of rubber.
Do you need mud terrain tyres?
First, consider the type of terrain you will be driving on and if mud tyres will actually be the best choice for you.
There are a lot of benefits to a mud terrain tyre, but if your 4×4 is exclusively used for occasional camping trips, dirt roads and daily driving, then an aggressive mud terrain tyre probably isn’t essential. They can be noisier, wear out quicker and in some cases alter the feedback through the wheel from the road. If you’re going to primarily not be driving tough tracks, then save yourself the rest of this article, and start looking into some all-terrain tyre options.
If you plan on doing a lot of off-roading or driving in muddy or sandy conditions, a tyre with a more aggressive tread pattern will provide better traction and stability. So, if that’s you, let’s dive into it.
Does size matter?
I don’t care what your wife says to you behind closed doors, size absolutely matters. Notice how I’m saying size though, and not “bigger” is better. Choosing an appropriate size of tyre is one of the biggest factors you’ll need to think about. Sadly, I can’t give you a one size fits all answer here as different vehicles can fit different tyres depending on wheel arch space and lifts fitted.
Mud terrain tyres come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose a size that is compatible with your vehicle and that meets your specific needs. Keep in mind that larger tyres may provide better off-road performance but can negatively impact fuel efficiency, road noise, legal status and a whole plethora of other issues. A rough guide is you can usually go around 50mm larger in overall diameter legally, but it varies dramatically state to state.
Sizing isn’t as easy to understand as what you might think. In the 4×4 world, a lot of people refer to tyre sizing in inches, for example on a smaller 4×4 you might run a 33 inch tyre which is 11 inches wide, but the tyre company may provide the sizing in a ‘metric’ reading which looks like a series of numbers and brackets on the side of the tyre.
For example, if a tyre size is 285/75/r16, this is how you would read it. ‘285’ indicates the width of the tyre in millimetres. ‘75’ indicates its aspect ratio, basically a comparison of the height and width, for example 75 indicates the height is 75% of its width. The letter “R” indicates that the tyre is a radial construction, and ‘16’ tells us what size rim the tyre must be fitted to.
Your vehicle and load rating
Now, just to make things a little trickier, let’s chat about load ratings, speed ratings and your vehicle setup. You need to make sure the tyres you choose have a load rating that can handle the weight of your vehicle and any cargo you may be carrying. Things like a fully loaded rear end, loaded up roof rack, or more importantly, if you’re going to be towing a heavy caravan. Also, make sure the tyre’s speed rating is appropriate for your vehicle’s top speed.
On the side of the tyres you’re looking at, along the same section as the size, you’ll see a number that looks something like “89T”. This is an example of a load rating, and it varies from tyre to tyre. It’s basically a safety guide to help you make an informed decision. In this instance an ‘89’ rated tyre can handle just under 600kgs per tyre, giving you a total safe load rating of 2,400kgs. You may see something like this on smaller SUVs. The “T” in the code refers to the maximum speed rating that you can go with those designated tyres. “T” in this example allows a safe top speed of 190km/h which in Australia is more than enough!
Mud terrain tyres and their different compounds
When it comes to tyre compounds, there are a few different options to choose from. A softer compound will provide better traction in muddy and sandy conditions but will wear faster on harder surfaces. A harder compound will provide better durability and wear resistance but may not provide as much traction in off-road conditions.
A tyre like a Maxxis Trepador which I run on my Landcruiser is specifically designed to be as soft as possible and run at extremely low pressures to allow maximum grip and ‘stickiness’ when off-road. A tyre like the Maxxis Razr MT has a slightly harder compound which allows great off-road traction but also means it won’t wear out too quickly when driving on the black-top.
It’s important to understand how much on and off road driving you’ll be doing. If you go out and buy the softest possible tyre and barely drive off road, you’ll find yourself wearing through tyres in 10-20,000 kms, which means you’ll be up for expensive replacements every 12 months.
Choosing a brand you can trust
When it comes to brands, there are several reputable brands that manufacture mud terrain tyres. Some popular brands in Australia include BF Goodrich, Cooper, and Maxxis, my personal favourite. It is paramount to research different brands and read reviews to compare the performance of different tyres and how people’s varying experiences have been. Tyres are one of those things that people often listen to family members or friends and don’t stray too far from what they know.
Some of the top brands that I recommend are:
Maxxis – Whilst Maxxis are my personal favourite and therefore this may be a little biassed, their range is second to none and the quality of all terrain and mud terrain tyre offering is epic.
BF Goodrich – These guys are known for high performance tyres with racing pedigree and offer a wide range of options to suit everyone.
Cooper – To be honest, I’ve not had much to do with Cooper tyres. However, I do have a handful of mates that run them and rate them highly. They offer a range of all terrain, hybrid terrain and mud terrain tyres.
Goodyear – Goodyear offers a range of mud terrain tyres for 4×4 vehicles, known for their versatility and durability too.
Mickey Thompson – Great off road, great on road and a good range of aggressive tyre designs. Another one to definitely consider when in the market.
Longevity and cost
Longevity is one of the key factors to think about when choosing a tyre. Tyres with a more durable construction and tread compound will generally have a longer lifespan, but they may be more expensive. On the other hand, a tyre with a softer compound and less durable construction may have a shorter lifespan but could be less expensive.
The elephant in the room? Price! While you may be tempted to choose the cheapest tyre available, it’s important to keep in mind that the cheapest option may not be the best option for your specific needs. Often, a cheaper tyre is cheaper for a reason Whether it’s due to inferior materials, a less proven design or no warranty. It’s important to find a balance between price and performance, and to choose a tyre that will provide the best value for your money. Keep in mind, tyres aren’t a ‘forever’ investment, and will need replacing every so often, so make sure you’re shopping within your means.
My dream mud terrain tyre and why
The Maxxis Razr MT is hands-down my perfect mud terrain tyre, that in my opinion, is perfect for everything. For starters, they’re available in a plethora of sizes, allowing an option for pretty much everyone. They have an extremely strong 3-ply sidewall which results in phenomenal puncture resistance, and have an innovative tread compound that resists cutting, tearing and chunking. They have a staggered saw-tooth sidewall design that improves off-road traction along with a stair shaped shoulder block design. All this might sound like scientific mumbo-jumbo, but what it’s telling us is that every single detail has been thought of and accounted for in this design!
I’ve run the Maxxis Razr MT’s on a number of my vehicles and have always loved how they perform.
Choosing the right mud terrain tyre for your 4×4 isn’t going to be an easy task, but if you stick to the tips, tricks and recommendations I’ve given you, you’ll arrive at one hell of an outcome! Just remember, consider the type of terrain you will be driving on, the size and load rating of the tyre, its durability and puncture resistance, the tyre compounds, the brand, the specific use of your vehicle, the longevity, and the price. You won’t go wrong!
