By Seth Harper
DIESEL TECH’S
By Seth Harper
Tire Roundup
9 Tires to get you where you need to go
Any stock tire will get you where you need to go, but not every tire will maximize the performance of your diesel pickup. There’s a lot to think about when it comes to selecting the right tire: safety, traction, durability and even looks. Here are some options to think about when making your next tire purchase.
Atturo AZ850
The Atturo AZ850 has been a popular option among SUV and truck owners looking for an ultra-high-performance tire that looks good and performs exceptionally well. However, for far too long diesel truck owners have lacked options for a performance tire that carries the proper load rating that heavier trucks demand. The all-new LT305/50R20 from Atturo fills that gap and brings the outstanding features and benefits of the AZ850 to the diesel truck market. Engineered to take advantage of the increased power and weight of these trucks, the AZ850 asymmetric tread design features different inside and outside contours to achieve optimum balance across the tread face. This evenly distributes the pressure of the contact surface to enhance comfort and handling. Looking to be one of the first of your friends with an LT-Rated Ultra High-Performance Tire? Look no further than the LT305/50R20 Atturo AZ850.
(855-632-8031 // www.atturo.com)
Firestone Transforce HT 2
The Firestone Transforce HT 2 is an all-season highway tire built to work hard for light trucks and commercial vehicles. Featuring an optimized tread design that helps improve uneven wear, even with heavy loads, the Transforce HT 2 is a tough, durable tire that will deliver dependable performance on any job. The tread design is also engineered with an advanced compound and polyester and steel construction to support chip and tear resistance and promote long wear. When road conditions are unpredictable, the Transforce HT 2 is designed with full depth lateral slots for water evacuation to help reduce the risk of hydroplaning and sawtooth edge siping to provide biting edges in the snow.
(844-456-9162 // www.bridgestone.com)
Discoverer Rugged Trek
A brand-new all-season truck tire from Cooper Tire, the Discoverer Rugged Trek offers drivers the flexibility of reliable, every day on-road performance in addition to a powerful off-road design for casual adventurers. The tire combines superior wet road handling and quiet driving features with aggressive tread design that provide much-needed stability in dirt and sand environments.
Cooper also allows drivers a choice of two unique sidewall designs, one on each side of the tire, and both are armed with long, deep cleats and raised black lettering. The Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek is available nationwide and boasts a 55,000-mile warranty for pickup trucks, and 60,000 miles for SUVs.
(800-854-6288 // www.us.coopertire.com)
WILDPEAK A/T3W
Get ready for adventure with the WILDPEAK A/T3W. This tire is built for snow and wet conditions thanks to its extremely deep tread pattern for long-lasting wear. Plus the 3D Canyon Sipe Technology gives the driver improved handling stability as it interlocks the shoulders. This tire is available in 70 different sizes and has rim sizing from 15 to 20 inches. If you’re looking for consistency in the wear of your tires as well as performance in snow and wet conditions, this may be the tire for you.
(800-723-2553 // www.falkentire.com)
GRABBERTM X3
The GRABBERTM X3 is a bold and aggressive mud-terrain tire that delivers exceptional off-road performance in mud, dirt and rock-covered terrain. Developed with its DuraGen Technology for off-road durability, the GRABBERTM X3 features aggressively styled sidewall protection lugs for extra grip during extreme off-roading. A multi-pitch pattern tread design adds additional off-road traction while providing a quiet ride on the street. The perfect fit for diesel trucks, it is available in both Smooth Red Letter and Black Sidewall ranging in size from 15- to 22-inch rim diameter with flotation sizes 31 through 37 inches.
Super Swamper SSR
Every diesel truck needs quality traction, and that’s what the Super Swamper Radial TSL/SSR aims to offer. This tire is the second generation model to the Swamper Radial/TSL and shows a tighter version of the original tire’s thread pattern, making it safer in wet or icy conditions, improving sidewall protection and making it a quieter ride, along with improved traction. Available in over 40 wheels sizes and width combinations, the Super Swamper SSR has an aggressive design built for improved performance.
(800-299-8000 // www.intercotire.com)
Defender LTX M/S
MICHELIN Defender LTX M/S with Evertread compound delivers long-lasting, durable tread life, wet grip and snow traction in all seasons. A popular tire for diesel trucks, the Defender LTX delivers long-lasting tread life in severe conditions as well as great fuel efficiency. The tire includes up to a 70,000-mile warranty.
866-866-6605 // www.michelinman.com)
Baja Boss A/T
Mickey Thompson’s newest off-road tire, the Baja Boss A/T, is a uniquely-designed hybrid all-terrain tire that offers aggressive looks and smooth performance. The asymmetric tread design is optimized for reduced noise, excellent wet and snow performance with superior on-road handling and off-road traction.
(330-928-9092 // www.mickeythompsontires.com)
Open Country R/T
As a light truck, all-terrain, all-season tire, the Open Country R/T is built for traction, durability and aggressive styling. The Toyo Tires product cures the headache that comes from a loud truck as it reduces excess noise. It’s built for safety as it improves traction, both on and off the road, and offers side impact protection as well. Mud and snow is ejected through open channels in the tire and stones and mud are forced from the grooves, saving you cleaning time. The Open Country R/T also has two available looks, allowing you to customize your truck how you want.
(800-442-8696 // www.toyotires.com)