Tires Make the Trail—Here’s How to Pick the Right Set for Your Jeep or Truck
One of the biggest upgrades you can make to your off-road rig is a solid set of tires. But walk into a tire shop (or scroll through an online catalog) and you’re hit with a wall of numbers, letters, and lingo: 33×12.50R17, Load E, MT vs AT—what does it all mean?
We’ve got your back. Whether you’re new to off-roading or just looking to get smarter about your next tire purchase, this guide will break down the essentials of off-road tire sizes, ratings, and tread types.
Understanding Off-Road Tire Sizes
Let’s start with this common size: 33×12.50R17
- 33 = Tire height (in inches)
- 12.50 = Tire width (in inches)
- R17 = Rim size (in inches)
This is called “flotation sizing” and it’s common in the off-road world. A 33-inch tire is great for mild trail use and daily driving. Move up to 35s or 37s, and you’re getting into serious off-road territory (and likely need a lift).
Bonus: Metric Sizes
You might also see something like 315/70R17. This is a metric tire size. Here’s how it breaks down:
- 315 = Tire width in millimeters
- 70 = Aspect ratio (height is 70% of the width)
- R17 = Rim size in inches
Pro Tip: A 315/70R17 is roughly equal to a 35×12.50R17.
Load Ratings & Ply Ratings
Load Rating (Load Range C, D, E)
This tells you how much weight a tire can safely carry. For off-roading:
- C: Lighter duty, better ride comfort
- D: Medium duty, good for most off-roaders
- E: Heavy-duty (10-ply equivalent), ideal for towing or armored rigs
More ply = more strength, but also more stiffness. If you’re daily driving, don’t go higher than you need.
Tread Types: Choosing the Right Pattern for Your Ride
All-Terrain (AT)
Best for: Mixed driving, light trails, overlanding
- Balanced tread for pavement and dirt
- Quieter and smoother than mud tires
- Good year-round option
Mud-Terrain (MT)
Best for: Mud, rocks, and serious off-road use
- Aggressive tread blocks and sidewall lugs
- Excellent off-road grip
- Louder and rougher on pavement
Hybrid Terrain (Rugged Terrain / RT)
Best for: Daily drivers who hit the trails on weekends
- Blends AT and MT designs
- More aggressive than AT but quieter than MT
- Growing in popularity for Jeeps and trucks
Sidewalls Matter Too
Off-road tires often feature reinforced or armored sidewalls for added puncture resistance. Look for features like:
- 3-ply construction
- Sidewall lugs for extra traction in ruts or on rocks
- Bead protection to help keep the tire on the rim at low PSI
Picking the Right Tire for Your Adventures
Ask yourself:
- How often do I wheel?
- Is this a daily driver, trail rig, or both?
- Do I drive in mud, rocks, sand, snow—or a mix?
- How much lift do I have? What size fits without rubbing?
Our Favorite Off-Road Tire Brands
At High Mountain Off-Road, we install and recommend proven tire brands like:
- BFGoodrich (KO2, KM3) – Legendary durability and all-terrain grip
- Nitto (Ridge Grappler, Trail Grappler) – Great hybrid and mud options
- Toyo (Open Country series) – Strong sidewalls, quiet ride
- Mickey Thompson – Aggressive tread, great for lifted trucks
- Falken Wildpeak – Budget-friendly and trail-ready
Let’s Get You Rolling
Whether you’re upgrading from stock or going full send on 37s, picking the right off-road tire can totally transform your rig. And when you buy from High Mountain Off-Road, we’ll help you pick the right size, fit it right, and balance it for the trail.
Swing by the shop or give us a call—we’ll get you trail-ready, one tire at a time.
Phone: Oakland Shop Morgantown Shop