Overlanding can take you places you never thought you could go. From on-road to off-road adventures, there is always something to see, do, and experience. But none of that matters if you don’t get home in one piece. To ensure you reach your destination safely, you need the best overland tires.
If you are going to overland, you need rugged and durable tires that will take you over all types of terrain. The prime tire for overlanding has a tread that will keep grip in wet and rocky drives while maintaining speed and safety. Follow along below as our rating team helps you find the perfect tires for overlanding fun, and be sure to check out our buying guide below the reviews to get a feel for our criteria.
We have researched and scoured the Internet to find overland tire reviews. Below are my 5 recommended choices, and I know you will love them.
In a hurry? This is our Winner!
Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx All-Season Tire
- Unrivaled traction on snow, mud and wet roads
- Quiet on the road
- Designed to last
Overland Tires – Top Model Compared
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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OUR TOP PICK
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Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx All-Season |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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EDITOR’S CHOICE
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Falken Wildpeak AT3W All Terrain Radial Tire |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
BEST VALUE
|
BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Car Tire |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
RUNNER UP
|
Yokohama ADVAN APEX |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
RUNNER UP
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Goodyear Wrangler MT/R Kevlar Radial |
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Check Price On Amazon |
5 Options Compared for Your Travel Adventures
1. OUR TOP PICK: Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx All-Season
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Summary
During our overland tire tests, this tire was my favorite and I couldn’t wait to share my findings. These are long-lasting tires that are designed to perform on long summer drives and muddy winter fields. They’re durable, and it’s possible to equip them with studs.
These are tough tires — not only do they come with Cooper’s Armor Tek3 system (a system Cooper compares to a shield wall on the side of your tires), but the tire has ‘cut and chip’ resistant coating on its treads.
This tire comes with Cooper’s unique tread design to prevent stone retention.
The Maxx All-Seasons coped well on all terrains we tested. These are chameleon tires: They seem to adapt to whatever surface you’re driving on. These are quiet wheels on the road and handle at high speed on wet tarmac. Snow and mud were no challenge either.
These tires have a speed rating of Q, they are size LT275/70R18, and weigh 60lbs. Their dimensions are 34.00 x 34.00 x 11.00 inches. The hybrid 5 rib tread system provides you with fantastic traction and improved handling on every surface.
Once I found these tires, I knew I had to share them as they tick every box I have for Overlanding tires. I have no hesitation in saying that these are the best overland tires you can find on the market today.
Pros
- Unrivaled traction on snow, mud and wet roads
- Quiet on the road
- Designed to last
- Protection on sidewalls of the tire
Cons
- Needs to be professionally balanced
2. EDITOR’S CHOICE: Falken Wildpeak AT3W All-Terrain Radial Tire
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Summary
You have plenty of choices with overland tires. Not all of them are created equal. I loved testing these Falken Wildpeak tires. For example, I was instantly impressed by the tread design.
One of the reasons I wanted to test these tires is their heat diffuser technology. The components of the tire diffuse the heat, so less damage is done to the internal components. I put these babies through a lot of stress and they performed.
It is clear Falken created these tires with overlanders in mind. In my search for the leading overlanding tires, these were a big contender.
When these were installed on my Jeep, I instantly felt a change. Areas I avoided were now accessible.
My Jeep felt stable with these tires. Like the Coopers, these are designed to keep stones out. Gravel areas are not a problem! The aggressive sidewalls are built tough to prevent damage. I drove over sharp rocks with no problems.
The tires responded well with my brake system and I felt safer. Man, these tires outclassed my old ones, even with lowered tire pressure. The dimensions of each tire are 31 x 31 x 11 in. The speed rating is T and the size is 265/70R16.
Pros:
- Resistant against damages caused by high torque
- Holds traction on any terrain or weather
- Strong sidewalls protect against damage
- Greatly enhances stability
Cons:
- No white lettering on tires
3. BEST VALUE: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Tire: All-Terrain Overlanding Tires
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Summary
Believe me, when I say I have tested a lot of options since starting my adventures. It takes a lot to impress me and these tires did. These tires boast to be split and tear resistant, so I put them to the test. I love the CoreGard technology that makes these tires extremely rugged.
BFGoodrich has formulated a special rubber for these tires. They claim the rubber is optimized to reduce chip and tear which is a big problem in overlanding. I must say, these delivered on the promise.
I threw every type of terrain at these tires I could and they performed. I didn’t get bogged down in the mud. I tested them on icy puddles. If you love overlanding like me, you can’t go wrong with these tires.
The dimensions of each tire are 33 x 33 x 11 in. The speed rating is S and the size is 275/60R20.
Pros:
- Made for any terrain or weather conditions
- Heat diffusing technology extends the life
- Resists stones becoming trapped
- Handles amazingly well
Cons:
- Cannot balance as easily as some tires
4. RUNNER UP: Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 All- Terrain Radial Tire
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Summary
I must admit I wasn’t sure about these tires when I tried them out, but the overland tire reviews were well-received. When I started out with these tires, it was a rainy day — perfect for overlanding.
The tires seemed just as tight on dry land as on wet. The response was intuitive and they handled well. I’ve driven them on sand, gravel, snow, and wet ground with no problem.
These tires look good, perform, and are quiet compared to a lot of tires I have owned. I did not notice any vibrations after having them professionally aligned at my local shop.
The aggressive tire tread contains five channels that are ideal for going through watery areas. The tread extends up to the sidewall to protect against chip damage and sharp rocks. You can put these tires through a lot of stress and they will keep performing.
The dimensions of each tire are 30 x 10 x 30 inches. The speed rating for these tires is T and the size is 265/70R16.
Pros:
- Rugged tire tread for all types of terrain
- Strong sidewall construction
- Attractive design
- Long-lasting performance
Cons:
- More expensive than some models
5. RUNNER UP: Goodyear Wrangler MT/R Kevlar Radial – 35X12.50R15LT 113Q
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Summary
If you choose this option, just know, you cannot go wrong with these Goodyears. The Dupont Kevlar-reinforced sidewalls give these tires lasting power, whatever you do with them.
I was impressed with the asymmetrical tread pattern on these tires. I’ve never seen a tire with this pattern. Like some other suggestions, these are made with a special silica rubber that helps to keep the water from bogging you down.
The tread wraps around the sides of the tires which is what you want for overlanding on tough terrain. I did not have any problems with these Wrangler tires when the terrain got sloppy.
It was cool to see the tires respond as if I was on dry terrain, no matter the rocks or wetness. Of course, I have not driven them long, but some reviews say they last as long as 14 years.
The dimensions of each tire are 35 x 35 x 12.5 in. The tire speed is Q and they are some of the top range of tires I have tried.
What You Should Consider Before Your Big Purchase
I get a lot of emails and messages asking what kind of tires I use for overlanding, so I wrote this guide to help you find the perfect tires.
When searching for options, there are a few things I consider essential. Without the right tires, you are not going to be able to go where you want! Believe me, I know from experience. When considering tires, the following should be considered a must.
Good Mileage
Let’s face it — these tires are not cheap! If you are going to invest in a set of good tires, you want them to hold up for many years to come. Make sure the overland tires you choose are going to last.
High Ply Rate
The ply rating, referred to as the load rate, is an important consideration. This rating tells you how fast the tread is going to wear down on the tires. You want the highest load range you can find. Most ranges for overland excursions will run between C and F.
Raise the Clearance
It is important a tire is going to be able to raise the clearance of your Jeep or other vehicle, allowing you to go over all types of terrain. The higher the level of clearance, the more fun you can have overlanding.
Extreme Sidewall Strength
One of the most important things you can look for on a tire is extreme sidewall strength. If the sidewalls are not hefty and covered in tread, you are going nowhere. I love how some of these companies are bringing the aggressive tread up the sidewalls. This helps you maneuver over rough terrain and caked mud.
Aggressive Tread
The tread pattern is something you want to pay attention to when purchasing tires for overland Jeeps. As you can see from the above reviews, tread is a big thing to consider. If your tread is not aggressive, you will slide, buckle, and get bogged down.
Tire Pressure Lows
There are some terrains that require lower tire pressure. If your tires can’t cut the mustard while driving with low pressures, they are worthless. Make sure the tires you purchase are able to go low in pressure. Airing down will help you go over rough terrain and with less wear and tear on your axles.
As you can see, there is a lot to consider when looking to find the best overland tires. If you check out the links, you will be able to learn more about my favorites and see why I chose them.
OVERLANDING VS. OFF-ROADING: IS THERE A DIFFERENCE?
There is a lot of misinformation. Many people debate the differences between the two without any real knowledge on the subject. Overlanding is a practice that originated in Australia. Many of Australia’s overland roads were built in the 1940s and 50s as a way of expanding the Outback. These roads are still used today.
Off-roaders typically have highly customized vehicles and go for short excursions on the weekends and holidays. This is a more aggressive adventure than overlanding. Overlanding is meant to be exciting, yet safe. It involves comfort and longer trips.
When it comes to the two, I am more of an overlander man myself, but to each his own. There is plenty of fun to be had with both!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get a lot of questions regarding overland tires and wanted to address a few of the more common. Hopefully, these will answer some of the questions you may have.
Should I Purchase Mud Terrain or All-Terrain?
Answer: Before answering this question, you need to know there is not a perfect tire for every overlanding experience. Mud terrain tires are bulkier and heavier and some overlanders prefer the look. All-terrains are lighter and can help you in many types of terrains. The choice you make boils down to the types of terrain you frequent.
What Size of Tire Should I Purchase?
Answer: This is another common question. A lot of overlanders think the bigger the better, but this is not true. The most suited size is a range between 30-35. If you go high, you are going to eat up more gas. For the average Jeep, 31s are ideal.
Will I Need to Change my Suspension?
Answer: This is a question that is not easily answered. In most cases, bigger tires are going to require a new suspension overhaul. Your current suspension system may not have the strength to handle the added weight. Check with your mechanic for an inspection.
Conclusion
If you are new to overlanding, check out the above links and take your time in making your purchase. There is nothing more exciting than prepping for your next overland adventure and having the best tires is going to make your experience all the more enjoyable.
Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx All-Season Tire
- Unrivaled traction on snow, mud and wet roads
- Quiet on the road
- Designed to last
