M/T Tires: Everything You Need to Know
If you own a truck, Jeep, or SUV and are apart of the culture that surrounds them, whether it be show trucks or true off-roading, then you know that tires matter. The most popular choices are all-terrain tires and rugged-terrain tires. All-terrain tires provide a good balance between highway performance, off-road performance, and aesthetic. Rugged-terrain tires on the other hand, offer the same benefits but in a much more refined package. R/T tires are often referred to as “hybrid’s” due to their exceptional performance on pavement and various off-road terrains.
That said, what is an M/T tire? What performance benefits does an M/T tire have versus an A/T or R/T? M/T stands for mud-terrain, and as the name suggests, is best suited for mud and other rough terrain. Let’s talk about what a mud-terrain tire really is.
What Are Mud-Terrain Tires?
Mud-terrain tires are a type of tire designed for off-road use, particularly in muddy or rocky terrain. They have large tread blocks with wide channels that push any rocks or chunks of mud out from under the tires, giving the driver the most traction possible. This mean M/T tires are able to handle steep trails and deep mud better compared to all-terrain and rugged-terrain tires. Additionally, they have a self-cleaning footprint, which is made possible with their high void ratio and wider lug spacing, making them excellent rough terrain tires. Because they are much more aggressive than A/T and R/T tires, they are noisier, less comfortable on pavement, less fuel-efficient, and have a shorter lifespan versus the other two tire types. That said, mud-terrain tires are a good choice for off-road enthusiasts who want to test the limits of their truck, or for those looking to complete that off-road aesthetic.
The Difference Between M/T Tires and A/T Tires
All-terrain tires are designed for both on-road and off-road use. They are designed with a reinforced casing, damage-resistant rubber compounds, and a lug or block tread pattern that can travel on mud, sand, gravel, and even snow. Some A/T tires have M+S or 3PMSF ratings, making them serviceable in harsh winter weather. All-terrain tires vary greatly, with some offering better traction and durability off-road than others.
Mud-terrain tires have larger tread blocks with wider channels to eject debris or mud out from under the tires, giving the driver more traction. Because M/T’s are much more aggressive than A/T’s, they are better suited for steep trails, deep mud, and rocky terrain. This is made possible by utilizing a more durable rubber compound, reinforced sidewalls, and more. Mud-terrain tires are capable of handling difficult terrains where all-terrain tires would struggle.
The Difference Between M/T Tires and R/T Tires
Rugged-terrain tires are a hybrid of all-terrain and mud-terrain tires in terms of design, expectations, and performance. They share some similarities with M/T tires, such as tread compounds, reinforced casings, tough multi-ply sidewalls, and aggressive, deep lug or block tread patterns. However, R/T tires are not as aggressive or tough as M/T tires. M/T tires have a higher void ratio (tread vs groove area) for good self-cleaning of mud and debris, tougher construction, more rolling resistance (and poorer fuel economy), and are usually taller plus-size tires for improved ground clearance on lifted trucks.
R/T tires, on the other hand, are designed for a wide variety of conditions and surfaces, not just mud. R/T tires provide enough traction to tackle all types of terrain, such as mud, dirt, gravel, and more.
At the same time, R/T tires are much more highway-friendly than M/T tires, and have lower noise levels and improved ride quality. All this, without very little compromise in performance.
When to Use Each Type of Tire
Mud-Terrain Tires
M/T tires are large, durable, and damage-resistant tires that are designed for trucks with lifted suspensions and extra ground clearance. They are ideal for off-road use, such as rock crawling, as they can be aired-down to provide more traction. However, they are heavy and noisy on the pavements, so RBP recommends M/T tires for vehicles that will spend 50% of their time off-road.
All-Terrain Tires
A/T tires have aggressive tread patterns for enhanced traction in mud, sand, loose dirt, and gravel. Thanks to its tread block design, these tires are “self-cleaning” as the tires turn. Although not as durable as M/T tires, A/T’s still utilize enhanced damage resistance with a reinforced casing and sidewall. Handling is precise, ride quality is good, and noise levels are quite low on pavement. Overall, A/T tires are a good compromise between road manners and off-road performance. RBP suggests A/T tires for vehicles that will spend 5-15% of their time off-road.
Rugged-Terrain Tires
R/T tires are the ideal balance between all-terrain and mud-terrain. These tires are built for better durability and off-road traction than what an all-terrain tire can offer. However, tall sizes, deep tread and aggressive lug patterns are less pronounced compared to a mud-terrain tire. In the end, rugged-terrain tires are a great choice for those that are not willing to sacrifice off-road performance, but still want to enjoy their vehicle on the pavement. RBP recommends R/T tires for vehicles that will spend 15% to 50% of their time off-road. Rugged terrain tires are the best of both worlds and offer excellent performance in all driving situations.
Mud Terrain Tires for Your Truck
Rolling Big Power offers the Repulsor M/T, Repulsor M/T RX and Repulsor M/T3 for all of your mud-terrain tires needs. Our tires are designed for light trucks, SUVs and Jeeps. Providing excellent traction in wet, muddy, dusty, rocky and other challenging driving conditions, the Repulsor mud-terrain tire lineup is the go-to choice.
RBP’s lineup of Repulsor mud-terrain tires feature durability and technologically advanced build quality that combines off-road performance and highway comfort. With their beefy sidewalls, rugged construction, open-notched shoulder design, and big tread blocks, they are excellent tires for true off-road use on the roughest of terrains.
The Repulsor M/T, M/T RX and M/T3 mud-terrain tires are available in 31″ to 30″ applications, making them extremely versatile and suitable for any truck. Additionally, they come in niche sizing options such as 37″ and 38″, making for a ‘just-right’ fit on your rig.
If you need more information regarding our tires, check out our tire guide.
