Times have changed. Rising gas prices have affected the sales of trucks and SUVs, and many wonder what will become of the full-size truck market. But tire companies know the score, and so do you--whatever gas prices are, work still has to get done, and there are no better vehicles for hauling, towing, and people-moving than trucks and SUVs. Over the past several months, tire manufacturers have introduced a wide variety of truck and sport/utility tires to fill your specific needs. Whether you carry people or gear, or just like to have fun, there's a tire out there for you.
Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Pro-Grade
Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Pro-Grade
Use: Full-size trucks, towing and hauling
Load ratings: 112-126
Speed rating: R
Goodyear built this tire with contractors, landscapers, boaters, horse enthusiasts, and anyone else who regularly hauls or tows heavy loads in mind. It uses a chip- and chunk-resistant compound, two high-tensile steel belts, a layer made from Kevlar (or two layers of Kevlar in load range E sizes), an enhanced Rim Lock, rim guard, Silent Armor for quieter highway ride, and puncture-resistant sidewalls made from the MT/R's Durawall compound. Sizes of the severe-snow certified tire fit Ford, Chevy/GMC, and Dodge three-quarter and one-ton trucks with 15- to 20-inch wheels.
Goodyear; 330/796-2121.
www.goodyeartires.com
Dick Cepek Mud Country Radial
Use: Trucks and SUVs, on- and off-road
Load ratings: 108-128
Speed ratings: N,Q
The Mud Country Radial, a mud-terrain with aggressive off-road-biased tread, is said to also provide road-friendly handling. The tire has three-ply sidewalls and a self-cleaning six-ply tread, designed to help disperse mud and small rocks. There are currently 24 sizes available, from 31 to 40 inches tall, with wheel diameters up to 20 inches.
Dick Cepek; 800/222-9092.
www.dickcepek.com
Nitto Dune Grappler
Use: Full-size trucks, off- and on-road
Load ratings: 108-127
Speed ratings: R, S, T
Nitto's Dune Grappler has an aggressi
ve tread for off-road use, but is designed to provide a more comfortable and quieter ride than you'd expect on road. It'll be offered up to D and E load-range ratings, with sizes that'll fit Super Duty and GM Heavy Duty trucks. LT sizes are available with a three-ply sidewall for better puncture resistance, and all sizes feature a rim protector. The Dune Grappler will be available for 15- to 22-inch wheel sizes, with more coming soon.
Nitto Tire; 800/648-8652.
www.nittotire.com
Dick Cepek Mud Country Radial
Nitto Dune Grappler