Are you looking for a new set of shoes for your Ram TRX? It’s not as simple as making an appointment at your local Ram TRX dealer and going with whatever’s in stock. Your first task is deciding how you’ll use your truck. Even off-roaders with specific performance needs should pause before defaulting to a set of all-terrain tires. Do you traverse a lot of water? If so, mud tires might be a better choice.
Most TRX owners spend some time driving on pavement, so road noise factors into the equation, especially if your truck does double duty as a daily commuter. Can you live with humming tires if it means better off-road performance? There are other considerations, such as desert driving, snow/ice conditions in the winter months, fuel economy, etc., that may be important to you and your lifestyle.
We’ll review a few different tire options here, but even as you read it and begin to form an opinion, make sure you think about your budget. It’s not unheard of to spend $3,000 on a set of high-quality mud tires for a TRX. It’s equally common to find good quality all-terrain tires for less than $200 apiece. Remember, tires are one of the most important components of your vehicle, but the ones you choose should depend heavily on your lifestyle.
All-Terrain Tires
Your TRX is equipped with flared fenders that allow an extra eight inches of space to accommodate bigger tires. It’s also six inches wider than its 1500 siblings. The 2022 Ram 1500 TRX comes standard with a set of specially-designed Goodyear Wrangler Territory 35-inch tires that make good use of all that room. These tires deliver consistently dependable off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road manners. While they’re not the most street-friendly all-terrain tire option, they represent a great middle ground.
If you’re looking to upgrade your a/t tires, you might want to consider what Mopar, the certified parts company, recommends first. Because the Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires were made specifically for the TRX, it’s probably your best bet to buy another set when the time comes to replace the original tires. They run around $300-400 apiece, so if that’s too expensive, you can always locate another set that’s the same size and swap them out, but anytime you deviate from factory recommendations, you should expect a compromise in capability.
One thing to remember: make sure you follow the maintenance recommendations in your truck’s owner’s manual. Ram suggests rotating the tires every 6,000 miles or at the first sign of irregular wear. If you’re aggressively off-roading or if you’ve accumulated a lot of hard mileage (e.g., towing), consider rotating your tires more frequently. If they’re wearing evenly, they’ll last longer, and you’ll optimize performance, handling, and fuel economy.
All-terrain tires are the most versatile, so they’ll perform well in a variety of conditions. You won’t hear as much road noise as you will from a more aggressive set of mud tires, which is why many truck buyers who aren’t frequent off-roaders prefer them. As for specialty use, like desert driving, you’ll find all-terrain tires will tackle sand more effectively than mud tires because the tread isn’t as deep.
Mud-Terrain Tires
Having a conversation about mud tires should always start with this: unless you are a very frequent off-roader who isn’t doing a lot of winter trekking, you probably don’t need mud tires. First, mud terrain tires are the ultimate companion for extreme trail conditions, like sharp rocks and – no surprise – deep mud. Their large tread blocks and wide channels are designed to distribute mud. They will keep you from getting stuck and spinning your wheels.
Mud tires also have stronger sidewalls, so they withstand jabs from sharp rocks or outcroppings much better than an a/t tire. From an appearance standpoint, mud terrain tires are downright aggressive. Their chunky appearance will give your TRX an even more rugged curb appeal. Even those who aren’t that into tires will notice them. After all, the Ram 1500 TRX is all about aggressive exterior styling – it makes sense to want equally aggressive tires.
For all the traction you’ll gain on the side of a mountain, you’re going to pay the price on the pavement. Generally speaking, mud terrain tires also aren’t optimal for cold weather, particularly snow. It boils down to consistency. Mud is more liquid, so the tread channels grab it and spit it out as you move over the terrain. Snow is more solid, so it packs in the tread channels, and you end up losing traction.
What’s a TRX owner to do if they want the look and capability of mud terrain tires but not the loss in pavement and snow capability? Consider a mud and snow tire. Designated by an M + S icon on the sidewall, these tires are made of more flexible rubber with tread channels that push snow off to the sides. They still look aggressive, but they perform double duty. If a true mud-terrain tire is what you want, you’ll need to invest in a set of winter tires or tire chains for the cold weather months.
Hybrid Tires
Mud and snow tires are one example of a hybrid tire that you might want to consider for your TRX, but true hybrid truck tires have an aggressive deep tread mud terrain tire look and perform like an all-terrain tire. A well-built hybrid tire gives drivers confidence in just about any driving condition. They perform well on wet pavement, offer a little more capability and strength for extreme off-roading, and have your back in snowy conditions.
The sidewall is reinforced at the shoulder block, which is the area where the edge of the tire meets the tread, so banging into objects on the trail won’t result in a flat tire disaster. A good way to visualize the shoulder block is to think of the angle from the edge of the tire to the tread. The greater the angle, the less aggressive the tire will look. Boxier tires where the sidewall meets the tread at close to a 90-degree angle tend to look the biggest.
Some popular hybrid brands include Fury Offroad and Nitto. Both companies offer 35-inch options for under $1,500 (for a set of four). Hybrid tires are a great option for buyers who want the capability of mud terrain tires but don’t necessarily want to spend the extra cash to get them. By far, mud tires are the most expensive variety – you could invest over $1,500 for a high-quality set of four, and if you’re navigating backwoods trails, you should probably invest in a full-size spare.
What Are You Driving On?
Which tires seem right for your driving style? For most light-duty truck owners, a set of high-quality all-terrain tires is more than sufficient. Because Goodyear built a tire specifically for the TRX, we don’t think it’s necessary to hunt for a better one because you probably won’t find it. If you’re itching for a change, consider a new set of wheels instead. The only reason you should consider a different set of tires is if you fall into one of the “special use” categories. Most extreme or frequent off-roaders know who they are, and that subset of truck owners tends to be well-versed in mud tire selection.
If you see yourself adopting the off-roading lifestyle, consider visiting an authorized Ram dealer for more advice. It’s always best to select a set of tires that the dealer and/or factory recommends. Veering too far into discount tire store territory, especially with a newer truck, isn’t always the best decision. Also, if you decide to swap out your factory tires for a set that requires a suspension lift, you should carefully read your warranty to ensure the aftermarket equipment doesn’t void it.