We’ve all been there, you’re out riding and you quickly find yourself going from a smooth, hard-packed trail to a slippery mud pit in the blink of an eye. One wrong turn and suddenly you’re in over your head! That’s why it’s so important to make sure you’ve got the best UTV tires for trail and mud – because the right tires can mean the difference between a successful ride and your buddies taking pictures and video to share with the world, what a loser you are!
Luckily, I’ve done the research to help you pick out just what tire will be up to all of your off-road adventures, no matter how unpredictable they may be.
When it comes to best UTV tires for trail and mud riding, you want something that is going to give you the best of both worlds: traction in muddy and slippery conditions AND a smooth ride on hard packed or rocky trails. It’s tempting to go for tires with deep, aggressive tread patterns, but trust me when I say if you go too aggressive, not only will your ride be rough and noisy – but you won’t get the performance you need! That’s why it pays to choose a tire that can do both…
Another important consideration is the tire’s construction. . First and foremost, you’ll want to find a tire designed with sidewalls that can take a beating from sharp rocks and debris on the trails. After all, no one likes puncturing their tire mid-ride! I know from experience, it sucks! You should also look for wider tires with larger contact patches so your machine’s weight is evenly distributed – this will help prevent you from sinking into soft terrain.
But all that aside, let’s be real, most importantly, you want look like a boss no matter what trail or mud hole you come across.
So, What Are The Best Mud and Trail UTV Tires?
When it comes to UTV tires for trail and mud riding, there are many options available on the market. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the top 10 UTV tires that are suitable for these types of conditions. To be honest, I’d be happy running any of these picks on my machine.
Maxxis Carnivore – My #1 Pick For A Damn Good Reason
Are you ready to conquer any terrain your future adventures might throw at you? The Maxxis Carnivore light truck-inspired tire is engineered to provide superior traction, control and durability no matter where your UTV takes you. With 8-ply-rated radial construction, this tire offers amazing performance on any terrain, from trails to mud. And its specialized rubber compound will give you peace of mind as you explore new ground with supreme grip and stability. So if you’re looking for the best UTV tires for trail and mud, then look no further than the Carnivore! Get ready for a wild ride with unmatched reliability!
ITP Mud Lite II – For The Rider Who Expects To Face A Little More Mud Than Trail
To provide a smooth ride on the trail, ITP engineers designed Mud Lite II tires with a variable open-lug tread design to enhance traction over a variety of trail surfaces. To minimize tire flex, increase support and reduce wear, the Mud Lite II tire has unique “tendons” that connect and stretch between the tire’s lugs. The centerline dimpled, v-shaped lugs enhance traction on the trail while the lug height and positioning makes for an incredibly smooth ride on hard pack. The new multi-terrain Mud Lite II carries a robust 6-ply rating. The tire’s shoulder also features an enhanced tread treatment for added sidewall protection and grip. Dimpled center lugs and a re-engineered chevron pattern provide massive forward traction in the mud. This tread design improves bite and enhances the tire’s self-cleaning capabilities. The tire’s shoulder features an innovative mud breaker tread design, which sits slightly raised on the tire between the taller chevron lugs, to channel debris and reduce the dreaded horsepower-robbing suction drag in muddy terrain.
Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 – They’ve Stood The Test Of Time
Based on the legendary Bighorn, the Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tire is a 6 ply lightweight racing-inspired version that mirrors the tread design of the original with slimmer lugs. Bighorn 2.0 is the lightest most versatile off-road racing tire in the bighorn lineup. You can trust that your vehicle will have the best possible combination of safety, traction, and control when tackling off-road trails or tackling slippery mud roads. So whether you’re looking for an all-terrain tire that can handle the rigors of trail riding or just need some decent grip to get you through a mud pit, Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires are an ideal choice. Get ready to tackle any trail with confidence and assurance when you choose Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires for your next adventure!
ITP Blackwater Evolution – Just A Great All Around Trail and Mud Tire
ITP Blackwater Evolution tires are designed to provide superior grip and traction in any terrain, whether it’s mud, sand, gravel or rocks. With its 8-ply-rated radial construction and an innovative non-directional tread design, these tires deliver a smooth ride with excellent handling performance on side-by-side UTVs. The specially formulated “Tough Tread” rubber compound also ensures exceptional wear and abrasion resistance for long lasting durability. Plus, the sidewall armor feature helps protect the vulnerable shoulder area from penetration caused by sharp objects when you’re out traversing tough terrain. Get ready to experience outstanding performance with ITP Blackwater Evolution tires!
Sedona Rip Saw RT – For The Rider Who Expects More Trail Riding Than Mud
The Sedona Rip-Saw RT is the perfect tire for anyone who loves ripping their UTV out on the trails and throwing a little mud. Its radial construction offers great traction and stability, while its deep aggressive tread pattern helps it clean out well in mud and other extreme terrain conditions. With 28″ and 30″ sizes that are a heavy duty 8 ply, you can rest assured that your ride will be safe and secure through any off-road situation. So if you’re looking for a trail tire with long lasting wear and maximum performance, look no further than the Rip-Saw RT from Sedona!
Kenda Bearclaw HTR – They Might Be Cheap But They Get The Job Done
The Kenda Bear Claw HTR is a great tire for any trail and mud-based adventure. Its 8-ply rated radial casing structure provides an extra layer of puncture resistance, ensuring a safe and smooth ride even in the toughest terrain. The tread pattern on this tire offers superior grip on all types of surfaces, from mud to gravel to dirt. This robust design also features center knobs that provide low vibration while giving you the ability to confidently tackle any terrain with ease. Finally, the tall knobs are spaced apart enough so they can easily push away dirt and debris while digging into the ground for excellent traction and self-cleaning. Whether you’re looking for a reliable tire for your off-road adventures or just need something that’ll hold up in the mud, the Kenda Bear Claw HTR is an excellent choice.
Sedona Buck Snort – They’re Decent And You’ll Leave A Foot Print Wherever You Ride
The Sedona Buck Snort is the ultimate tire for hunter who loves trail and mud riding. Featuring an ultra-durable, puncture-resistant 6 ply rated New-Tech carcass, this tire will take you through the toughest terrain with confidence. The Functional Deer Hoof center tread design leaves tracks down the trail, giving you increased control and grip even in difficult conditions. Siped lugs provide extra traction and durability while integrated side lugs give added grip in extreme conditions. Built-in rim guard ensures maximum wheel protection during your rides. Get out there and experience the adventure of a lifetime with this extraordinary tire!
System 3 XTR370 – AKA The Carnivore Killer
The System 3 XTR370 is the tire of choice for trail and mud riding, offering an 8-ply-rated radial carcass that stands up to rugged terrain. The advanced sidewall construction ensures a comfortable ride with sure footing while the multi-angle tread blocks at the shoulder provide improved side bite on turns. Additionally, the deep tread ranges between 0.75 to 1.0 in. on 28-32 in. tires, and 1.0 to 1.25 in 33 in and larger tires for maximum traction even on slippery surfaces like mud or snow. Finally, the super-deep rim guard offers protection for your wheel investment so you can continue enjoying your off-roading experience with confidence as well as comfort. If you’re someone who runs Carnivores and are impressed with them, then you’ll absolutely love the XTR370.
GBC Grim Reaper – All I Can Say Is These Puppies Chew Shit Up
The Grim Reaper’s tread pattern is designed to provide maximum grip and traction when tackling tough obstacles like rocks, logs, roots, and mud. Its square center knob design gives you precise steering control while its angled shoulder lugs dig deep into the most slippery of surfaces. The open tread pattern also provides excellent self-cleaning properties which help keep your tires moving even in the muddiest conditions. Combined with a soft rubber compound that improves dampening, this tire can manage all types of terrain with ease. Whether you’re navigating rocky trails or churning through sticky mud, the GBR Grim Reaper has you covered.
Maxxis Zillla – For The Rider Who Wants A Decent Trail Experience But You’re More Concerned About The Mud
The Maxxis Zilla is equipped with an innovative 6-ply radial construction that provides a smooth ride on the trail and superb traction in mud. The radial design also ensures even wear, making it an excellent choice for riders who need to cover long distances in challenging conditions. When it comes to mud riding, the Zilla offers superior grip and handling thanks to its aggressive tread pattern that channels away moisture and dirt so you can stay in control. If you’re looking for a tire that won’t slow you down when you hit the trails, look no further than the Maxxis Zilla! An ideal solution for both mud and trail riding, this tire will provide years of reliable performance without sacrificing speed or agility.
What Size Tires Can I Run On My UTV?
If you’re part of any groups on Facebook or forums on the internet you’ll probably agree with me when I say that this is probably the number one question asked. Everyone wants to run the biggest tires they possibly can. Let’s face it, the bigger the tire you run the more of a badass you look like!
I’m sorry to break it to you… although you may look badass, the performance of your machine may tell a different story.
With that said, when we are looking at what size tire to run on your UTV it’s it’s important to know what tires came stock on your machine. Don’t worry, I’m not about to tell you that is the only tire that you can run. I will however mention that your machine was engineered to operate at it’s best with the stock tires that came with it.
Keep in mind that larger tires require more power to operate which decreases the amount of low end torque available in lower gears. This can also lead to increased clutch wear. In addition, larger tires may rub on body panels or suspension components. The bigger tire size requires more effort from the drive belt and it can result in premature failure. Similarly, increased angles from the larger tires can cause premature axle or wheel bearing failure. Finally, increasing your tire size increases the UTV’s center of gravity, thus increasing the rate of roll-over.
So, now that I’ve scared you away from running bigger tires let’s entertain the idea of going bigger.
If you’re looking to run bigger tires, then the rule of thumb is to stick to a tire size increase of only up to two sizes. While this should be enough for most machines, if you want to go bigger it’s always worth doing your research first to see if anyone has had any luck with running larger tires.
If money isn’t an issue and you’re feeling adventurous, then why not go ahead and unleash your inner beast and fit some ridiculously large tires? You’ll definitely turn heads! After all, who doesn’t like a side by side that looks like an oversized monster truck! Just make sure that you have the right upgrades in place first – otherwise it could end up being a messy (and expensive!) disaster.
What Ply Tire Is Best For A UTV?
Before we get into the best ply tire for a UTV, let’s look at what exactly tire ply refers to.
Tire ply is a measure of tire construction and strength. It refers to the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in a tire which are stacked on top of each other, forming the overall structure that gives tires their shape and protects against punctures. The plies also help determine a tire’s load rating, which is used to measure how much load the tire can safely carry. Higher ply ratings indicate that a tire is stronger and more resistant to punctures, making it more suitable for UTV’s and other off-road vehicles.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way I want first mention that I would not run anything less than a 6 ply tire on your machine. You may come across 4 ply tires in your search for a new tire…. Stay away from them! They are designed for ATV’s which are much lighter than your UTV.
For those of us who are looking for tires for everyday trail riding mixed with a little mud, I recommend running either a 6 ply or an 8 ply tire. The lighter weight 6 ply tires provide better maneuverability and a smoother ride, while the 8 ply tires are ideal for rocky terrain or areas with debris that could puncture your tires.
Our Conclusion On The Best UTV Tires For Trail And Mud
Finding the best UTV tires for trail and mud riding can be a real pain in the butt. Sure, tires are just rubber circles of treads and air, but the right set will make all the difference between an awesome ride or an unforgettable day of pain and agony. And while some may think that choosing the right tire is as easy as picking up any old circular thing with a tread pattern on it, in reality you should be paying attention to things like your riding style, terrain, tire construction, tread patterns, ply rating, tire size and machine weight.
We’ve done all the research for you, so you can spend more time riding! Our top pick for the Best UTV Tire for Trail and Mud is The 8 ply Maxxis Carnivore. This tire offers excellent performance in mud and whatever terrain the trail can throw at you. If you prefer something a little less intense, then the 6 ply Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 is also an excellent option that can handle both mud and trail riding with ease.
So there you have it! UTV tire shopping made easy. Now, all you need to do is pick your favorite tread pattern, and size, and you’ll be ready to hit the trails in no time!