BF Goodrich All Terrain Tires: How to Choose the Right Size and Model

BF Goodrich all terrain tires are a common choice for trucks and SUVs that see both pavement and dirt, and this guide walks you through picking the right model and size for your vehicle. By the end, you will know how to read a tire’s sidewall, match load and speed ratings to your rig, understand what the tread pattern is built for, and avoid the fitment mistakes that cause rubbing, vibration, or premature wear. Most of the work is simply reading the numbers already printed on your current tires and your door jamb sticker.

Why BF Goodrich All Terrain Tires Are Worth Understanding First

BF Goodrich, now part of the Michelin group, has built its all-terrain line around a balance of on-road quietness and off-road bite. The name shows up on many light truck and SUV specs, so knowing how to read a BF Goodrich tire size is a skill that carries over from one model to the next. Before you look at tread blocks or sidewall styles, get comfortable with the size code, because a tire that fits your wheels and clears your fenders matters far more than any single tread feature.

Owners often report that the biggest decisions come down to three things: overall diameter, load capacity for the weight they carry, and how aggressive the tread should be for the terrain they actually drive. Work through those in order.

Step 1: Read Your Current Tire Size Correctly

Every passenger and light truck tire carries a size code molded into the sidewall. A common example looks like LT285/70R17. Here is what each part means:

• LT stands for light truck. P-metric sizes (for example P265/70R17) are used on many SUVs and crossovers.
• 285 is the section width in millimeters, measured from sidewall to sidewall.
• 70 is the aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 70 percent of the section width.
• R indicates radial construction, which is standard on modern tires.
• 17 is the wheel diameter in inches.

After the size, look for the load index and speed rating, such as 121/118S. The first number (121) is the single-tire load index, and the second (118) is the dual-tire rating. Many light truck tires are marked with a load range such as C, D, or E as well. Match or exceed these figures when you shop. Never go below your original load index, especially if you tow or carry heavy gear.

Step 2: Confirm the Right Size for Your Vehicle

Your vehicle’s door jamb placard lists the factory tire size and recommended cold inflation pressure. The owner’s manual repeats this information. Use it as your baseline.

Checking Overall Diameter

Changing tire diameter affects speedometer accuracy, transmission behavior, ABS and traction control calibration, and ground clearance. A common guideline is to stay within about three percent of the original overall diameter. You can calculate it with this formula:

Overall diameter (inches) = (section width in mm × aspect ratio ÷ 100 × 2 ÷ 25.4) + wheel diameter in inches

For a 285/70R17, the sidewall is roughly 199.5 mm, which is about 7.85 inches. Doubled, that is 15.7 inches, plus 17 inches of wheel gives an overall diameter near 32.7 inches.

Checking Wheel Width and Offset

Wheel width determines how the tire’s sidewall sits and how much tread is exposed. Tire manufacturers publish a recommended rim width range for each size. Mounting a tire outside that range can cause uneven wear, a squirrelly feel on pavement, or sidewall stress on rough terrain. If you change wheel width or offset, check fender clearance at full steering lock and at full suspension compression.

Step 3: Match the Tread Pattern to Your Driving

All-terrain tires sit between highway tires and dedicated mud terrains. Read the tread design with your real driving in mind.

• Mostly pavement, occasional gravel: A tighter tread pattern with more solid shoulder blocks will be quieter and wear more evenly.
• Equal mix of street and trail: A classic all-terrain block pattern with moderate void area is the sweet spot.
• Frequent mud, rocks, or deep snow: Larger blocks, deeper grooves, and more sidewall siping suit heavier off-road use, though expect more road noise.

Sidewall construction matters too. Owners who run lower pressures on rocky trails often prefer reinforced sidewalls, which resist cuts and punctures better than standard load-range tires.

Step 4: Plan for Load, Pressure, and Towing

Look up the maximum load on the tire sidewall and compare it with your vehicle’s gross axle weight rating, not just its curb weight. Add up the weight of passengers, cargo, roof racks, bumpers, winches, and any tongue weight from a trailer. If your loaded axle weight approaches the tire’s rating, step up one load range or consult the manufacturer.

Inflation follows the load. Start with the vehicle placard pressure, then adjust using the tire manufacturer’s load-inflation chart when you carry extra weight or change tire size. Check pressures cold, before the vehicle has been driven for any distance.

Step 5: Verify Fitment Before You Commit

Before mounting, complete this checklist:

1. Confirm the new size’s overall diameter is within about three percent of stock.
2. Check that the load index equals or exceeds the original.
3. Verify the rim width falls inside the manufacturer’s approved range.
4. Measure fender and wheel-well clearance with the vehicle loaded and turned fully left and right.
5. Check for interference with suspension components, brake lines, and the frame at full compression.
6. Confirm the tires have a spare-compatible size if you carry a matching spare.

Comparison Table: Common Sidewall and Tread Choices

Driving Mix	Tread Style	Typical Trade-Off
Mostly on-road	Tighter block pattern	Quieter, longer wear, less bite in mud
Balanced street and trail	Classic all-terrain blocks	Good traction across conditions, moderate noise
Heavy off-road	Deep voids, large shoulder lugs	Strong grip, louder, faster shoulder wear on pavement
Rock crawling	Reinforced sidewalls	Better cut resistance, stiffer ride, heavier tire

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Going oversize without a lift: Larger tires can rub at full lock or in suspension compression. Measure first.
• Ignoring the load rating: A tire with a lower load index than stock can overheat under towing or heavy payloads.
• Skipping a speedometer and calibration check: Significant diameter changes throw off speed readings and can affect systems that rely on wheel speed.
• Setting pressure from the tire sidewall: The number molded on the sidewall is the maximum, not the recommended operating pressure.
• Rotating inconsistently: Directional or asymmetric tread designs need to stay on their intended sides, so check the rotation pattern.
• Mixing tread types on one axle: This can affect handling and stability, especially in wet or slippery conditions.

Tips for Longer Tire Life

• Check and adjust pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
• Rotate on the interval your vehicle manufacturer recommends, often every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
• Get an alignment after installing new tires or after any suspension change.
• Inspect sidewalls and tread after off-road trips for cuts, bulges, and embedded rocks.
• Keep a record of mileage and rotation dates so you can judge wear rate accurately.

Recommended Gear

A few supplies make ownership easier. A quality digital tire gauge lets you set pressures accurately, which is especially important when you run lower pressures on trail. A portable 12-volt air compressor lets you re-inflate after airing down. A tire plug kit gives you a field fix for a small puncture before you reach a shop. A torque wrench helps you tighten lug nuts to the specification in your owner’s manual, which protects wheels and studs.

• A digital tire pressure gauge helps you set accurate cold pressures. View on Amazon
• A portable 12-volt tire inflator lets you re-air after trail use. View on Amazon
• A tubeless tire plug kit handles small punctures in the field. View on Amazon
• A click-type torque wrench helps you hit the correct lug nut torque. View on Amazon

For related reading, see 9 Best All Terrain Off Road Tires for Trucks and SUVs (2026) for a wider comparison, 7 Best All Terrain Pickup Tires for Trucks and Off-Road Use (2026) if you mostly drive a pickup, and 10 Best All Terrain Tires for Truck Owners in 2026 to compare tread designs side by side. Owners looking at smaller platforms may also find 6 Best All Terrain Vehicle Tires of 2026: Expert Picks for Trail and Street useful.

FAQ

What does LT mean on BF Goodrich all terrain tires?

LT stands for light truck. These tires are built with stronger sidewalls and higher load capacity than standard P-metric tires, which suits pickups, larger SUVs, and vehicles that carry or tow heavy loads.

Can I put a larger size on my truck without a lift?

Sometimes, but only after checking clearance. Measure fender gap at full steering lock and full suspension compression. Keep overall diameter within about three percent of stock and recalibrate your speedometer if the change is larger.

How do I know if the load rating is enough?

Compare the tire’s load index and load range with your vehicle’s gross axle weight rating. Include passengers, cargo, accessories, and any trailer tongue weight. If you are close to the limit, choose a higher load range.

What tire pressure should I run?

Start with the cold pressure listed on your door jamb placard. Adjust for load and for the tire manufacturer’s guidance. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the sidewall as your everyday setting.

How often should I rotate all terrain tires?

Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s interval, which commonly falls between 5,000 and 7,500 miles. Check your tire’s rotation diagram if it is directional or asymmetric.

Do all terrain tires wear faster than highway tires?

They often wear faster because of their deeper, more open tread and softer compounds. Regular rotation, correct pressure, and an alignment check help them last longer.

Do I need an alignment after installing new tires?

An alignment is a good idea after mounting new tires, especially if the size or wheel changed. It helps prevent uneven wear and keeps steering stable. Have it done by a qualified alignment shop.

Should I consult a professional before changing tire size?

Yes, especially when changing diameter, wheel width, or suspension height. A tire shop or alignment specialist can check clearance and calibration, and your vehicle’s dealer or a qualified technician can confirm compatibility with safety systems.

Conclusion

Choosing BF Goodrich all terrain tires comes down to reading your current size, matching load and speed ratings, and picking a tread that suits how you really drive. Check diameter, rim width, and clearance before you buy, and keep pressures and rotations on schedule after installation. Follow those steps and you will end up with tires that grip well, wear evenly, and fit your vehicle safely.

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