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

BFGoodrich all terrain tires are one of the most common upgrades for trucks and SUVs that see both pavement and dirt. This guide walks you through how to match a BFGoodrich all terrain tire to your vehicle, read the sidewall markings, decide between popular tread options, and avoid the mistakes that cause rubbing, vibration or premature wear. By the end, you should have a clear shortlist and the measurements you need to order with confidence.

What “All Terrain” Means for BFGoodrich Tires

An all terrain tire sits between a highway tire and a full mud terrain. It uses a more open tread pattern than a street tire, with deeper voids and stronger shoulder blocks, but it stays quieter and more stable on asphalt than a aggressive mud tire. BFGoodrich has long offered all terrain designs in several tread families, and the right one depends on how you split your time between street, gravel, rock and mud.

Owners often report that all terrain tires are a strong fit for daily-driven rigs that see weekend trails, because they keep road manners reasonable while still biting into loose surfaces. If your truck spends most of its life in deep mud or on steep, rocky climbs, you may want to compare a more aggressive option before committing.

Step 1: Confirm Your Current Tire Size

Start by reading the existing tire. The size is molded into the sidewall in a format like LT285/70R17 or 265/70R17. Break it down as follows:

• Section width (first number): tire width in millimeters, measured across the widest point.
• Aspect ratio (second number): sidewall height as a percentage of the width.
• Construction (R, or LT for light truck): R is radial; LT signals a heavier-duty load range.
• Rim diameter (last number): wheel size in inches.
• Load index and speed rating (after the size): these determine how much weight each tire carries and its top speed rating.

Do not change rim diameter unless you are also changing wheels. Keep the load range at least equal to what the manufacturer specified for your vehicle, and ideally the same or higher if you carry heavy gear or tow.

Step 2: Measure Your Clearance Before You Buy

Bigger tires change your rolling diameter, your fender clearance and your gearing. Before ordering, measure the space between the tire and the fender liner, the front control arms, and the inner fender at full steering lock and at full suspension compression.

1. Park on level ground with the wheels straight and the truck unloaded.
2. Measure from the top of the tire to the fender lip and record it.
3. Turn the steering to full lock in both directions and check for contact.
4. Have a helper bounce the vehicle or drive over a small obstacle while you watch for rubbing.
5. Compare the overall diameter of the new tire to the stock diameter. A difference of more than about 3 percent can throw off your speedometer and transmission shift points.

Manufacturers specify maximum tire sizes for each model, and those numbers assume stock suspension. If you have a lift, your allowable size may be larger, but only if clearance checks confirm it.

Step 3: Choose the Right Tread Family

BFGoodrich organizes its all terrain designs around how much on-road comfort you want versus how much off-road bite you need. The table below summarizes the general tradeoffs to weigh.

Use Case	What to Prioritize	Typical Tradeoff
Mostly street, occasional gravel	Quiet ride, tread life, wet grip	Less bite in deep mud
Balanced daily driver with trails	Open tread, sidewall durability	Some road noise at highway speed
Frequent rock and rough terrain	Stronger shoulders, cut resistance	Heavier, more road noise
Regular mud and soft sand	Deep voids, self-cleaning tread	Reduced wet pavement stability

If you are comparing models, read the tread depth in 32nds of an inch and the load index on the manufacturer spec sheet rather than relying on marketing terms alone. For broader shopping context, see 9 Best All Terrain Off Road Tires for Trucks and SUVs (2026) and 10 Best All Terrain Tires for Truck Owners in 2026.

Checking Sidewall Protection

Trail use puts stress on the sidewall. Look for a reinforced or multi-ply sidewall if you air down or run rocky trails. Owners often report that sidewall punctures are a more common trail failure than tread wear, so a stronger carcass is worth considering even if it adds a little weight.

Matching Load Range to Your Use

Check your door placard for the recommended tire pressure and the vehicle’s gross axle weight rating. Your replacement tires must carry at least the load each axle places on them when fully loaded. When in doubt, a load range E tire gives more margin for towing and camping gear.

Step 4: Set Pressure and Break In the Tires

Inflate to the pressure matched to the load on the tire, not the number printed on the sidewall, which is the maximum. Use the placard pressure for daily driving. If you air down for trail work, typical starting points for light trail use are in the low-to-mid 20s psi, but adjust for weight, tire size and terrain, and always re-inflate before highway driving.

New tires have a mold release coating that reduces grip for the first few hundred miles. Drive gently during break-in, and recheck torque on the lug nuts after about 50 miles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ordering a larger size without checking rubbing at full lock and full compression.
• Ignoring the speedometer and gearing change that comes with a taller tire.
• Choosing a load range lower than the original equipment spec.
• Running max sidewall pressure on the road, which hurts traction and ride.
• Skipping a wheel alignment after installing new tires, which causes uneven wear.
• Failing to rotate tires on schedule, which shortens the life of an all terrain set.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Tires

• Rotate every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or as your manufacturer recommends.
• Keep a tire gauge and a portable compressor in the vehicle.
• Inspect the sidewalls and tread after every trail day for cuts and embedded debris.
• Balance the wheels after mounting, especially at larger sizes.

Recommended gear

These items support a BFGoodrich all terrain install and the trail care that follows.

• Portable tire inflator: A 12-volt compressor lets you re-inflate after airing down without a trip to a station. View on Amazon
• Digital tire pressure gauge: Precise readings matter more when you run lower pressures on trail. View on Amazon
• Torque wrench: Correct lug nut torque prevents wheel stud damage and loose wheels after a new install. View on Amazon

FAQ

Are BFGoodrich all terrain tires good for daily driving?

Yes, for most owners who mix street and light off-road use. They are designed to balance road comfort with trail traction, though they will be louder than highway tires.

How do I know what size BFGoodrich tire fits my truck?

Start with your current size printed on the sidewall, then confirm clearance at full lock and full suspension compression. Check the manufacturer’s maximum recommended size for your model.

Do all terrain tires affect fuel economy?

Typically yes. Heavier, more open tread designs generally reduce fuel economy compared with street tires, and larger sizes add to that effect.

How often should I rotate BFGoodrich all terrain tires?

A common interval is every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Follow the schedule in your owner’s manual or tire documentation.

Can I mix all terrain tires with other tread types?

Manufacturers generally recommend the same tire model and size on all four corners to keep handling and traction consistent.

Do I need to re-align after installing new tires?

It is a good idea, particularly after a size change or lift, to protect the new tires from uneven wear and to keep steering stable.

Should I air down with all terrain tires?

Airing down can improve traction on rocks and sand, but it also increases the risk of sidewall damage and bead unseating. Consult your tire manufacturer’s guidance and a qualified tire shop before making changes to pressure for trail use.

Conclusion

Choosing the right BFGoodrich all terrain tires comes down to matching size, load range and tread style to how you actually drive. Measure clearance, confirm the spec with the manufacturer, and be honest about your split between pavement and trail. A careful install with proper torque and alignment will get you the most from the set.

Related reading

• 7 Best All Terrain Pickup Tires for Trucks and Off-Road Use (2026)
• 6 Best All Terrain Vehicle Tires of 2026: Expert Picks for Trail and Street
• 10 Best All Terrain Tires 275/60R20 for Trucks and SUVs (2026)

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