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Key Points:
- Ford F-150 Lightning is an electric vehicle designed to haul heavy loads and perform in harsh environments.
- The treadwear rating (TWR) is a metric that describes how many kilometers you can drive on the same tire before it is worn out.
- The traction rating describes how well the tire sticks to the ground (or snow) when you’re going slowly or uphill. The higher the number, the better it will stick to the road in poor conditions.
- Your goal when buying tires for your F-150 Lightning is to get the most out of them by selecting the best tires for the driving conditions you might face.
Ford F-150 Lightning is an electric vehicle designed to haul heavy loads and perform in harsh environments. Its tires come in several options, which is why the selection process requires many considerations. These include load capacity, all-terrain capability (especially winter traction), and cost.
In most cases, the tire you select will be either a light truck tire or an all-terrain type tire. If you drive mostly on smooth roads, then the criteria are different than if you live in an area with a lot of mud and snow. Most drivers can get by with just one or two tires, but you may have to replace them several times depending on what kind of roads you drive on. That’s why we’ve ranked and reviewed the best options on the market today.
- Best Overall: BFGoodrich All-Terrain t/A KO2
- Best Ultra-High-Performance: General Grabber UHP
- Best All-Terrain Tire: Hankook DynaPro AT-M
- Best Off-Road: Michelin Defender LTX M/S
- Best for Mud Terrain: Dick Cepek Extreme Country
Best Overall: BFGoodrich All-Terrain t/A KO2
- 123 Load Index. 20% Tougher Sidewalls Featuring CoreGard Technology
- Max Load Lb 3415
- Max Psi 80
- Mountain Snowflake Certified
BFGoodrich All-Terrain t/A KO2 is designed to withstand the challenges of both paved and rough road surfaces. It has a wide tread pattern which gives it good traction in muddy conditions. The tread compound is aggressive, giving it sharp edges, which means the tire can dig into the road surface and give you better traction on wet roads.
In addition, this tire meets the U.S. DOT and SAE standards for traction in all types of weather. It has V-shaped lugs, which provide more ground clearance at highway speeds, allowing you to drive without the risk of hydroplaning. This tire has a 265/75R16 Tread Width, which is why this is one of the best tires for the F-150 Lightning available today.
Winning Features
The sidewall is designed to provide extra protection when the road surface gets wet. This tire has a 129T/125Q design and is made to resist punctures. The tires are available between 14-22 inch sizes, according to the rim fitment. The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire offers an impressive 12,000-mile tread life warranty. According to numerous reviews, you can expect this tire to last around 20,000 miles before it needs replacing. In addition, it’s rated at an average of 3,800 pounds maximum load and has a speed rating of up to 130 mph.
The biggest drawback of this tire is that it runs a little bit hot. This can be a problem when driving in extremely cold temperatures, since heat escapes from the tires much easier than others
Check out BFGoodrich All-Terrain t/A KO2 on Amazon.
Best Ultra-High-Performance: General Grabber UHP
- This product is not for sale in the state of Arkansas
General Grabber UHP is designed for the F-150 Lightning but is also available for many other vehicles. It’s a good choice for anyone who needs extra traction on roads when driving in rain, snow, and mud. In fact, the tread design has two channels to help push mud away as you drive.
The tire carries a warranty of one year. It’s made in the United States and comes mounted on a rim with a 4.5″x14″ bolt pattern. The tread design is open, which provides a larger contact surface with the road. It has three ribs which help keep the sidewall straight. The tire has an outside diameter of 54 inches and a width of 30.5″. The inner tire height is 4.34″.
The tire is available in several sizes and prices. It weighs 75 pounds, has a maximum load capacity of 3500 pounds, and an 8-ply rating. The recommended inflation pressure for the tire is 38 psi for a load rating of 1000 pounds. You can use the same inflation pressures for half the load rating. For example, you should use 36 psi for a load of 500 pounds. The manufacturer recommends inflation pressures between 18 to 22 psi when the vehicle is equipped with an air suspension system.
This tire offers the best ultra-high performance. It’s worth considering if you’re looking for a budget option since it has decent pricing. The cost for the General Grabber UHP radial tire is about $177.92. The drawback is that the model has a semi-knobby tread and can wear faster than other tires. What’s more, it has a soft compound that works well in the rain, but doesn’t handle snow very well.
Check out General Grabber UHP on Amazon.
Best All-Terrain Tire: Hankook DynaPro AT-M
- Made in South Korea
- Tread wear : 60, 000 miles
- Package Height: 10.5"
- Package Length: 31.6"
- Biting block edges : Provides more traction and excellent snow performance.
The Hankook DynaPro AT-M is the best all-terrain tire that was designed especially for off-road driving. It works well on many different terrains and in extreme conditions. The tire is equipped with tread elements that can adapt to the road surface and provide superior handling, stability, and grip. Its all-terrain capability makes it one of the best tires for Ford F-150 Lightning.
It can be used in mud, snow, loose gravel, or rocky trails. But, even though Hankook states that the tire is a performance all-terrain tire, it is not recommended for owners looking for a low-profile replacement for their original tires.
High-Tech Features
The Hankook Dynapro AT2 RF11 tire is packed with many high-tech features. One of the best ones is the double steel belt which enhances its durability and lowers the possibility of tire ruptures. This belt works together with the blocks to improve braking and acceleration in wet conditions. In addition, Hankook tires excel at heavy use because they are made from the highest quality materials.
They last for a long period of time and retain their grip well throughout their life. They’re also designed for long-lasting performance and a more enjoyable driving experience in all types of road conditions. The main drawback of this tire is its cost. It’s a premium option that costs more than any other all-terrain tire on the market. Its advantage over the others is the long tread profile that withstands cold conditions better.
Check out Hankook DynaPro AT-M on Amazon.
Best Off-Road: Michelin Defender LTX M/S
- Radial car tire for Light Trucks, SUVs and Crossovers designed for All-Season use; provides exceptional grip for shorter braking distances on wet roads
- More Mileage- MICHELIN EverTread Compound provides 10% more longevity in severe conditions, compared to its predecessor.
- Reduced risk of hydroplaning- outstanding grip for improved braking performance on wet roads and better traction on snow when compared to leading competitors.
- Fuel-efficient and eco-friendly- Features MICHELIN MaxTouch Construction to save up to 65 gallons of fuel over the tire's life
- 70,000 Miles Manufacturer's Treadwear Limited Warranty; 6 Year Standard Limited Warranty; 235/65R18 106T
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S is the best off-road directional tire. Designed for heavy trucks and SUVs, it has a large and aggressive tread pattern with extra deep grooves. This allows excellent traction on both wet and snowy roads. The tire also has large, open block siping that releases water quickly to reduce hydroplaning and wet traction loss.
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S also has sturdy shoulders to provide traction when carrying heavy loads in bad weather or off-road conditions. In addition, it has a directional tread pattern and a unique groove design, which includes large shoulder blocks, reinforced sidewalls, and wide steel belts. These protect against punctures and cuts that commonly occur on tires that are subject to heavy load changes.
Durability
The Defender also has a convenient foldable bead that makes it easier to store the tire when not in use. It’s available in sizes from 14-inch up to 26-inch. The Defender LT-X has a load range from 69 to 109, and a deep tread depth, making it ideal for mud, dense snow, and wet weather. It was introduced in 2015 and is guaranteed by Michelin to be serviceable for at least 32/32K miles. In fact, the grooves in the tread have been widened and deepened to provide better handling on wet roads.
The main disadvantage is that the Michelin Defender is quite heavy and may be unsuitable for smaller SUVs.
Check out Michelin Defender LTX M/S on Amazon.
Best for Mud Terrain: Dick Cepek Extreme Country
- Proven compound with extra tread depth provides excellent traction and long life
- Two-Ply Next Generation High Tensile enhances sidewall strength without adding weight, rolling resistance, heat build-up or ride harshness
- Wide outer void and angled shoulder scallops provide ultimate off-road traction and self-cleaning ability
- Tighter inner void/large surface area tread elements provide greater contact area for better handling and a quieter ride
The Dick Cepek Extreme Country tire is a great option when you want to meet the needs of a busy family. It has a great grip on both dry and wet roads, and the tire is made with quality components that last for a long time. As a result, it’s guaranteed to give you a stable ride. It’s also constructed with a strong grip and high-density materials that retain its shape even on bumpy roads. What’s more, the sidewalls of the tires are extra thick and well-reinforced to protect the rims from damage.
The all-terrain tires of the Dick Cepek Extreme Country Series have an awesome tread design. They’re made with a blend of rubber compounds that are specifically designed to handle various terrains and conditions. In addition, the deep grooves are good for providing greater traction and grip in wet conditions. While you shouldn’t expect to do serious off-roading with these tires, they’re an excellent mid-range option.
Premium Design
They’re also not a bad choice if you want a more stylish tire than the original F-150 tires. There are many positive customer reviews of these tires, and they tend to cost a little less than some other all-terrain options. The Dick Cepek Extreme Country is quite heavy, weighing about 48 pounds. This means that it can be used to tow or haul things, but it will make your drive more laborious than other options.
When it comes to the price, this tire is a little bit expensive. In fact, you can get the same value from competing options at a lower price. Nevertheless, the main attraction of this tire is its five rows of biting edges that make the driving experience unique. The deep grooves help keep traction on uneven surfaces, and it helps keep water away from the treads. This provides a smooth ride in many different conditions and situations.
The main drawback of this tire is that it isn’t as puncture resistant as some of the other options. It also may not be the best option if you’re going to be driving through a lot of gravel or dirt.
Check out Dick Cepek Extreme Country on Amazon.
How To Pick The Best Tires For The F-150 Lightning: Step by Step
This section will cover the basics of choosing a tire for your F-150 Lightning. If you need to replace your tires, pay close attention to:
- The Treadwear Rating (TWR)
- Traction Rating (TR)
- Load Index (LI)
- Tire Size
- Speed Rating
When you do the comparison, make sure you know how these numbers relate to your vehicle’s specs.
Let’s review each factor in more detail.
The Treadwear Rating (TWR)
The treadwear rating (TWR) is a metric that describes how many kilometers you can drive on the same tire before it is worn out. The higher the number, the longer you can use your tires. Remember that treadwear increases with speed and rolling resistance. The minimum treadwear rating is 200. The maximum is 860.
Traction Rating (TR)
The traction rating describes how well the tire sticks to the ground (or snow) when you’re going slowly or uphill. The higher the number, the better it will stick to the road in poor conditions. A higher traction rating is a must for these tires to work well. Take this into consideration if you’re driving in conditions that require cruise control.
Load Index (LI)
Load index is how much weight your tire can carry before it degrades its traction. The lower the LI, the more it can carry before it fails. This number is usually found on the side of your tire and will be followed by a letter (eg. D). This letter refers to the maximum inflation pressure for that tire. A higher load index will typically result in better traction and longer tread life.
Tire Size
A tire’s size affects many aspects of vehicle performance and handling. For example, a bigger tire will have more contact with the road in adverse conditions such as mud, snow, or ice. A bigger tire is also better for hauling heavy loads. The maximum size for the F-150 Lightning is 255/70R17.
Speed Rating
Speed ratings are governed by the U.S. government and specify how fast a tire can go in ideal conditions. Tires with a high-speed rating will have a shorter tread life because they contain softer rubber compounds and fewer plies of material that add strength to the tire’s sidewalls. The speed rating is part of the tire’s sidewall. The higher the number, the faster the tire can go. The minimum speed rating is V and the maximum is W.
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What To Know Before Buying Tires For The F-150 Lightning
Your goal when buying tires for your F-150 Lightning is to get the most out of them by selecting the best tires for the driving conditions you might face. You need to know about your vehicle and about tires in general before you begin shopping for tires online. It’s important to have an understanding of your vehicle along with tire terminology and tire tread patterns. It’s also helpful to know general tire performance on different surfaces.
Your F-150 Lightning is a truck, designed to haul heavy loads. This can put a lot more stress on the tires than on your family car. That is why you will probably replace your truck’s tires more often than you would when driving a car in the same mileage range. You will probably also have to replace them sooner than anyone with a standard passenger car.
Using Tires For The F-150 Lightning: What it’s Like
The tires for the F-150 lightning are a great choice for people who live in the city, where there is lots of asphalt. Most people don’t drive their F-150 Lightning on dirt roads and try to keep their fuel mileage as high as possible. Just about every driver will know what a difference it makes to have good tires when driving in deep snow. You can also have great traction from your F-150 Lightning when you need to haul heavy loads and frequently transport items like wood or lumber.
Your tires will also help you maintain better traction on ice and when the road is wet. The most important factor to think about with your F-150 Lightning is your vehicle’s weight. You should consider the weight of your vehicle when deciding which tires are suitable for it. You should also pay attention to how much snow falls in your area and how often in the wintertime.
The type of driving you do on an everyday basis will probably have an impact on your decision about the various options. It’s important to remember that you are not limited to just one type of tire for your F-150 Lightning.
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