• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

TireTerrain

  • Home
  • Comparisons & Reviews
  • All-Terrain Tire Decision Tool
  • Pro Tips
  • About
Home » Comparisons & Reviews » Best 275/65R18 Tires for Trucks | Fitment & Load Range Guide

Best 275/65R18 Tires for Trucks | Fitment & Load Range Guide

Updated: November 11, 2025 by Emrecan Gurkan Leave a Comment

If you drive something like an F-150, Tundra, Silverado, or 4Runner, you already know this size is everywhere. It’s the sweet spot for half-ton trucks and full-size SUVs that spend their lives doing a bit of everything — weekday commuting, weekend trips, towing, or light off-roading. The right tire in this size can change the whole feel of your truck, making it ride smoother, steer tighter, or dig harder when the pavement ends.

This article blends real-world test data, owner comments, and forum insights specific to the 275/65R18 size. I pulled from hundreds of discussions, verified performance tests, and yes, used a bit of AI to bring it all together into something actually useful. You’ll find both SL and XL load range options here for drivers who want a comfortable daily setup, and LT (E-rated) picks for heavier-duty towing or off-road builds. Whether your truck is bone stock or lifted a few inches, this guide helps you match the tire to your actual use case — not just the marketing claims. And I’ll admit it, sometimes I pick looks over performance too, lol.

Quick Look – Best 275/65R18 Tires by Load Range & Use Case

Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 (XL) – Quietest and most fuel-efficient choice for daily commuting and highway trucks.

Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT (SL) – Smooth ride for daily trucks; E-load adds extra towing stability.

General Grabber APT (SL / E) – Calm on the highway with dependable wet and slush traction; great price-to-performance balance.

Toyo Open Country A/T III (C / E / SL) – The do-it-all tire; mild off-road grip, confident rain handling, and excellent treadwear.

Nitto Terra Grappler G3 (C / E / SL) – Everyday all-terrain for mild towing and year-round traction without harsh ride quality.

Falken Wildpeak A/T4W (E / SL) – Confident winter traction, quiet highway ride, and balanced handling across surfaces.

Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT (XL / E) – Excellent for snow, gravel, and mild mud; 3PMSF rated with strong highway manners.

Nitto Ridge Grappler (XL / E) – Perfect hybrid for leveled trucks — aggressive look, confident stance, and highway composure.

Understanding Load Ranges for 275/65R18 Tires

This size fits everything from half-ton trucks to lighter-duty ¾-tons, so picking the right load range changes how your truck feels day to day. Here’s what matters before choosing.

SL (Standard Load) – Found mostly on OEM highway tires. Great for daily driving, light payloads, and smoother ride comfort. Common on stock F-150, Tacoma, and 4Runner setups.

XL (Extra Load) – Slightly stiffer sidewalls for improved steering and towing under moderate weight. Ideal for drivers running campers, towing light trailers, or carrying gear often.

C Load Range – Midpoint between comfort and strength. It’s the “sweet spot” for mild off-roaders and those who tow occasionally but still want flexible ride quality on pavement.

E Load Range (10-Ply Rated) – Designed for towing and heavy-duty use. Perfect for F-250s, Silverados with campers, or drivers who value stability and sidewall protection over ride softness.

Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 – The “Not-So-A/T” That Still Makes Sense

Close-up tread view of the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 tire, highlighting its highway-focused pattern built for longevity, smooth ride quality, and year-round traction on ½-ton trucks.
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 on a light-duty truck — designed for drivers who prioritize long tread life, quiet performance, and dependable stability for daily driving or towing.

Alright, I know this isn’t a true all-terrain tire — but hear me out. After digging through real driver feedback, test reports, and owner surveys, I can confidently say the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 is probably the best fit for most of you running 275/65R18s. It’s available only in XL and E load ranges, and unless you’re hauling something heavy every weekend, XL is the smarter choice.

Michelin Defender LTX M/S2

Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 tire
Compare prices:
Tire Rack
Free road-hazard coverage Authorized Michelin dealer
Amazon
Prime shipping Easy returns & warranty support

Here’s why I recommend it: the Defender LTX M/S2 lasts forever and still handles light off-road duty better than most “comfort” tires. It rides smoother than any E-rated tire I’ve tested, and on cold, wet mornings, it grips like a proper premium touring tire. The XL version weighs less and flexes better, so it feels controlled without punishing your suspension. The E-load version, though, is nearly 10 lbs heavier and built for heavier towing — great for stability, but expect a small MPG hit.

So, if your truck spends 90% of its time on pavement and the rest cruising down dirt or gravel, this tire nails the balance between comfort, grip, and tread life. It’s the kind of set you forget about because it just works — quietly, efficiently, and long after cheaper tires wear out.

Best Use Cases

  • Daily driving on half-ton pickups and full-size SUVs

  • Light towing without the stiffness of LT casings

  • Drivers prioritizing comfort, longevity, and fuel efficiency

Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 – 275/65R18: XL vs E Load Range Specs

SpecificationXL Load RangeE Load Range (LT)
Service Description116T123/120S
Load RangeXLE
Max Load2,756 lbs3,415 lbs
Tread Depth12.5/32″14/32″
Tire Weight40 lbs50 lbs
Country of OriginUnited StatesUnited States
Fitment & Rubbing Notes✅ Very Low Difficulty — Both versions fit OEM setups perfectly. XL offers the best comfort and fuel efficiency for daily use, while the E-load adds strength for towing or heavier payloads without any rubbing concerns.

Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT – Street-Smart A/T for Everyday Use

Close-up of Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail A/T tire mounted on a GMC Sierra, showing all-terrain tread designed for daily comfort and weekend adventures.
Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail A/T on a GMC Sierra — a refined all-terrain tire built for drivers who balance highway comfort with light off-road exploration.

The Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT is what I’d call the perfect “daily truck tire.” It looks rugged enough to pass as an all-terrain, but it behaves more like a high-end all-season on the road. Available only in SL load range, it carries up to 2,756 lbs per tire with a 13/32″ tread depth, making it ideal for half-ton trucks and SUVs that stay mostly on pavement. That lighter construction helps steering feel more direct and prevents the front end from feeling heavy like it can with E-rated casings.

Cooper Discoverer Road + AT Trail

Cooper Discoverer Road + AT Trail tire
Compare prices:
Amazon
Prime shipping Direct from brands
Tire Rack
Free road-hazard coverage Backed by Discount Tire
SimpleTire
Financing options Local installers

Cooper built this tire using a silica-infused compound and multi-angle micro-siping, which is why it’s so composed in the rain. It keeps grip steady under throttle and braking, and the rounded shoulder design helps it transition smoothly through corners. The tread isn’t overly aggressive, so it doesn’t hum on the highway — even at 70 mph, it stays quieter than most stock all-terrains. The footprint stays wide and stable, which keeps the truck from wandering on grooved pavement, something lighter A/Ts often struggle with.

This isn’t the tire for crawling rocks or hammering down ungraded roads, and I wouldn’t take an SL casing near a construction site every day. But for owners who just want a great-looking tire that handles rain, light snow, and the occasional gravel road without sacrificing comfort, the Road+Trail AT makes a lot of sense. It’s the tire you forget about — in the best possible way.

Best Use Cases

  • Daily-driven half-ton trucks or SUVs

  • Rain, light snow, and highway driving

  • Drivers prioritizing quiet ride, control, and mileage over heavy towing

Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail A/T – 275/65R18: SL Load Range Specs

SpecificationSL Load Range
Service Description116T
Load RangeSL
Max Load2,756 lbs
Tread Depth13/32″
Tire Weight43 lbs
Country of OriginUnited States
Fitment & Rubbing Notes✅ Very Low Difficulty — Fits stock 18″ factory setups perfectly with no clearance or rubbing issues. Excellent choice for trucks and SUVs focused on comfort, wet traction, and balanced highway stability.

General Grabber APT – Everyday Toughness Without the Extra Weight

Wide circumferential grooves increase hydroplaning resistance

The General Grabber APT sits in a sweet spot between comfort and mild off-road confidence. It’s not a hardcore A/T, but for trucks and SUVs that spend most of their life on pavement, it delivers a refined ride, predictable traction, and enough toughness to handle dirt or gravel roads without worry.

General Grabber APT

General Grabber APT tire
Compare prices:
Amazon
Prime shipping Direct from brands
Tire Rack
Free road-hazard coverage Backed by Discount Tire
SimpleTire
Financing options Local installers

In SL load range, it carries 2,756 lbs with a 12/32″ tread depth and weighs only 42 lbs — one of the lightest tires in this category. That lighter carcass pays off in daily driving: steering feels quick, suspension response stays soft, and fuel economy remains close to stock. Step up to the E-load LT version, and the picture changes. The 3,415-lb capacity, 14/32″ tread, and 51-lb weight bring extra durability for towing or hauling, but also add noticeable firmness over cracks and expansion joints. It’s a trade-off between payload security and comfort, and unless you’re pulling a trailer often, the SL version is simply the better fit for most ½-ton trucks.

Technically, both versions use General’s Duragen™ compound and full-depth traction notches that help in rain and light snow. The APT is 3PMSF-rated, meaning it’s not just an M+S tire with marketing fluff — it actually meets severe-snow certification. In real-world use, it’s smooth and quiet at highway speeds, and the tread resists cupping better than most budget all-terrains. Drivers on F-150 and Silverado forums frequently mention how “it rides like a touring tire but still looks like a truck tire,” which sums up the APT’s design goal perfectly.

Fitment is effortless: the SL model bolts onto stock 18″ setups with zero rubbing or trimming, while the E-load version still clears cleanly but can make lighter suspensions feel busier on broken pavement.

Best Use Cases

  • SL Load Range – Stock half-tons and SUVs prioritizing comfort and daily use

  • E Load Range – Tow rigs or frequent haulers needing added stability

  • Drivers who want dependable all-weather traction without excess road noise

General Grabber APT – 275/65R18: SL vs E Load Range Specs

SpecificationSL Load RangeE Load Range (LT)
Service Description116T123/120S
Load RangeSLE
Max Load2,756 lbs3,415 lbs
Tread Depth12/32″14/32″
Tire Weight42 lbs51 lbs
Country of OriginUnited StatesUnited States
Fitment & Rubbing Notes✅ Very Low Difficulty — Fits stock 18″ wheels with no rubbing or clearance issues. Great for daily driving and light off-road use, even on unmodified trucks and SUVs.

Toyo Open Country A/T3 – The Do-It-All All-Terrain

Toyota Tundra equipped with Toyo Open Country A/T III all-terrain tires, showcasing aggressive tread blocks and off-road-ready stance under night lighting.
The Toyo Open Country A/T III offers balanced traction and comfort, seen here on a Toyota Tundra with gold off-road wheels built for both highway and trail performance.

The Toyo Open Country A/T3 is one of the most balanced tires you can buy for a 275/65R18 setup. It’s versatile, looks the part, and drives with the kind of composure most A/Ts can’t match. Whether you’re on wet asphalt, towing a trailer, or cutting through gravel, the A/T3 feels like a modern hybrid between a highway and off-road tire — steady, quiet, and durable.

Toyo Open Country A/T III

Toyo Open Country AT3 tire
Compare prices:
Amazon
Prime shipping Direct from brands
Tire Rack
Free road-hazard coverage Backed by Discount Tire
SimpleTire
Financing options Local installers

In SL load range, the A/T3 weighs just 41 lbs with a 13.5/32″ tread depth, giving it a smooth and agile ride that pairs perfectly with half-ton trucks or SUVs used for daily commuting. The C-load version adds 10 lbs and a deeper 16.4/32″ tread, firming up the steering and adding a stronger shoulder for light towing or rough gravel use without punishing comfort. If you move up to the E-load, weight rises to 52 lbs with the same deep tread, improving stability under heavy load but reducing ride compliance — expect slightly harsher response over small bumps and slower suspension recovery if you’re not hauling.

All three share Toyo’s cut-and-chip-resistant tread compound, multi-wave sipes, and open-shoulder blocks, which deliver surprisingly strong rain and snow control for a non-3-ply tire. The design maintains even contact pressure across the tread, so it wears evenly and keeps noise low even past 40k miles. On Tacoma and Silverado forums, owners mention how the tire “just feels planted” — confident when cornering in the rain yet flexible enough to soak up daily miles without fatigue.

Fitment is easy: the SL version fits stock suspensions cleanly and rides like OEM, while the C-load feels like a natural upgrade for mild lifts or trucks that tow occasionally. The E-load can brush the liners slightly at full compression, but that’s easily solved with a small leveling kit.

Best Use Cases

  • SL Load Range – Stock trucks needing quiet, refined on-road comfort

  • C Load Range – Balanced towing and mild off-road setups

  • E Load Range – Heavy towing or high-mileage drivers who value durability over softness

Toyo Open Country A/T III – 275/65R18: SL vs C vs E Load Range Specs

SpecificationSL Load RangeC Load Range (LT)E Load Range (LT)
Service Description116T113/110T123/120S
Load RangeSLCE
Max Load2,756 lbs2,535 lbs3,415 lbs
Tread Depth13.5/32″16.4/32″16.4/32″
Tire Weight41 lbs51 lbs52 lbs
Country of OriginUnited StatesUnited StatesUnited States
Fitment & Rubbing Notes✅ Low Difficulty — SL version fits stock setups perfectly and delivers a quiet, comfortable ride.⚙️ Medium Difficulty — C-load adds sidewall stiffness but remains clearance-friendly.🛠️ Medium–High Difficulty — E-load version is heavier and deeper-treaded; may lightly contact liners under compression but clears easily with a small leveling kit.

Nitto Terra Grappler G3 – Everyday Toughness with Smart Load Range Choices

Nitto Terra Grappler G3 tire mounted on a Toyota TRD Pro, designed for balanced on-road comfort and off-road traction.
The Nitto Terra Grappler G3 blends highway comfort with dependable off-road performance, making it ideal for daily-driven trucks and SUVs.

The Nitto Terra Grappler G3 is one of the most balanced daily-driver A/Ts out there — tough enough for light towing, calm enough for highway miles, and priced right for how long it lasts. It comes in SL, C, and E load ranges, all tuned a bit differently. The SL version supports 2,756 lbs with a 13.5/32″ tread, while both the C and E load versions share a deeper 15.9/32″ tread depth for extra longevity and bite under load.

Nitto Terra Grappler G3

Nitto Terra Grappler G3 tire
Compare prices:
Amazon
Prime shipping Direct from brands
Tire Rack
Free road-hazard coverage Backed by Discount Tire
SimpleTire
Financing options Local installers

The SL version is the easy fit — it bolts onto stock 18-inch setups with no trimming and feels the most comfortable around town. The C-load adds slightly stiffer sidewalls and extra tread depth, giving it a confident feel while towing or hitting gravel roads, without punishing your suspension. The E-load brings that full LT durability with higher casing stiffness and load support (up to 3,415 lbs), though you might notice mild liner rub on some half-ton trucks at full steering lock.

On the road, this tire stays calm and predictable. It’s quieter than it looks and tracks well even on grooved highways, while the dual silica compound and full-depth multi-wave siping keep it planted in rain and light snow. Drivers on TacomaWorld and Silverado forums often mention how “it wears forever and stays quiet,” even after 30,000+ miles. It’s not built for hardcore trails, but for daily trucks and weekend adventurers, it nails the comfort–traction balance that most people are really after.

Best Use Cases

  • SL Load Range – Stock or leveled half-tons needing a quiet, stable ride

  • C Load Range – Mild towing or all-weather daily use

  • E Load Range – Heavy-duty use or towing setups where load stability matters most

Nitto Terra Grappler G3 – 275/65R18: SL vs C vs E Load Range Specs

SpecificationSL Load RangeC Load Range (LT)E Load Range (LT)
Service Description116T113/110T123/120S
Load RangeSLCE
Max Load2,756 lbs2,535 lbs3,415 lbs
Tread Depth13.5/32″15.9/32″15.9/32″
Tire Weight43 lbs51 lbs52 lbs
Country of OriginUnited StatesUnited StatesUnited States
Fitment & Rubbing Notes✅ Low Difficulty — SL version fits stock 18″ setups smoothly with quiet on-road performance.⚙️ Medium Difficulty — C-load adds more structure and durability while maintaining clearance.🛠️ Medium–High Difficulty — E-load’s deeper tread and stiffer casing may cause light contact on full lock or compression; minor liner pushback resolves it.

Falken Wildpeak A/T4W – Cold-Weather Grip That Feels Engineered, Not Just Aggressive

Falken Wildpeak AT4W tires mounted on a Lexus GX driving through a snowy forest trail, highlighting the tire’s aggressive tread and winter-ready traction.
The Falken Wildpeak AT4W provides excellent snow and off-road traction, shown here on a lifted Lexus GX overland build equipped for winter exploration.

The Falken Wildpeak A/T4W is more than an update to the A/T3W — it’s a ground-up redesign that behaves like a winter tire on snow yet drives like an all-terrain on dry pavement. The lineup spans SL and E Heavy-Duty load ranges, and the difference between them is night and day once you hit the road.

 

Falken Wildpeak A/T4W

Falken Wildpeak AT4W tire
Compare prices:
Amazon
Prime shipping Direct from brands
Tire Rack
Free road-hazard coverage Backed by Discount Tire
SimpleTire
Financing options Local installers

The SL version carries 2,756 lbs with a 14/32″ tread depth and weighs about 49 lbs, making it the ideal match for stock half-tons or full-size SUVs. It rides soft, stays quiet, and keeps steering response crisp even on lighter suspensions. The E-load HD version ups capacity to 3,415 lbs, deepens tread to 18/32″, and adds 7 lbs of unsprung weight per corner. That extra mass, combined with Falken’s DuraSpec 3-ply sidewall, transforms the tire into a towing and overlanding workhorse — incredibly stable at highway speeds under load, though you’ll feel the stiffness on small bumps or washboard roads.

Underneath the tread, Falken uses a winter-tuned silica compound and 3D Canyon Sipes that interlock under braking and cornering. It’s 3PMSF-rated, meaning it actually passes severe-snow tests, and real-world drivers back that up. On Ram, F-150, and Tacoma forums, owners repeatedly say it’s “as close to a snow tire as an A/T gets.” The tread clears slush fast, resists stone drilling, and holds a confident line in both rain and ice.

Fitment is straightforward: the SL version fits stock setups effortlessly, while the E-load HD may brush inner liners on full compression — easily solved with a small leveling kit or liner pushback.

Best Use Cases

  • SL Load Range – Daily trucks or SUVs needing year-round traction and comfort

  • E Load Range (HD) – Towing, overlanding, or heavy rigs needing max stability

  • Drivers who face snow or mixed climates but still want quiet highway manners

Falken Wildpeak A/T4W – 275/65R18: SL vs E Load Range Specs

SpecificationSL Load RangeE Load Range (HD)
Service Description116T123/120S
Load RangeSLE (Heavy Duty)
Max Load2,756 lbs3,415 lbs
Tread Depth14/32″18/32″
Tire Weight49 lbs56 lbs
Country of OriginThailandThailand
Fitment & Rubbing Notes✅ Low Difficulty — SL version fits all stock 18″ setups comfortably with smooth ride quality.⚙️ Medium–High Difficulty — E-load HD version’s deeper tread and heavier casing may lightly rub liners at full compression; easily resolved with a small leveling kit or liner pushback.

Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT – Everyday Aggression with All-Season Control

Close-up of Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT tire on a GMC Sierra, showing aggressive tread and sidewall design built for all-terrain performance and winter traction.
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT mounted on a GMC Sierra — blending on-road refinement with deep off-road capability and 3PMSF-rated winter traction.

The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT is the tire you pick when you want your truck to look ready for a snowstorm or a job site — but still ride decently on the highway. Positioned between the old DuraTrac and the Wrangler MT/R, it’s Goodyear’s new-generation hybrid A/T designed for year-round traction and ¾-ton toughness without the harshness of a mud tire.

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT tire
Compare prices:
Amazon
Prime shipping Direct from brands
Tire Rack
Free road-hazard coverage Backed by Discount Tire
SimpleTire
Financing options Local installers

In XL load range, this tire carries 2,756 lbs at 50 psi, weighs 50 lbs, and uses a deep 16/32″ tread molded from Goodyear’s TractiveGrip compound. That lighter carcass keeps steering crisp and the ride more forgiving on half-tons like the F-150 or Silverado 1500. It also means you can air it down modestly for snow or beach use without losing composure.

The E-load LT version steps things up — 59 lbs, 18/32″ tread depth, and an 80 psi ceiling, offering a solid 3,415-lb capacity. The extra 9 pounds come from thicker belts and a reinforced sidewall designed for towing or constant payload. You’ll notice a firmer feel on bumps, but it’s rewarded with better stability under heavy trailers or bed weight. That’s why Ram 2500 and Silverado HD owners frequently call it “the tire that doesn’t squirm under load” in towing forums.

Both versions share Goodyear’s 3PMSF winter rating, self-cleaning shoulder lugs, and sawtooth center blocks that maintain grip on icy, slushy, or gravel-covered roads. The XL’s lighter weight improves braking and acceleration response, while the E-load’s additional plies improve puncture resistance — especially on rocky or uneven work surfaces.

Fitment is simple: the XL version fits stock 18″ wheels on half-tons or SUVs with zero rub, while the E-load sits slightly stiffer and may brush inner liners on unlifted trucks at full compression. A minor leveling kit or wheel offset tweak solves it instantly.

Best Use Cases

  • XL Load Range – Perfect for daily drivers, snow-prone regions, and weekend off-roaders

  • E Load Range – Ideal for towing, overlanding, and HD trucks needing maximum load capacity

  • Drivers who want rugged looks, snow traction, and long tread life without full mud tire noise

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT – 275/65R18: XL vs E Load Range Specs

SpecificationXL Load RangeE Load Range (LT)
Service Description116T123/120R
Load RangeXLE
Max Load2,756 lbs3,415 lbs
Tread Depth16/32″18/32″
Tire Weight50 lbs59 lbs
Country of OriginUnited StatesUnited States
Fitment & Rubbing Notes✅ Low Difficulty — XL version fits stock setups easily and provides excellent snow and wet traction for daily use.🛠️ Medium–High Difficulty — E-load version adds weight and a more aggressive tread; may cause light liner or flap rub at full steering lock on stock suspensions, often fixed with minor trimming or a leveling kit.

Nitto Ridge Grappler – The Hybrid That Nails Both Looks and Performance

Close-up of Nitto Ridge Grappler tire showcasing its hybrid tread pattern, deep voids, and reinforced shoulder blocks for rugged off-road performance with on-road comfort.
Nitto Ridge Grappler — the perfect hybrid between mud-terrain aggression and all-terrain refinement, offering powerful grip, durable construction, and a surprisingly quiet highway ride.

The Nitto Ridge Grappler is the tire for drivers who want rugged looks and real-world grip without turning every commute into a drone of noise. It’s technically a “hybrid terrain” — sitting between an A/T and M/T — and that middle ground is exactly why it’s so popular among Tacoma, F-150, and Tundra owners who daily their trucks but still head out on trails or job sites on weekends.

 

Nitto Ridge Grappler

Nitto Ridge Grappler tire
Compare prices:
Amazon
Prime shipping Direct from brands
Tire Rack
Free road-hazard coverage Backed by Discount Tire
SimpleTire
Financing options Local installers

In XL load range, it weighs 45 lbs with a 13.5/32″ tread depth, rated for 2,756 lbs at 50 psi. That lighter construction gives it a noticeably smoother ride than most hybrids and keeps fuel economy reasonable. Drivers on forums often describe it as “quiet for how aggressive it looks,” which comes from the variable-pitch tread pattern that cancels out hum and vibration on asphalt.

Move up to the E-load LT version, and things get tougher — 54 lbs, 16.4/32″ tread, and a stout 3,415-lb load rating. You gain extra puncture resistance and towing stability, but it also firms up the ride considerably. The sidewalls are reinforced with Nitto’s dual-cord cap ply, helping the tire stay stable under heavy load or low-pressure off-road use. That deeper tread gives it a more confident bite in gravel and mud, though it’s still better suited for dirt and rocky trails than deep clay.

Fitment-wise, the XL version fills the fender wells nicely thanks to its wider hybrid shoulder, but remains rub-free on stock setups. The E-load, on the other hand, sits a bit taller and wider; it can rub on front liners or mud flaps at full lock — nothing serious, but a leveling kit or minor trimming is the easy fix.

Both load ranges share stone-ejecting channels, staggered shoulder blocks, and a reinforced inner rib, which together keep traction consistent and treadwear even. The Ridge Grappler isn’t a 3PMSF tire, but it holds its own in light snow — think “get-home” confidence, not deep-blizzard duty.

Best Use Cases

  • XL Load Range – Ideal for daily-driven half-tons and SUVs; smoother ride, great looks, light trail confidence

  • E Load Range – Perfect for towing, hauling, or leveled rigs needing extra sidewall support

  • Drivers who want a tire that looks aggressive but still behaves like a civilized A/T on the highway

Nitto Ridge Grappler – 275/65R18: XL vs E Load Range Specs

SpecificationXL Load RangeE Load Range (LT)
Service Description116T123/120Q
Load RangeXLE
Max Load2,756 lbs3,415 lbs
Tread Depth13.5/32″16.4/32″
Tire Weight45 lbs54 lbs
Country of OriginUnited StatesUnited States
Fitment & Rubbing Notes⚙️ Medium Difficulty — XL version fits stock setups well but runs wider than most A/Ts, with its hybrid shoulder design filling the wheel wells.🛠️ Medium–High Difficulty — E-load variant adds stiffness and width; rubbing on front liners or mud flaps is common at full lock. Minor trimming or a small leveling kit eliminates contact.

Conclusion – Matching Load Range to Real-World Use

When it comes to 275/65R18 all-terrain and highway tires, the best choice depends less on brand loyalty and more on what your truck actually does day to day.
If you’re mostly commuting, hauling light gear, or running errands around town, SL or XL load range tires (like the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 or Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail A/T) make the most sense — they’re lighter, quieter, and easier on fuel.

Drivers who spend more time towing campers, hauling construction loads, or exploring rougher roads should look at C or E load range options such as the Toyo Open Country A/T III, Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT, or Nitto Ridge Grappler. The stiffer sidewalls handle weight and heat better, though they ride firmer and add a few pounds per tire.

For those balancing comfort and confidence, tires like the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W and General Grabber APT hit the sweet spot — smooth on asphalt but ready for light off-road or winter duty when needed.

In the end, your tire choice should reflect how your truck lives, not just how it looks. Matching load range to usage keeps your handling consistent, your MPG steady, and your suspension happy — whether you’re driving a suburban F-150 or a trail-ready Tundra.

❓ 275/65R18 Tire FAQ

Are 275/65R18 tires good for towing?

Yes, but it depends on the load range. If you tow frequently or carry heavy gear, go with C or E load range tires for their stiffer sidewalls and higher pressure ratings. For light towing or family travel trailers, an XL load range tire like the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 handles the job comfortably without killing ride quality.

What’s the difference between SL, XL, C, and E load ranges?

SL (Standard Load) is for lighter SUVs and stock half-tons. XL adds slightly higher pressure capacity for trucks and mild towing. C is an LT (Light Truck) construction with thicker sidewalls for moderate off-road or towing, while E is heavy-duty — the go-to for payloads, trailers, and HD rigs. The trick is matching the tire’s construction to your truck’s use, not just its looks.

Will 275/65R18 tires fit my stock truck?

Yes — this size is factory stock on many F-150, Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, and Tundra trims. You won’t need trimming or lift adjustments with SL, XL, or C load range tires. E-loads can add slight sidewall bulge and extra weight, but still fit cleanly on OEM 18″ wheels.

Can I mix P-metric and LT tires?

Not recommended. LT tires have stiffer carcasses and need higher air pressure, which throws off handling balance if mixed with softer P-metric tires. If you upgrade one axle to LT, do the same on the other for consistent steering feel and braking response.

Which 275/65R18 tire is best for winter?

If you’re after 3PMSF snow traction, go with Falken Wildpeak A/T4W or Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT. Both grip well on ice and slush while keeping noise under control. The Toyo A/T III is also 3PMSF-rated and offers a smoother ride for mild winter climates.

Do E load range tires ride rough?

A bit, yes. The stiffer casing and higher inflation pressures can make small bumps more noticeable. But on heavier trucks or when towing, that stiffness actually improves stability and steering precision. If you’re running a half-ton with no constant payload, XL or C load tires feel better day to day.

Which tire lasts the longest in this size?

Based on test data and owner reports, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 still leads for tread life, followed by the Toyo Open Country A/T III and General Grabber APT. If you rotate regularly and maintain pressures, 70K+ miles isn’t unrealistic for these three.

For those who prefer to see whole market analyze:

  • https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires-for-snow/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-1-2-ton-truck-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-3-4-ton-truck-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-rt-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-tires-for-snow-plowing/
  • https://tireterrain.com/on-road-all-terrain-tires-highway/

A couple of popular size analyses:

  • https://tireterrain.com/best-35x12-50r20-all-terrain-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-285-70r17-all-terrain-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-275-55r20-all-terrain-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/best-275-65r18-all-terrain-tires/

Want to learn more about all-terrain tires:

  • https://tireterrain.com/highway-tires-vs-all-terrain-vs-mud-terrain/
  • https://tireterrain.com/all-season-vs-all-terrain-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/tire-load-index-and-load-range/
  • https://tireterrain.com/lt-tires-vs-passenger-tires/
  • https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-for-daily-driving/
  • https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-snow/
  • https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-loud/
  • https://tireterrain.com/how-long-do-all-terrain-tires-last/
  • https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-rain/
  • https://tireterrain.com/off-road-tire-pressure-load-range-for-every-rig/

Filed Under: All Terrain Tires, Buyer's Guide to the Best Tires Tagged With: 275/65R18, Best Tires, by Size

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Find Tires

Contact Channels

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

High-End Tires by Category

Best All-Terrain Tires

Best Rugged-Terrain Tires

Best Mud-Terrain Tires

Best All-Season Tires for Snow

Best Tires for Snow Plowing

Best Semi-Truck Tires

Categories

Copyright © 2025

  • Disclaimer
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy