The 285/70R17 tire size is undeniably popular, finding its place on large SUVs, Jeeps, and light trucks, including notable vehicles like the 2006-2010 Dodge Ram 2500 Power Wagon, 2021 Ford Bronco Badlands, 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2004-2007 Nissan Titan, 2011-2021 RAM 2500 Power Wagon, and the 2009-2013 Toyota Tundra with the TRD Rock Warrior Package.
However, the challenge lies in the diverse expectations people have for this tire size. Some seek durability and off-road traction, while others prioritize daily driving comfort and light-duty off-road performance. To cater to these varying needs, these tires are available in different specifications and load ranges, ranging from SL, XL, C, D, to even E load range.
In this article, drawing from my experience as a former Bridgestone engineer, I’ll provide insights into this specific tire size and assist you in making informed decisions regarding the best tire and specification selection. Let’s dive in!
- Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac – Best Option for Tundra & 2500 Series
- Toyo Open Country AT3 – Best Longevity for Tundra & 2500 Series
- Nitto Ridge Grappler – Best Looking for Tundra & 2500 Series
- Cooper Discover AT3 XLT – Best Option for Towing & Hauling
- Cooper Discover AT3 4S – Best Option for On-Road Manners
- Toyo Open Country R/T Trail – Best Rugged-Terrain Tire Option for SUVs & Jeeps
- BF Goodrich KO2 – Best Option for SUVs and Jeeps
Nobody Knows Better Than Data
As a former Bridgestone test engineer, I’ve tested hundreds of tires—and trust me, data never lies. Discount Tire Treadwell is a goldmine. Just enter your location and vehicle—boom, it shows you the best picks! You can even prioritize what matters most (comfort, durability, winter traction—you name it).
Want a full walkthrough? Check out my simple guide here—I explain how to use Treadwell to match your exact needs.
A Quick Look to Market
Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | Falken Wildpeak AT3W | Falken Wildpeak AT3W | Falken Wildpeak AT3W | BF Goodrich KO2 | BF Goodrich KO2 | BF Goodrich KO3 | General Grabber ATX | Nitto Recon Grappler AT | Nitto Recon Grappler AT | Kenda Klever AT2 | Sumitomo Encounter AT | Sumitomo Encounter AT | Firestone Destination XT | Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac | Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac | Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx | Firestone Destination AT2 | Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus | Nitto Nomad Grappler | Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S | Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT | BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A | General Grabber APT | Yokohama Geolander AT G015 | Yokohama Geolander AT G015 | Hankook Dynapro AT2 Extreme | Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek | Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek | Nitto Ridge Grappler | Nitto Ridge Grappler | Nitto Ridge Grappler | Toyo Open Country R/T Trail | Toyo Open Country R/T Trail | Kenda Klever R/T | |
Category | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Commercial AT Tire | Commercial AT Tire | Commercial AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire |
Load Range | C | E | SL | C | E | SL | C | E | C | E | E | SL | E | E | SL | E | D | E | E | SL | D | SL | SL | E | SL | SL | E | SL | E | E | SL | C | E | SL | E | C | E |
Weight | 54 lbs | 55 lbs | 47 lbs | 63 lbs | 58 lbs | 50 lbs | 51 lbs | 58 lbs | 56 lbs | 59 lbs | 54 lbs | 48 lbs | 56 lbs | 60 lbs | 52 lbs | 51 lbs | 51 lbs | 60 lbs | 62 lbs | 41 lbs | 55 lbs | 45 lbs | 43 lbs | 55 lbs | 46 lbs | 46 lbs | 54 lbs | 45 lbs | 61 lbs | 57 lbs | 48 lbs | 55 lbs | 55 lbs | 48 lbs | 57 lbs | 56 lbs | 56 lbs |
Tread Depth | 16.5/32″ | 16.5/32″ | 13.6/32″ | 18/32″ | 18/32″ | 13/32″ | 15/32″ | 15/32″ | 15/32″ | 16/32″ | 16/32″ | 13.6/32″ | 14.87/32” | 18/32″ | 13/32″ | 16/32″ | 18″ | 18” | 18.5/32″ | 12/32″ | 15/32″ | 13.4/32″ | 14/32″ | 17/32″ | 12.5/32″ | 14/32″ | 18/32″ | 13/32″ | 15.5/32″ | 18.5/32″ | 16/32″ | 16.4/32″ | 16.4/32″ | 13.5/32″ | 16.5/32″ | 16.5/32″ | 16.3/32” |
Tread Width | 9″ | 9″ | 9″ | 9.6″ | 9.6″ | 9.6″ | 9.3″ | 9.2″ | Add New | 9″ | 9.1″ | 9.2″ | Add New | 9.6″ | 9.6″ | 8.8″ | 9.5″ | 9.2″ | 9.2″ | 9.2″ | 9.3″ | 9.1″ | 9.2″ | 9.2″ | 9.1″ | 9.2″ | 8.9″ | 8.5″ | 8.9″ | 9.4″ | 9.4″ | 8.9″ | 8.9″ | 8.9″ | – | – | Add New |
Made In | United States | United States | Japan | Thailand | China | Thailand | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | Taiwan | Thailand | Thailand | Canada | United States | United States | United States | Costa Rica | Brazil | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | Thailand | Thailand | China | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | Taiwan |
When selecting tires in the 285/70R17 size, it’s essential to consider your vehicle’s load range requirements. Different vehicles have varying load range recommendations, and not following these requirements can lead to issues such as reduced tire lifespan, stability problems, and cupping.
For instance, vehicles like the Jeep Rubicon or Nissan Titan can comfortably handle SL or C load range tires. These are suitable for daily driving and light off-road adventures. On the other hand, heavier vehicles like the Tundra or Ram 2500 require at least a D load range, especially if you plan on engaging in severe off-roading, towing, or hauling.
Load Range | Vehicle Type | Recommended Tire Range |
SL | Jeeps, Light Trucks | Daily Driving, Light Off-Road |
C | Light Trucks | Daily Driving, Light Off-Road |
D | Trucks, SUVs, Heavy Load | Severe Off-Roading, Towing |
E | Heavy Trucks, Towing Vehicles | Towing, Hauling, Off-Road |
Before making your tire selection, it’s highly advisable to double-check your vehicle’s load range requirements: https://www.discounttire.com/#/fitment/vehicle
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac - D Load Range
The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac was initially designed as a commercial all-terrain tire. However, its remarkable appearance and excellent performance in snowy conditions have led people to use this tire for daily driving purposes as well. As a result, finding a D load range Wrangler Duratrac in stock can be quite a challenge. Nevertheless, if you manage to secure one, you won’t be blamed for opting for this tire, even if you’re more of a “mall crawler” than an off-road enthusiast.
| Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac |
|---|
| Commercial AT Tire |
| D |
| 51 lbs |
| 18/32” |
| 9.6″ |
| United States |
The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac stands out as an excellent tire for loose terrain, including mud, snow, and slush. Unlike its E load range counterpart, this tire is marked with the 3PMSF symbol, guaranteeing its winter performance. Moreover, being in the D load range ensures a smooth and comfortable ride.
While the deep and cavitated tread may introduce some noise, the center section design effectively disrupts air circulation, helping to mitigate noise levels. Furthermore, the wider tread pattern of the D load range significantly enhances wet performance compared to the E load range.
In summary, the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is a top choice if you seek to combine daily driving with severe off-roading adventures. Its stability at high speeds may be a minor drawback, although it might not be a critical concern for most users.
BF Goodrich KO2 - Load Range C
The BF Goodrich KO2 is undoubtedly a legendary off-road all-terrain tire that has maintained its leading position since 2015. For those looking to strike a balance between daily driving requirements and moderate off-road performance, I recommend considering the C-load range option.
However, it’s important to note that owners of Toyota Tundra and RAM 2500 vehicles should opt for at least the D load range, so the C range option may not be suitable for their needs.
| BF Goodrich KO2 |
|---|
| Off Road AT Tire |
| C |
| 51 lbs |
| 15/32″ |
| 9.3″ |
| United States |
BF Goodrich KO2(review) is truly an all-around tire capable of handling both on and off-road conditions with ease. Its tread design, while slightly more aggressive than other off-road all-terrain tires, grants it superior off-road performance. However, it may encounter some challenges on wet surfaces due to its aggressiveness.
On the bright side, the tire’s well-optimized tread depth ensures a quiet and smooth ride. Furthermore, its significant aggressiveness translates to excellent snow performance. While it can still be used on heavier vehicles, it’s worth noting that its longevity may not match that of the E load range variant.
Toyo Open Country AT3 - Load Range E
The Toyo Open Country AT3 is another off-road all-terrain tire that I may recommend, particularly for towing and hauling applications. While its pattern isn’t as aggressive as the BF Goodrich KO2, its compact design enables even wear and maintains decent on-road manners at the same time.
| Toyo Open Country AT3 |
|---|
| Off Road AT Tire |
| E |
| 55 lbs |
| 16.5/32″ |
| 9″ |
| United States |
Toyo Open Country AT3(review) emerges as a great option, especially if you don’t frequently find yourself in muddy situations. While it can handle light mud, it occasionally faces self-cleaning challenges when dealing with more challenging terrain. Therefore, if you spend a significant amount of time on the road, this tire is an excellent choice.
It’s important to note that this tire may exhibit slight noise and occasional roughness if the correct PSI (tire pressure) isn’t maintained. While it provides exceptional traction for heavier vehicles, Jeep and large SUV owners might experience a lack of traction on wet surfaces.
Nitto Ridge Grappler - Load Range E
The Nitto Ridge Grappler is a rugged-terrain tire designed to prioritize on-road comfort. It distinguishes itself from competitors by not having the 3PMSF marking, which can result in a slight lack of traction on cold weather surfaces. For this reason, I recommend this tire for larger vehicles where the traction issue is less prominent.
| Nitto Ridge Grappler |
|---|
| Rugged Terrain Tire |
| E |
| 55 lbs |
| 16.4/32″ |
| 8.9″ |
| United States |
Nitto Ridge Grappler(review) stands out as one of the best-looking tires on the market. While it’s generally narrower than competitors, this isn’t the case for this specific size. Its center section features substantial lugs that greatly enhance tire stability, making it an excellent choice for towing or hauling purposes.
Additionally, the increased compound in the center contributes to commendable wet and light snow performance and, more importantly, a smooth and quiet ride. However, there may be instances where the tire spins on wet surfaces in cold weather, especially on hills, if the tire isn’t sufficiently warmed up due to the lack of the 3PMSF marking.
On the flip side, the aggressive pattern of the Nitto Ridge Grappler works exceptionally well in off-road conditions, and the non-3PMSF compound offers impressive wear characteristics.
Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT - Load Range E
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT is an on-road all-terrain tire that prioritizes on-road manners over off-road performance. It serves as the beefed-up version of the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S and is an excellent choice for those who require a tire with enhanced capabilities for towing and hauling purposes.
| Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT |
|---|
| On Road AT Tire |
| E |
| 55 lbs |
| 17/32″ |
| 9.2″ |
| United States |
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT emerges as an excellent heavy-duty truck tire, with its availability limited to the E-load range. While it excels in providing on-road stability thanks to its highway tread pattern, it falls behind the competition on loose ground such as slush or thick mud. Therefore, if your plans involve severe off-roading, it’s advisable to explore other options.
On the flip side, this tire’s ability to put a substantial amount of tread on the ground translates to outstanding wet performance and reduced noise production. I highly recommend this tire if you prioritize excellent on-road manners and year-round performance.
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S - Load Range SL
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is one of the best options in the market if you mostly drive on the highways. As an on-road all-terrain tire, this tire is only available on p-metric sizes which means it’s not that capable for off-roading.
| Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S |
|---|
| On Road AT Tire |
| SL |
| 43 lbs |
| 14/32″ |
| 9.2″ |
| United States |
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S lives up to its name by offering a 4-season performance. While it may not be suitable for heavy-duty 2500 series trucks or the Toyota Tundra, it stands out as an excellent choice for mall crawlers seeking an optimal tire for on-road conditions.
This tire excels in providing excellent traction on wet and light snow surfaces, thanks to its siped and highway-like tread pattern. However, it’s worth noting that its performance might lag behind in deep snow and thick mud conditions.
Toyo Open Country R/T Trail - Load Range C
The Toyo Open Country R/T Trail proves to be a great option for those looking to inject some aggressiveness into their vehicle’s appearance. While it may not boast the best on-road manners, it truly shines in terms of loose ground traction capability, making it a compelling choice for off-road enthusiasts.
| Toyo Open Country R/T Trail |
|---|
| Rugged Terrain Tire |
| C |
| 56 lbs |
| 16.5/32″ |
| ‘- |
| United States |
Toyo Open Country R/T Trail(review) stands out as the best year-round option among rugged terrain tires. While it may not match the fuel efficiency of the Toyo Open Country AT3, it compensates with a more aggressive appearance and superior mud evacuation capabilities. It’s important to note that this tire might offer a slightly rougher ride and a shorter lifespan compared to off-road all-terrain tires. However, its wet and winter handling capability exceeds the competition among rugged terrain tires.
Conclusion
The 285/70R17 tire size offers popular options that cater to a variety of needs. For those seeking superior on-road manners, C and SL load range tires are a better fit, while those requiring severe off-road durability should consider E load range options. It’s essential to keep in mind that while C load range and SL load range tires have similar load-carrying capabilities, they may not be sufficient for 2500 series and Tundra trucks.
I didn’t these tires in my article but if you need affordable options:
A Quick Check List:
- LT sizes have stronger sidewalls. That feature makes them more durable. Yet, these tires offer a rougher ride. (LT vs P-Metric tires)
- XL sizes tend to carry more load and offer better handling. Hence, if you’ll go with p-metric sizes, they might be a better pick for hauling and towing( XL vs SL tires)
- Please pay attention to the load index & load range and speed index. These metrics are essential if you expect decent tread life
- There isn’t a bad tire in the market right now, you should just know what to expect from tires
I hope this article has been informative and assists you in making the right tire choice. If you have any further questions or need additional support, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Safe travels, everyone!
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/
Leave a Reply