Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT, a rugged terrain tire, boasts a stiff sidewall and commendable winter performance. Its popularity among heavy-duty truck users is largely due to its PowerPly XD 3-ply sidewall internal structure. However, its aggressive and hefty design may not suit everyone. In this article, I’ll delve into my personal insights about this tire and offer some practical advice on size selection.
| Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT | |
|---|---|
| Best for | Combination of severe off-roading, comfortable and quiet driving experience |
| Pros | Handling capability, Slippery conditions traction Low noise, Appearance, Loose ground traction capability |
| Cons | Fuel efficiency, Open to chunking after a long term usage |
| Vehicle | Light trucks, Full-size SUVs, Jeeps |
| Available Sizes | 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”, 22”, 24” |
| Made In | United States |
| Warranty | 60,000 miles |
| 3PMSF | Yes (for 315 (12.50) or lower width) |
| Test Report | Tire Rack Test Report |
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT impressively combines excellent wet and winter performance with an aggressive look. Its responsiveness and cornering stability are top-notch, though it could benefit from a bit more lateral grip on gravel. While its lifespan might fall short of the warranty claims, this tire is an ideal choice if you’re seeking off-road mud tire performance coupled with a reasonable noise level and ride comfort. However, it’s worth noting that the Baja Boss AT may not be the best choice for those prioritizing fuel efficiency.
All-Terrain Tires Cheat Sheet
Finding the ideal all-terrain tire among the plethora of options available can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, my team and I have taken on this challenge head-on. Besides our hands-on experiences with these tires, we also analyze thousands of customer reviews and test reports.
Please note that: Light-Duty is 1500 series, Medium-Duty is 2500 series and Heavy-Duty is 3500 series. If you do towing or hauling, I recommend considering at least Medium-Duty tires.
Mobile users can scroll the table to the left to see the whole data.
For those who prefer a more textual representation and dislike sifting through tables of data:
- 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/
A couple of popular size analyses:
- https://tireterrain.com/best-35×12-50r20-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/
Table of Contents
Things to Know
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT falls into the category of a rugged terrain tire, positioning it between mud-terrain and all-terrain types. Notably, sizes of 315 (12.50) width or smaller are marked with the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol, indicating enhanced winter performance, while larger sizes are not. Additionally, both LT (Light Truck) and P-metric sizes of the Baja Boss AT come with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty. It’s also worth mentioning that this tire is manufactured in the USA, reflecting its commitment to quality.
Wet Performance
E load range Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT is notably heavy; even heavier than the Falken Wildpeak AT3W by almost 6 lbs. This is primarily due to its wider tread pattern, which is also about 0.5/32” taller compared to the AT3W.
Distinctively, the Baja Boss AT features a completely asymmetrical tread design. Unlike other rugged terrain tires, its center section is more segmented, significantly increasing the number of biting edges. This design, coupled with additional siping on both the shoulder and center section lugs, results in strong braking capabilities.
Concerned about hydroplaning with its wide design? The tire’s deep, sectional pattern excels in water evacuation. However, remember that hydroplaning is a risk with any tire at high speeds, so caution is always advisable.
In summary, the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT stands out as an exceptional tire for wet surfaces.
Snow Performance
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT’s 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) marking is a rarity among rugged terrain tires, making it stand out in its category.
Despite its slightly stiff compound, the tire has a good number of sipes, which initially had me concerned about its light snow traction. However, it handles light snow conditions exceptionally well, possibly outperforming other rugged terrain tires in this aspect.
In deep snow and slush, the Baja Boss AT truly excels. It easily chews through snow or mixed snow and mud, thanks to its high self-cleaning capability.
As for ice, while it may not be the best, it still provides reliable safety, ensuring you can get home safely at speeds below 50 mph.
Overall, in my view, the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT is the top rugged terrain tire for winter conditions.
Road Noise and Riding
To be candid, the ride with the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT felt a bit rough, likely due to its E load range. While the extra ply in the flotation and LT metric sizes enhances road stability, it also results in a stiffer ride.
On a different note, the sectional lugs may exhibit some squirm under loaded conditions, but in my experience, they’ve performed satisfactorily.
As for noise, I was bracing for more, given its aggressive design and deep tread. Although it’s commendably quiet for an asymmetrical tire, when compared to the Toyo Open Country AT3 or Falken Wildpeak AT3W, it’s a bit noisier.
In summary, the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT, as expected, provides a ride that’s slightly rough and noisier.
Off Road Performance
One of the standout advantages of the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT is its robust sidewalls. This feature allows for a bit more flexibility(it can handle 3-4 PSI less) in airing down the tires, which, in turn, creates a larger contact area for enhanced traction. Plus, the tire’s extremely beefy and aggressive sidewall design further improves traction on loose surfaces.
In air-down conditions, its deep and wide tread design enables it to float effectively, particularly on sandy terrain.
As for dirt and gravel, the stone ejectors on the shoulder blocks perform admirably, ensuring the Baja Boss AT maintains a solid grip.
While I haven’t personally tested it in deep mud, there’s an excellent article detailing severe off-roading experiences with the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT, which I recommend for more in-depth insights.
Tread Wear
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT, with its stiff and deep compound, comes with an impressive 60,000-mile treadwear warranty from the manufacturer. While I’m curious about how the F-rated versions will fare, achieving 60,000 miles does seem a bit ambitious.
Let’s talk about wear. The tire’s contact patch is well-designed, leading to even wear, especially with regular rotation. But, there’s a catch with aggressive, thick sidewall designs – they tend to generate heat.
While I haven’t experienced it personally, I’ve come across online reviews mentioning shoulder chunking after about 40,000 miles, likely due to this heat factor.
In conclusion, I believe the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT has the potential to be one of the most durable rugged terrain tires on the market. However, be mindful that long-term chunking could be a concern.
Fuel Efficiency
Like the Falken Wildpeak AT3W, the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT carries the 3PMSF designation and is a heavy tire. Its substantial inner construction and siped compound contribute to a higher rolling resistance, which inevitably leads to a decrease in miles per gallon (MPG).
If you’re switching from a highway terrain or all-terrain tire, be prepared for a noticeable drop in fuel efficiency. It’s fair to say that the Baja Boss AT isn’t the most fuel-efficient option out there.
Sizes and Size Selection
I firmly believe the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT is an excellent tire choice for 3/4 ton or 1-ton trucks. Opting for E or F load range versions ensures safe cornering and stability.
For those with 1500 series trucks, the E load range might feel a bit rough. In such cases, the p-metric options are likely more suited for predominantly highway driving.
The Baja Boss AT comes in a variety of sizes, including 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”, and 22”. Depending on the size, you’ll find specifications for XL, SL, D, E, or F load ranges.
Price
In the tire market, prices fluctuate frequently, so I find it more practical not to focus on specific costs. Instead, I’ve thoroughly analyzed the top 10 most popular tire brands and their dealers, focusing on value and reliability.
DiscountTire:
- The largest dealer in the US, established in 1960.
- Operates over 1000 stores across 35 states – there’s likely one near you.
- Offers free rotation and balancing.
- 5% discount for DiscountTire cardholders on online purchases.
- High ratings: the top online tire dealer on Consumer Affairs.
- Stocks almost all brands, with delivery typically within 2-4 days – 30% faster than average when booked online.
- Regular discounts and promotions.
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/mickey-thompson-baja-boss-a-t
TireRack:
- Offers fast and free shipping, usually within a day.
- A joint venture with DiscountTire, providing access to their installers and dealers.
- Numerous installer options, including mobile installers in many areas – get your tires replaced while at work.
- Detailed tire test results and comparisons on most product pages.
- Impressive 4.6/5 rating on Google.
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/mickey-thompson-baja-boss-a-t
SimpleTire:
- Complimentary shipping, with a 2-day delivery time.
- Verified shops nearby for mounting and balancing.
- Mobile installation service available.
- Serving over 7 million customers since 2021.
- Excellent Google rating of 4.7/5.
- Exceptional customer service, including a price match option.
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT: https://simpletire.com/brands/mickey-thompson-tires/baja-boss-a-t
In selecting dealers, I prioritize reliability. Each dealer on this list boasts 15-20 years of experience in online tire sales, ensuring a smooth and efficient tire purchasing experience.
Conclusion
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT excels in medium and heavy-duty applications. Its unique sidewall design makes it an ideal choice for towing, hauling, and particularly for severe off-roading. For those who primarily drive on highways, I recommend opting for the p-metric sizes.
I hope you found this article insightful. If you have any further questions or need more information, feel free to ask. Your safe and satisfied driving is my top priority.
