We researched and compared the best tires for Ram 2500 towing, evaluating load ratings, tread life, and traction based on manufacturer specs and aggregated owner feedback. Our guide covers seven top options, from heavy-duty all-terrains to highway-focused tires, so you can choose the right set for your towing needs.
We focused on load range E (10-ply) or higher tires that can handle the Ram 2500’s payload and trailer weight. We also considered wet and dry traction, treadwear warranties, and real-world owner experiences to provide honest recommendations.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
|
🚗
|
Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 Best Overall Highway Tire for Towing Load Range E, 80,000-mile treadwear warranty |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac Best All-Terrain for Towing and Off-Road Load Range E, 50,000-mile treadwear warranty |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
Firestone Transforce HT Best Budget Highway Tire Load Range E, 60,000-mile treadwear warranty |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
Toyo Open Country A/T III Best Durable All-Terrain for Heavy Towing Load Range E, 65,000-mile treadwear warranty |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT Best Value All-Terrain for Towing Load Range E, 60,000-mile treadwear warranty |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
Nitto Ridge Grappler Best Hybrid Tire for Towing and Off-Road Load Range E, 50,000-mile treadwear warranty |
7.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
BFGoodrich Commercial T/A Traction Best Heavy-Duty Tire for Maximum Load Load Range F (12-ply), 50,000-mile treadwear warranty |
7.6 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Michelin Defender LTX M/S2: Best Overall Highway Tire for Towing
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 is a top choice for Ram 2500 owners who primarily tow on highways. In our evaluation, it offers excellent stability and low road noise even when hauling heavy trailers. The tire’s load range E construction and 80,000-mile treadwear warranty make it a durable option for long-distance towing. Owner feedback consistently praises its confident handling in wet conditions and even wear over thousands of miles.
However, this tire is not designed for off-road use or severe winter conditions. Some owners report that the sidewalls feel stiffer than competitors, which can reduce comfort on rough pavement. If you frequently drive on unpaved roads or need aggressive traction, you should consider an all-terrain tire instead.
- Excellent highway stability and reduced road noise under load
- Long-lasting tread with Michelin's EverTread compound
- Strong sidewall construction for heavy towing
Pros: Outstanding tread life warranty; Superior wet braking performance
Cons: Premium price point may not suit all budgets
2. Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac: Best All-Terrain for Towing and Off-Road
The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac strikes a balance between towing capability and off-road prowess. We researched its load range E construction and TractiveGroove technology, which provide reliable traction on gravel and dirt roads while maintaining stability when towing. Owner feedback highlights its durability on rough terrain and confident handling in snow. The 50,000-mile warranty is competitive for an all-terrain tire.
On the downside, the aggressive tread generates more road noise on the highway, which may be bothersome on long trips. Some owners also report faster tread wear when used primarily on pavement. If you rarely venture off-road and prioritize a quiet ride, a highway tire like the Michelin Defender LTX may be a better fit.
- Aggressive tread pattern for mud and snow traction
- Reinforced sidewalls resist cuts and abrasions
- Tows well on both pavement and loose surfaces
Pros: Excellent off-road traction without sacrificing towing stability; Good winter performance with severe snow rating
Cons: Higher road noise than highway tires
3. Firestone Transforce HT: Best Budget Highway Tire
The Firestone Transforce HT is a budget-friendly highway tire that doesn’t compromise on towing capability. Our evaluation of its load range E construction and 60,000-mile warranty shows it can handle heavy loads reliably. Owner feedback indicates it provides a stable, comfortable ride on paved roads and wears evenly when properly maintained. For Ram 2500 owners who tow on highways and want to save money, this is a solid choice.
However, the Transforce HT is not suitable for off-road or severe winter conditions. Its tread pattern is designed for dry and wet pavement, and it lacks the biting edges needed for snow or mud. If you need all-season traction in snowy climates, consider a tire with the severe snow rating symbol.
- Affordable price with good highway manners
- Stable towing performance with reinforced casing
- Long-lasting tread compound for the cost
Pros: Great value for the warranty length; Smooth and quiet ride
Cons: Limited traction in mud or snow
4. Toyo Open Country A/T III: Best Durable All-Terrain for Heavy Towing
The Toyo Open Country A/T III is built for Ram 2500 owners who need a durable all-terrain tire for heavy towing on varied surfaces. We researched its load range E rating and 65,000-mile warranty, and owner feedback confirms it resists punctures and wears slowly even under load. The tire provides confident traction on gravel and dirt roads, and its snow performance is above average for an all-terrain.
That said, the Open Country A/T III is not the most affordable option, and some owners note that it can be slightly noisier than highway tires at highway speeds. If your towing is mostly on paved roads and you prioritize a quiet cabin, a highway tire may be more suitable.
- Tough three-ply sidewall for puncture resistance
- Excellent tread life and even wear
- Capable in mud, sand, and snow
Pros: Exceptional durability for rough terrain; Good on-road comfort for an all-terrain
Cons: Higher price than some competitors
5. Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT: Best Value All-Terrain for Towing
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT offers a compelling mix of all-terrain traction and towing capability at a lower price point. In our evaluation, its load range E construction and 60,000-mile warranty provide a solid foundation for heavy use. Owner feedback notes that it handles well on gravel and light off-road trails, and it maintains stability when towing on pavement.
However, some owners report that the ride is slightly firmer and noisier than more expensive all-terrains. Wet braking performance is adequate but not class-leading. If you tow frequently in heavy rain or need maximum highway comfort, you might prefer a tire like the Toyo Open Country A/T III.
- Competitive price with good all-terrain capability
- Reinforced casing for towing stability
- Decent wet traction and snow performance
Pros: Excellent value for the features; Long tread life for the price
Cons: Not as refined on highway as premium brands
6. Nitto Ridge Grappler: Best Hybrid Tire for Towing and Off-Road
The Nitto Ridge Grappler is a hybrid tire that blends mud-terrain aggression with all-terrain road manners. We researched its load range E construction and 50,000-mile warranty, and owner feedback shows it excels in off-road conditions like mud and rocks. It can handle heavy towing on rough trails, and its sidewalls resist punctures well.
However, the Ridge Grappler is not ideal for primarily highway use. Many owners report significant road noise and a stiff ride, which can be tiring on long trips. Tread wear also tends to be faster than advertised when used on pavement. If you tow mostly on highways, a dedicated highway tire or a more road-friendly all-terrain is a better choice.
- Hybrid tread design for on-road comfort and off-road grip
- Reinforced sidewalls for heavy loads
- Aggressive appearance
Pros: Great off-road traction; Durable construction for tough conditions
Cons: Higher road noise and rougher ride than all-terrains; Shorter tread life than expected
7. BFGoodrich Commercial T/A Traction: Best Heavy-Duty Tire for Maximum Load
The BFGoodrich Commercial T/A Traction is designed for maximum load capacity, with a Load Range F (12-ply) rating that exceeds standard E-rated tires. We researched its construction and owner feedback confirms it can handle the heaviest trailers without sidewall flex. It is ideal for Ram 2500 owners who consistently tow near the truck’s maximum capacity.
However, this tire has significant drawbacks for daily driving. The stiff sidewalls create a harsh ride when not towing, and wet traction is noticeably worse than highway or all-terrain tires. Road noise is also higher. If you do not need the extra load capacity, a Load Range E tire will offer better comfort and safety in wet conditions.
- Highest load capacity in this guide (Load Range F)
- Deep tread for long wear in severe service
- Stable under extreme loads
Pros: Exceptional load rating for heavy towing; Tough construction for commercial use
Cons: Very stiff ride when unloaded; Poor wet traction compared to passenger tires
Frequently Asked Questions
What load range do I need for a Ram 2500 when towing?
For a Ram 2500, we recommend at least Load Range E (10-ply) tires. This rating provides a maximum load capacity of around 3,000-3,500 lbs per tire, which is sufficient for most towing applications. If you frequently tow near the truck’s maximum payload or use a fifth-wheel, consider Load Range F (12-ply) tires for extra margin.
Can I use all-terrain tires for towing on highways?
Yes, many all-terrain tires like the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac and Toyo Open Country A/T III are load range E and perform well on highways. They offer good stability and traction in varied conditions. However, they may produce more road noise and have slightly shorter tread life than dedicated highway tires.
What is the best tire pressure for towing with a Ram 2500?
Always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure, which is typically found on the driver’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual. For towing, you may need to increase pressure to the maximum cold pressure listed on the tire sidewall (usually 80 psi for load range E). Never exceed the maximum pressure.
How often should I replace tires on my Ram 2500 used for towing?
Replace tires when tread depth reaches 4/32 inch for safety in wet conditions. Also inspect for sidewall cracks, bulges, or uneven wear. Tires used for heavy towing may wear faster, so check tread depth regularly and rotate every 5,000-7,000 miles.
Are highway tires better than all-terrain tires for towing?
Highway tires generally offer lower road noise, better fuel economy, and longer tread life on pavement. They also provide superior wet traction due to their tread pattern. All-terrain tires are better if you need off-road traction or drive on unpaved roads. For pure highway towing, highway tires are usually the better choice.
Our Verdict
After researching and comparing the top tires for Ram 2500 towing, our top pick is the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 for its outstanding highway stability, long tread life, and excellent wet braking. For those who need all-terrain capability, the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is the runner-up, offering a great balance of towing stability and off-road traction.
More Tires Guides
Video Guide
Video: Related tutorial from YouTube