Modern Side-by-Sides include a ton of features that make them convenient and effective. You might be amazed at how many options you can get on a new UTV, from touchscreen navigation to high-tech 4wd systems to heat and AC.
Nevertheless, like with most cars, there are aftermarket additions to satisfy any need. It's very common to modify UTVs, and the tires are frequently the first OEM component to be replaced.
Stock UTV tires are normally fine for typical trail riding but perform poorly in harsh circumstances. Cost undoubtedly plays a role when tire manufacturers make their selections, but there are other considerations. To meet certain weight standards, most factory Side-by-Side tires are less rugged and thinner compared to the aftermarket ones.
They work well for various riding styles and terrains but are not particularly good at them. It's not surprising that many buyers of new Side-by-Sides opt to upgrade their tires. You may discover a tire ideal for your riding style and environment. There are tires made to function in the most challenging situations you can find, from sand to mud to rocks.
Choosing UTV Tires According to Types
1. Sand Tires
Others adore the dunes, while others enjoy the swamp. Sand can be quite difficult on side-by-sides and can make even those with high horsepower seem underpowered. Stock tires will work well in the sand, but handling will be poor, and you'll probably find yourself getting stuck more frequently than you'd like.
Stock tires tend to dig into holes they can't get out of in thick, sugar-like sand. Conversely, sand tires are made to float over the ground. Except for one or two ridges going down the center of the tire, the front tires are typically bald. As a result, the tire can maintain its position on top of the sand while still offering outstanding cornering characteristics.
2. Mud Tires
The exhilaration of simply plowing over the deepest and biggest mud hole can be unmatched for certain people. Or, at the very least, making an effort to survive. Stock tires won't function well in greasy, heavy muck. The tread blocks are too close together to be able to remove mud the way they should when the tires spin and keep traction. Your tires will become so caked with muck that they resemble bald tires.
Tires made specifically for mud don't have this issue. They have lugs that are widely spaced apart and have abrasive tread patterns. To maintain grip when the tire turns, this enables the tire to clear mud from in between the tread easily. Thanks to their two-inch-long tread lugs, they can dig and claw their way out of just about anything.
There are always plenty of Pro Armor, Demon & Mohawk, and EFX if you visit an off-road mud park. The worst mud holes are a perfect fit for these tires. Here are UTV tires:
1. Racing Tires
UTV racing has seen a commensurate rise in popularity along with the popularity of UTVs. There are increasingly more races that cater to Side-by-Side aficionados, from brand-new cross-country competitions to specially constructed UTV tracks at motocross sites. The variety of the race course is equal to that of the UTVs competing.
Along with the grueling King of the Hammers race, the narrow and winding forests courses of GNCC on the east coast and the expansive, open desert courses of Best in the Desert on the west coast. Racers select their tires under the conditions at each competition, which differ.
For UTVs, a select few racing tires are available. The Baja T/A KR2 from Tusk was created especially for UTVs. Large, closely spaced lugs and a robust, puncture-resistant design characterize it. The DS 32′′ racing tire from Tensor has comparable features and performance. These are more expensive than side-by-side tires since they are specifically designed for racing.
The majority of Side-by-Side racers select their tires for each race. Key characteristics for UTV racing are durability, forward traction, and cornering ability. As they frequently choose the finest all-around tire for that terrain, you might see racers using the same tires you have on your UTV. This is especially true for GNCC competitions, where a single course may include sand, mud, and rocks.
2. Snow and Ice Tires
More uncommon than the majority of other Side-by-Side tires are dedicated snow tires. For navigating snow-covered trails, most riders who ride in the winter opt to leave the machine's stock tires or mud tires on. These might function perfectly under certain circumstances, but such circumstances aren't always ideal.
With new snow on the ground, some people utilize their Side-by-Side to plow driveways or get themselves to their deer blind. An actual snow tire will be helpful in those icy and snowy situations further north, where it may snow continuously for months.
In contrast to regular tires, which are more prone to dig in and possibly get you trapped in the snow, UTV winter tires have widely spaced lugs to clear off snow and mud and to keep you from sliding. Additionally, they have greater siping for more biting edges to help even more in slick conditions.
Additionally, tires will stay softer in subfreezing temperatures thanks to specially formulated rubber compositions. Some have pre-drilled lugs to accept ice studs, such as the Maxxis Snow Beast. You might still be able to find ITP's TundraCross tire online, even though it was discontinued. For the best traction, those tires already had studs attached.
3. Hard/Rock Pack Tires
What about those who aren't into soft things? What about people who adore the view of Moab's slippery rock or the rock gardens along the Rubicon Trail? Not to worry! There is also a tire for them. Manufacturers of UTV tires are expanding their product lines for this expanding market.
There are locations around the nation where the terrain is rugged and unforgiving, and Moab, Utah, is already an off-road hotspot. Thankfully, more and more tires are on the market that is made to handle those sharp rocks and prevail in the competition.
Tires like the Pro Armor Crawler, STI, and Sedona Rock-A-Billy perform exceptionally well on slick rocks and terrain with a hard pack. Compared to ATV/UTV tires, their tread designs more closely resemble truck tires.
With siping and sidewall tread engineered to deliver the most traction, the tread lugs are closer together. They all have greater puncture resistance to survive jagged and sharp rocks and still bring you home, and some have integrated rim guards and rock ejectors.
Despite being made for rocks, this style of the tire has also gained popularity among owners of Side-by-Side vehicles as an all-purpose tire since its tread pattern performs as well as or better than stock tires under most conditions. They work excellently whether you drive on asphalt or pavement; some have even received DOT approval.
4. General/All-Purpose Tires
Including a decent all-around tire is essential because this is probably the most common group for UTV tires. Most users don't ride only in the sand, mud, or rock climbing; thus, all-purpose tires work well in various situations. Does this imply that they are interchangeable with OEM standard tires? No. Although they are all-purpose tires with identical objectives, aftermarket tires will have a better tread pattern and more robust puncture resistance. There is a reason why nobody is rushing out to get more standard tires.
For owners of Side-by-Side vehicles, general-purpose tires offer a wide range of sizes and tread patterns. Great general-purpose Side-by-Side tires include the GBC Kanati Mongrel, EFX MotoClaw, Maxxis Bighorn series, and ITP Blackwater Evolution.
They work well on hard-packed, muddy, snowy, or sandy trails and are strong enough to withstand punctures. Although they weigh more than the OEM factory tires, their weight does not significantly impair performance.
Choosing UTV Tires According to Terrain
These parts will be found in each UTV tire. Depending on the adventures the tire is intended to handle, the details of each component will change. It's crucial to purchase the appropriate tires for your riding style because different tires are tailored for different terrain. This will provide for a successful, stress-free, and safe riding experience.
1. Soft Terrain
Sand, mud, or gravel trails are examples of soft terrain. These materials move about when pressure is exerted, such as when a tire drives over them. Because grip can be more challenging, you should use UTV tires engineered to optimize traction. Look for alternatives with widely spaced knobs to assist you in traversing the altering landscape.
You can even look for alternate front and rear tires to enhance traction. The back tires may look like "paddles," while the front tires may be spiked. Additionally, both tires ought to have more tread depth.
2. Hard Terrain
The rugged terrain consists of rocky and hard-packed dirt trails. This is a typical UTV tire choice because it is frequently the "default" terrain that most side-by-side riders explore.
There are no thick layers of soft materials to push through on this terrain. On dirt trails, traction should be simple to come by. As a result, there is no need for more tread depth with a few closely spaced and short knobs.
Purchasing a UTV tire with a flexible carcass is also beneficial. This will lessen the impact of the frequent trail bumps that hard terrain has.
3. In-Between Terrain
Naturally, not every powersports trail can be neatly categorized into one or the other. A route may occasionally pass through several types of terrain. Using UTV tires that can handle soft and rugged terrain is beneficial.
The objective, in this case, is to find something with knobs that are taller for adaptability and tread depth that isn't too deep. It is advisable to avoid driving on excessively soft terrain because these tires are more suited to hard surfaces than soft ones.
Choosing the Tires According to Components
You should think about the type of driving you to do most frequently before examining UTV tires. Are you searching for something to help you plow through the mud, or do you wish to be able to tackle corners like a pro when racing? Will you need to float over dunes or wear puncture protection? UTV tires, except for all-terrain tires, often function best in particular settings.
The factors listed below can help you select the best UTV tires for your driving style.
Tire Size
Using larger tires is one technique to offer a UTV a slight advantage over the competition. They can enhance traction in challenging sand, rock-climbing, mud, and snow. Remember that going too big can cause upstream UTV components to experience more wear and strain.
Although being taller aids in improving ground clearance, it also alters your center of gravity and increases your risk of tipping. The converse is true; smaller tires could help you accelerate more quickly and make tight bends easier, but they will decrease your UTV's ground clearance or the distance between it and the ground.
The height, width, and rim diameter describe tire sizes. As a general guideline, if you compare these values to the factory tires that came with your UTV, you have about an inch of leeway. You can increase or decrease your height or width by one inch.
Even yet, many manufacturers have sizing requirements that, if you violate them by choosing a size that is either too large or too tiny, could void your warranty. When in doubt, it never hurts to keep your factory tires in place.
Tread Pattern and Depth
One of the main distinctions between tires designed for various surfaces is the tread depth, or lug, which impacts how a tire can handle a certain terrain. The tread depth is shallower on all-purpose or sand tires—less than 1 inch.
You need deeper treads to cut through the ground and get you out of tight locations in soft conditions. Some tire types, like mud and snow tires, feature simple tread patterns that act as shovels to remove anything in your path. Others, like tires designed for the road and sand, have shallower or nonexistent treads, which help the tires glide rather than dig into the ground.
Tire Ply
The number of layers that make up a tire is called tire ply. In general, your tire's resistance against punctures increases with the number of layers. It also has to do with how much weight a tire can support.
Depending on your use of the UTV, you should choose the best tire ply. Off-road tires typically have a ply of four or six, while eight-ply tires are also popular for rugged terrain. If you're driving over jagged rocks in the highlands, close to cacti in the desert, or where there's a greater danger of punctures, you might require them.
How the layers are organized is another component of tire ply to consider. There are two main categories of plies:
Bias
In a bias ply, the plies cross each other across the tire in a crisscrossing pattern. Each ply begins at a bead and travels up one sidewall of the tire before slanting down the opposite sidewall.
Radial
The plies of a radial tire are placed across its center and don't extend down its sidewalls. The plies are arranged parallel to the path of travel. They enable independent movement of the center and sides. For a smoother drive and better handling, the sidewalls can flex. Since the sidewalls absorb shock from driving, they can even enhance heat dissipation to possibly lengthen the tire's lifespan.
Today, radial tires make up the majority of tires sold, but bias tires are also available. Because of their basic design, they might be cheaper.
Regardless of the type of riding you undertake, the appropriate tire may help you perform better, stay safe, and maintain the quality of your equipment. Additionally, you don't have to spend a fortune on tires. We at Fueled UTV can assist you in locating the ideal tires at competitive costs.
We have a sizable range of the best UTV tires for any terrain. Along with anything else you need for your UTV, our industry professionals can assist you in making the best choice. Equipment, components, accessories—you name it. We're here to assist you; just let us know what you want from your ride.
Please view our selection of UTV tires or contact us to speak with a specialist!
Rubber Compounds
Tire producers use various materials to improve their products' performance. The types of rubber compounds used in tire construction can influence how a tread performs in certain conditions. Softer compounds are slightly heavier than tougher compounds and typically offer better grip.
The tougher compounds, however, are more robust and have superior rolling resistance, which means they roll more slowly. Even though not all rubber compounds will significantly alter how your vehicle feels, you might sense them more when driving on rough terrains like pavement or rocks.
The rubber compounds' placement will also impact the ride; for example, soft rubber doesn't usually function well on tall tire knobs since they require a little extra support to prevent a squishy ride. To provide the best of both worlds, many manufacturers combine rubbers.
To provide support and grip, a dual-compound tire may have softer rubber on the outside and strong rubber on the inside of the knobs. To reduce rolling resistance and enhance handling, dual-compound designs may position harder rubber closer to the tire's core and softer rubber farther from it.
Top UTV Tires to Buy
All of us UTV fans like exploring challenging terrain. On certain days, we drive in the sand; on others, we drive on firmly packed soil. On the same ride, we can encounter extreme mud and extreme rocks. Preparing the ideal tire for all these circumstances would be impossible. The answer is an all-terrain tire that excels on various surfaces and in weather. A few all-terrain UTV tires are shown here:
1. EFX MotoClaw
One of those all-terrain UTV tires, the Motoclaw, will make you happy that you decided to use them. This is one tire design that tends to perform well in any circumstance, including light mud. Put another way; if you don't consider yourself a severe mugger, these UTV tires are ideal for you and the terrain you ride on.
The sidewall tread on these DOT-approved, 8-ply radials will assist you in escaping some truly terrible ruts, and they will dig into everything. They have a robust rubber compound, which, when combined with the 8-ply, can feel a bit stiff, but the cost is worth it for their excellent traction and endurance.
2. Pro Armor Crawler XG
Recall how we claimed that particular all-terrain UTV tires perform better under specific circumstances? One such tire is the Crawler XG. As you might anticipate from the name, which refers to rock crawling, it performs best in rocky and hard-packed terrain. With a belted-radial construction, 8-ply tire, and 0.78-inch tread depth, Pro Armor designed these tires to be highly durable and puncture resistant. The Crawler XG is one of the top UTV all-terrain tires that perform well in the hard pack because it is built with a dual rubber compound that blends tread life and slick-rock traction.
3. Sedona Rip-Saw R/T
Because it performs admirably in every terrain we've tested, the Rip-Saw is one of our favorite all-terrain UTV tires. It is a 6-ply tire with a 1-1/8" deep tread, a design that wraps around the sidewall for excellent bite, and is spaced well for cleaning. The knobs provide siping for additional traction on slippery surfaces. We have no complaints about them because we have used them in mud, sand, snow, hard-packed soil, thick woods, and rocky terrain. They function well for both performance machines and utility tasks, making them some of the best UTV tires.
Choose the Right UTV Tires Now!
Regardless of the type of riding you undertake, the appropriate tire may help you perform better, stay safe, and maintain the quality of your equipment. Additionally, you don't have to spend a fortune on tires. We at Fueled UTV can assist you in locating the ideal tires at competitive costs.
We have a sizable range of the best UTV tires for any terrain. Along with anything else you need for your UTV, our industry professionals can assist you in making the best choice. Equipment, components, accessories—you name it. We're here to assist you; just let us know what you want from your ride.
You can check our collection if you want to buy UTV tires from a reliable supplier online.
