The best sand tires feature unique design, compounds and (especially) tread patterning designed to effectively tackle the unique challenges of driving in deep sand.
Mud tires and (more broadly) off-road tires, tend to take the spotlight on the mental radar of 4×4 shoppers who will be active in an off-road setting. Of course, it’s not just mud, ruts and rocks that may be between your 4×4 and your off-road destination of choice—and for some enthusiasts, a sand-ready tire may be the ideal choice for their off-roader.
Buyer’s Guide: The 10 Best Mud Tires
Below, we’ll highlight some of the best sand tires for trucks and Jeeps so you can add some sand-ready rubber to your ride.
What to Know About Buying the Best Sand Tires
Assess Your Needs: Some Jeep sand tires are designed for off-road use only, and others can be driven on the highway, but with a significant hit to comfort, noise levels, and fuel economy. Many 4×4 enthusiasts avoid dedicated sand tires altogether, instead recommending the use of a good all-terrain tire, possibly up-sized to be wider than factory, and with a less-aggressive tread pattern. This combination may allow the vehicle to ‘float’ over the sand when required, without compromising traction and performance in other situations.
Do your Homework: It’s important for shoppers and owners to do their homework ahead of selecting and installing the best sand tires possible to tackle this type of terrain. Tire sizing and inflation pressures are key to success, with many pros recommending a wider tire that’s ‘aired down’ to about 10 to 20 pounds of pressure. Some tires can handle running in a low-pressure inflation mode better than others. Be sure to check ahead of time—and especially if you’ll go the popular route of running an all-terrain tire, instead of a dedicated sand tire, on your 4×4. And remember—the more specifically an off-road tire targets a specific type of driving (like sand), the more compromise is usually required when it comes to driving outside of those conditions.
Where to Go: In all aspects of off-roading, it’s important to make sure the area you’ll visit isn’t off limits, or that driving there won’t harm or damage the environment or reduce other people’s enjoyment of it. Be sure to check out the location where you’re going first: ask fellow off-roaders or locals, and consider checking a site like duneguide.com ahead of time to make sure it’s legal to drive in the area you’re considering. Failure to check ahead of time can lead to trespassing and other charges.
More Than Just Tires: Successful, safe and enjoyable driving in sandy conditions requires more than just a good set of tires for the job. Driving in sand can be difficult, strenuous or even hazardous, depending on the driver, the vehicle, and the equipment in play. For instance, sand is invasive—and will inevitably find its way into part of your vehicle that can be damaged or worn severely as a result. This may require some changes to your maintenance regime, driving habits, or off-road destination of choice. There are numerous best-practices that should be followed for safe and successful operation of a vehicle in deep sand, as well. If you’re new to off-roading in sand, be sure to join an off-road enthusiast forum to ask questions, chat with other enthusiasts, and benefit from the experience of the community in question. Being properly prepared, both mentally and mechanically, is key.
Safety First: If you’ll be hitting the dunes with a set of the best sand tires for trucks connecting you to the ground, be sure to protect yourself—and have all safety and rescue-related implements on hand before you head out. Pack extra water, sun protection, shelter, fluids, a shovel, recovery straps, a portable power pack and working cellular phone, and any other emergency implements that could help you if you become stuck or stranded in a remote location, away from water, and under the hot sun. Remember to tell friends and loved ones where you’re going, and when you’ll be back, and never visit unfamiliar off-road destinations alone.
Lead photo courtesy: WARN Industries
Table of contents
1. Editor's Choice: Kanati Mud Hog
This tire is one of our favorites when it comes to multi-terrain tires since it excels in sand, mud, snow, and on-highway performance. The Kanati Mud Hog features an aggressive tread design with a great void ratio that allows for excellent self-cleaning ability in muddy conditions. Furthermore, the durable 3-ply sidewall makes these tires extremely puncture resistant when both fully inflated or aired down.
I’ve had the opportunity to test these tires on my Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ) when it was time for some new shoes and was thoroughly impressed with the performance of these tires. As previously mentioned in my review of the BFG All-Terrain TA tires, my off-roading mainly consisted of trails in California’s High Desert, Glamis Sand Dunes, and intermediate rock crawling trails in the local mountains. Honestly these tires perform extremely well in all conditions and terrains. Since we’re discussing best sand tires in this piece, I’ll do my best to keep my focus on the point at hand.
When in the soft sand dunes, or any off-road trail for that matter, I drop my air pressures in the tires down to 12 PSI and the 3-ply sidewalls of the Kanati Mongrel tires squish out to provide a nice wide footprint. This is one of the most important features that you can have in a good sand tire since this footprint provides great floatation in the sand to keep you on top and rolling. With most other tires that have provided this level of tire squish when aired down to this low of a pressure, I’ve encountered issues with easy sidewall punctures that can quickly ruin your day in the dunes or on the trail.
Even with the wide contact patch that the aired down tires provide, the aggressive tread design delivers excellent bite when you need more than flotation to keep driving forward. This makes these tires not only perform well in the sand but also in rocky and/or muddy terrains. I’ve also taken these tires on some of the more challenging trails in the desert where I encountered a mix of razor sharp granite and plenty of sticker bushes that would test the strength and durability of any tire on the market. To say that the Mud Hogs took a beating is putting it lightly. In addition to the sharp rocks, the sidewalls took a little damage from some fender rub, yet still never had any issues with air leaks.
Now you’re probably thinking that not every tire is 100% perfect, and you’re correct. While these tires perform outstanding, there is a trade-off of road noise. As with most off-road tires with and aggressive tread pattern, you’re bound to get some road noise when traveling on the highway. When you’re cruising anywhere above 40 MPH with the Mud Hogs, you and anyone around you is going to hear the howl of these tires on the road. Again, if you’ve planned on purchasing any kind of tire with an aggressive tread, this isn’t anything that should be of a surprise to you.
All in all, these tires are flat out great performers. It doesn’t matter if you ride in muddy trails, tackle gnarly rock crawling, or blitz through the soft sand, the Kanati Mud Hogs are worthy of any rig.
2. Runner-Up: BF Goodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2
Don’t let the name fool you because the performance the Mud Terrain T/A KM2 earned the top spot in our list of best sand tires. These high-performing tires feature the most glowing owner reviews in our list, with many satisfied owners advising that these tires are great-looking, easy to balance, and quieter than expected when used at higher speeds on paved roads. Some owners even watch these tires regularly, waiting to snatch them up when they go on sale. A super-tough sidewall compound and reinforced construction resists cuts and bruises, reducing the hazard of driving in many off-road settings.
Best of all, the BF Goodrich KM2s are created with special built-in flex zones, which allow the tires to conform and grip better during aired-down driving, which is a vital part of successfully tackling deep sand. By and large, these look to be a great all-around value on an all-purpose off-road tire that’s adapted well for use in sand, but with minimal compromise to on-road comfort.
3. Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003
Fresh out of the 2018 Yokohama National Off-Road Racing Association (NORRA) Mexican 1000 off-road race, the Geolandar M/T G003 are a mud-terrain tire with a set of design attributes and functionalities that make them some of the best tires for sand driving. With a collection of in-demand attributes built into a single tire, the M/T G003 tires feature special provisions for on and off-road traction, thanks in no small part to an innovative tread design and advanced rubber compounding. Signature GEO-SHEILD technology enables construction that’s engineered to withstand punishment for the long haul, and a wide and flat profile helps this tire to wear evenly, last longer, and perform better—even in sand.
Engineers even created an advanced pitch variation, which contributes to a quieter and more comfortable highway drive back home, after a day of exploring your favorite dunes or trails. With reasonable pricing, high-performance, long life and a proven name, these tires are a go-to with enthusiasts from around the globe. Best of all, many owners say that the on-road noise is kept nicely in check, compared to other aggressive off-road tires.
Read the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 review at tirereviewsandmore.com
4. Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT
If you’re into the off-roading and don’t know the name Mickey Thompson, you might as well hand over your rig’s keys to your buddy, get in your hybrid commuter, and hang your head in shame as you drive away. Mickey Thompson lived and breathed everything off-road and now the name is synonymous with some of the best off-road products available, and one of those is the Baja Boss A/T extreme hybrid all-terrain tire.
The Baja Boss A/T was made to handle the toughest terrain of Baja, which includes soft sand, jagged rocks, and plenty of mud. Knowing that most off-roaders drive to their local stomping grounds, eliminating road noise is important and MT has taken this into consideration with the Baja Boss A/T. This tire was designed with an asymmetrical treat pattern that not only minimizes road noise but is also designed to excel in all weather conditions providing superior off-road and on-road traction. The Baja Boss A/T also features their Extreme Sidebiters®, that not only offer a bold look but also aid in off-road traction and sidewall protection.
To prevent punctures when traversing extreme off-road terrain, the carcass of the Baja Boss A/T features Mickey Thompson’s Powerply™ XD that adds 50% heavier cord to the third ply of the tire. In addition to the increased puncture resistance, it also helps provide quicker steering response and greater stability. When you complete this package with a great 50k mile treadwear warranty, it’s a tire that’s hard to beat in the sand or on the street.
5. BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
As one of the best selling all-terrain tires of all time, the BFG All-Terrain TA KO2 tire is a proven performer in sandy terrain as well as mud and rocks while having great characteristics on the highway. One of the reason these tires are popular among many off-roaders is that they have a tough sidewall that is derived from the BF Goodrich Baja T/A KR2 that has been proven in the rugged deserts of Baja. The advanced deflection design helps to prevent objects from snagging and penetrating the sidewall. This is important because with the amount of tire squish these tires have while aired down, the sidewalls are more vulnerable to punctures. This design helps to put your mind at ease so you can focus on the terrain ahead.
Additionally, the BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2 features an aggressive tread design that offer maximum traction, especially when you’re aired down. Cap this off with a 50,000 mile manufacture treadwear limited warranty, and you have a tire thats worthy of any trail rig.
We’ve personally tested these tires on an old Toyota 4-Runner and quite frankly loved every aspect of them. Growing up in Southern California my wheeling was primarily in the sandy, rock filled deserts and local trails in the mountains. The 31″ All-Terrain T/A’s provided great traction when aired down to 12-15 psi for most conditions. Whether in the soft sand at Glamis or some of the light rock crawling trails of Johnson Valley, these tires truly shined. Even in snowy conditions, I had complete confidence in the handling that these tires provided.
Now if you were to take on some thick muddy trails, these might not be the tire of choice because when it’s thick they can pack up due to the tight lug spacing. The same goes for extreme rock crawling. The tight lug spacing and stiff rubber compound is good, but when you want the ultimate in traction for tackling trails like the Hammers, you’ll likely want to have alternate choices in mind like the BFG Mud Terrain T/A KO2 or similar.
As for longevity of the tires, these are great! My 4-Runner was a daily driver on the freeways of Southern California, where I averaged about 15,000 a year or more. As long as I regularly rotated the tires, I easily surpassed 50,000 miles of use with no issues. If you don’t get your vehicle aligned and regularly balance and rotate your tires, you significantly cut down the lifespan.
6. Dick Cepek Fun Country
Highly rated within various 4×4 owner communities, the Fun Country All-Terrain radial tires from Dick Cepek combine narrow sipes and interlocking tread lugs for exceptional surface grip and minimized sinking when travelling over sand and other soft surfaces. These tires are also available in wider widths, which are popular amongst owners who will frequently use them in sand dunes, beaches, and the like. After all, when driving in the sand, wider is better.
The Fun Country tires feature a firm contact patch that’s flexible enough to change in response to varying terrain. Special reinforcements and staggered SideBiters on the sidewall help make this tire more puncture-resistant, too. Finally, an advanced-engineering rubber compound helps protect your investment with improved cut and chip protection for a longer tire life. Owner reviews are very positive, with owners rating these tires highly on all aspects of appearance, value, and even performance in the snow.
The Dick Cepek Fun Country was well received on tirereviewsandmore.com
7. Toyo Open Country R/T
Excellent owner ratings and solid performance credentials helped this popular off-road tire earn a place on our list. Though not a sand-specific tire, this durable and rugged all-purpose off-road tire has many an owner impressed with its performance in a variety of situations, including while driving in deep snow or sand. Highest marks for this tire come from its off-road traction, tread life, winter handling, and dry handling—though shoppers can expect fuel efficiency to take a notable hit.
Open, scalloped shoulder blocks help eject mud and snow through open channels, while enhancing grip in muddy or sandy conditions. Large tread lugs provide plenty of surface area for decent flotation, helping this tire stay above the sand, rather than digging into it. Owners have noted surprisingly long life from these tires as well, perhaps thanks to the reinforced design and special rubber compound, which helps to fend off cuts, bruising and chips that can wear lesser tires down more quickly.
8. Falken Wildpeak AT3W
Highly rated for performance and value, these relatively affordable tires from Falken come packed with clever and innovative design touches to help drive value for the shopper. A true all-season tire, special compounding and design helps ensure excellence in three key areas: wear and treadlife, winter performance, and wet performance.
Though this is not a dedicated sand tire, many enthusiast communities rank them among the best sand tires drivers interested in partaking in beach or dune driving. A special silica-based tread compound dials up the grip and durability, while a built-in cooling system within the sidewall helps fight thermal stresses during severe use under heavy load. The 3D sipe technology interlocks the shoulders to help resist wear and improve handling stability on all surfaces. Here’s another all-purpose off-road tire that’s well-rated for use in sand, and at a price that won’t break the bank.
Why deflate tires in the sand?
Ask any experienced dune rider and they will tell you that deflating your tires is a necessity. You do this because lowering your tire pressure puts more of your tire in contact with the sand. More tire contact translates to improved traction, so you can better climb that dune and avoid getting stuck.
Of course, if you lower your tire pressure in the sand, you need to be able to inflate it again as under inflated tires will cause big problems on paved roads. Keeping a tire inflator on board is a must. You can find a variety of options online that plug into the 12V outlet in your vehicle. It’s also worth picking up a tire deflator kit. Check out this article on tire deflators for more information.
How much air do you let out of tires on the sand?
While this will vary considerably depending on the type and size of sand tires you have installed on your vehicle, a good starting point is about 12 to 15 psi.
Is there a better way to air down tires other than doing it one-by-one?
Why yes there is a better way. You’ll want to check out our story on Best Tire Deflators. Some tire deflators allow you to screw on a cap, similar to your valve stem cap, and will air down your tires to a pre-determined pressure. Of course you have to do some work before hitting the trail to get them dialed in for the pressure you want, but once that’s done the job is easy.
I’m considering ordering new wheels with my new sand tires. Does wheel size affect the performance of tires in the sand?
Absolutely! Whenever you’re purchasing tires and wheels together, the rule of thumb is to make sure that the wheel is at least 1/2 the size of your tire diameter. So if you’re going to run a 33-35″ tire, you’d want to run a 17″ wheel. This gives you plenty of sidewall that will provide a better ride both on and off road. I’ve seen plenty of people run tire sizes like this and have really large 20″ or larger wheels for a flashy look, but wonder why they’re always getting stuck. Well, if your tire doesn’t have much sidewall, your tire won’t really squish out much for increased flotation.
Additional Resources
- Best Tire Deflators Buyers Guide
- Best Off-Road Wheels for Jeeps and Trucks
- Tire Selection 101: The Basics for Picking an Off-Road Tire
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Recent Updates
7/15/2021: Updated product descriptions, added additional resources, added questions to FAQ
1/13/2023: Updated product links, added new product (Kanati mud hog and BFG All Terrain TA KO3), Added FAQ