Everything you need to know about mud terrain tyres
Sitting on the fence about whether to invest in mud terrain tyres ahead of your next RV adventure? Read on.
By Catherine Best,
April 18, 2025
Conquering mud, snow, sand, slush and rocks, mud terrain tyres (MTs) are the rock stars of off-road driving. But what gives muddies their superior performance on the rough stuff, and are they worth the investment?
Mud tyres explained
Mud tyres are the toughest recreational performance tyres money can buy. Designed for serious off-roaders driving in extreme terrain, such as deep mud, rocks, soft sand and steep inclines, muddies are stronger, stabler and more bog-resistant than any other tyre. That’s thanks to their aggressive tread pattern and strong side walls.
Tyres like the Kumho Road Venture MT71 have deep, wide lugs that are designed to claw at the ground for maximum traction, while spitting out mud, stones and other debris. The outcome? More grip on coarse, uneven surfaces and better performance on steep inclines. Because grip matters when you’re growling up a rutted slippery dip peppered with boulders. MTs also have a chunkier side wall with bigger tread blocks on the shoulders, which provide greater puncture protection from hazards like rocks, fallen branches and tree roots.
What about the cons?
Mud tyres are expensive. You can expect to pay about 25 per cent more for MTs than an all-terrain tyre, depending on the brand. They are noisy on the blacktop (this is not their preferred habitat!), slippery on wet sealed roads, and wear faster than lower performance tyres. MTs also lose their wheel balance quicker after a weekend of rugged bush bashing (you may notice the vibration on the steering wheel when you get back on the highway). You’ll also get poorer fuel economy and less longevity out of mud terrain tyres. BUT, they look seriously badass, like you could scale the Rockies in a blizzard without breaking a sweat. The question is, should aesthetics sway your decision? It all depends on how extreme, and how frequent, your off-roading adventures.
What’s the alternative?
If you like a bit of off-road driving but don’t consider yourself a 4×4 warrior, consider a set of all terrain (AT) tyres. These tyres are a step up from highway terrain (HTs) tyres and provide more grip and better durability on the gravel. ATs, like the Kumho Road Venture AT52, also offer better all-season on-road traction in the wet. They are quieter, lighter and more fuel efficient than MTs and will last longer. For the occasional off-roader or those more inclined to soft 4×4 adventures, ATs are an excellent compromise.
What about towing?
Mud terrain tyres are typically a waste of money on a caravan, simply because they are not ‘driving’ wheels. The extra grip is superfluous on a trailer that’s being towed by another vehicle. There may be some benefit if the trailer is a compact, fully off-road camper trailer or caravan, but you must consider the additional weight, wear, drag and handling on bitumen in the wet. An AT tyre with a more robust side wall will help guard the trailer wheels against rim damage and punctures.
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