Diesel Truck Tires Buying Guide

Diesel trucks are like regular trucks, except they are powered by diesel engines. Trucks running on diesel provide superior torque and fuel efficiency. These vehicles, including variations with Cummins engines, powerstroke engines, and Duramax setups, are more competent in acceleration, hauling, and towing than gasoline-powered trucks. The diesel engine compresses air faster, generating more power and torque in demanding tasks- which explains its advantage over a gas truck.

What Are Diesel Truck Tires?

Since a diesel truck is extremely capable in terms of towing, torque, and weight, its tires must handle the additional stress. Thus, diesel truck tires contain additional materials missing from regular tires that ensure their durability and strength. The sidewall of these tires is reinforced to cope with heavy towing demands.

Another particularity of diesel truck tires is their higher load ratings. If the diesel truck is often exposed to heavy-duty tasks, its tires’ load rating should not be lower than E. This rating ensures the tires can handle the loads without being compromised by early wear and damage in demanding conditions.

Some of the most competent diesel truck tires come from Michelin, Toyo, Nitto, and BFGoodrich manufacturers. Studies and real-world customer feedback describe these brands’ products as highly capable of traction, load-carrying potential, and longevity.

What Makes Diesel Truck Tires Different?

The tires fitted to a diesel truck differ primarily in their more reinforced construction. Diesel engines are heavier than gas engines due to a larger compression ratio. This puts more weight on the tires in the case of diesel trucks. In addition, diesel trucks’ higher torque and power capabilities make them perfect for complex hauling and towing tasks. This is another reason why tires must provide extra durability and strength.

To meet these challenges, manufacturers design tires that withstand these requirements. According to tire ecommerce platform NeoTires, the below four factors sets diesel truck tires apart from regular tires:

1. Higher Load Ratings

Tires compatible with a diesel truck should have a rating of no lower than Load Range E (10-ply). This ensures resistance to at least the vehicle’s weight with its heavier engine.

Load Range F or G tires are common for some dually (dual rear wheel) trucks when more load and towing capacities are needed. The higher the load rating, the more reliable and durable the tire.

Why it matters:

Technically, diesel trucks are compatible with tires with a load rating lower than E. However, these vehicles provide superior torque and are subject to heavy-duty tasks. Higher torque and extra load severely damage tire integrity if the tire does not have the reinforced construction and load rating necessary to withstand them. Tires with insufficient load capacity for a diesel truck will wear out prematurely, deteriorate, and fail to provide the expected performance.

2. Stronger Sidewalls

Tire sidewalls are subject to extreme pressure when the diesel truck is loaded with extra cargo. To prevent blowouts and too much flex, manufacturers reinforce the sidewall structure with additional components, cords, and ply layers. The reinforced sidewall structure ensures resistance against deformation and stability while cornering under heavy loads.

Why it matters:

Excessive pressure under heavy loads increases the risk of excessive heat build-up and blowouts. Tire sidewall reinforcement is crucial to balance that pressure in trucks. In addition, the tire’s improved architecture aids resistance to cuts and punctures. Sidewall reinforcement in diesel truck tires is essential for the vehicle’s performance in worksite and off-road environments.

3. Torque Resistance

Diesel engines such as Cummins, Powerstroke, and Duramax models provide high torque even at low RPMs. A regular tire would wear out its tread in just a few heavy-duty tasks. Truck tires feature an aggressive design with deep blocks and groves to grip steadily when the high torque kicks in.

Manufacturers develop special rubber formulas to make these tires withstand the immense power the engine sends their way. Without toughness compounds, the tread would wear out rapidly. The special truck tire design distributes torque efficiently, minimizing wear and extending the tire’s service life.

Why it matters:

Regular tires on a diesel truck wear out prematurely and are not up to the vehicle’s high torque. Truck owners must carefully choose their tires so that they deliver under the diesel engine power and grip confidently on various surfaces.

4. Bigger Sizes for Lifted Builds

It’s common for diesel truck owners to lift their suspension. Whether to increase ground clearance or improve off-road capabilities, a lifted truck needs larger tires to fit.

While regular trucks generally couple with 30”-33” tires, diesel trucks deliver better with 33”-37” tires on 18, 20, and even 22” wheels. This combination of tire sizes with lifted suspensions provides higher towing stability and optimal performance on rough terrain.

If you’re seeking to lift your diesel truck, consider additional modifications, such as re-gearing the drivetrain. This ensures compatibility with larger tire sizes and performance in various road conditions.

Why it matters:

Diesel trucks, especially modified ones, often require larger tires. These are better suited to rugged applications and elevated truck suspensions. Additionally, larger tires help handling and performance in off-roading conditions—an environment in which diesel trucks often operate.

Choosing the Best Diesel Truck Tires

Selecting the right tires for a diesel truck is no easy task. The process requires specific vehicle knowledge, and the driving specifics should also be considered. Here are some things to think about when choosing the right set:

Load Capacity

Your truck’s tires must match the vehicle’s weight and the potential loads it will carry. Ensure a suitable load rating for a diesel truck and consider at least the E-load rating and above (E, F, G). This helps prevent premature wear and overloading.

Tread Pattern

Consider the terrain you intend to explore with your diesel truck. If you spend more time off-roading, choose aggressive all-terrain or mud terrain designs. Alternatively, highway treads fit better for everyday use on even roads.

Durability

Many gas trucks operate on standard sidewall tires. You need options with reinforced sidewalls because your diesel truck is heavier and can handle the extra loads better than a gas truck. Get reinforced tires for long-lasting performance and pressure resistance.

Fit for Specific Diesel Models

If you own a Ram 2500 Cummins, Ford F-350 Powerstroke, or Chevy Silverado Duramax, ensure your tires match the truck’s performance requirements.

Tire Compatibility with Diesel Performance

Considering diesel trucks’ high torque, tire quality is essential for efficiency and safety. This is especially true for drivers investing in diesel performance upgrades. For example, many enthusiasts opt for larger turbos, custom tuning, or stronger transmissions. All these boost power, enhance towing capabilities, improve torque and fuel efficiency, and promote better acceleration.

The trade-off is the additional stress on tires. In such circumstances, investing in high-quality tires is a wise decision to ensure traction, safety, and full compatibility with these modifications.

Tire Compatibility with Diesel Performance

Considering diesel trucks’ high torque, tire quality is essential for efficiency and safety. This is especially true for drivers who invest in diesel performance upgrades. For example, many enthusiasts opt for larger turbos, custom tuning, or stronger transmissions. All these boost power, enhance towing capabilities, improve torque and fuel efficiency, and promote better acceleration.

The trade-off is the additional stress on tires. Investing in high-quality tires in such circumstances is a wise decision to ensure traction, safety, and compatibility with these modifications. Don’t go for cheap options, and prioritize quality over price.

Vintage Diesel Trucks

Surprisingly, some diesel trucks attract more interest in their vintage spirit than their heavy-duty work. Take, for instance, vintage and classic diesel vehicles—including old-school Cummins-powered Dodge Ram and even unique diesel conversions like a Jeep with a diesel engine. Older diesel trucks may need period-correct tire sizes or upgraded options to match modern durability standards.

Some vintage diesel truck tire options include Toyo Open Country M/T and Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT. Both match the truck’s specs, offering off-road durability and heavy load resistance. These tires would work superbly with a 1989-1993 Dodge Ram W250 Cummins (First-Gen).

A Ford F-250/F-350 IDI Diesel (1990s) pairs well with BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 or Nitto Ridge Grappler. Both do a great job on mixed terrain and are classic choices for vintage diesels.

Bottom Line

What you need to know about diesel truck tires is that they are designed for towing, hauling, and heavy-duty demands. Each part of their DNA is responsible for resistance in harsh conditions and durability under pressure. Whether you drive a lifted Powerstroke, a workhorse Cummins, or a high-performance Duramax, your truck’s tires must match their torque and weight potential. So, focus on high load ratings, reinforced sidewalls, and aggressive tread patterns to cope with demanding conditions. Drive safe and choose your ties wisely!