How do I choose wheels and tires for daily driving vs. off-road use?

Whether you are building a truck for everyday commuting, weekend trail runs, or somewhere in between, the right wheel and tire setup can make a big difference in how your truck looks, feels, and performs. Here is what to consider when choosing wheels and tires based on how you plan to use your vehicle.

Daily driving

If your truck is primarily a daily driver, comfort, fuel economy, and low maintenance are likely your top priorities. Here is what to look for:

Wheel considerations for daily driving:

• A moderate wheel size in the 18 to 20 inch range offers a good balance of style and ride comfort
• A higher offset keeps the wheels tucked closer to the vehicle, reducing the risk of rubbing and making the truck easier to maneuver in tight spaces
• A finish that is easy to clean and maintain, such as gloss black or a painted finish, is a practical choice for everyday use

Tire considerations for daily driving:

• All season or highway tires offer a smooth, quiet ride on pavement with good wet and dry traction
• A more moderate tire size keeps road noise low and fuel economy reasonable
• All terrain tires are a great option if you want some off road capability without sacrificing too much on road comfort

Off road use

If your truck spends a significant amount of time on trails, in mud, or on rocky terrain, durability, traction, and clearance become the top priorities. Here is what to look for:

Wheel considerations for off road use:

• Smaller wheel diameters in the 17 inch range allow for a taller tire sidewall, which provides better cushioning and traction on rough terrain
• A more negative offset pushes the wheels outward for a wider stance and better stability on uneven surfaces
• Beadlock wheels are a great option for serious off road use where airing down tires to very low pressures is necessary for maximum traction
• A durable finish that can handle the wear and tear of off road use, such as matte black or a textured finish, is a practical choice

Tire considerations for off road use:

• All terrain tires offer a great balance of on road and off road performance for trucks that split time between the street and the trail
• Mud terrain tires feature an aggressive tread pattern designed to grip in mud, dirt, and rocky terrain, but come with more road noise and a firmer ride on pavement
• Rugged terrain tires are a great middle ground option that offers more off road capability than an all terrain without being as loud or aggressive as a mud terrain
• A taller tire with more sidewall provides better cushioning and traction on rough terrain

Building for both

Many truck owners want a setup that works well for both daily driving and occasional off road use. Here are a few tips for finding the right balance:

• All terrain tires are the most versatile option for trucks that split time between the street and the trail
• A moderate lift in the 2 to 4 inch range gives you extra clearance for larger tires without dramatically affecting on road handling or fuel economy
• Choosing a wheel size and offset that works well for both on road and off road use will save you from having to swap setups depending on where you are going
• Our guided fitment tool on the homepage can help you find Easy Fit and Aggressive Fit options that work well for your specific vehicle and use case

Not sure what setup is right for you?

Use our guided fitment tool on our homepage to explore wheel and tire options for your specific year, make, and model. You can also reach out to our sales team and we will be happy to walk you through the best options for your driving style and build goals!