I’m a tire enthusiast. It might sound odd, but finding the right tire for your vehicle and driving habits is rewarding. Recently I had the chance to try the Goodyear® Wrangler UltraTerrain AT™, available exclusively at Discount Tire and America’s Tire, and it checked a lot of boxes for my needs.
- New Tires for F-150 Daily Driver
- My truck tire needs are basic but fairly common
- Tire Design
- Installation
- On-Road Performance
- Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT
New Tires for F-150 Daily Driver
I drive a 2008 Ford F-150 that functions as a daily driver, family vehicle, surf shuttle, and occasional ranch truck. It’s reliable, but the tires were due for an upgrade. The truck is a two-wheel-drive SuperCrew that spends most of its time on Los Angeles freeways. A few years ago I swapped the factory 18-inch wheels for 20-inch aluminum rims from a 2016 F-150. Those rims required low-profile tires that handled well on pavement but offered a harsh ride on gravel and dirt roads.
I visit our family ranch a few times a year. Although 95% of the drive is paved, the remaining 5% is unpaved and rough. The low-profile tires provided little sidewall cushioning and the shallow street tread felt vulnerable to sharp rocks. I wanted tires with taller sidewalls for comfort and protection, while still performing well on highways and in occasional adverse weather.
My truck tire needs are basic but fairly common
- Most driving (about 90%) is on pavement and highways, so I need a tire that stays steady and quiet at speed.
- Rough dirt roads make up about 5% of my driving—occasional rocks, washouts, and mud require durable sidewalls and reliable traction.
- We take a few ski trips each year; the truck’s two-wheel-drive layout means I need tires that handle light snow and ice confidently.
- Monthly hauling of heavy materials makes an “E” load-rating desirable to handle extra weight safely.
- I wanted a taller tire to restore sidewall cushioning and add modest ground clearance without lifting the truck.
Those requirements may seem modest, but finding a single tire that balances quiet highway performance, durability off-road, winter capability, and a robust load rating can be challenging. Before testing the Goodyear Wrangler® UltraTerrain AT™, I made sure it met these needs.
Tire Design
Appearance is secondary for me, but the UltraTerrain’s tread has an aggressive, mud-terrain-inspired look with open shoulder blocks and sidewall lugs. That design suggests strong off-road capability while retaining on-road manners.
These tires carry a 10-ply “E” load rating, which is ideal for frequently hauling heavy loads. They also have 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, indicating they meet established snow traction performance standards. Together these features deliver peace of mind whether I’m hauling heavy materials or driving in winter conditions.
Installation
The Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT is sold exclusively at Discount Tire and America’s Tire. I booked an appointment at an America’s Tire in Glendale, CA. The staff were welcoming and professional—one technician I recognized from a previous visit helped with my service.
With an appointment, the crew moved quickly. My new tires were mounted, balanced, and checked for rubbing within about 30 minutes. Because I chose a larger size, they verified clearance at full steering lock and finished by cleaning the tires and wheels before I left. I selected LT275/65R20 tires to add sidewall height, and a Bilstein leveling kit ensured no contact issues.
Despite the aggressive tread, I expected a noisy on-road experience. Instead, the UltraTerrain AT was remarkably quiet—comparable to the previous low-profile street tires. Goodyear’s computer-modeled tread pattern optimizes rubber voids to reduce road noise while retaining all-terrain capability, delivering a smooth and silent ride.
On-Road Performance
On the freeway ride home, the tires felt stable with no wandering or wobble. They performed confidently in stop-and-go LA traffic and absorbed potholes much better than my previous low-profile tires. The added sidewall cushion noticeably improved ride comfort over rough pavement.
I was eager to test the tires off-road. While I haven’t taken on extremely technical trails yet, a trip to Hungry Valley provided a good sense of capability. The tires gripped well on loose dirt, sand, and moderate rocks. Their durable construction inspired confidence that I could tackle more challenging routes and make it back without damage. With the proper 4×4 setup and lower tire pressures, I expect even better traction on rough terrain.
The tire’s balanced design means I don’t have to compromise highway comfort for off-road performance—something that mattered for my mixed-use needs.
Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT
After testing, the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT met all of my criteria: quiet and stable highway manners, durable construction for occasional off-road use, a load rating suitable for heavy hauling, and snow capability for winter trips. It’s rare to find a single tire that performs well in so many scenarios, and these tires may have spoiled me for future choices.
This article was written by me on behalf of Discount Tire and Goodyear. All opinions are my own.