Serving as daily drivers, trail rig haulers, and parts shuttles, the 3/4- and 1-ton trucks are the workhorses that help keep us and our hobby moving along. So when it comes to getting a new set of tires and wheels for the heavy-duty pickups, not just any old set will do. While the aspect ratio can differ greatly from vehicle to vehicle, the load rating requirements for HD trucks generally remain the same.
With a max load rating of...
With a max load rating of 3,400 pounds each, both the E-range Pro Comp Xtreme All Terrain and the 6032 wheel are designed to support 3/4- and 1-ton trucks with ease. While the heavy-duty chrome wheel's strength stays constant, the 35-inch A/T needs to be aired to 65 psi to reach its load potential.
Tire load ranges are categorized by a single letter on the side of the tire. Most light truck tire ranges are commonly represented by a C, D, or E. For applicable tow rig tires, D and E are the ones to look for. Though D and E ranges vary from company to company, most are designed to support at least 3,000 pounds per tire. Given a choice, we prefer E-range tires, as they traditionally have a stronger sidewall and will support more weight than comparable D-series rubber.
With our 3/4-ton Dodge Ram 4x4 in need of new set of shoes, we looked to the off-road tire and wheel titans at Pro Comp USA. Since our truck sees a healthy mix of off-road, street, and long-haul towing, we needed a tire that was refined enough for long drives but tough enough to throw a little dirt. To fill the needs of our versatile hauler, we went with a 35x12.50R18 Pro Comp Xtreme All Terrain.
Tread depth and stagger were...
Tread depth and stagger were a big influence in our picking the Xtreme All Terrain. While we didn't need a super-aggressive set of cleats, it was important to choose a tire that is capable of self cleaning and mild terra churning. For the desert conditions here in Southern California the Pro Comps hook up great, as the 12 1/2-inch-wide footprint has little trouble finding grip.
The E-range Xtreme All Terrain is rated for over 3,400 pounds each, is backed by a 40,000-mile tread wear warranty, and has beefy tread voids to help us cut our way through the terra. Teaming up with the Xtreme A/T is an 18x9 Pro Comp 6032 series wheel. The chrome 6032 series wheel is designed to handle the load requirements of our truck, and the smooth finish is easy to clean. To see the full line of Pro Comp tires and wheels, check out www.procompusa.com.
Tech Specs
Tires
Pro comp Xtreme all terrain
size: 33x12.50R18
Load Range: E
Max. Load (lbs): 3,415
Tread Depth (in): 19/32
Wheels
Pro Comp 6032 Chrome
size (in): 18x9
Bolt Pattern: 8-on-6 1/2
Max. Load (lbs): 3,420
Backspacing (in): 5
Securing the right tire for...
Securing the right tire for your tow rig is often as easy as picking the letter E. Although the range letter is a great indicator of the tire's load carrying capacities, be sure to double-check the suggested weight maximum on the tires sidewall before purchasing a new set of cleats for your HD hauler.
To make sure that the Pro...
To make sure that the Pro Comp tires rode smooth and our truck tracked straight, we took our Dodge Ram to the 4x4 experts at the 4Wheel Parts in Van Nuys, California. After a quick mount, balance, and alignment we were out the door and testing our new Xtreme rubber on the crazy California highway.
Since strapping on the new...
Since strapping on the new lugs we've logged a mix of towing, hauling, and off-road miles. So far the tires are staying quiet and wearing even. Though the 5 inches of wheel backspacing isn't perfect for our wide AAM axles, a little fender and valence trimming allowed the combo to clear with just 3 inches of lift.