Plowing demands tires that grip snow and ice, support heavy loads, and resist wear from pavement and debris. We researched manufacturer specifications, industry standards (like 3PMSF ratings), and aggregated owner feedback to compare the top models. Our evaluation focuses on traction, durability, load capacity, and real-world plowing performance.
Every tire here is a proven choice for plow trucks, but each has trade-offs in ride comfort, noise, or tread life on dry roads. We highlight who should consider each tire and who might want to skip it.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
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Firestone Winterforce 2 Best Overall for Plowing LT235/85R16, 3PMSF, load range E |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac Best All-Terrain for Plowing LT275/65R18, 3PMSF, load range E |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3 Premium Winter Performance LT235/80R17, 3PMSF, load range E |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S Best Value All-Season LT265/70R17, 3PMSF, load range E |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T Best for Deep Snow LT315/70R17, 3PMSF, load range D |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Bridgestone Blizzak LT Best Ice Traction LT245/75R16, 3PMSF, load range E |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Toyo Open Country A/T III Best for Mixed Conditions LT275/65R18, 3PMSF, load range E |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Firestone Winterforce 2: Best Overall for Plowing
The Firestone Winterforce 2 is a dedicated winter tire built for light trucks and plow applications. Its directional tread pattern and dense siping provide outstanding grip on snow and ice, while the reinforced casing handles the extra weight of a plow. Owner feedback consistently praises its traction in deep snow and on icy roads, making it a reliable choice for residential and commercial plowing.
However, the Winterforce 2 is louder on dry pavement and may wear faster if used year-round. Drivers who need a tire for mixed use or prioritize highway comfort should consider an all-terrain or severe-service tire instead.
- Deep tread with aggressive siping for snow and ice traction
- Reinforced sidewalls for heavy plow loads
- Good value for the durability offered
Pros: Excellent snow traction; Strong load capacity; Affordable for a winter LT tire
Cons: Noisier on dry pavement than all-season tires
2. Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac: Best All-Terrain for Plowing
The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is a rugged all-terrain tire that also meets severe snow service standards. Its aggressive tread and sidewall protectors handle plow loads and debris well. Owner reports indicate strong traction in packed snow and slush, with good longevity even under heavy use.
On the downside, the Duratrac is louder than dedicated winter tires on dry roads, and some users note a firmer ride. If you plow occasionally but need a tire for daily driving and light off-roading, this is a versatile pick.
- Tractive Groove Technology for snow and mud
- Durawall Technology for sidewall toughness
- Severe snow rated with 3PMSF symbol
Pros: Excellent off-road and snow traction; Durable sidewall for plow debris; Good year-round usability
Cons: Can be noisy on highway
3. Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3: Premium Winter Performance
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3 is engineered for severe winter conditions and heavy loads. Its unique tread compound and biting edges deliver exceptional grip on ice and hard-packed snow. The aramid-reinforced sidewall resists cuts and impacts from plow debris. In our evaluation of owner feedback, this tire consistently ranks highest for safety and control.
However, the premium cost may be overkill for light-duty or occasional plowing. Drivers who face extreme winter conditions daily will appreciate the investment, but those on a budget or in milder climates can find capable alternatives for less.
- Advanced silica compound for ice grip
- Aramid sidewall reinforcement
- Low rolling resistance for fuel economy
Pros: Best-in-class ice and snow traction; Very durable sidewall; Quiet for a winter tire
Cons: Premium price
4. Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S: Best Value All-Season
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a versatile all-terrain tire that earned a 3PMSF rating for severe snow. It balances on-road comfort with off-road capability, making it a solid choice for plow trucks that also serve as daily drivers. Owner feedback highlights its long tread life and reliable performance in light to moderate snow.
For heavy ice or deep snow plowing, its ice traction lags behind dedicated winter tires. If you plow only occasionally and need a tire that works year-round, this is an excellent value. But frequent plowers in harsh winters should opt for a winter-specific model.
- Severe snow rated all-terrain tread
- Stone and mud ejectors
- 50,000 mile treadwear warranty
Pros: Good year-round traction; Long tread life; Affordable price point
Cons: Ice traction not as strong as dedicated winters
5. Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T: Best for Deep Snow
The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T is a mud-terrain tire that also meets severe snow standards. Its massive tread blocks and deep siping provide outstanding grip in deep snow and slush. The reinforced sidewall stands up to sharp debris and impacts common in plowing.
However, this tire is loud and harsh on dry roads, and its tread life is shorter than all-terrain options. It is best for trucks that spend most of their time off-road or in deep snow. If you plow primarily on paved surfaces, consider a less aggressive tire.
- Extreme mud-terrain tread with deep lugs
- PowerPly sidewall for impact resistance
- Severe snow rated
Pros: Exceptional traction in deep snow and mud; Very tough sidewall; Aggressive look
Cons: Rough ride on pavement; High road noise
6. Bridgestone Blizzak LT: Best Ice Traction
The Bridgestone Blizzak LT is a dedicated winter tire designed for light trucks. Its multicell compound provides exceptional grip on ice, even at low temperatures. Owner feedback confirms its confidence-inspiring performance on icy roads, making it a top pick for plow trucks that face frequent ice.
The trade-off is that the soft rubber wears more quickly on dry or warm pavement. This tire is best used only during winter months. If you need a tire for year-round use, look for an all-terrain with 3PMSF rating instead.
- Multicell compound for ice grip
- Directional tread for water evacuation
- Reinforced construction for heavy loads
Pros: Outstanding ice braking and cornering; Good snow traction; Stable under load
Cons: Softer compound wears faster on dry pavement
7. Toyo Open Country A/T III: Best for Mixed Conditions
The Toyo Open Country A/T III is a well-rounded all-terrain tire that meets severe snow service standards. It provides a comfortable ride on pavement while offering capable traction in light snow and mud. Owner feedback often praises its durability and even wear.
For heavy plowing in deep snow or ice, its performance falls short of dedicated winter tires. This tire is best for trucks that plow occasionally and prioritize highway comfort and longevity. If you face severe winter conditions daily, choose a winter-specific model.
- All-terrain tread with 3PMSF certification
- Stone ejector grooves
- Flat floor design for even wear
Pros: Good balance of on-road comfort and off-road traction; Long tread life; Quiet for an all-terrain
Cons: Snow traction is adequate but not exceptional
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need 3PMSF rated tires for plowing?
Yes, for serious snow plowing, we recommend tires with the 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol. This indicates the tire meets severe snow service standards and provides better traction in deep snow and ice compared to standard all-season tires. All our picks are 3PMSF rated.
Can I use all-season tires for plowing?
Standard all-season tires lack the tread design and rubber compound needed for severe snow and ice. They may struggle with traction and wear quickly under plow loads. We recommend at least an all-terrain tire with 3PMSF rating or a dedicated winter tire for safe and effective plowing.
What load range should I choose for a plow truck?
For most plow trucks, load range E (10-ply rated) is ideal. It provides the extra load capacity and sidewall strength needed to support the weight of a plow and heavy payloads. Always check your truck’s weight rating and plow specifications.
How do I maximize tire life when plowing?
Rotate tires regularly (every 5,000 miles), maintain proper inflation (check cold pressures weekly), and avoid spinning tires on pavement. Remove tires after winter if using dedicated winter tires to prevent accelerated wear on dry roads.
Are studded tires better for plowing?
Studded tires offer superior ice traction but are prohibited in many states and damage pavement. Most modern winter tires with advanced compounds (like Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3 or Bridgestone Blizzak LT) provide excellent ice grip without studs. Check local laws before considering studs.
Our Verdict
After researching specs, safety standards, and owner feedback, the Firestone Winterforce 2 stands out as the best overall plow truck tire for its combination of snow traction, load capacity, and value. For those who need year-round versatility, the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is a strong runner-up, offering all-terrain capability with severe snow certification.
Last reviewed and spec-checked: June 19, 2026. We re-check our picks and listings periodically.
