The best all terrain truck tires for snow carry the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, and even then they are a compromise: dedicated winter tires or chains grip better on ice. This page covers one all-terrain tire, the Lexani Terrain Beast AT in LT245/75R16, which does not list a 3PMSF rating. It also covers six traction aids (straps and chains) that you carry for emergencies. Those six are not tires and are not a substitute for tires.
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All-Terrain Tires vs Winter Tires vs Traction Aids
| Option | Best for | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| 3PMSF all-terrain tires | Year-round use with moderate snow | Usually weaker than winter tires on ice and in deep cold |
| Dedicated winter tires | Regular snow, ice and cold | Wear faster in warm weather; need storage or a second set |
| Snow chains | Deep snow, steep roads, chain-control areas | Low speed only; need correct size and clearance |
| Straps and cable ties | Getting unstuck at low speed | Not accepted as chains where chain laws apply; not for highway driving |
If you want more tire options, see our guide to the best all-terrain tires for snow.
| TRACGRABBER Tire Traction Device for Trucks & Large SUVs |  | Recovery straps, not a tire | Type: Tire traction straps | Vehicle Fit: Trucks/SUVs | Tire Width: Max 40 in girth | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 10PCS Reusable Tire Zip Ties for Snow Chains |  | Cable ties, not a tire | Type: Reusable tire zip ties | Vehicle Fit: Cars/trucks/SUVs | Tire Width: Up to 295 mm | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Coco Bird Heavy Duty AutoFixing Snow Chains |  | Snow chains, not a tire | Type: Auto-tightening snow chains | Vehicle Fit: Light trucks/SUVs/pickups | Tire Width: Size-based fit | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 12 PCS Car Snow Tire Chains for Winter |  | Traction straps, not a tire | Type: Spiral traction straps | Vehicle Fit: Cars/SUVs/trucks | Tire Width: Various sizes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Lexani Terrain Beast AT LT245/75R16 120/116S E |  | The only tire here | Type: All-terrain tire | Vehicle Fit: Light trucks/SUVs | Tire Width: LT245/75R16 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Universal Anti-Skid Snow Tire Chains for Trucks and SUVs |  | Cable ties, not a tire | Type: Plastic cable ties | Vehicle Fit: Trucks/SUVs/vans/cars | Tire Width: 6.5-10.5 in | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Emergency Anti-Slip Snow Chains for Tires |  | Chains, not a tire | Type: Snow chains | Vehicle Fit: Cars/SUVs/trucks | Tire Width: 175-285 mm | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
TRACGRABBER Tire Traction Device for Trucks and Large SUVs
These are traction straps for getting a stuck truck or large SUV moving again in snow, mud or sand. This is a recovery tool, not a tire or a chain. The listing describes a set of two rubber straps that wrap around a drive wheel and fit tires up to a 40-inch girth. Follow the maker’s instructions and speed limit, and clear people from the area before you move.
- Type:Traction straps (set of two)
- Vehicle Fit:Trucks and large SUVs
- Tire Girth:Up to 40 in (per listing)
- Use:Low-speed recovery
- Material:Rubber (per listing)
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- Emergency grip solution
- Works on snow, mud, sand
- Fast installation
Cons
- One-time emergency use
- Not permanent solution
10-Piece Reusable Tire Zip Ties for Snow Chains
These are reusable cable-tie style anti-skid straps for low-speed use on light snow. They are not snow chains and may not be accepted where chains are required. The listing gives a length of about 35 inches and a fit for tires up to 295 mm wide. Check the width of your truck tire against that number, because many truck tires are wider.
- Type:Reusable anti-skid ties
- Vehicle Fit:Cars, trucks and SUVs (check width)
- Tire Width:Up to 295 mm (per listing)
- Use:Low-speed, emergency
- Material:Plastic (per listing)
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- Reusable multiple times
- Fits tires to 295mm
Cons
- Light duty only
- May slip in deep snow
Coco Bird Heavy Duty AutoFixing Snow Chains
These are metal snow chains with a self-tightening design, listed for light trucks, SUVs and pickups. Chains give stronger grip in deep snow than straps. Choose the size from the chain maker’s fit chart for your exact tire size, and check wheel-well clearance first. Use them only as the maker directs, at the speed limit shown in the instructions, and take them off when the road is clear.
- Type:Self-tightening snow chains
- Vehicle Fit:Light trucks, SUVs, pickups
- Tire Size:Choose by fit chart
- Use:Low-speed, snow and ice
- Material:Steel (per listing)
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- Titanium alloy steel
- Diamond-pattern for grip
- Self-tightening system
Cons
- Heavy-duty adds cost
- More complex install
12-Piece Spiral Snow Traction Straps (Not Metal Chains)
Despite the name on the listing, these are spiral traction straps rather than metal chains. They are a low-speed aid for snow, mud and sand. The listing gives a strap length of about 35 inches. Check that the straps can wrap your truck tire, and read the maker’s speed limit before you use them on the road.
- Type:Spiral traction straps
- Vehicle Fit:Cars, SUVs, trucks (check size)
- Tire Width:Various sizes (see listing)
- Use:Low-speed, emergency
- Material:Plastic-type (per listing)
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- Versatile for trucks and cars
- 11 grooves for grip
- Adjustable for different tires
Cons
- Spiral design less proven
- May be noisy
Lexani Terrain Beast AT LT245/75R16 120/116S E
This is an all-terrain light truck tire in LT245/75R16, Load Range E (10-ply rated) with a 120/116S rating. A 120 load index carries about 3,086 lb per tire (single). It has siped tread blocks, but we could not confirm a 3PMSF rating, so it is not a certified snow tire. It fits trucks and SUVs that use 16-inch wheels in this size. Check the sidewall for the 3PMSF symbol before buying it for winter.
- Type:All-terrain tire
- Vehicle Fit:Light trucks and SUVs
- Tire Size:LT245/75R16
- Load Rating:120/116S, Load Range E
- Winter Rating:Not confirmed (3PMSF not listed)
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- Asymmetrical tread design
- Deep grooves clear water
- Full-depth siping
Cons
- All-terrain not winter specialist
- May be loud
Universal Anti-Skid Snow Tire Cable Ties for Trucks and SUVs
These are plastic cable ties with metal-style cleats for low-speed use on snow and mud. The listing states a tire width range of 6.5 to 10.5 inches and a maximum speed of 30 km/h (about 19 mph). They are an emergency aid, not a replacement for chains or snow tires. “Universal” fit claims vary, so compare the width range to your own tire before you buy.
- Type:Plastic cable ties with cleats
- Vehicle Fit:Trucks, SUVs, vans, cars
- Tire Width:6.5 to 10.5 in (per listing)
- Max Speed:30 km/h (per listing)
- Material:Plastic (per listing)
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- Universal fit 6.5-10.5 inches
- Works on trucks and cars
- Plastic cable design
Cons
- Nail cleat less proven
- May slide on gravel
Emergency Anti-Slip Snow Chains for Tires
This set is described as anti-slip snow chains with nylon straps and metal cleats, listed for tire widths of 175 to 285 mm. It includes gloves and a storage bag per the listing. Check the width of your truck tire against the 285 mm limit, because many truck tires are wider. Treat it as an emergency aid and follow the maker’s speed limit.
- Type:Anti-slip chains with straps
- Vehicle Fit:Cars, SUVs, trucks (check width)
- Tire Width:175 to 285 mm (per listing)
- Use:Low-speed, emergency
- Material:Metal and nylon (per listing)
- Warranty:See listing
Pros
- Works in extreme cold -50C
- Includes gloves and bag
- Fits 175-285mm tires
Cons
- Emergency use only
- Metal nails can scratch
Factors to Consider When Choosing All Terrain Truck Tires for Snow
Tire Size and Load
Use the size and load index on your door placard. Load Range E tires carry more but ride firmer and can feel less grippy on snow with an empty bed. If you plan to use chains or straps, check the fit chart and your wheel-well clearance first.
Tread and Siping
Open tread blocks with plenty of siping give more biting edges on snow. Look for the 3PMSF symbol on the sidewall rather than relying on the M+S marking.
Cold-Weather Behavior
Rubber stiffens in the cold. Winter-specific tires use compounds that stay softer at low temperatures, which is why they usually beat all-terrain tires on ice.
Chains and Straps: Install and Use
Practice fitting chains in dry conditions. Install them on the axle the chain maker or your owner’s manual names, keep to the speed in the instructions, and remove them on clear pavement. Cable ties and straps are for low-speed recovery only.
Check Local Rules
Many mountain areas require chains or 3PMSF tires during storms. Cable ties and straps are often not accepted as chains, so check the local rules before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my truck can use snow chains?
Check your owner’s manual for the chain clearance and the axle to fit, then compare your tire size with the chain maker’s fit chart. Make sure there is enough clearance around the wheel, brakes and suspension.
Are winter tires better than all-terrain tires in deep snow?
Usually yes. Winter tires are designed for snow and cold, while all-terrain tires trade some snow grip for off-road durability. A 3PMSF all-terrain tire can still be a reasonable year-round choice.
Do snow tires change my truck’s towing capacity?
No. Tires do not change the towing rating. Better traction can help control, but you still need to respect the rated limits, tire load index and road conditions.
How often should truck tires be rotated in winter?
Many tire makers suggest rotating roughly every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Check your owner’s manual for the interval and pattern for your truck.
Can I use winter tires year-round in a mild climate?
You can, but they wear faster in warm weather and can feel softer on dry roads. In a mild climate, an all-weather or 3PMSF all-terrain tire is usually a better fit.
Are cable ties and traction straps the same as snow chains?
No. They are low-speed recovery aids and are often not accepted as chains where chain laws apply. Check local rules and use proper chains where they are required.
Conclusion
An all-terrain tire with the 3PMSF symbol is the best year-round compromise for a truck in light to moderate snow. Add chains for deep snow or chain-control roads, and keep recovery straps for getting unstuck. If you see regular ice, consider a set of dedicated winter tires.
