The best tires for snow plowing are load-rated winter or all-terrain tires in your truck’s exact size, ideally with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol and a load index that covers the extra weight of a plow. Of the picks here, the Nokian Outpost nAT in LT265/75R16 is the clearest fit for a plow truck; the others are lighter-duty sizes or add-ons.
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Each listing is for one specific size, and some products are not tires for plow trucks at all, so we label those plainly. Always match size and load index to your door-jamb placard and plow-mount instructions.
| Mastercraft Glacier MSR 265/70R16 112T SL Tire Set of 1 |  | Winter Tire for Trucks/SUVs | Product Type: Winter tire | Vehicle Fit: Truck/SUV | Winter Rating: Check sidewall for 3PMSF | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Cooper Discoverer True North Winter 225/50R17XL 98H Tire |  | Car Size, Not for Plow Trucks | Product Type: Winter tire | Vehicle Fit: Car size (225/50R17) | Winter Rating: Severe weather/3PMSF | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| SUMITOMO Ice Edge Studable-Winter Radial Tire – 215/70R15 98T |  | Studdable Light-Vehicle Size | Product Type: Winter tire | Vehicle Fit: Passenger vehicle | Winter Rating: 3PMSF | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 15×5.00-6 2Ply Directional X-Trac Snow Tire |  | Also Consider: Snow Blowers Only | Product Type: Snow tire | Vehicle Fit: Snow blower/thrower | Winter Rating: Winter | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| SCC 0232805 Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain – Set of 2 |  | Traction Aid: Chains | Product Type: Tire chain | Vehicle Fit: Light truck/SUV | Winter Rating: N/A | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Nokian Tyres Outpost nAT LT265/75 R 16 123/120S All-Terrain Tire |  | Best Fit for Plow Trucks | Product Type: All-weather tire | Vehicle Fit: LT truck/SUV | Winter Rating: 3PMSF | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| SUMITOMO Ice Edge Studable-Winter Radial Tire – 215/70R15 98T | | Studdable Winter, Size Unconfirmed | Product Type: Winter tire | Vehicle Fit: Check size on listing | Winter Rating: 3PMSF | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Mastercraft Glacier MSR 265/70R16 112T SL Tire Set of 1
The Mastercraft Glacier MSR is listed in 265/70R16 112T SL as a winter tire for trucks and SUVs, sold as a single tire. A load index of 112 corresponds to 2,469 pounds per tire. The listing describes a non-directional tread, a studdable design and a severe-weather marking; confirm the 3PMSF symbol on the sidewall if you need it. Buy a full set of four.
- Product Type:Winter tire
- Vehicle Fit:Truck/SUV
- Winter Rating:Check sidewall for 3PMSF
- Construction:Radial
- Size:265/70R16
- Traction Focus:Snow/ice grip
- Additional Feature:Trapped snow traction
- Additional Feature:Studdable winter design
- Additional Feature:Load index 112 (2,469 lb)
Pros
- Load index 112 (2,469 lb) suits trucks
- Studdable per the listing
- Non-directional tread
Limitations
- Sold as a single tire
- 3PMSF not confirmed; check sidewall
Cooper Discoverer True North Winter 225/50R17XL 98H Tire
The Cooper Discoverer True North Winter is listed in 225/50R17 XL 98H, a load index of 98 (1,653 pounds per tire). Cooper describes it as Severe Weather Rated and 3PMSF certified. Note that 225/50R17 is a low-profile car size, so it is not a fit for a plow truck. We keep it here only as a winter option for a small car used for light driveway work.
- Product Type:Winter tire
- Vehicle Fit:Car size (225/50R17)
- Winter Rating:Severe weather/3PMSF
- Construction:Radial
- Size:225/50R17
- Traction Focus:Snow/ice grip
- Additional Feature:Snow Groove Technology
- Additional Feature:High-density siping
- Additional Feature:Reduced-noise tread (per Cooper)
Pros
- 3PMSF and Severe Weather rating per Cooper
- Asymmetrical tread with Snow Groove Technology
Limitations
- Low-profile car size, not for plow trucks
- Low load index
SUMITOMO Ice Edge Studable-Winter Radial Tire – 215/70R15 98T
The Sumitomo Ice Edge is listed in 215/70R15 98T, a load index of 98 (1,653 pounds per tire). The listing describes a studdable winter radial with the RMA 3PMSF symbol, a low-temperature compound, 3D siping and wide serrated channels. This is a light-vehicle size, so it suits older small SUVs and vans rather than a full-size plow truck.
- Product Type:Winter tire
- Vehicle Fit:Passenger vehicle
- Winter Rating:3PMSF
- Construction:Radial
- Size:215/70R15
- Traction Focus:Snow/ice grip
- Additional Feature:3D sipe technology
- Additional Feature:Serrated tread channels
- Additional Feature:Optimized stud pin layout
Pros
- Studdable with 3PMSF symbol
- 3D siping and serrated channels
Limitations
- Light-vehicle size, not for full-size plow trucks
- Studs are restricted in many areas
15×5.00-6 2Ply Directional X-Trac Snow Tire
This is a tire for walk-behind snow blowers and snow throwers, not for plow trucks. The listing shows a 15×5.00-6 2-ply directional snow tire. We include it only because many readers who clear snow also own a snow blower. Check your machine’s manual for the correct tire size.
- Product Type:Snow tire
- Vehicle Fit:Snow blower/thrower
- Winter Rating:Winter
- Construction:2-ply
- Size:15×5.00-6
- Traction Focus:Snow traction
- Additional Feature:Directional tread pattern
- Additional Feature:2-ply construction
- Additional Feature:Snow blower fit
Pros
- Directional tread for snow blowers
- Light 2-ply construction
Limitations
- Not for vehicles
- Check your machine manual for size
SCC 0232805 Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain – Set of 2
The SCC Auto-Trac is a set of two traction chains for light trucks and SUVs, not a tire. The listing describes self-tightening ratchets, a diamond-pattern cross chain and Class S clearance. Check the maker’s fit chart for your exact tire size, install them on the drive axle, and follow the manufacturer’s speed limit (commonly 30 mph or less).
- Product Type:Tire chain
- Vehicle Fit:Light truck/SUV
- Winter Rating:N/A
- Construction:Steel chain
- Size:See maker fit chart
- Traction Focus:Enhanced traction
- Additional Feature:Self-tightening ratchets
- Additional Feature:Diamond pattern cross chain
- Additional Feature:Class S clearance
Pros
- Self-tightening ratchets per the listing
- Class S clearance
Limitations
- Not a tire
- Fit depends on exact tire size
- Chains can damage roads and wheels if misused
Nokian Tyres Outpost nAT LT265/75 R 16 123/120S All-Terrain Tire
The Nokian Outpost nAT is listed in LT265/75R16 123/120S, a light-truck all-terrain tire. The listing describes Aramid Tough Shield sidewall protection, Summit Sidewalls with shoulder notches and the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol. A 123 load index corresponds to 3,415 pounds per tire, which is the strongest rating among the tires here, so it is the best match for a plow truck.
- Product Type:All-weather tire
- Vehicle Fit:LT truck/SUV
- Winter Rating:3PMSF
- Construction:Radial
- Size:LT265/75R16
- Traction Focus:Off-road/winter grip
- Additional Feature:Aramid Tough Shield
- Additional Feature:Pothole protection
- Additional Feature:Summit sidewalls
Pros
- Highest load index here (123)
- 3PMSF symbol
- Sidewall protection features
Limitations
- All-terrain rather than a dedicated winter tire
- Check that the size matches your truck
SUMITOMO Ice Edge Studable-Winter Radial Tire – 215/70R15 98T
The description on this listing refers to a Sumitomo Ice Edge in 225/70R16 103T (a load index of 103, or 1,950 pounds per tire), while the link title repeats the 215/70R15 98T size. Treat the size as unconfirmed and check it on the Amazon listing before you buy. Sumitomo describes the Ice Edge as a studdable winter tire with the RMA 3PMSF symbol.
- Product Type:Winter tire
- Vehicle Fit:Check size on listing
- Winter Rating:3PMSF
- Construction:Radial
- Size:225/70R16 per description; confirm
- Traction Focus:Snow/ice grip
- Additional Feature:3D serrated siping
- Additional Feature:Triangular center blocks
- Additional Feature:Studdable winter tire
Pros
- Studdable with 3PMSF symbol
- Wide serrated channels
Limitations
- Size unclear between title and description
- Studs are restricted in many areas
Factors to Consider When Choosing Tires for Snow Plowing
When you’re choosing tires for snow plowing, you need strong traction in deep snow, enough load capacity, and a tread pattern that can bite into slippery surfaces. Studdable winter options can give you extra grip when conditions get icy, and durable sidewalls help the tire handle tough, heavy-duty work. If you match those features to your plow setup, you’ll get safer, more reliable performance all season.
Traction In Deep Snow
Deep snow demands tires that can bite, clear, and keep moving under heavy load. You’ll want wide, serrated tread channels that dig in and fling slush and ice away fast, so the tire keeps reaching firm ground. A non-directional tread can help too, since it works well no matter how the tire rolls, which gives you more consistent grip in shifting snow. Look for 3D sipes, because they add extra biting edges that help you stay planted on packed snow and glare ice. If your routes turn brutal, studdable tires let you add metal studs for sharper traction on hard ice. Choose a design that stays aggressive in deep drifts, and you’ll maintain control when the plow starts pushing back.
Load Capacity Matters
Load capacity is one of the biggest things to check before you put tires on a snow plow truck, because the tires have to safely carry the vehicle, the plow, and the weight of heavy snow. You need tires with a load index that matches or beats your truck maker’s recommendation, so they won’t flex too much or fail under pressure. A higher load index means the tire can support more weight, which helps you stay stable and in control while pushing through packed snow. For example, a load index of 112 can handle up to 2,469 pounds per tire. Check tire pressure often, too, because the right pressure helps the tire carry its load properly and perform better in harsh winter conditions.
Studdable Winter Options
If you deal with a lot of ice, studdable winter tires can give your plow truck a real traction boost because they’re built to accept metal studs for extra grip. You can add studs to improve bite on glazed roads, steep drives, and packed snow where standard winter rubber may slip. Look for tires with optimized stud pin placement, since that helps the studs work more effectively in severe conditions. Many models also use wide, serrated channels to move slush and ice away, which supports steadier control. Check for the 3PMSF symbol, too, since it shows the tire meets tough winter standards. Before you buy, verify your local laws, because some areas restrict studded tires to protect pavement from damage.
Tread Pattern Choice
When you’re choosing tires for snow plowing, tread pattern matters a lot because it affects how well the tire grips and clears snow under load. Directional tread designs help you track straight and bite harder on slick roads because they push snow and slush out of the way fast. Asymmetrical patterns give you flexible winter performance, so you can keep steady grip when conditions change. Non-directional treads wear evenly and can handle light snow, but they won’t match specialized designs for traction. Look for at least 10/32nds of tread depth so the tire can dig in and stay stable. Features like 3D siping and wide channels also matter because they add biting edges and move snow away, helping you stay in control while plowing.
Sidewall Durability
Sidewall durability matters a lot on snow plowing tires because curbs, ice chunks, and hidden debris can quickly lead to cuts or punctures. You need a thick, reinforced sidewall that can shrug off impacts and keep you working through rough drives and packed lots. Tires built with aramid fibers or similar advanced materials give you extra strength, so they’re less likely to fail when you scrape obstacles or grind over frozen ruts. A higher ply rating also helps, since it usually means better protection for heavy-duty plowing. Don’t forget inflation: if you run them too low, the sidewalls flex too much and get damaged faster. Keep pressure where the manufacturer recommends, and you’ll protect the tire, boost longevity, and reduce downtime.
Plow-truck tire checklist
- Load index: a front-mounted plow adds weight to the front axle. Make sure the load index meets or beats your truck maker’s requirement, and check the plow maker’s instructions for any front-axle limits.
- Load range: LT tires in Load Range E are the usual choice for heavy-duty pickups; check your placard.
- Winter symbol: look for the 3PMSF symbol on the sidewall of the exact tire you receive.
- Studs: studdable tires accept studs, but many areas limit them by season. Check local rules first.
- Full set: fit four matching tires. Do not mix sizes or models on one axle.
- Pressure: set cold pressure to the placard value and re-check it often in freezing weather. Do not run lower pressure to chase traction while carrying a plow.
If you are also shopping for general winter tires, see our guides to the best tires for snow and ice and all-season tires for snow and ice.
FAQ
What are the best tires for snow plowing?
Load-rated tires in your truck’s exact size are best, with a load index that covers the plow weight. Among these picks, the Nokian Outpost nAT LT265/75R16 has the highest load index.
Do I need winter tires on a plow truck?
Not always. Winter tires add grip on snow and ice, while a 3PMSF all-terrain tire can be a compromise for mixed use. Choose by your size, load needs and how much ice you drive on.
Do tire chains damage plow trucks?
They can if they are the wrong size, loose, or used at speed or on bare pavement. Use the correct fit chart and follow the chain maker’s speed limit.
Are studded tires legal everywhere?
No. Rules vary by state and region, and some limit studs to certain dates. Check local regulations before you buy.
When should I replace plow tires?
Replace them when you see cracks, bulges or uneven wear, or when tread is low enough that traction drops. Inspect them before each season and after heavy use.
Conclusion
For a plow truck, start with the exact size and load index, then look for the 3PMSF symbol. Use chains only as an add-on and confirm the size on every listing before you buy.
