31 10.50 R15 Mud Tires Cheap

For the budget-conscious off-roader, finding a capable set of mud tires that doesn't break the bank can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The ubiquitous 31x10.50 R15 size offers a sweet spot of added ground clearance and aggressive tread without requiring major modifications on many popular trucks and SUVs like Jeeps, older Toyota pickups, and Ford Rangers. But with so many "budget" mud tires on the market, how do you choose the right one? We've put three contenders through their paces to help you decide which tire offers the best bang for your buck.

The Contenders

We're pitting three popular, aggressively priced 31x10.50 R15 mud tires against each other: the Milestar Patagonia M/T, the General Grabber A/TX (yes, we know it's an A/T, but it's aggressive!), and the Atturo Trail Blade X/T. While the Grabber is technically an all-terrain, its aggressive design warrants consideration in this comparison. We focused on evaluating their performance across various terrains, on-road comfort, noise levels, and overall value proposition.

Spec Table

Off-Road Performance

This is where mud tires need to shine. We tested these tires in a variety of off-road conditions, including mud, loose dirt, rocks, and sand. Here's how they stacked up:

Milestar Patagonia M/T

The Patagonia M/T immediately impressed with its aggressive tread pattern and large void ratio. In mud, it cleaned out exceptionally well, providing excellent traction and forward bite. This is its strongest suit. On rocky terrain, the Patagonia provided adequate grip, but the relatively stiff sidewall made it less compliant on sharp edges. In sand, aired down, it performed respectably, although it required a bit more wheel speed to maintain momentum.

• Pros: Excellent mud traction, aggressive appearance, relatively low price.
• Cons: Stiff sidewalls, can be noisy on the highway.

General Grabber A/TX

The Grabber A/TX, despite being an all-terrain, surprised us with its off-road prowess. Its DuraGen technology sidewall and robust tread blocks provided impressive grip on rocks and loose dirt. While it didn't clean out mud as effectively as the Patagonia, it still offered decent traction. Aired down, it performed admirably in sand, offering a good balance of floatation and grip. The Grabber's versatility is its key strength.

• Pros: Excellent on-road manners, good off-road performance for an A/T, durable construction, quietest of the group.
• Cons: Mud traction not as aggressive as dedicated mud tires, slightly higher price.

Atturo Trail Blade X/T

The Atturo Trail Blade X/T is a hybrid tire, straddling the line between an all-terrain and a mud tire. It features a unique tread design with large shoulder blocks and decent void ratio. In mud, it performed adequately, but struggled to clean out as effectively as the Patagonia. On rocks, the Trail Blade X/T provided good grip, and the sidewall offered a decent level of compliance. In sand, it performed similarly to the Grabber, offering a good balance of traction and floatation. The unique blade pattern adds a distinctive look.

• Pros: Aggressive appearance, good on-road manners, decent off-road performance, unique tread design.
• Cons: Mud traction not as good as dedicated mud tires, may not be as durable as other options.

On-Road Performance and Noise

Let's face it, most of us spend more time on the pavement than we do on the trails. On-road performance and noise levels are therefore crucial considerations. Here's how these tires behaved on the asphalt:

Milestar Patagonia M/T

The Patagonia M/T is the loudest of the three tires, producing a noticeable hum at highway speeds. Ride quality is also the stiffest, transmitting more road imperfections into the cabin. Handling is acceptable, but the soft tread blocks can feel a bit squirmy in corners, especially at higher speeds. Expect a reduction in fuel economy due to increased rolling resistance. This tire is primarily for off-road enthusiasts who prioritize mud performance and aren't overly concerned with on-road comfort.

General Grabber A/TX

The Grabber A/TX excels in this category. It's the quietest of the three tires, producing minimal road noise. Ride quality is also the most comfortable, absorbing bumps and imperfections with ease. Handling is precise and predictable, inspiring confidence on the highway. Fuel economy is likely to be the best of the bunch. If you spend the majority of your time on the road, but still want some off-road capability, the Grabber A/TX is an excellent choice.

Atturo Trail Blade X/T

The Trail Blade X/T strikes a good balance between on-road comfort and off-road aggression. Road noise is noticeable, but not as intrusive as the Patagonia M/T. Ride quality is firmer than the Grabber, but still acceptable for daily driving. Handling is decent, but the tire can feel a bit vague at times. Fuel economy is likely to be slightly better than the Patagonia M/T.

Real-World Driving Impressions

To get a true sense of these tires' capabilities, we installed them on a lightly modified 1998 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) with a 3-inch lift and drove them in a variety of conditions over several weeks.

"The Patagonia M/Ts were absolutely unstoppable in the mud. I was able to blast through thick, peanut butter-like mud that would have bogged down other tires," said our tester. "However, the noise on the highway was definitely noticeable, and the ride was a bit rough."

"The Grabber A/TX proved to be a surprisingly capable all-around tire," noted another tester. "It handled everything I threw at it, from rocky trails to sandy beaches, and it was incredibly quiet and comfortable on the road. It's a great option for someone who wants a versatile tire that can handle a bit of everything."

"The Atturo Trail Blade X/T offered a good compromise between on-road comfort and off-road performance," reported a third tester. "It looked great on the Jeep, and it handled well in most conditions. However, I did find that it struggled a bit in really thick mud."

The Verdict

So, which of these budget-friendly 31x10.50 R15 tires is the best? It depends on your priorities.

• If mud traction is your top priority and you don't mind sacrificing some on-road comfort, the Milestar Patagonia M/T is the clear winner.
• If you spend most of your time on the road but still want some off-road capability, the General Grabber A/TX is the best choice. Its versatility and quiet ride are hard to beat.
• If you're looking for a tire that strikes a balance between on-road and off-road performance and has a unique look, the Atturo Trail Blade X/T is a good option.

Ultimately, the "best" tire is the one that best suits your individual needs and driving style. Consider your typical driving conditions, your budget, and your priorities before making a decision.

Important Considerations: Remember to always check the load rating of the tire and ensure that it is appropriate for your vehicle. Also, be sure to properly inflate your tires to the recommended pressure to ensure optimal performance and safety. Finally, consider the warranty offered by each manufacturer before making your purchase.

Final Note: It's also worth checking online forums and reviews for long-term durability reports. Sometimes the "cheap" option ends up costing more in the long run due to premature wear or damage. Consider the total cost of ownership, including lifespan, when making your decision.

Now for the fun part: Imagine you could only run ONE of these tires on your rig for the rest of its life. Which one would you choose and why? Let the debate begin!