A Complete Guide to SxS Aftermarket Tires

Choosing the Right Tread for Your Ride

Side-by-side (SxS) vehicles—also known as UTVs—have become a staple in off-road adventures, ranch work, trail exploration, and even racing. One of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your SxS is investing in high-quality aftermarket tires. Whether you're looking for more grip in the mud, better performance in the dunes, or just a tougher tire to handle rough terrain, aftermarket tires can drastically improve your SxS’s capabilities and ride quality.

Why Upgrade to Aftermarket SxS Tires?

Factory tires are often designed to offer a balance between performance and cost. But when you're pushing your machine to its limits,

aftermarket tires provide specialized benefits:

• Enhanced traction and grip

• Improved durability and puncture resistance

• Better handling in specific terrain types

• Aggressive styling and larger sizes for a customized look

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Aftermarket Tires

1. Tire Type Based on Terrain

Each environment calls for a different tread pattern and tire construction:

• All-Terrain Tires: Great for riders who cover multiple types of terrain. Balanced performance on trails, dirt roads, and occasional mud.

• Mud Tires: Deep lugs and aggressive tread patterns dig through thick muck and clay.

• Sand Tires: Paddle-style rears and ribbed fronts offer flotation and traction in dunes and beaches.

• Rock Crawling Tires: Reinforced sidewalls and sticky compounds enhance grip over technical rock surfaces.

• Hard Pack Tires: Closely spaced treads designed for high-speed riding on desert floors or compact dirt tracks.

2. Tire Size

Larger tires offer better ground clearance and improved obstacle clearance, but they can also affect handling, gearing, and power delivery. Common upgrades range from 28" to 35" tires, but always check for compatibility with your SxS’s suspension and drivetrain setup.

3. Ply Rating and Construction

Higher ply ratings indicate tougher, more puncture-resistant tires, essential for rough terrain or utility work. Radial construction is favored for a smoother ride and longer tire life, while bias-ply tires offer a more rugged and budget-friendly option.

4. Tread Depth and Spacing

Deeper lugs offer better bite in soft terrain but may wear faster on hard surfaces. Wider tread spacing helps shed mud and debris more efficiently, keeping traction high in sloppy conditions.

Popular Brands in the Aftermarket SxS Tire Market

• Maxxis – Known for the Carnivore, Bighorn, and Liberty series, offering excellent all-terrain and rock performance.

• ITP Tires – Favorites like the Blackwater Evolution and Mud Lite excel in durability and versatility.

  
  

Do You Need to Upgrade Your Wheels Too?

Often, larger or wider tires will require new aftermarket wheels with proper offsets to avoid rubbing and maintain steering geometry. Be sure to check bolt pattern compatibility, offset, and hub bore size when upgrading both tires and wheels.

Whether you're crawling boulders, ripping through dunes, or hauling gear through the backcountry, aftermarket SxS tires are a key performance upgrade that can transform your ride. With the right tires, you gain better control, traction, and confidence on any terrain.

Take time to assess your riding style, terrain, and vehicle capabilities before making your choice—and remember, the right set of tires can make all the difference between a good ride and a great one.

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