Pickup trucks are like "road workers" that carry heavy loads every day. So it's only natural that one of the most crucial components is the part that comes into direct contact with the asphalt: the tires. Choosing the right tires is not just a matter of comfort, but also durability, safety, and service life.

The most frequently asked question is: Are tires specifically designed for pickups different from regular car tires? The answer is yes, and choosing them should not be done carelessly.

Get to Know the Different Types of Car Tires

In general, there are four types of tires that are commonly used in passenger cars and freight vehicles:

• Tubeless tires: These tires do not have inner tubes and are known to be more airtight and less prone to deflation.
• Bias tires: These have a zig-zag pattern and thick treads. They are lightweight and more suitable for passenger cars.
• Radial tires: These have a unidirectional tread pattern and a strong construction. They are suitable for daily use as well as heavy-duty vehicles such as pickups.
• Run Flat Tires (RFT): These can continue to run even when deflated at certain speeds. They are practical, especially for modern cars.

Of these four types, radial tires are the most ideal choice for pickups. The reason is simple: their construction is more durable and able to withstand heavy loads. So if transporting cargo is a routine task, radial tires are the most reliable partner.

Tips for Choosing Pickup Tires for Heavy Loads

Choosing tires for a pickup truck is like choosing shoes for trekking; they must be strong, durable, and suitable for road conditions. Here are some important tips:

1. Identify the Most Suitable Type of Tire

As discussed earlier, radial tires are the "safe bet" for heavy-load pickup trucks. Their ability to withstand extra loads keeps the vehicle stable even when carrying a lot of cargo.

2. Choose a Tread Pattern Suitable for Road Conditions

Tire treads are not just a cool design on the surface. They have different functions, and the right choice can make the vehicle more stable and fuel-efficient. Here are the available options:

a. Highway Terrain (HT)

Suitable for pickups that often drive on paved roads. The tread is shallow, comfortable, and quiet.

b. All Terrain (AT)

Versatile. Tough for paved roads as well as rocky/muddy terrain. The tread is deeper and can drain mud well.

c. Mud Terrain (MT)

The choice for those who often drive in rough terrain. The tread is deep, the shoulder blocks are large, and it is ready to tackle extreme off-roading.

d. High Performance (HP)

Designed for high performance on the highway. Shallow tread, strong grip.

e. Ultra High Performance (UHP)

A more extreme version of HP, for higher speeds and more stable traction.

From here, just adjust to the daily needs of your pickup, whether it's mostly on asphalt, a combination of various terrains, or heavy off-road.

3. Make Sure the Size is Right

Like other vehicles, every pickup truck has an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) tire size that is tailored to the vehicle's characteristics. Ensure that the new tires are the same size. The size code is usually printed on the sidewall of the tire, consisting of a combination of numbers and letters, such as 195/70 R15.

Tires of the correct size will fit perfectly, be safe to use, and perform as designed by the manufacturer.

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Rekomendasi Ban Terbaik untuk Mobil Pick Up Bermuatan Berat

Mobil pick up itu ibarat “kuli jalanan” yang tiap hari kerja angkut muatan berat. Jadi wajar kalau salah satu komponen paling krusial justru ada di bagian yang bersentuhan langsung dengan aspal: ban. Memilih ban yang tepat bukan cuma soal kenyamanan, tapi juga soal ketahanan, keamanan, dan umur pemakaian.

Pertanyaan yang paling sering muncul: Apa ban khusus untuk pick up itu beda dengan ban mobil biasa? Jawabannya: iya, dan pemilihannya nggak boleh asal.

Kenalan Dulu dengan Jenis-Jenis Ban Mobil

Secara umum, ada empat tipe ban yang sering dipakai di mobil penumpang maupun mobil angkut barang:

• Ban tubeless: Ban tanpa ban dalam yang terkenal lebih kedap udara dan nggak gampang kempes.
• Ban bias: Punya pola zig-zag dan tapak tebal. Bobotnya ringan dan lebih pas dipakai buat mobil penumpang.
• Ban radial: Pola alurnya searah dan konstruksinya dirancang kuat. Cocok buat kendaraan harian maupun pekerja keras seperti pick up.
• Ban Run Flat Tyre (RFT): Bisa tetap berjalan meski ban kempes dalam kecepatan tertentu. Praktis, terutama buat mobil modern.

Dari empat jenis ini, ban radial jadi pilihan paling ideal buat pick up. Alasannya sederhana: konstruksinya lebih tangguh dan mampu menahan beban berat. Jadi kalau urusan angkut mengangkut jadi rutinitas, ban radial adalah partner paling bisa diandalkan.

Tips Memilih Ban Pick Up untuk Muatan Berat

Memilih ban buat pick up itu ibarat memilih sepatu untuk trekking, harus kuat, tahan banting, dan sesuai kondisi jalan. Berikut beberapa tips penting:

1. Kenali Jenis Ban yang Paling Cocok

Seperti dibahas di awal, ban radial adalah “tiket aman” untuk pick up bermuatan berat. Kemampuannya menahan beban ekstra membuat mobil tetap stabil meski membawa barang banyak.

2. Pilih Pola Tapak Sesuai Kondisi Jalan

Tapak ban itu bukan sekadar bentuk keren di permukaan. Fungsinya beda-beda, dan pilihan tepat bisa bikin mobil lebih stabil dan irit bahan bakar. Berikut opsi yang tersedia:

a. Highway Terrain (HT)

Cocok buat pick up yang sering melaju di jalan beraspal. Tapaknya dangkal, nyaman, dan nggak berisik.

b. All Terrain (AT)

Serbaguna. Tangguh buat jalan beraspal maupun bebatuan/lumpur. Kedalaman tapaknya lebih besar dan mampu mengalirkan lumpur dengan baik.

c. Mud Terrain (MT)

Pilihan buat yang sering masuk medan berat. Tapaknya dalam, blok bahunya besar, dan siap melibas off-road ekstrem.

d. High Performance (HP)

Dirancang untuk performa tinggi di jalan raya. Tapaknya dangkal, grip kuat.

e. Ultra High Performance (UHP)

Versi lebih ekstrem dari HP, buat kecepatan lebih tinggi dan traksi lebih mantap.

Dari sini, tinggal sesuaikan saja kebutuhan harian pick up, apakah lebih sering di aspal, kombinasi berbagai medan, atau off-road berat.

3. Pastikan Ukurannya Pas

Sama seperti mobil lain, setiap pick up punya ukuran ban bawaan (OEM) yang sudah disesuaikan dengan karakter mobil. Pastikan ban baru punya ukuran yang sama. Kode ukuran biasanya tertera di dinding samping ban, berupa kombinasi angka dan huruf seperti 195/70 R15.

Ban yang ukurannya tepat akan terpasang sempurna, aman digunakan, dan performanya sesuai desain pabrikan.