Buckshot Rugged Terrain Tires Canada: Sizes, Ratings and Review Guide

Short answer: The Buckshot Rugged Terrain is a rugged-terrain (R/T) light-truck tire, a middle ground between an all-terrain and a mud-terrain. We are adding 14 sizes, all in Load Range E (10-ply) from 17" to 22" wheels. Our supplier feed lists it as an all-season tire with the 3PMSF snow symbol, but confirm that marking on the sidewall or product page before relying on it in winter.

Quick links: Shop all Buckshot tires · All-season tires · Atturo Trail Blade comparison · Tire load ratings guide

What is a rugged-terrain tire?

Rugged-terrain tires sit between all-terrain (A/T) and mud-terrain (M/T). They use bigger, more open tread blocks than an A/T, so they clear mud and gravel better. They keep more rubber on the road than an M/T, so they are quieter and wear more evenly on the highway. If your truck is a daily driver that sees dirt roads, job sites or the odd trail, this category is built for you. If you spend your weekends in deep mud, a true mud-terrain is a better fit. The Trail Blade A/T vs X/T vs M/T guide shows the same trade-offs on another brand.

About the Buckshot brand

Buckshot is an old name in off-road tires, not a new import label. A 2001 Modern Tire Dealer profile says Dunlap & Kyle, a Mississippi tire retailer and wholesaler, created the Buckshot Mudder as a private brand and still held the brand rights. It adds that the current Buckshot tire was a co-branded product made by Maxxis. Maxxis is a subsidiary of Cheng Shin Rubber of Taiwan. Retailers today also describe Buckshot as a Maxxis brand.

One honest caveat: we have not been able to confirm from a manufacturer source who builds the current Rugged Terrain or where each size is made. When we have confirmed that information we will update this post. Do not assume the tire is a Maxxis product on the strength of the brand name alone.

Rugged Terrain sizes in our supplier feed

Every size is Load Range E (10-ply), and the feed lists an all-season tire with the snow symbol.

Shop by size: 265/70R17 · 275/65R18

Speed symbols: Q is 160 km/h, R is 170 km/h and S is 180 km/h. Those are modest ratings, which is normal for aggressive LT tires. Do not size up to a 35" tire without checking clearance, gearing and speedometer error. Our tire size calculator helps.

Choosing a size: factory-style LT or 33 and 35 inch

Six of the fourteen sizes are metric LT sizes, such as LT265/70R17 and LT275/65R18. These are the closest to what many half-ton and heavy-duty pickups wear from the factory or with a small upsize. The other eight are flotation sizes in 33x12.50 and 35x12.50, such as 33x12.50R17LT and 35x12.50R20LT.

Flotation sizes usually mean more than a tire swap. Many trucks need a lift or leveling kit for a 35, and some need trimming, different wheels or a gearing change. Wheel width and offset matter too. We cannot tell from a size alone whether it fits your truck, so check with a tire shop or fitment specialist. Our wheel offset guide and tire size calculator help you ask the right questions.

If the Rugged Terrain is more tire than you need, the Fortune Tormenta A/T2 is an all-terrain alternative in several of the same flotation sizes. In our feed its 35 inch sizes are Load Range F (12-ply), while every Rugged Terrain is Load Range E.

Load range E and towing

Load Range E is a 10-ply rating, built for heavy pickups, towing and payload. The tradeoff is a stiffer ride when the truck is empty. Match the load index to your vehicle's door-jamb placard. Our tire load ratings guide explains the dual numbers such as 123/120 (single and dual fitment).

Snow, ice and Canadian winter

• Our supplier feed flags the Rugged Terrain as winter approved (3PMSF). Verify the symbol on the product page and the sidewall.
• A rugged-terrain tread with open blocks bites into snow and slush well. Open blocks do not make a tire good on ice. For serious winter use on glare ice, a dedicated winter tire is better.
• In Québec, a tire with the 3PMSF symbol meets the legal winter requirement. See the Québec winter tire guide.
• Our Buckshot listings are not studded.

Who should buy the Buckshot Rugged Terrain?

• Daily-driven pickups and SUVs that also see gravel, dirt and job sites.
• Owners running 33" or 35" tires who want a rugged look in a 10-ply package.
• Drivers who want an aggressive tire without full mud-terrain noise.

Who might look elsewhere?

• Drivers who want the quietest highway tire (a touring or all-season tire is better).
• Heavy mud users who want a full mud-terrain.
• Anyone who needs a specific mileage warranty. We have not quoted one because we have not confirmed Canadian terms.

Buckshot Rugged Terrain FAQ

Are Buckshot tires good?

Buckshot is a long-running off-road name. For a daily-driven truck on mixed roads, a rugged-terrain tire like this is a sensible compromise. We cannot quote independent test results.

Who makes Buckshot tires?

Buckshot is a brand name that has been tied to Maxxis through co-branding. We have not confirmed the manufacturer of the current Rugged Terrain from a manufacturer source.

Is the Rugged Terrain a mud-terrain tire?

No. It is a rugged-terrain tire, which is a step between all-terrain and mud-terrain.

Is the Buckshot Rugged Terrain 3PMSF rated?

Our supplier data marks it as winter approved. Confirm the symbol on the sidewall or product page for your size.

What sizes does it come in?

We list 14 sizes from 17" to 22", including 33" and 35" flotation sizes. All are Load Range E.

Can I use it for towing?

Load Range E is designed for heavier loads. Always match the load index to your vehicle's requirements.

Will 33 or 35 inch Rugged Terrain tires fit my truck?

It depends on your wheel size, wheel width, offset and suspension. Many trucks need a lift or leveling kit for 35s. Check with a tire shop or fitment specialist before you order.

Can I use the Rugged Terrain in Québec?

Québec requires the 3PMSF symbol on winter tires. Our supplier feed flags this tire as 3PMSF, but confirm the symbol on the product page or the sidewall first. See the Québec winter tire guide.

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