15,000-Mile Test on a Ford Ranger FX4
Introduction
When building an overlanding adventure vehicle that’s going to see a lot of highway and off-road miles, choosing the right tire becomes one of the most important decisions you’ll make. In this Maxxis RAZR AT review, I break down how this all-terrain tire has performed on my Ford Ranger through highway miles, rocky trails, sand, mud, and snow.
Choosing A Tire
When building an off-road vehicle, picking a tire can sometimes be as simple as choosing the most aggressive tread you can afford. But for an overlanding tire that must handle long highway stretches, rocky terrain, mud, sand, and snow—while carrying additional weight—there’s far more to consider.
How many miles will they last (treadwear warranty)?
How do they handle sand, mud, snow, and rocks?
Are they noisy?
Will they wear evenly?
Are they rated to safely carry the added load of overlanding gear?
When I first built my 2021 Ford Ranger FX4, I lifted it 3.5 inches with a Skyjacker kit and added 295/70/17 (33.5″ × 11.8″ × 17″) Thunderer Trac Grip M/T tires. They performed extremely well off-road, but highway mileage wore them out quickly; after about a year and a half, I was already shopping for replacements. This time, I wanted a rugged-terrain tire that bridged the gap between an all-terrain and mud-terrain—and would last more than 30,000 miles.
Maxxis RAZR AT Review
After researching and comparing several options, I chose the 295/70/17 Maxxis RAZR AT, an aggressive all-terrain tire with a strong reputation among overlanders.
Maxxis describes them as:
“Our flagship all-terrain tire, the RAZR AT was engineered with know-how gained from Maxxis’ involvement in off-road racing. The RAZR AT features an off-road compound with chemical fillers for maximum tear and chip resistance as well as longer tread life. The pattern features 3D tread blocks and bridge reinforcements for minimized pattern noise and irregular wear. An armor sidewall design gives off-road enthusiasts extra peace of mind by maximizing sidewall traction and puncture resistance. The RAZR AT also features an innovative dual-cord casing design for excellent ride comfort and durability.”
Features
- New off-road compound with advanced chemical fillers for maximum tear resistance and longer tread life
- Maxxis’ dual-cord casing technology improves casing strength for superior durability
- Aggressive armor sidewall design for increased sidewall traction and puncture resistance
- All-terrain tread with 3D blocks and bridging reinforcements to minimize noise and irregular wear
- M+S / Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certified
- 50,000-mile limited treadwear warranty
The 295/70/17 Maxxis RAZR AT provided the aggressive tread pattern I wanted while offering a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty. Being 3PMSF certified was also important since I regularly travel over snowy Colorado mountain passes.
Tire Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Tire Size | 295/70/17 (33.5″ × 11.8″ × 17″) |
| Load Range | E (10-ply) |
| Load Index | 121 (3197 lbs.) |
| Speed Rating | R (106 MPH) |
| Max Pressure | 80 PSI |
| Tire Weight | 61.4 lbs |
| Tread Depth | 15/32″ |
| Treadwear Warranty | 50,000 miles |
| Certifications | 3PMSF & M+S |
Initial Impressions
When the tires were mounted on my 17×9 Pro Comp 41 Series Phaser machined-face alloy wheels, they required only 0.25 oz of weight to balance—impressive for a tire this aggressive. On the highway ride home, I was surprised at how smooth and quiet they were. I expected a noticeable improvement over my mud-terrains, but I did not expect them to be this quiet given the tread design.
15,000-Mile Maxxis RAZR AT Review
With just over 15,000 miles, the tread has worn from 15/32″ down to between 12/32″ and 11/32″. The wear is smooth and even, and the tires continue to balance perfectly. Living in rural Texas where the speed limit is 75 MPH, these tires have seen more high-speed highway miles than anything else.
If you follow my adventures, you know these tires have seen harsh trails in Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Colorado—trails rough enough to put gouges in the edge of my wheels. I’ve also run deep sand along the Red River in Oklahoma, and the tires impressed me with how well they stayed on top of the sand. They’ve consistently performed like a dedicated mud-terrain/off-road tire while providing excellent traction in every situation.
Maxxis RAZR AT Tire Review Video
Maxxis RAZR AT FAQ
Is the Maxxis RAZR AT good for overlanding?
Yes. Its durability, load range, and 3PMSF certification make it a strong choice for long-distance overlanding on mixed terrain.
How long does the Maxxis RAZR AT last?
After 15,000 miles, my set has worn from 15/32″ to 11–12/32″ with smooth, even wear.
Is the Maxxis RAZR AT quiet?
Extremely. It is noticeably quieter than a mud-terrain tire and impressively quiet for such an aggressive all-terrain tread.
How does the Maxxis RAZR AT perform in sand and mud?
It stays on top of deep sand very well and provides consistent traction in mud, rocks, and loose terrain.
Is the Maxxis RAZR AT 3PMSF rated?
Yes, the tire carries the Mountain Snowflake certification, making it reliable for snowy and icy conditions.
Conclusion
These tires have met and exceeded my expectations, and I will likely buy them again when this set finally wears out. My only complaint is that Maxxis doesn’t offer the RAZR AT in 33-inch or 35-inch sizes for 15-inch or 16-inch wheels—I’d love to run them on my other Ford Ranger as well.
Related Article:
Choosing An Off-Road Tire For Your Ford Ranger
About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of TheRangerStation.com, the longest-running Ford Ranger resource online since 1999. With over 25 years of hands-on experience building and modifying Ford Rangers — including magazine-featured builds like Project Transformer — Jim has become one of the most trusted authorities in the Ford Ranger off-road and enthusiast space. In 2019, he was loaned a Ranger FX4 by Ford Motor Company to test and document across the TransAmerica Trail. Jim continues to inspire and guide Ranger owners around the world.
