Ford F-150 vs. Ram 1500 vs. Silverado: Which Stock Tires Perform Best in Mud?

Many people think a "Work Truck" or an "Off-Road" package is ready for anything. But that is often a mistake. Most base model trucks come with stock tire performance designed for saving gas, not for driving in deep mud. 

Tires like the Michelin LTX or General Grabber HTS can turn into slippery "slicks" when the ground gets soft.

So, which stock tires perform best in mud? The short answer is the Chevy Silverado ZR2. It is the clear winner because it comes from the factory with aggressive Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT (Mud-Terrain) tires. 

However, if we look at the truck's suspension and control, the Ram 1500 Tradesman handles loose ground the best among base models. 

But be careful: if you drive a base model like the Ford F-150 XL or a standard Silverado WT with highway tires, you will likely get stuck in deep mud.

Which Truck Wins the Stock Showdown: Ram, Chevy, or Ford?

When we compare these three giants, the results might surprise you. It isn't just about the engine; it is about how the truck keeps its grip on the ground.

The Ram 1500 Tradesman is the winner for smooth driving. Why? It uses a special coil-spring rear suspension. Most other trucks, like the Ford F-150 and standard Chevy, use older leaf springs. 

The Ram’s coil springs help keep the tires pressed firmly on the ground. This gives it better off-road capability in sand and loose dirt. It also has a system called eTorque that helps move the truck smoothly without spinning the wheels too fast.

However, the Chevy Silverado ZR2 wins the tire battle. Chevy equips this specific model with real Mud-Terrain tires. 

These tires have big gaps in the tread that dig deep. The Ford F-150 Tremor and Ram Rebel are strong, but they usually come with All-Terrain tires, which are not as good in thick mud.

Warning: Always check the drivetrain! A recent comparison showed that a 2WD (two-wheel drive) truck, like a base Silverado WT, is useless in mud. You absolutely need 4WD and a rear locking differential to make stock tires work.

Why Does Tread Pattern Matter: M/T vs. A/T?

You might wonder why one tire works and another fails. It comes down to science. To move in mud, a tire needs to "clean" itself.

• Highway Tires (H/T): These are found on most base work trucks. They have no gaps (voids). Mud packs into the grooves instantly. Once clogged, the tire is smooth, and you have zero deep mud grip.

• All-Terrain (A/T): You find these on the Ford Tremor or Ram Rebel. They are good for gravel and dirt. But in sticky clay, the tread blocks are too close together. They cannot clean out the mud fast enough.

• Mud-Terrain (M/T): This is the gold standard, like on the ZR2. They have aggressive tread blocks with wide spaces. As the tire spins, it throws the mud out. This "self-cleaning" action lets the tire bite into fresh ground every time it turns.

What Should You Do When Stock Tires Fail?

Realistically, you cannot change your tires every time you visit a muddy job site. You have to work with what you have. Even the best tires can fail if the mud is too deep or if the truck gets "high centered" (stuck on its belly).

When your tires turn into slicks, you need a traction aid. Many people buy plastic traction mats, but these have problems. Mats can shoot out from under the tire, or you might have to dig a lot to place them.

A better solution is TruckClaws. These are emergency traction tools that strap directly to your wheel. Think of them as creating a "paddle effect." They add a massive, steel lug to your tire. 

This helps your truck swim through the mud, even if you are using basic highway tires. TruckClaws bridge the gap between a stuck truck and calling a tow truck.

Conclusion: Are You Ready for the Mud?

So, who wins? The Ram 1500 has the best suspension "bones," and the Chevy Silverado ZR2 has the best rubber "shoes." But remember, mud is the great equalizer. Even a great truck can get stuck.

Before you head off-road, always "Air Down" your tires (lower the air pressure) to make them wider. And do not rely only on the badge on your truck. Keep a set of TruckClaws in your cab. It is better to have them and not need them, than to be buried in the axles without them.

PEPA CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF DEVELOPING FILIPINO TEXTBOOKS

 

 Senator Sherwin Gatchalian receives a Plaque of Recognition during the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the Philippine Educational Publishers Association (PEPA). Joining him (from left) are Danda Crimelda Buhain and Atty. Dominador Buhain of Rex Education; Jose Paolo Sibal of Phoenix Publishing House; and John Emyl Eugenio of C&E Publishing Inc.

The Philippine Educational Publishers Association (PEPA) recognized its achievements and honored its partners during its 75th anniversary held last December 5, 2025 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas. Highlights of the event entitled HONORING THE PAST, CELEBRATING THE PRESENT AND PUBLISHING IN THE FUTURE, were presentation of plaques to HONORABLE SENATOR SHERWIN GATCHALIAN, SENATOR RODANTE MARCOLETA, HONORABLE CONGRESSMEN ANTONIO CERILLES and RUFUS RODRIGUEZ, and ATTY RODELIO T. DASCIL who were instrumental in the legislation of the Book Industry Development Act (RA 8047). Plaques were likewise presented to government and private agencies like the DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, the NATIONAL BOOK DEVELOPMENT BOARD, the PRIVATE EDUCATION ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE and the CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES.

Past PEPA presidents Dr. Ernesto Sibal, Jesus Ernesto Sibal, Jose Agaton Sibal, Atty. Dominador Buhain, Jose Maria “Toots” Policarpio and current president Jose Paolo Sibal were likewise given awards for their service and dedication to the Association.

SENATOR SHERWIN GATCHALIAN, was recognized for his diligence in pushing for educational reforms as the then Chairman of the Senate Education Committee in the 19th Congress. In his acceptance speech, Senator Gatchalian reiterated his position that the public schools be permitted to select the textbooks best suited for their students and their conditions, citing the practice of private schools whose textbooks are chosen by the subject coordinators and teachers.

Speaking for PEPA, President Emeritus Dominador Buhain stated that the good senator’s proposed solution for providing each public school student with a set of textbooks through liberalized procurement is being adopted by advanced countries with high ratings in international assessments like China, Japan, Finland and Singapore, whose students score high in international assessments like PISA. Senator Gatchalian lamented the delays in textbook allocation for public schools which are caused by a centralized procurement process.

Senator Gatchalian,, a product of the private school system , even sees no opposition on the adoption of procurement program in the private schools due to their perceived accessibility and presumptive quality of textbooks to be adopted (brought out by competitive market forces where quality prevails) within a shorter time frame.

He believes that with the enhanced DEPED budget, his earlier estimated P28 billion peso allocation mentioned in 2024 would be sufficient to provide one textbook per subject per student. Possessing a textbook instead of having none due to bureaucratic delay could serve as a better proposition to improve our standing in the PISA.

Unfortunately, the procurement for textbooks for SY 2025-2026 in some grade levels has been delayed by new procurement guidelines under RA 12009.

As PEPA looks forward to another seven decades of service to the Filipino learner, it is resolved to meet the rigorous demands of knowledge production for the diverse learning needs of Philippine schools.

PSA Certificates for OFWs: Now Easier to Get, Wherever You Are

If you are an OFW, you know the drill: every big move, every renewal, every application seems to come with one recurring requirement: your PSA birth certificate, marriage certificate, or CENOMAR. And when you are thousands of miles away from home, getting those documents can be stressful. You end up messaging family back home, hoping someone is free to run the errand for you. Sometimes it works… sometimes it becomes a whole family drama.

But that’s finally changing.

The PSA, through its authorized partner PSAHelpline.ph, now makes it possible for OFWs anywhere in the world to request their official PSA documents online and have them prepared for international delivery. No need for pasuyo. No need to wait for someone to handle it for you. You can do everything on your own, on your phone or laptop, wherever in the world you are working.

What makes this especially helpful for OFWs?

✔ A Service Designed With OFWs in Mind

PSAHelpline.ph understands the reality of working abroad: shifting schedules, time zones, and the constant pressure to juggle work and family needs. Their online platform fits right into that lifestyle—simple, secure, and can be done anytime.

✔ Secure Identity Verification

You will go through a quick, safe verification process (with a liveness check and uploading of your valid ID), so only you can request and authorize the release of your documents. This is a big plus for OFWs who worry about identity safety and scams.

✔ View Your Digital PSA Certificate While Waiting

Upon completing and successfully passing the identity verification process, you will be given access to view and download the digital copy of your requested PSA certificate. This lets you check the details in advance and even use the information for online transactions that accept digital files. Perfect for urgent updates, renewals, or paperwork you need right away.

✔ You Choose Your Courier

Different countries, different delivery realities. With this service, you decide which international courier works best for you, whether it's DHL, FedEx, or a provider you trust in your area. You must book and pay for the delivery directly with your chosen courier, giving you full control of the cost and schedule.

Once the PSA is done processing, PSAHelpline.ph ensures your document is sealed properly and handed over safely to your chosen courier. You then track the shipment using the courier’s tracking number just like any important package.

For millions of Filipinos abroad, this service is a huge relief. It saves time, avoids unnecessary stress, and lets you handle your own requirements without depending on anyone back home. Most of all, it gives you peace of mind because the process is secure, official, and designed to fit the life of every hardworking Filipino overseas.

Wherever you are in the world, you now have a direct and reliable way to get your PSA documents. 

For OFWs, this is access made simple—finally.

You can read the PSA’s official Public Advisory here: https://psa.gov.ph/content/public-advisory-94