It doesn’t seem that long ago that 18-inch wheels began appearing on factory 4x4s, and they were considered huge. Nowadays, many manufacturers offer 20-inch wheels as either standard or optional equipment. The aftermarket wheel industry has also responded to the trend of larger-diameter wheels, with 20-inch wheels in various bolt patterns. But what if you have 20-inch wheels and want to upsize to 40-inch-plus diameter tires? Well, thankfully, there are options, such as those from Mickey Thompson.

Baja Pro XS, shown in the 43-inch diameter size

Mickey Thompson Baja Pro XS In 43- And 46-Inch Diameters

Mickey Thompson’s Baja Pro XS is available in 15/43-20LT and 19.5/46-20LT sizes (load range C). The company claims these tires are the “world’s tallest D.O.T.-approved light truck tire.” The Baja Pro XS has a four-ply construction and a four-ply nylon sidewall. Features also include Dual Decoupling Grooves, which improve flexibility on uneven surfaces, and mud scoops that enhance cleaning power. The latter provides a concave surface, which creates a void to prevent mud from adhering. Additionally, there are large Sidebiters and angled shoulder scallops. The shoulder scallops help guide mud and loose dirt into the Sidebiter cleats. Finally, the Baja Pro XS’s tread pattern is a symmetric, directional design that helps provide traction and cleaning power. Also, the tread elements are circumferential for increased lateral grip.

Baja Boss M/T

Baja Boss M/T In 42- And 44-Inch Diameters

The Baja Boss M/T is Mickey Thompson’s premium mud-terrain tire, and it’s available in 42×13.50R20LT and 44×13.50R20LT sizes. The tire’s asymmetrical tread pattern enhances handling, reduces noise, and improves ride quality. The extra-large, four-pitch Sidebiters help provide grippy off-road traction. A heavier denier cord is integrated into the angled third ply of the Powerply XD construction, offering better puncture resistance, quicker steering response, and increased stability. Stone ejector ribs prevent gravel from getting trapped in the tread grooves. The T4 silica-reinforced compound is said to deliver excellent wet handling and braking performance, along with enhanced cut and chip resistance for longer tread life. The 42-inch Baja Boss M/T is a load range D tire, while the 44-inch version is a load range C.

It’s worth noting that the Baja Boss M/T is a competition-proven tire. In fact, it was on the rig that won the 2023 King of the Hammers Every Man Challenge.

Mickey Thompson also offers the 42×13.50R20LT Baja Boss X (load range C). Like the Baja Boss M/T, it features Powerply XD construction, four-pitch Sidebiters, and more. However, the Baja Boss X has a sticky competition compound.

Baja Legend MTZ

Baja Legend MTZ In A 40-inch Diameter

The Baja Legend MTZ is available in the size 40×14.50R20LT (load range D). It’s designed to deliver mud-terrain performance paired with excellent on- and off-road traction. Some of the tire’s features include Sidebiter design elements, Powerply three-ply sidewall construction, and a T4 silica-reinforced compound. The latter increases treadwear durability, improves wet-weather performance, and offers cut and chip resistance. The MTZ’s tread styling provides an aggressive appearance and enhances both on- and off-road performance. Additionally, the tire’s tread design and geometry help reduce road noise.

Mickey Thompson Open 5 wheel

Want 20-Inch Wheels?

If your 4×4 isn’t equipped with 20-inch wheels but you’d like it to be, Mickey Thompson can help. The company offers its polished, satin black, and satin bronze MT Canyon Pro wheels; polished, satin black, and satin bronze MT Classic Pro wheels; and satin black MT Open 5 wheels, all in 20-inch diameters with a variety of bolt patterns. Click HERE for a detailed look at the company’s wheels.

About Mickey Thompson

Mickey Thompson traces its roots back to 1963. Since then, it has achieved several notable milestones in the 4×4 world. For example, in 1973, it debuted a 35-inch-tall light truck tire, which was large for its time. In 1977, the company introduced an on- and off-road tire with tread on the sidewalls. The directional Baja Claw with Sidebiters was released in 1998. In 2009, directional Sidebiters debuted on the Baja Claw TTC.

For more information on Mickey Thompson’s line of tires and wheels, visit the company’s website.