Armstrong Tru-Trac AT vs Crosswind A/T tires

Armstrong is an American tire manufacturer and was founded in 1912. Under ZAFCO International's leadership, the brand regained its reputation and is admired by enthusiasts for rugged utility lines with modern compounds and solid durability. Likewise, Armstrong focuses on highway comfort and offers tires at an accessible price point.

Crosswind is another reliable tire manufacturer that makes tires with the support of tire manufacturer Linglong. It specializes in offering high-value replacement options for use on light trucks, SUVs, and passenger vehicles. Crosswind’s range of all-terrain tires typically features open-shoulder voids, all-season tread, shoulder blocks to bite mud and snow, and impressive load-carrying capabilities. Coming from both manufacturers, the Armstrong Tru-Trac AT and the Crosswind A/T are the two close competitors we will be comparing. The Tru-Trac AT from Armstrong is an all-terrain tire that’s suitable for use on light trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs, and offers dependable rugged-terrain traction along with highway stability. It comes with a solid tread life warranty to further enhance the ownership experience.

On the contrary, the A/T from Crosswind comes as a good option for budget-focused all-terrain tire buyers and is suitable for use on SUVs, Jeeps, and pickup trucks. This tire offers reliable off-road grip in conditions like loose soil surfaces and dirt paths, and also ensures balanced performance on highway. Plus, it gets the backing of a tread life warranty like its peer. If you need a reliable set of all-terrain tires, this Armstrong Tru-Trac AT vs Crosswind A/T tires comparison will help you choose the best match for your vehicle based on driving conditions and budget. Here, we will use our proprietary SimpleScore tire rating system and evaluate the overall performance, traction, handling, and longevity of both on a scale of 0–10.

Armstrong Tru-Trac AT tires

The Tru-Trac AT is made for drivers of pickup trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs who seek a balance between daily highway commuting and light off-road driving. The tire is designed and engineered to offer stable rides and prevent tread squirm while ensuring even and longer wear. There are tread elements that boost grip and surface-crawling ability in conditions like loose dirt, mud, and gravel trails. Additionally, its strong and durable construction ensures defense against cuts and punctures, while the optimized block arrangement controls noise levels.

Overall, the Tru-Trac AT is rated a great 8.2 SimpleScore, thanks to its long-lasting tread life, smooth handling, and admirable traction.

Get Armstrong Tru-Trac AT tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Crosswind A/T tires

The Crosswind A/T is another solid tire that’s made for use on light trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps, and offers dependable year-round traction on- and off-the-road. The tire offers price-point seekers optimum self-cleaning, forcing away mud, sand, and loose debris for consistent contact. It is also optimized to resist hydroplaning and seamlessly channel water and clear slush from the contact patch. Additionally, its all-season rubber compound provides steady tracking and strong braking and handling in varying seasons.

Overall, the Crosswind A/T achieves a solid 8.0 SimpleScore because of its long-lasting service, decent handling, and good traction.

Get Crosswind A/T tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Armstrong Tru-Trac AT vs Crosswind A/T tires on traction

Now let's examine how both tires perform when it comes to maintaining grip across pavement, trails, and varying seasons (dry, wet, and light winter).

Starting with the Tru-Trac AT, the tire secures an 8.1 SimpleScore in traction. The presence of zigzag circumferential channels along with multi-directional tread blocks and dense siping ensures solid grip on wet highways, gravel, and light winter slush. The footprint seamlessly channels water and slush away from the contact patch to provide a stronger hold in varying terrain conditions year-round and ensures resistance to hydroplaning.

On the other hand, the Crosswind A/T is rated a 7.9 SimpleScore in traction. All thanks to the open shoulder lugs and wide tread voids that establish solid grip in conditions like soft dirt, loose sand, and mud, assuring drivers of reliable grip. The all-season rubber compound additionally offers increased traction and grip year-round, while the channel grooves resist hydroplaning.

In traction, the Tru-Trac AT leads with a higher rating, beating the Crosswind A/T by 1-0.

ADVANTAGE: Armstrong Tru-Trac AT

Armstrong Tru-Trac AT vs Crosswind A/T tires on handling

Next, we will evaluate the handling performance of both tires to find out which one leads in areas like steering responsiveness, cornering stability, and highway stability.

The Tru-Trac AT is rated an 8.1 SimpleScore in handling and sports a reinforced architecture that assures good steering response and predictable highway traction. There are sharper block edges and sipes across the contact patch that ensure good dry braking performance. Likewise, the interlocking center blocks prevent tread squirm under heavy loads.

Contrarily, the A/T from Crosswind earns a solid 8.0 SimpleScore in handling. It features a continuous center pattern that provides dependable straight-line stability, while the wider shoulder gaps contribute to slight block flexing, especially when you are taking sharp turns at highway speeds.

In handling, the Armstrong tire again beats the Crosswind tire by a small margin leading 2-0.

ADVANTAGE: Armstrong Tru-Trac AT

Armstrong Tru-Trac AT vs Crosswind A/T tires on longevity

Longevity is another key factor when it comes to buying a set of all-terrain tires. Most pickup truck and SUV owners seek maximum return on investment, as all-terrain tires are tested on both paved roads and trails. So, let’s find out which is better.

Starting with the Tru-Trac AT, the tire is rated an admirable 8.8 SimpleScore in longevity. It also comes with a great 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty. Thanks to its optimized contact patch, the tire evenly distributes pressure to resist uneven wear, while the interlocking block design also contributes to preventing premature wear for an extended service life.

Contrarily, the Crosswind’s AT is rated an 8.1 SimpleScore in longevity. This tire also comes backed by a generous tread life warranty of 50,000 miles. The wear-resistant rubber compound contributes to dependable service on- and off-road, whereas the stronger inner construction enhances its ability to withstand light off-road impacts.

With a higher score in longevity, the results conclude with a clear 3-0 victory by the Tru-Trac AT.

ADVANTAGE: Armstrong Tru-Trac AT

When to use each

Both the Tru-Trac AT and the Crosswind A/T are all-terrain tires, and they both can be used on- and off-road. They both feature an all-season rubber compound, allowing you to drive with confidence during rain, shine, and light winter slush. Their patterns are aggressive enough to let you crawl in mild mud, climb rocky terrain, and drive with confidence in loose soil.

However, neither tire is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF), which means you can’t consider them for driving in temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Talking about rim sizes, the Tru-Trac AT is available in 15- to 20-inch rims, while the Crosswind A/T is available in 17-inch rim choices.

Which one should you choose?

Looking at overall SimpleScores, the Tru-Trac AT is a clear winner and performs better than the Crosswind all-terrain tire (8.2 vs 8.0). However, your selection of tires should be based on your driving needs and budget.

Talking about the prices, the Tru-Trac AT is available at a starting price of at least $105 per tire, which means a set of four is available from $420. On the other hand, the Crosswind A/T is available at a starting price of at least $132 per tire, which means a set of four is available at a starting price of $528.

Looking at SimpleScore, you must choose the Tru-Trac AT if you:

• Drive a vehicle like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Toyota Tacoma.
• Want a tire that’s better in longevity (8.8 vs 8.1).
• Want a tire that’s better in handling (8.1 vs 8.0).
• Want a tire that’s better in traction (8.1 vs 7.9).
• Want a tire that’s backed by a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
• Want a tire that offers quieter rides and prevents tread squirm.
• Want a tire that’s overall better and more affordable.

On the other hand, you should choose the A/T if you:

• Drive a vehicle like the Jeep Wrangler, GMC Sierra 1500, or RAM 1500.
• Need a tire that’s good at cleaning mud, sand, and loose gravel from the contact patch.
• Are comfortable paying more.
• Need a tire that’s covered by a 50,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.

Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help, as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.