Rugged-Terrain TIS RT1 By Hercules

There’s a new player in the rugged-terrain tire segment: the TIS RT1 by Hercules. This tire is a collaboration between Hercules Tires and TIS Offroad, and it’s said to perform just as well on rocky trails as it does on pavement. But how does it accomplish that feat? Read on.

The new TIS RT1 by Hercules is a rugged-terrain tire, meaning it bridges the gap between an all-terrain and mud-terrain tire.

What Is A Rugged-Terrain Tire?

Rugged-terrain tires are a hot segment in the off-road market—and for good reason. They bridge the gap between all-terrain and mud-terrain tires. This means they generally offer more off-road capability than an all-terrain, but without being as aggressive as a mud-terrain. Rugged-terrain tires are a solution for 4×4 owners who can’t decide between the two.

Part Of The Hercules And TIS Offroad Tire Lineups

The TIS RT1 by Hercules joins a trio of tires offered by TIS Offroad, including the TIS TT1—a dedicated mud-terrain tire. The RT1 is available through Hercules Tires, which offers a wide range of tires, including all-terrain and mud-terrain options.

One of the features of the TIS RT1 is a dual sidewall design, which offers users the ability to choose the design they like best on their 4×4.

About The TIS RT1 Rugged-Terrain Tire

Engineered for light trucks, SUVs, and even crossovers that need more grip, the TIS RT1 is designed to offer a balance between mud-terrain durability and all-terrain versatility. Its features include a dual buttress design and bolstered sidewalls that enhance durability and give the tire a custom appearance.

When it comes to appearance, it’s worth noting that the TIS RT1 has a dual sidewall design, allowing you to choose the look you like best on your 4×4.

Additionally, the tire features scalloped shoulder lugs and open shoulder grooves, which work together to deliver “claw-like” traction. These elements also help expel mud quickly, resulting in greater control on rugged and muddy trails. The strategic tread pattern aids in ejecting mud, dirt, rocks, snow, and water—boosting grip during both high- and low-speed driving. It’s also designed to reduce irregular wear caused by off-road terrain.

Finally, the TIS RT1 offers a larger contact patch, which improves braking, enhances stability, and maximizes grip. The tire is backed by the Hercules Performance Promise and comes with a 55,000-mile warranty.

Demonstrated On The Trails Around Moab, Utah

Recently, 4x4s fitted with the TIS RT1 were turned loose on some of the most popular trails in Utah for a demonstration drive, as shown in some of this story’s photos. Steven Liu, Vice President of Product Development at American Tire Distributors (Hercules Tires is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Tire Distributors) noted, “The TIS RT1 by Hercules is a game-changer, expanding our product lineup to deliver even greater versatility and profitability for our customers. To showcase its capabilities, we invited select Hercules Tires dealers to the rugged trails of Moab, Utah, for an exclusive preview. Their feedback was outstanding, highlighting both the tire’s impressive performance and its competitive price point. With the TIS RT1 by Hercules, we’re confident we’ve added a winning product to our already extensive lineup.”

Recently, select tire dealers were invited to test the TIS RT1 on trails around the wheeling mecca of Moab, Utah.

The TIS RT1 Complements TIS Offroad’s Wheel Lineup

Myles Kovacs, TIS Offroad President and Founder, offered a bit more insight into the TIS RT1 tire. He said, “This is our third collaboration with Hercules Tires, and we’re extremely excited about what this product has to offer. We designed this tire for drivers who demand both style and capability, whether they’re pushing limits off-road or turning heads on the street. Partnering with Hercules Tires allows us to bring an aggressive, high-performance, rugged terrain tire to the market that complements our off-road wheel lineup perfectly.”

Phased Launch That Will Culminate With 41 Sizes

The TIS RT1 will be rolled out in a phased launch and will eventually be available in 41 sizes for 16- to 22-inch wheel diameters. These sizes allow fitment on a variety of 4x4s, including the Ford F-150, Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevrolet Silverado. At the time of this writing, we see that the TIS RT1 is available in diameters ranging from 30.5 to 36.5 inches, depending on wheel size.