Just ask Kruse! I'm running Nitto Trail Graps right now, and after nearly 40K miles it's time for new rubber. I'm pretty happy to get 40K out of such an aggressive tire, but I don't want the negatives that go along with a tire THAT aggressive anymore. The instant loss of 2.5 MPG and the much rougher/louder ride proved to be more than I care to endure again. However, I DO want/need a fairly aggressive A/T tire that I don't have to spend a fortune on.

Having said all that, I've looked at just about every tire made. I just agonize over every one of them....analyzing the pros and cons of each one until they all just become a blur. But I think I've narrowed it down to 3 tires. Tell me what you guys think of these, and keep in mind that MPG, road noise, handling, ride, tread life, and good aggressive looks are all the most important issues to me.

GY Wrangler Duratrac
Falken Wild Peak
Nitto Terra Grappler

Thanks in advance guys!

 

P.S. Suggestions other than the ones I listed are welcome.

 

Out of that list, I would say the nitto terra grapplers are probably the best. They are a good, long lasting tire and don't cost a fortune. The duratracs are also a good tire, but whenever I have looked at them they always seem to be a lot more expensive. I would also look at the BFG a/t kos. They are a very good tire that last a long time (50-60k) and are quiet. They are pretty good priced if you don't get a super wide tire. They seem to go up about $100 per tire once you get past about 12" wide.

 

So you want your cake AND you want to eat it?? You DO realise this is a tire thread, correct?

Seriously though, the amount of info and feedback you're about to get in this thread is guaranteed to not help your decision. My input...as silly as this may sound, all the tires you listed are probably phenominal and will meet your needs, as well as all the additional ones everyone is about to recommend. My advise, buy the one that you like the looks of the most. Seriously! None of them are going to be bad, so literally pick the one that you are going to enjoy looking at for the next 50,000 miles. After all, looks is on your list; I'd move it to the top.

I will tell you at least from my personal experience, there's nothing worse with living with a boring tire that you can't stand looking at no matter how good it is. I did not make that mistake again and made my current purchase almost entirely based off looks and "wants", not needs...and absolutely could not be happier!

 

I have Terra grapplers and would not consider them very aggressive at all. That is actually the one thing I don't like about them. Besides that they are a good all around tire. A guy on here just got the falkens and said they literally smell funny. They look aggressive and I believe have a 50000 mile tread warranty. Read some online reviews that second the smell, but sounds like it is only when they are new.

 

Yeah I don't care what they smell like. I don't go around smelling tires. I bet there's not very much difference between the three I listed. In fact, I bet you could add half a dozen other tires to that list and there still wouldn't be a dime's difference between them performance wise. That's what makes all the agonizing I'm doing over the decision that much more frustrating!

My main fear is ending up with a tire that I can't stand to look at in the long run. I do love the looks of the trail graps I have now but like I said, I don't want to spend extra money for less gas mileage, more road noise, and a rougher ride again. I don't spend enough time off road or in snow or ice to need a tire THAT aggressive, but I don't want a "street tire" either. I had zeon ltz's on my last truck, and for the short period of time I had the truck until I sold it, I loved them. There's just a very limited number of sizes available in those for 18's.

 

I've had nothing but happy customers with the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac at my shop.

Put them on my girlfriend's dad's truck, and he says they're the best tires he's ever had on it. He had BFG's prior to the GY's.

They ride smooth on the highway, which is deceiving for how aggressive they appear to be.

Also, for what it's worth, Goodyear has some mail-in rebates on their tires right now. $40 mail-in on a set of DuraTracs. Double that if you put it on a GY credit card, with 6 months no interest. Just throwing that out there. Don't know if you have a Goodyear local to you.

I'll say this, if I had a 4 wheel drive truck, I'd have DuraTracs on it, not a doubt in my mind. Love those tires!

 

If I wanted a girly tire, I'd probably go with the DuraTrac's also...good looking tire I've never ever heard any negative feedback on it, that's for sure.

 

Well...it looks like I've talked myself into letting a previously unmentioned candidate move into the first place spot! I can't believe I forgot how much I loved my Cooper Zeon LTZ's on my black truck. Only problem there is the tallest 18" tire they offer is 275/70. I'm currently running 295/70 Trail Graps so that'll be quite a noticeable decrease in tire. Although it'd probably be a noticeable increase in fuel economy too....maybe?

 

I just bought Hankook dynapro atm rf10 tires, that replace my general hts. I drive mostly highway, but I wanted a more aggressive look without the major drop in mpgs. I think I got lucky, because so far Ive lost only about 1 or a 1/2 mpg. The ride is great, and so far they are quiet. Ive had destination ats, and I lost 2 mpg with those. although they were a good tire. Good luck.

 

I just put the Wild Peaks on my truck and love em... time will tell on the tire wear though.
i chose the wild peak cause it came in 305/65R18, which filled out nicely on the truck...

 

x2

Runnin the Wild Peaks too. Not noisy at all and feel great. The guys at 4 wheel and off road put them through their paces and were very impressed. Waiting for the snow for the final verdict but so far so great!!

 

Take a look at teh Kelly Safari TSRs. I have about 25000 on mine and love them. They are very similar to teh Duratrac, some claim they are made in teh same factory. The TSrs have performed flawlessly imn rain, snow, ice and mud. Slightly louder than an AT, but not extreme.

 

I'll throw another tire out there.. The Cooper ST Maxx