Nitto Trail Grappler MT

Nitto will have a new tire available starting in September called the Trail Grappler MT. Looks like a smart move for them to come out with a new design that will be more than an all terrain and less aggressive than their current off road tire. The stated goal was to offer a tire that was more aggressive than their Terra Grappler and obviously more all around friendly than their Mud Grappler yet be able to deliver the kind of well-rounded performance many of us are looking for when choosing a tire for our full size rigs.

For off-road performance, the sidewall combines a 3-ply high turn-up construction with a thick rubber compound that cushions the tire and helps prevent punctures. On the tread surface, the blocks are configured to provide additional biting edges that command lateral stability and enhance forward traction. For on-road comfort, Nitto's engineers used advanced sound analysis equipment to reduce the noise levels commonly associated with off-road tires. The internal construction and tread design also help optimize tread life. Two wide steel belts provide a stable base for the tire and increase tread strength. This advanced construction provides optimal uniformity and reduces irregular wear.

One issue many of you full size diesel owners will find when trying to decide on a tire is that E-rated 35" tires are not as common as you would think. We are at a total loss as to why that would be, it's almost as if most tire manufacturers don't know what is going on in the real world. Take an average Dodge Ram Cummins owner. What is the first thing they do? 2" leveling kit and 35x12.5x17 tires. How many 35x12.5x17 E-rated tires are there on the market? "Not many," is the answer. At any rate it looks like Nitto was listening because their initial release of Trail Grappler MT's that are clearly meant for full size pickups will all be load-rated "E". Good move Nitto!