New Falken AT tire (A/T3W)

[Champion5]

At3w(a?)

Question for those that probably know. Got the new 4runner a couple months back and recently had the dealer install some Wildpeaks (from all the recommendations on here) since one of my buddies wife needed new tires but didn't want to spend much. Sold her the new factory tires and emailed Toyota tire about the Wildpeaks. They said they could get them in (275/55r20) and were actually less than my local Discount Tire so I figured we'd have the dealer do it. Everything went fine and they ride good. I did notice the tread was different than on all the pics here and noticed the model number had an "A" on the end. Googled it up and looks like these are a different tread as well as tread life rating than on the normal AT3W's. Looked on Falcons website and they only have one model # listed in the 275/55r20 (28034021). Only other thing I found on Google was about these "A" models being OEM on the new dodge rams. Guess I'm thinking that maybe they ordered me a different model than I requested? Any help at all would be great.

Edit: Toyota is taking them back and I'll get the correct ones installed. Tread wear is 500 for the "AT3WA" compared to either 600 or 660 for the "AT3W". Also traction rating is a B compared to A. Not much info on these online so hopefully someone will get this thread in a search so they're aware if Toyota quotes or installs these "A" models.

 

[Decipher]

If I understand you correctly, you had a good/great experience with the stock 265/70/17 AT3W's in the P rated version of the tire, but then went up in size (I'm assuming to 285/70/17, also as the SL), and had a not so great experience in terms of road noise and cupping after several thousand miles. Is that right?

Yes. You nailed it. I don’t know if those running load range C or E are experiencing better results in the 285/70-17 size but you are correct. In SL, P-metric sizing, the 285s experienced fast wear (although this was also noted by M4ster here in the stock size and who is very well versed in tires), but also experience excessive cupping and consequent noise increases. Apparently Falken uses more silica in the P-metric sizing so don’t know if that’s common with fast wear. M4ster is seeing fast initial wear, but then a very gradual wear pattern after the first few thousand miles.

I just had my alignment done again since putting on the new tires and they only mildly had to adjust toe, and I mean MILDLY. So this again confirms that alignment and suspension were not the issue with the tires wearing the way they did.


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[Bruin1md]

Yes. You nailed it. I don’t know if those running load range C or E are experiencing better results in the 285/70-17 size but you are correct. In SL, P-metric sizing, the 285s experienced fast wear (although this was also noted by M4ster here in the stock size and who is very well versed in tires), but also experience excessive cupping and consequent noise increases. Apparently Falken uses more silica in the P-metric sizing so don’t know if that’s common with fast wear. M4ster is seeing fast initial wear, but then a very gradual wear pattern after the first few thousand miles.

I just had my alignment done again since putting on the new tires and they only mildly had to adjust toe, and I mean MILDLY. So this again confirms that alignment and suspension were not the issue with the tires wearing the way they did.


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Got it. This is making me lean more towards going with the C load 275/70/17’s if I do make the switch. Sidewall strength appears to be a wash with the P metric version, but perhaps the added plies with the C load will contribute to slower overall wear and added protection against nails/punctures, etc


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[Decipher]

I also want to note than when Discount Tire spoke with Falken and explained the situation, Falken was shocked and asked about the overall condition of my vehicle. Upon learning it’s clean and obviously cared for (especially being a 10 year old truck), Falken acknowledged that something isn’t right and wanted the tires back for testing so they can see what went wrong.

I’ll never know what they find out about my set, but they had a genuine interest in studying the tire to see where faults lie. So, respect to them and mine could have simply been a bad batch.


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[xcalbr2]

tires

I also want to note than when Discount Tire spoke with Falken and explained the situation, Falken was shocked and asked about the overall condition of my vehicle. Upon learning it’s clean and obviously cared for (especially being a 10 year old truck), Falken acknowledged that something isn’t right and wanted the tires back for testing so they can see what went wrong.

I’ll never know what they find out about my set, but they had a genuine interest in studying the tire to see where faults lie. So, respect to them and mine could have simply been a bad batch.


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[MENTION=140439]Decipher[/MENTION], I had issues with radial pull on two of the 4 stock size A/T3W tires and after a call had two new tires sent to me to replace the bad ones but they never asked for the two defects back. I am growing very tired of the tire noise I am getting and currently have truck at Toyota for a check up for bearing noise/alignment/balance... Something has to change.
X

 

[Decipher]

[MENTION=140439]Decipher[/MENTION], I had issues with radial pull on two of the 4 stock size A/T3W tires and after a call had two new tires sent to me to replace the bad ones but they never asked for the two defects back. I am growing very tired of the tire noise I am getting and currently have truck at Toyota for a check up for bearing noise/alignment/balance... Something has to change.

X

Interesting. Keep us posted with your findings. I’m beginning to wonder if they had some bad batches go out.

While the MTs are obviously louder being an MT, I noticed that they required almost no weight at all to balance. Like, one tire literally required zero weight and one required 1/4 ounce. The worse tire is maybe 1.5 ounces. I’ve never had a tire balance so well. My AT3Ws required a lot more weight to balance so there may be something to a possible manufacturer issue on that tire.


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[mteolus]

Interesting. Keep us posted with your findings. I’m beginning to wonder if they had some bad batches go out.

While the MTs are obviously louder being an MT, I noticed that they required almost no weight at all to balance. Like, one tire literally required zero weight and one required 1/4 ounce. The worse tire is maybe 1.5 ounces. I’ve never had a tire balance so well. My AT3Ws required a lot more weight to balance so there may be something to a possible manufacturer issue on that tire.


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If you want a good cheap mud tire, then go with Milestar Patagonia's.

 

[Decipher]

If you want a good cheap mud tire, then go with Milestar Patagonia's.

I posted a little bit back that Falken got me into their MT/01. I’m waiting to get a few more miles, pics, and impressions before I start a new thread on them.

Thanks though! I’ve heard great things about the Patagonia’s and the price is ridiculously aggressive.


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[pableaux]

I gotta say, the AT3Ws did great in stopping in the rain today.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iVhr0zFTgHg" width="960"></iframe>

 

[tm965]

what a retard

 

[007Tacoma]

Good Driver... Bad Pedestrian... :bolt:

 

[PopsSmurf]

Corrections

To correct a little misinformation on this thread regarding Falken AT3Ws. The LT version of these tires do not have silica in the tread compound. All of the others do have the silica.

From the Falken website:

" SUPERIOR WEAR LIFE
Silica tread compound delivers superior wear life and wet performance (non‐LT sizes)."

I just purchased a new T4R and after I install my 6112s/5160s I am putting this tire on. I just contacted Falken regarding this tire and to see if they have any plans to come out with a P275/70 R17 version. Because of the 5 speed transmission the last place I want extra weight is on the wheels. If this tire was in that size with a weight of 50 lbs or below it would be ideal.

I had these on my Tundra in a LT285/75 R18 and I couldn't say enough great things about them. I live at 6200' and have snow for near 6 months of the year. Next to a dedicated studded or studless snow tire you won't do any better than these at this point. I've had a few different Toyos, KO2s, and Nitto Exo Grapplers on my Tundra and these are far superior than any of them in snow and ice (even the Nittos which had the snowpeak symbol) all the way through 40K. For those that say they slip out in the rear at a stoplight while turing after a stop or whatever you are simply mistaken. Most likely there was black ice under the snow at a stop light where everyone accelerates away from a dead stop. Any tire would slip there with a little too much pedal pressure. Also, even at 100 mph the tires are smooth and quiet (don't say it...it's fair game to go fast on the rural Nevada backroads).

For the performance on/off road, superior winter traction, and price you can't beat this tire at the moment. That being said, buy from a reputable dealer so that they can be exchanged or returned if you are not happy with them.

 

[Decipher]

To correct a little misinformation on this thread regarding Falken AT3Ws. The LT version of these tires do not have silica in the tread compound. All of the others do have the silica.



From the Falken website:



" SUPERIOR WEAR LIFE

Silica tread compound delivers superior wear life and wet performance (non‐LT sizes)."



I just purchased a new T4R and after I install my 6112s/5160s I am putting this tire on. I just contacted Falken regarding this tire and to see if they have any plans to come out with a P275/70 R17 version. Because of the 5 speed transmission the last place I want extra weight is on the wheels. If this tire was in that size with a weight of 50 lbs or below it would be ideal.



I had these on my Tundra in a LT285/75 R18 and I couldn't say enough great things about them. I live at 6200' and have snow for near 6 months of the year. Next to a dedicated studded or studless snow tire you won't do any better than these at this point. I've had a few different Toyos, KO2s, and Nitto Exo Grapplers on my Tundra and these are far superior than any of them in snow and ice (even the Nittos which had the snowpeak symbol) all the way through 40K. For those that say they slip out in the rear at a stoplight while turing after a stop or whatever you are simply mistaken. Most likely there was black ice under the snow at a stop light where everyone accelerates away from a dead stop. Any tire would slip there with a little too much pedal pressure. Also, even at 100 mph the tires are smooth and quiet (don't say it...it's fair game to go fast on the rural Nevada backroads).



For the performance on/off road, superior winter traction, and price you can't beat this tire at the moment. That being said, buy from a reputable dealer so that they can be exchanged or returned if you are not happy with them.

I couldn’t agree more with your statement. It’s hands-down the best AT tire out there. The price is a nice bonus too.


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[Jtw13]

Just had Discount Tire price match Walmart for 265/70r17 SL. Went from $142 to $97.

Dude! How?! I just looked and it's 129$ at Walmart over here.

 

[TexasTJ]

Dude! How?! I just looked and it's 129$ at Walmart over here.

It just happened to be on a price drop, so I went ahead and got a matching spare. The next day it went up to ~$115, now it's up to $130.

 

[MAST4R]

It just happened to be on a price drop, so I went ahead and got a matching spare. The next day it went up to ~$115, now it's up to $130.

Yup, I got a new set for 114 which I will return tomorrow. Stickers are still on it.

Here is my final verdict:
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/engi...750-sl-p-metric-at3w-verdict.html#post3439676

I have been cautioning people about the tire's performance in Baja style terrain but at this point I have to say "no" on using an SL in the Sonoran Desert. Too bad because it served me so well everywhere else. Tire tech just isn't there yet to deliver all around performance plus durability.

 

[RedRunner_87]

Untitled by redrunner87, on Flickr

 

[pableaux]

Anyone here have some road mileage on theirs? How different is the ride and sound after 20-30k+ miles?

 

[mteolus]

To correct a little misinformation on this thread regarding Falken AT3Ws. The LT version of these tires do not have silica in the tread compound. All of the others do have the silica.

From the Falken website:

" SUPERIOR WEAR LIFE
Silica tread compound delivers superior wear life and wet performance (non‐LT sizes)."

So in other words, the LT version of the tires won't last as long and are not that great in wet conditions. I wonder why... Maybe silica gets beat up on rocks?

 

[dirtfreak20]

Just got my wildpeaks installed over the weekend, wow does that make the 4Runner look better. I stayed with stock tire size however went with the LT E rated ones because that’s what the dealership had that I could work into the deal. They are a little more noisy than the stock tires (obviously) but for AT tire not bad. The ride doesn’t seem much rougher either with the E tire. The grip seems good including in wet conditions. However they definitely feel heavier.

Has anyone run both the SL and E rated ones? Wondering if it would be worth it for me to potentially switch out when I can find the SL ones on sale in order to get a little lighter and slightly better ride. I probably only off road a handful of times a year (basically just woods trails) even though I’d like to do more.

I should add the SL bs E rated ones only look to be slightly over 6lb difference per tire and about 25lb overall.