Thoughts, experience with ST maxxx, ko2s, nitto grappler g2s

[CplTurner]

Why the switch to 285/70 over the 255/80?

Strictly for the aesthetics sir :hat:

 

[ToxPath]

I am running the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 in size 285-70. Had them installed this fall and am very happy with on-road characteristics, including ride quality, handling, noise, wet pavement. Have not had them in snow yet. Also used them for off-road for a week during hunting trip in Maine and they did great there as well. No regrets.

I purchased the P/metric (non-E rated) because I only off road about 20 miles (not counting dirt roads) a year out of the 20,000 per year I drive. I know the P rated tire is not that popular here but I've seen the incredible off-road abuse that my uncle puts on his P rated Nitto's (Tacoma Pick Up) day in and day out, therefore no concerns.

Previously I was running Cooper AT3's in size 275-70 (C-rated). Good tread wear (about 60,000). Firmer ride compared to the G2, and developed some road noise after 30k. Good performance off-road but only average for an all terrain tire on wet roads and snow.

I have the DuraTrak (285's, E-rated) on my 2000 Landcruiser. Great tire but it did sacrifice someroad manners and did not want to take that hit with such a heavy tire on the 4runner.

 

[02SE]

West Valley Big O. They can't balance a tire and don't use torque sticks on their impact guns, stay away.

I can't stand hacks. I've never understood why people rarely take pride in their work.

I prefer to buy tires from brick and mortar chain stores, so if there's a problem with the tire, it's relatively easy to resolve the problem. But then you often have to deal with careless and/or incompetent installers.

 

[08runnertjb]

I had stock size Cooper ST Maxx in Load E. I loved them, they looked awesome and let me wheel through some crazy stuff in Hollister Hills, CA I never knew I'd be willing to do in a $35k vehicle. I got rid of them after 1000 miles and went with a milder Cooper AT3. It was a fun tire, but the AT3 was better suited for my 95% highway driving, the slight drone of the ST Maxx and the 14mpg hwy (mainly the mpg loss) is what drove me to return them. Great tire but for driving as much as I was at the time it just didn't fit. Now if I get another vehicle and keep the 4Runner so it's no longer the primary road trip vehicle I would slap them back on in a heartbeat.

With that said, the AT3 has been a great much less aggressive tire similar to the G2 and after almost 15k miles on them, they're quiet, get me 20mph highway even with a 2.5" lift, and are fantastic in wet, ice, snow traction as well as forest service roads. So if you are leaning to the G2, give them a look, if you want more aggressive go ST Maxx.

Hi there, great info on this thread, if you go over to expedition portal and look up the article about the overland tire of the year, the cooper AT3s actually won over the KO2'S and other reputable tires. Again, to each their own, but can also vouch for the cooper AT3S having had them myself on a previous 4runner. They are a great, often overlooked tire.

 

[bms4r]

I've got the Nitto Terras on my TRDP... Not impressed.

 

[esa31.8t]

Hi there, great info on this thread, if you go over to expedition portal and look up the article about the overland tire of the year, the cooper AT3s actually won over the KO2'S and other reputable tires. Again, to each their own, but can also vouch for the cooper AT3S having had them myself on a previous 4runner. They are a great, often overlooked tire.

Actually, they tested the original BFG KO not the KO2:

Where the Rubber Meets the Road | Expedition Portal

 

[chiz45]

So how well do these do on slick snow covered streets?

Just got back from skiing in southern UT. The main roads were bladed off, but the side roads not so much. No lost traction or sliding, but i was driving carefully. 9k on these tires, no complaints.

 

[08runnertjb]

Actually, they tested the original BFG KO not the KO2:

Where the Rubber Meets the Road | Expedition Portal

Oooh right. Good catch. Thanks.

 

[TheWraith]

You guys have win me over.. I think I'm going to have ST Max for my next set. But I think I'm going to go with 295's instead of the 285's ... I want a wider and taller foot print. So need to save up for those 4.88's now...

 

[J-BlickPhoto]

You guys have win me over.. I think I'm going to have ST Max for my next set. But I think I'm going to go with 295's instead of the 285's ... I want a wider and taller foot print. So need to save up for those 4.88's now...

They're badass. I'm seriously shocked at the overall performance of the tire. I've been killing them in the snow...2.5-3 feet of powder and packed base. They're whisper quite on the highway and even when road conditions are terrible they still do what they're suppose to. Just be prepared for how skinny they are. It was a little shocking to me.

 

[quicksandTRDPRO]

They're badass. I'm seriously shocked at the overall performance of the tire. I've been killing them in the snow...2.5-3 feet of powder and packed base. They're whisper quite on the highway and even when road conditions are terrible they still do what they're suppose to. Just be prepared for how skinny they are. It was a little shocking to me.

Jake, you say they're skinny. I know you're currently running a 255. Would you recommend going 275 over the stock 265?

 

[TheWraith]

They're badass. I'm seriously shocked at the overall performance of the tire. I've been killing them in the snow...2.5-3 feet of powder and packed base. They're whisper quite on the highway and even when road conditions are terrible they still do what they're suppose to. Just be prepared for how skinny they are. It was a little shocking to me.

Even if I go with 295's ???

 

[J-BlickPhoto]

Even if I go with 295's ???

No, i just misread.

 

[KidVermicious]

Even if I go with 295's ???

Be prepared for them to not be as awesome in a wide size like that.

 

[TheWraith]

Be prepared for them to not be as awesome in a wide size like that.

Explain ??? Just want an actual 33" and alittle wider stance without using spacers.

 

[Styer]

Just installed the 285/70r17 Cooper S/T MAXXs today. I have a 3/2 lift and had to remove front mud flaps, push the fender liners forward and finally trim the bumper to clear them.

 

[KidVermicious]

Explain ??? Just want an actual 33" and alittle wider stance without using spacers.

Skinnies aren't just an aesthetic choice. For a given tire height, they have less rotating mass, less rolling resistance, and less air resistance at speed than 285 or wider series tires. This all translates to better acceleration, better MPG, better braking, and less wear and tear on suspension and steering components. They also have a higher PSI between the ground and the tread than a wider tire. In wet/icy conditions, this translates to better traction - less hydroplaning, more cutting through the slush instead of sliding on top, etc.

I think it's an open question whether they have better traction in offroad conditions, smaller traction patch/higher ground pressure vs wider traction patch/lower ground pressure, I think that's probably a push and depends mostly on the offroad conditions you're in. But skinnies rule on the road and dominate bad weather conditions.

 

[TheWraith]

Skinnies aren't just an aesthetic choice. For a given tire height, they have less rotating mass, less rolling resistance, and less air resistance at speed than 285 or wider series tires. This all translates to better acceleration, better MPG, better braking, and less wear and tear on suspension and steering components. They also have a higher PSI between the ground and the tread than a wider tire. In wet/icy conditions, this translates to better traction - less hydroplaning, more cutting through the slush instead of sliding on top, etc.

I think it's an open question whether they have better traction in offroad conditions, smaller traction patch/higher ground pressure vs wider traction patch/lower ground pressure, I think that's probably a push and depends mostly on the offroad conditions you're in. But skinnies rule on the road and dominate bad weather conditions.

Ok ... still doesn't answer the question. I understand the skinnies tire part. It's why WRC cars uses smaller/skinnies in rain sessions.

But how can a manufacturer sell a 295 tire that's not 295mm tire ???

Duratrac 285's are spec'd to be 11.5" inches wide that's the contact patch on the ground. While ST Maxx 295's are spec'd to be 12" inches wide.

So if they sell a 295's tire ... how can you call it skinny??? It's like a gas station sell you 89oct but advertises 91oct...

 

[KidVermicious]

Ok ... still doesn't answer the question. I understand the skinnies tire part. It's why WRC cars uses smaller/skinnies in rain sessions.

But how can a manufacturer sell a 295 tire that's not 295mm tire ???

Duratrac 285's are spec'd to be 11.5" inches wide that's the contact patch on the ground. While ST Maxx 295's are spec'd to be 12" inches wide.

So if they sell a 295's tire ... how can you call it skinny??? It's like a gas station sell you 89oct but advertises 91oct...

I think you misread something? I never called 295s skinny. I said if you're going to buy a set of ST Maxx in 295, don't expect them to work as well in bad weather as a set in 255.

 

[TheWraith]

I think you misread something? I never called 295s skinny. I said if you're going to buy a set of ST Maxx in 295, don't expect them to work as well in bad weather as a set in 255.

Ok I understood the skinny part. I don't drive like to drive fast in the rain at all... I turn into gramps when the roads get wet.