Tires - Highway or AT ?

E

ErikU

New member
It's time to replace the factory Dunlops on my 2007 4runner. I'm trying to decide between a highway tread or AT. Now days 99% of my driving is on-road. Some occasional off-road use in moderate terrain, but I just don't get out as often as I did. I live in Seattle so wet performance is much more important than snow performance.

Since most driving is on road I prefer a quiet tire that handles well in water above all else. How much noise and handling do I give up putting on AT's over a highway tread?

Thoughts or suggestions?
 
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This is all personal preference to me. I drive all highway and roads as well. Rarely get time to go on trails. But I prefer and AT, looks and thoughts of maybe going on trails, that's why I prefer AT.

I look at it this way, we buy insurance in case we need it right? A/T's are insurance even if you don't use em ;-) my thoughts anyway.

You will have more noise with an AT, but it wont be very noticeable.
 
I'd go with a decent AT personally even if most of your time is on the highway.

Chances are you'll want that capability even if you don't make it out much. Also many AT's are good in the rain as well.

I just ordered Bridgestone Dueler DT/695's today. Never had those but did have some Dueler Revo's a few years back and they stuck to wet roads like glue.
 
ive got nittos and they are amazing in the rain. a tad louder than others but i dont notice it anymore. and i drive alot on the highway. slight decrease in mpg, but i do drive a 4runner thus mpg is not of any concern.
 
ErikU said:
It's time to replace the factory Dunlops on my 2007 4runner. I'm trying to decide between a highway tread or AT. Now days 99% of my driving is on-road. Some occasional off-road use in moderate terrain, but I just don't get out as often as I did. I live in Seattle so wet performance is much more important than snow performance.

Since most driving is on road I prefer a quiet tire that handles well in water above all else. How much noise and handling do I give up putting on AT's over a highway tread?

Thoughts or suggestions?
Click to expand...

MICHELIN LTX MS2S 265 70 r17
 
Definitely get an A/T

Manufacturers make A/T tires so quiet nowadays that sometimes it's hard to tell that it isn't an all-season highway tire.

When I switched from the factory Dunlops to A/T's (Bridgestone Revo 2's), the A/T was actually quieter. The handling and traction improved too.

Now I have the Nitto A/T's and they are a tad louder, but if I turn on the A/C I can't hear them.

Did I mention they look substantially better too?

I'm like you... most of the time my car is spotless because I only drive in the city or on the highway, but it sure is nice to have them if you need them.

So yes, definitely get an A/T.
 
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My opinion, is go with the Michelin LTX M/S2. They are super quiet, are the best performing highway tire (according to Tirerack survey), and they will last much longer than the typical AT tire will.

*I may be a little biased because I have these on my T4R and my dad has them on his Tundra, fyi.
 
I also live in the NW and I would recommend going with the AT tire - as previously stated, these are a great all around tire now days with good mileage and quiet. I am going to go with the new tire from BFGoodrich - Rugged Terrain this go around. If your finance allow you, go with a top rated brand as the engineering is usually a generation ahead of the generic brands (they are good enough if that is what you can afford).
 
ErikU said:
It's time to replace the factory Dunlops on my 2007 4runner. I'm trying to decide between a highway tread or AT. Now days 99% of my driving is on-road. Some occasional off-road use in moderate terrain, but I just don't get out as often as I did. I live in Seattle so wet performance is much more important than snow performance.

Since most driving is on road I prefer a quiet tire that handles well in water above all else. How much noise and handling do I give up putting on AT's over a highway tread?

Thoughts or suggestions?
Click to expand...

It's all about priorities.

Sounds like one of the quieter A/Ts would be a good compromise on noise and wet traction (make sure and get a passenger (P) tire).

Revo 2 is very quiet but it's the only A/T I can speak to directly. There are many others. In general, the more aggressive the tread, the noisier it will be but the wet traction will tend to be better too.
 
shootersanks said:
My opinion, is go with the Michelin LTX M/S2. They are super quiet, are the best performing highway tire (according to Tirerack survey), and they will last much longer than the typical AT tire will.

*I may be a little biased because I have these on my T4R and my dad has them on his Tundra, fyi.
Click to expand...

Totally agree, those are some of the best tires period.
 
Thanks for the suggestions...

I'm not really concerned about snow. Wet traction, quiet, and good ride are most important.

It sounds like going with an AT over a highway tire I wont really give up much? I do like the look of AT.

Sounds like there are a couple votes for the Bridgestone Revo 2 for a good quiet AT tire that gets used mostly on the highway. I had Toyo Open Country AT's on my old 4Runner that seemed fine. Any others?
 
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I agree. I much prefer the looks of an AT. It gives the truck an aggressive appearance.

With that said, a highway tire is more practical. As others have praised, the Michelin MS2 is probably the best tire you can get, unless you need a specific-purpose tire (according to tirerack customer ratings).

It is quiet, smooth, and does very well in the rain and snow.

If rain is a big concern, the Michelin is the tire I'd get. In fairness, the Revo 2 gets very good ratings on tirerack as well.
 
Nitto Terra Graps, I have em and love em. Quieter than BFG AT's. Great in the rain. May go with Goodyr Duratrac's next thou-heard good stuff. Good luck
 
It is getting time to change mine on a '07 SE. Read a lot of good things on the Destination A/T (Firestone). That will be my 4 season choice up in the NorthWest. 265/70/17
 
I completely agree with AT because newer AT tires are nearly as quiet as HT tires (if that is a priority), also if you are in rain or snow there are wider tread block gaps.

I am going to put my 2 cents in and suggest Falken Rocky Mountain ATS (Wild Peak AT), I have driven in heavy rain storm with no hydro planning or slipping on wet roads. I have no experience yet in snow but I read a lot of positive snow driving reviews.
 
ErikU said:
Wet traction, quiet, and good ride are most important.
Click to expand...

I couldn't help but comment on this even though I am a 3rd gen owner. I have the Michelin LTX M/S2 on my 3rd gen and they are hands down the best tire I have owned. The ride is smooth, quite, and the confidence they give me while driving in heavy rains is amazing. You said snow wasn't that big of an issue but they excel in that as well. Just my two cents.
 
I had my heart set on some 275/65/18 michelins ltx m/s2's also since I am 99% street, but now u guys are making me think differently. What the best riding, quietest AT tire?
 
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