My 4runner Trail has the factory Dunlops. I went to the local offroad park and got stuck. Some of the other visitors said I need different tires. Apparently a good set of Nitto Trail Grapplers run about $1,200. Until I can afford the new tires, what kind of limitations will I have compared to those with offroad tires?
What offroading limitations do street tires bring?
- Thread starter Frisco
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85RedRunner
New member
Would you play football in basketball shoes?
This is such a loaded question.. What type of terrain?
And my first pick definitely wouldn't be toyo/nitto, even though they seem to always be the most popular.
This is such a loaded question.. What type of terrain?
And my first pick definitely wouldn't be toyo/nitto, even though they seem to always be the most popular.
My short answer to your question: Less than you think.
More aggressive tires were the first mod to my 5th gen, but that was after I took it off road a couple times in its stock configuration (20" wheels, narrow street tires at street PSI). Driver skill, finesse, and ATRAC will get you pretty far in a stock rig.
Save up for some tires for sure, but in the meantime, I'd keep driving off road and maybe even take an off-road driving course.
I switched to BFG KO2s, in case you were wondering.
More aggressive tires were the first mod to my 5th gen, but that was after I took it off road a couple times in its stock configuration (20" wheels, narrow street tires at street PSI). Driver skill, finesse, and ATRAC will get you pretty far in a stock rig.
Save up for some tires for sure, but in the meantime, I'd keep driving off road and maybe even take an off-road driving course.
I switched to BFG KO2s, in case you were wondering.
Thanks for the answers. My first purchase was rock rails. I'm glad I have them. At the Bridgeport, TX Offroad park, there were two large rocks just barely far apart enough to get through. I felt my vehicle lift a bit and later noticed a 5 inch long scrape down to bare metal on one of the rock rails. The situation where I got stuck was some 18 inch deep ruts that the Jeeps were able to lift themselves out of by turning and I just slid back into the ruts and wound up needing to reverse my way out and not use the rest of that trail.
techno
New member
1. Offroad tires provide superior offroad traction and control = you get stuck less and have more fun
2. Offroad tires have stronger construction = less likely to get punctures or tears so you have more fun
3. Offroad tires perform better when aired down = you get stuck less and have more fun
4. Offroad tires look cooler = girls will flock to you and you have more fun
2. Offroad tires have stronger construction = less likely to get punctures or tears so you have more fun
3. Offroad tires perform better when aired down = you get stuck less and have more fun
4. Offroad tires look cooler = girls will flock to you and you have more fun
PWD4R
New member
While I agree with most of what you said, the tires make a bigger difference than one would think. Granted if you can't pick a line for crap then the tire doesn't matter. But i noticed (in my last vehicle) the stock 265/70/16 bf goodrich long trail tires were a huge limiting factor. I never got a lift on that xterra but just changing to 285/75/16 duratracs made all the difference. I quit slipping side to side on uphill climbs, I quit slipping on descents, my tires gripped the rocks better, the water crossing on wet rocks were way easier... And today I had cooper discover ATPs on my 1999 4Runner (tires came on it 285/75/16) and I had the same slipping issue. You go through a little tiny bit of mid here and there and those caked up so bad i thought I had street queens on. Tires make an absolute difference.
spencenasty
New member
The Nitto Terra grapplers are fine, came stock on my pro..
I'd look for a set of BFG KO2, or Cooper ST Maxx.
I'd look for a set of BFG KO2, or Cooper ST Maxx.
A lot of variables here.
Long story short, I'm going to assume your stock tires are actually in good shape. Ok tread, aren't 10 years old/dry rotted, etc. Also I am going to refer to southeastern US wheeling. We have mud on everything. Even the rock trails have mud on the rocks. I will not be discussing the bottomless mud pits because those are for your brodozer JKs on 37" tires.
I'm just discussing general trail riding were most of the trails are dirt...and are susceptible to issues once water begins falling from the skies.
The biggest difference you'll notice is climbing muddy hills or crossing thick muddy spots. Also rolling over slick objects. Take a slick log for example. You'd have trouble clawing into the log and climbing it. So you just end up spinning.
On climbs, the second you hit some lose dirt or mud, the front basically becomes useless. Or the rear end just digs in, whichever happens first.
Airing down can help somewhat in terms of increasing traction.
I'd say in dry conditions, you may not notice a difference between stock tires and more aggressive tires. However once the slick happens, you know it.
Slick side slopes. We are fortunate that our trucks are pretty lightweight. However with heavier vehicles or with lack of grip, they can slide. And not like, slide off a mountain-slide, just slide 1ft one way...off the line you were taking...and needed. This sucks.
Lastly, in mud and lose dirt, they just clog up. Then you are done. No amount of spinning or rocking or anything. They are slicked over.
Overall, I have stock tires on my stock 94 4Runner. I typically do not go out by myself, so I don't mind messing up. Done it many times and have rode the magical yellow tow strap of off road forgiveness as I am saved from imminent peril :angel: .
I'd say, go for it. Wheel with other vehicles on stock tires. Learn what the truck can do, get stuck, get recovered. Have fun. Just have good recovery points and good recovery straps. In all honesty, the smittybilt 3"x30' strap is darn good. I've been hating on mine and try to kill it...and it doesn't. For the price, it really cannot be beat.
Long story short, I'm going to assume your stock tires are actually in good shape. Ok tread, aren't 10 years old/dry rotted, etc. Also I am going to refer to southeastern US wheeling. We have mud on everything. Even the rock trails have mud on the rocks. I will not be discussing the bottomless mud pits because those are for your brodozer JKs on 37" tires.
I'm just discussing general trail riding were most of the trails are dirt...and are susceptible to issues once water begins falling from the skies.
The biggest difference you'll notice is climbing muddy hills or crossing thick muddy spots. Also rolling over slick objects. Take a slick log for example. You'd have trouble clawing into the log and climbing it. So you just end up spinning.
On climbs, the second you hit some lose dirt or mud, the front basically becomes useless. Or the rear end just digs in, whichever happens first.
Airing down can help somewhat in terms of increasing traction.
I'd say in dry conditions, you may not notice a difference between stock tires and more aggressive tires. However once the slick happens, you know it.
Slick side slopes. We are fortunate that our trucks are pretty lightweight. However with heavier vehicles or with lack of grip, they can slide. And not like, slide off a mountain-slide, just slide 1ft one way...off the line you were taking...and needed. This sucks.
Lastly, in mud and lose dirt, they just clog up. Then you are done. No amount of spinning or rocking or anything. They are slicked over.
Overall, I have stock tires on my stock 94 4Runner. I typically do not go out by myself, so I don't mind messing up. Done it many times and have rode the magical yellow tow strap of off road forgiveness as I am saved from imminent peril :angel: .
I'd say, go for it. Wheel with other vehicles on stock tires. Learn what the truck can do, get stuck, get recovered. Have fun. Just have good recovery points and good recovery straps. In all honesty, the smittybilt 3"x30' strap is darn good. I've been hating on mine and try to kill it...and it doesn't. For the price, it really cannot be beat.
KidVermicious
New member
Those Dunlops aren't the best thing going, but they're fine for mild wheeling. Air down to 18-20 psi and work on picking better lines.
Swampmonger
New member
A lot of you're looking for hardcore rockcrawling. Not as much if you're looking to run forest roads and light trails in search of some fun backcountry car camping.
PWD4R
New member
Are you asking for recommendations or just making a statement?
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I thought it was obvious that I was thanking the OP for asking his original question about tires. Often, when someone asks a question, in whatever venue, others have the same questions. I was one with the same question. I was showing support for the OP and, in a way, thanking those who offered their insight. Not sure why that was questioned.
I am thirsty for the same information graciously provided by others.
Squ1d
I am thirsty for the same information graciously provided by others.
Squ1d
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PWD4R
New member
It was clear you were thanking the OP but after that I didn't understand what you were wanting. If you want recommendations or something I can give you some if interested.
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PWD4R
New member
I guess because you didn't tell us what you had and how they're doing lol. Personally, I always liked duratracs. They can last a long time if rotated properly, they're great off road and they are really quiet on the road. The only downside is the sidewalls are soft so if you tow a lot then that could be a downside
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Thanks. I appreciate the offer of assistance. I have the street tires on mine, but wanted to start venturing into some light off roading. My current finances don't allow for a whole new set of tires so I wanted to see how much I could get away with on the stock tires. Probably just make sure I have a recovery strap. Any other items you recommend?
jwkilgore
New member
Tires make a MASSIVE difference in mud. But you don't need full-on expensive mud tires unless you're into serious offroading. Just get a good set of All-Terrains and you will see a huge difference. I bought my store-brand Cooper's (slight variant of the AT3) on sale for about $600 installed (including road hazard) and was amazed at the difference in traction vs the OEM Dunlops.
If you like Nitto's, then check out the Terra-Grapplers (AT) instead of Trail Grapplers (MT). General Grabbers, BFG KO2's, Falken Wildpeak AT3, etc. all work.
That said, the OEM tires with the 4Runner's ATRAC system will serve fine for minor off-roading and most maintained forest service roads. I kept my Dunlops until they were all but bald, and went off-road plenty without getting stuck. My avatar pic was taken after a run with about 45k on the Dunlops. I was a hair away from getting stuck in one hole, but she pulled through. Just don't wander into any deep ruts like the OP, and definitely stay away from slick red clay.
If you like Nitto's, then check out the Terra-Grapplers (AT) instead of Trail Grapplers (MT). General Grabbers, BFG KO2's, Falken Wildpeak AT3, etc. all work.
That said, the OEM tires with the 4Runner's ATRAC system will serve fine for minor off-roading and most maintained forest service roads. I kept my Dunlops until they were all but bald, and went off-road plenty without getting stuck. My avatar pic was taken after a run with about 45k on the Dunlops. I was a hair away from getting stuck in one hole, but she pulled through. Just don't wander into any deep ruts like the OP, and definitely stay away from slick red clay.
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Tires make a huge difference for sure. I love my k02 for most things, but I will say there are better tires for mud, if you are looking for an aggressive all terrain and will see a good bit of mud I'd take Duratracs over K02's (I've had and used both pretty extensively now).
