Which M/T tyre for the Grenadier? 285/70/17

[Matt P]

Hi All,

I'm looking for a little advice if you'd be so kind. I've narrowed down the choice to the following (see below) but I'd love to hear your thoughts, especially if you've got a lot of experience with the tyres below. Honest pros and cons.

We're looking for:

• A good all-rounder
• All seasons ideally
• One that is particularly focussed on off-road capabilities in a variety of terrains (Around 75% of overall use will be off-road)
• Strong side walls (Min 3 ply)
• Good longevity

I'm aware there's various A/T tyres out there but we feel we need something a little more aggressive for what we generally do. So a M/T tyre is what’s been decided.

With all that in mind, please feel free to add your thoughts on which one is the best and why. If I've missed one you strongly recommend, I'm keen to hear what and why. Thanks so much in advance!

Here's the options we're looking at:

• General Grabber X3
• Falken Wildpeak M/T
• BF Goodrich KM3
• Toyo Open Country M/T
• Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ P3

I look forward to seeing what people think!

Matt

 

[Zimm]

I actually don’t know much about vehicle ‘level’ and why it isn’t level or what is the benefit of ‘leveling a vehicle’
If anyone can educate me. That would be very helpful. Thanks in advance.

The rear is higher stock so it sits level while towing a load. It's not a necessary feature, as it's not truly shifting load to the front tires if its designed that way, and with the 5 link I doubt the caster changes and creates the floaty steering sensation, but it is more comfortable to drive not looking up. Leveling it makes it more aesthetically pleasing to some, but I wonder with a heavy load if the headlights will move beyond direction adjustment and glare at oncoming traffic.

 

[Grenadiertrialgirl]

I am doing the Eibach lift w/ CV joint replacement to prevent issue and then getting larger tires. My Grenadier is also my daily, but we offroad when we can. I'm also taking it to Telluride and Moab in '26 so I want a good set of tires for off roading out there. Anybody have good suggestions for all weather, beefier look, with strong sidewall that I can also use off roading and on the cross country ride? Lots to ask for in a variety setting! Thanks so much

 

[Zimm]

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/types/category.jsp?category=ON_OFF_ROAD

Pick one with a 3 peak snowflake on it, and don't drive around on them for 10000 miles before you do your trip. Good winter traction on an AT is good for about one season.

 

[Sal]

The rear is higher stock so it sits level while towing a load. It's not a necessary feature, as it's not truly shifting load to the front tires if its designed that way, and with the 5 link I doubt the caster changes and creates the floaty steering sensation, but it is more comfortable to drive not looking up. Leveling it makes it more aesthetically pleasing to some, but I wonder with a heavy load if the headlights will move beyond direction adjustment and glare at oncoming traffic.

Got it. Thanks.

 

[Matt P]

Thank you for putting out great content. It is very enjoyable to watch and follow along with your travels.

Cheers Terdrocket! Glad you're enjoying following our little journey around the world!

 

[Matt P]

After plowing thru a bazillion tires, I’m more about rotating out tires at 60% tread than which tire tread is best. A new bfg will crush a 70% falken and visa versa. I doubt I’ll ever really be in developing remote world again, but if I was to feel spunky again when I retire, first and foremost for me is puncture resistance. Then keeping the treads fresh. It’s not that big of a money hit in the broad view, but you can also get a few bucks on Craigslist for 1/2 worn shoes.

Just a different perspective.

Appreciate this Zimm! "First and foremost for me is puncture resistance" this is a big one for us. We've just had few in close succession and so it's made me think a little more about this. Especially in sharp rocks. Which certain countries are full off, there's no escaping them, unless of course you drive on the road and we don't want to do that..

 

[Asnes]

I actually don’t know much about vehicle ‘level’ and why it isn’t level or what is the benefit of ‘leveling a vehicle’
If anyone can educate me. That would be very helpful. Thanks in advance.

It doesn’t sit level because of higher spring rate on rear suspension to accommodate more load on the rear axle.

For a given tire size that fits stock ride height, there is no benefit to leveling the vehicle (fitting spacers up front, or higher spring rate springs) - it’s only for looks.

For larger tires you need to raise the front end to fit them.

On a “level” truck the rear will sag when loaded, unless you fit airbags.

All fun and games.

 

[Zimm]

Appreciate this Zimm! "First and foremost for me is puncture resistance" this is a big one for us. We've just had few in close succession and so it's made me think a little more about this. Especially in sharp rocks. Which certain countries are full off, there's no escaping them, unless of course you drive on the road and we don't want to do that..

The difficult part about tire performance, is how anecdotal it is. I cut 3 brand new duratracks in 2 days in New England… was it the tires? Was it the sharp rocks? Was I having a spat of stupid? Who knows.