Tire Choices?

[TimboRobo]

Cruise Moab 2026 is just around the corner and I am hoping not to have two side wall fails this year like last year, even though I set record pace time for swapping out spares. I am usually good at picking tires for uses for adventures but the selection for 315/75R16 is getting slim. I am looking at the Nitto Ridge Grappler's or the wild choice is Kenda Klever M/T2. I really like the the tire design of the Kenda's but I zero experience with the brand. I know they make amazing bicycle tires but not sure if that translates to truck tires. I am looking for words of wisdom and/or experience with these tires or other recommendations for tires. My 80 does most of it's wheeling in Moab but certainly spends plenty of time on Colorado trails.

 

[Corbet]

I'd pick from any of the 3-ply sidewall offerings out there for an 80. Blowing a sidewall wheeling has always been my fear though I never have. Pretty sure both of those above fall into that category. Lots of others, nearly every major brand has both a MT and a crossover MT/AT offering.

 

[DomOfTheDead]

There might be some useful info under this thread: https://risingsun4x4club.org/xf/threads/tire-talk.34423/post-464025

 

[Johnny Utah]

@twentyfooteighty runs the kenda MTs in that size. Maybe he can help.

 

[KC Masterpiece]

Micky Thompson Baja boss MT. Never worry about traction or a fat wallet again. I barely use my lockers anymore.

 

[Telly]

My HDJ81 has new Kenda MT’s installed by the previous owner. MT’s are not my first choice but I’m going to run them since they are new. Loud on the highway but not too bad. Tread is blocky AF and some serious sidewall lugs. They certainly look the part. First test will be at 16psi on Steel Bender in April.

 

[Mike Shull]

Micky Thompson Baja boss MT. Never worry about traction or a fat wallet again. I barely use my lockers anymore.

Ditto. These tires have amazing traction and they are durable. I’ve also been to Moab dozens of times with BFG and Goodyear mud and A/T without issue.

 

[Johnny Utah]

My personal preference is AT over MT for noise and weight, not to mention that we just don’t have mud here in the mountain west where I spend most of my time.
That said, I’m currently running the Toyo OC RT trail. A little bit more noisy than BFG ATs but very good off road, and known for their strength.

 

[Curly]

I run the Yokohama Geolandar X A/T. They will also sufficiently empty your wallet, but they’ve demonstrated great manners on the road and great capability off.
I previously ran the BFG K02s without complaint but wanted a little more sidewall aggression. Happy with the results.

Follow the thread @DomOfTheDead posted and we’ll talk to you next week

 

[twentyfooteighty]

@twentyfooteighty runs the kenda MTs in that size. Maybe he can help.

Scott is correct. I have the Kenda MTs in 315, and I love them. Not too loud, great traction, balanced well, and stick like snot to just about everything.

 

[TimboRobo]

Well it sounds to me like going with the Kenda's is not a bad choice. I have been rocking Goodyear Duratracs for the past decade and excited to have some grippy tires again. It was a bit of a bummer not being able to climb the waterfall on Gold Bar Rim last year, first time I ever been winched up an obstacle before.

 

[HDavis]

I have the Kenda Rts on our 200. One trip to Moab & lots of local wheeling trips. Absolutely love them. They do flat spot overnight, but round out again when warm, @twentyfooteighty do the mts do that too?

 

[twentyfooteighty]

I have the Kenda Rts on our 200. One trip to Moab & lots of local wheeling trips. Absolutely love them. They do flat spot overnight, but round out again when warm, @twentyfooteighty do the mts do that too?

Not that I have really noticed. The 80 gets driven like 1-2 days a week, and either for 3-5 miles, or 200 miles LOL. On the shorter trips it doesn't really ever have a chance to warm up the tires.

 

[HDavis]

Not that I have really noticed. The 80 gets driven like 1-2 days a week, and either for 3-5 miles, or 200 miles LOL. On the shorter trips it doesn't really ever have a chance to warm up the tires.

Good to know. It's only about 1/2 a city block. So, it's not bad like my bias ply super swampers are, just something I noticed.

 

[Hulk]

I swear by the BFG KO2 all terrains. Quieter than an MT, much better in the snow, and they wheel great.

 

[Notyourmomslx450]

Goodyear Duratracs

that's the reason for the sidewall blowouts...... great tire, horrible sidewall strength.

I'm also a big, big fan of BFG's! I've ran the AT's and MT's on just about every 4x4 i've ever owned ranging from my old Ford Excursion, to the wifes 3rd gen 4Runner. I've never had an issue that wasn't self induced with them.
that said i've been eying the Nitto Trail Grappler in a 4-dee because the price is easier to swallow than a 39" or 42" BFG.