Its tire time and I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the nitto A/T tire? We mainly use the land rover on light trails and forest service roads, but it does see alot of on road snow driving. I would love to hear from anyone with any info on these tires. If I go with the Nitto I would stay with my stock size 255/55/18. I have also been throwing around the idea of upsizing to 265/65/18 because it opens up alot of other all terrain options. Is it definite that this size will fit on a stock suspension 03' hse-7 ? How much taller is this size in comparison to the 255/55? Thanks for any help with this, my mastercraft tires are down to the wear bars and dry rotting so anything is going to be an upgrade.

 

I have the Nitto Terra Grapplers on mine (255/55/18) I have had these tires in the past on trucks I have owned and they have always been great tires for both road and trail. However I am going to go bigger next year and can't see plunking down the cash for these tires again when the guard dogs are so widely praised. the guard dogs don't get the road scores the grapplers do, but you can't beat the price... Do a search and see what you think. Treadwright Guard Dogs:
https://www.treadwright.com/c-46-265-65r18.aspx
I have read on the forum that 265/65/18's will fit with no problem.
$137 per tire vs. $300+ per tire is a no brainer for me, but not everyone trusts a re-tread tire.

 

Thanks for the reply. Discount tire has the nittos for around $180. How has the nittos done in the snow? We see more snow driving then trail use so snow performance is pretty important.

 

The answer to your second question is a 265/65 tire is about 30 millimeters or 1.25" taller than a 255/55 tire. Enough to throw off your speedometer. For what it's worth I have been using the General Grabber AT2 in 255/55-18 for the last four winters and have been very happy with on-road snow performance.

 

How are they holding up as far as tread wear goes?

 

I am guessing that I have about 25k on them and they still look pretty good. I am not especially religious about rotation and most of my miles are city driving so maybe not the best case for comparison.

 

My fault, you are right. I was referencing my research after pricing the MT Grapplers. I have been told the General Grabbers are good tires, but don't have any first hand experience to compare. What I can tell you is that I have been a repeat buyer of 3 full sets of AT Grapplers and have never been disappointed. They have great traction in any environment rain, snow, sand, mud for an AT tire and the tread wear is among the best in their category. Good luck with your decision.

 

I'm probably going to go with the nittos. It just had me concerned with some of the bad reviews floating around about snow handling, so as long as they do well in the snow I'm sold.

 

A 265 will not work unless you have at least a small lift. I have seen a number of then here locally and they look great when mounted, but with a stock suspension, they will get torn up off road.
By the way, the Guard Dog tire is real popular here in Colorado, seem to handle anything you throw at them and last forever. I have a friend with 35,000 miles on his 285's still showing at least 12/32nds of rubber left.

 

Thanks mike, can you use a 255/55 spare when you have a flat with the 265/65 or will that cause the diff to overheat?