[adjmcloon]

Hey y'all,

I went out today and bought 4 Nitto terra grapplers in the 305/50/20. I paid $1257 including the road hazard/ride match/balance for life from Discount Tire for the set. Guy dropped the tires to $230 each if I agreed to the road hazard. I figured- what the hell. Lifetime balance, rotation and they replace (not pro-rate) the tires if I ever puncture a sidewall or blow out.

I was seriously debating the Michelin cross terrains and actually almost got them (They were cheaper than the Nitto's over at Sears for the set) but the terra's have a higher wear rating (500!) and plus they look better than the Michelins. Reviews were pretty much even for both models (raving) but the Michelins had more than a few people saying they wear out fairly quick, despite being a supposed 60k mile tire. One of the tire guys told me that with 20" and larger the tire manucturers are beginning to drop the mileage warranties due to the lower sidewall result from the larger rims. Plus I liked the fact that the Nitto's are "D" or "E" rated since I tow a good bit. I'm curious whether I'll get the D or E rated tires- does it happen by size? Seems to me they'd just be one rating (whatever the best is). Anyway...

I'll post pics if any wants, but I'm pretty sure they'll look fairly close to Tripleblack's infamous tire pic in his sig- only a touch smaller. I can't wait to get rid of these crappy Goodyear Eagle GT II's- they've been the worst tires I've ever had on a vehicle and I'll never buy Goodyear again. 25k miles!

I'm SO looking forward to no shimmy, a quieter ride, and better grip.

 

[92TripleBlack]

Congrats. I think the LT rating designates Load E and P rating Load D. Nitto doesn't make it too evident with their fitments. Either way, they will be great for towing. They have a 3086 lbs. rating per tire. The stock Contis are rated 2601 per tire. Both are S rated for speed if that matters (112mph which is why we have the speed limiter)
http://www.nittotire.com/popup_terra_sizes.asp
http://www.nittotire.com/tires_terragrappler.asp

 

[adjmcloon]

What kind of pressure should I be running in them? According to the load rating table they're saying 50psi. I've read that the Nitto's require more air than the standard 35.

 

[92TripleBlack]

What kind of pressure should I be running in them? According to the load rating table they're saying 50psi. I've read that the Nitto's require more air than the standard 35.

I've been going at 35 which is what Discount set them at when I got them. The 50 is if you are towing. Tire pressure is typically based on the vehicle specs, not the tire. However, I have heard of people running 37-39PSI. Couldn't hurt. You'll probably have better cornering, harder ride, and they won't stick as well for accelerating/decelerating but it probably won't be very noticable though.

 

[92TripleBlack]

I called them (Discount tire) and they said to run them around 30. Since it is a larger tire, you need less pressure to hold the same weight. They also said check the wear. If you have wear in the middle, you are too high. Edge wear is too low.

 

[92TripleBlack]

I called the Discount Tire HQ instead of the local guys and they said that we should inflate to 1 psi higher vs. stock for each inch increase in rim diameter. Mine says 35 so I should be 37. Glad I verified and glad I didn't take the guy's word for granted. I emailed Nitto to double check.

 

[adjmcloon]

Killer- thanks. Mine should be the same as I'm on 20's as well.

 

[Campfamily]

Are the Nittos available in stock size (or close to it) for those of us with stock size rims?

 

[92TripleBlack]

Are the Nittos available in stock size (or close to it) for those of us with stock size rims?

295-70-17 fir the 17" rims well.
The closest for the 18" is 285-60-18, which are smaller in overall idameter by 1.5" vs. stock.
http://www.nittotire.com/popup_terra_sizes.asp

 

[adjmcloon]

Update....

The nitto's came in, and I finally had them installed yesterday. HOLY $H|7!! Unbelievable ride, and they are SO much quieter than the crappy goodyears! Thanks to all for the suggestions- finally the Armada drives like a Caddy- smooth, no vibrations, low noise, and they look cool as hell.

I'll update with pics this evening when I get home. The beast is in the shop today for the A/C TSB and a few other minor things.

 

[92TripleBlack]

Nice. They are sweet aren't they!

 

[adjmcloon]

You bet..thanks for the testimonial and info! FINALLY, it rides like it ought to!

 

[92TripleBlack]

Now if we can only convert a few more dubbers.