Nitto Recon Grappler is an all-terrain tire designed primarily for light trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. It falls somewhere between Nitto Ridge Grappler and Nitto Terra Grappler G2 in terms of its design and purpose. However, it’s predominantly available for use with light trucks, which influences its tire pattern, leaning more towards the Nitto Ridge Grappler style than the Nitto Terra Grappler G2. Nitto Recon Grappler is considered a concept tire, making it essential to determine its optimal use. In this article, we will review the Nitto Recon Grappler and explore the best conditions for its use. Let’s get started!
At a Glance
| Nitto Recon Grappler | |
|---|---|
| Best for | 3/4 ton or above trucks, dry regions, towing and hauling |
| Best Vehicle Fits | Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Ford F-250, GMC Sierra 2500, Jeep Wrangler, Ram 2500, Toyota Tacoma |
| Vehicle | 3/4 ton or above trucks, 1/2 ton or above trucks (if they tow) |
| Available Sizes | 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”, 22”, 24” (Ensure these tires fit your vehicle) |
| Made In | White, GA, USA |
| Labels | M+S |
| Warranty (P-metric) | 65,000 miles |
| Warranty (LT Sizes) | 55,000 miles |
| Prices | DiscountTire: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price |
From my perspective as a former Bridgestone engineer, the Nitto Recon Grappler is an excellent choice, especially if you reside outside the Snowbelt region and don’t frequently encounter snow. This tire demonstrates remarkable versatility, excelling on various terrains, including gravel, rock crawling, and sand. Additionally, it offers a quiet and comfortable ride. However, one thing to note is that it tends to retain small stones in its grooves. The Nitto Recon Grappler boasts a robust and durable rubber compound, contributing to its longevity. As evidence of its durability, Nitto provides a treadwear warranty of 55,000 miles for LT sizes (65,000 miles for P-metric sizes). Furthermore, this tire is well-suited for heavy-duty towing thanks to its sturdy sidewalls.
All-Terrain Tires Buyer's Guide
Finding the most suitable one for you among thousands of tires is very difficult.
My team & I have analyzed 100 different tires and generated this ‘All-Terrain Tire Buyer’s Guide‘ for those who don’t wanna spend too much time during tire selection.
Before we start, here are the incredibly helpful articles I highly recommend to take a look at;
- How to keep tire noise down?
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise - Are all-terrain tires good for daily driving?
https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-for-daily-driving/ - Are all-terrain tires good in snow?
https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-snow/ - Are all-terrain tires good in rain?
https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-rain/ - Most aggressive all-terrain tires
https://tireterrain.com/most-aggressive-all-terrain-tires/ - All-Terrain vs Highway vs Mud-Terrain Tires
https://tireterrain.com/highway-tires-vs-all-terrain-vs-mud-terrain/
Below the table, you can find my favorite tires that I have classified according to your needs.
If you’re in a hurry, here are the tires worth every penny;
- Toyo Open Country AT3 – Best All-Round & Longevity
- Falken Wildpeak AT3W – Best All-Round & Squishy Regions
- BF Goodrich KO2 – Best All-Round & Off-Road Adventure
- Falken Wildpeak AT Trail – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Severe Off-Road
- Nitto Recon Grappler – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Smooth and Quiet Ride
- General Grabber ATX – Best All-Round for 3/4-ton or above trucks
- Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac – Best On/Off Road tire for 3/4-ton or above trucks
- Cooper Discoverer 4S XLT – Best Commercial All-Terrain Tire & Hauling and Towing
If you’re looking for something at a bargain price;
- Vredestein Pinza AT – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Smooth and Quiet Ride
- Kenda Klever A/T2 – Best All-Round for Medium & Light Duty Usage
- Kenda Klever R/T – Best All-Round for Heavy-Duty Usage
Depending on your needs, also the below articles might help;
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-3-4-ton-truck-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-mud-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-rt-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-tires-for-snow-plowing/
I highly recommend checking the below pages out before making any purchase:
- DiscountTire Deals:
https://www.discounttire.com/promotions - TireRack Deals:
https://www.tirerack.com/specialoffers - SimpleTire Deals:
https://simpletire.com/tire-deals
Table of Contents
Dry Performance
Well, the dry performance of all-terrain tires is related to 3 different features. Dry traction, steering response, and cornering stability.
In this section, I’ll evaluate them one by one.
Dry Traction
All-terrain tires, characterized by their lug-type patterns, excel in providing substantial biting edges, which ensures that dry traction is not a concern for them. While the Nitto Recon Grappler may appear to lack sipes upon observation, suggesting potential grip issues, it compensates for this with numerous biting edges and a compound that firmly adheres to the surface.
As a result, the Nitto Recon Grappler effortlessly handles dry surfaces, delivering reliable traction.
Steering Response
Steering response in a tire is significantly influenced by the design of the center section block. A compact center block design allows for quicker steering response, and lower tread depth often enhances this characteristic.
The Nitto Recon Grappler optimizes both of these aspects effectively. Its sectional center lugs are well-designed to work together during rotation, resulting in reduced response time. Additionally, the Recon Grappler features a stiffer compound, especially when compared to the Ridge Grappler, along with lower tread depth.
These attributes contribute to a superb steering response, making it a responsive and reliable tire.
Cornering Stability
Cornering stability in a tire is closely linked to its internal structure. When a tire has robust sidewalls and riding blocks that can effectively move with the sidewalls, it enhances cornering stability.
The Nitto Recon Grappler boasts a solid internal structure with features such as a polyester casing, two high-tensile steel belts, three-ply sidewalls*, and jointless cap plies. These components work together to ensure a more stable and reliable ride, particularly when navigating corners.
*Note: It’s worth emphasizing the importance of considering speed ratings when seeking improved cornering stability, and in this regard, the Nitto Recon Grappler is a trustworthy option.
Wet Performance
Wet performance is a critical aspect of evaluating all-terrain tires. These tires often have a voided pattern, which allows them to effectively evacuate water from the tread area, reducing the risk of hydroplaning. However, this design can present a trade-off between hydroplaning resistance and traction on wet surfaces. To provide a comprehensive assessment, I’ll discuss these two aspects separately.
Wet Traction
Traction on wet surfaces is significantly influenced by the contact surface of the tires with the ground. In most cases, a greater contact surface density leads to better traction, particularly on wet terrain. This relationship holds true, except in cases of extremely loose ground. Sipes play a crucial role in achieving traction, especially on wet surfaces.
However, when examining the Nitto Recon Grappler, you’ll notice a lack of siping in its design. While this might raise concerns for all-season tires, it’s important to note that the P-metric sizes of the Nitto Recon Grappler boast impressive ratings, including a 600 UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) rating and an ‘A’ rating for wet traction. These are outstanding ratings that indicate strong wet traction performance.
On the other hand, the LT (Light Truck) and flotation metric sizes of the tire have a design that combines a compact center section with staggered shoulders and horizontal sipes, ensuring that wet traction remains reliable.
Overall, the Nitto Recon Grappler offers decent wet traction. However, if wet performance is your primary concern, you may want to consider the Nitto Ridge Grappler for even better performance in wet conditions.
Hydroplaning Resistance
Hydroplaning resistance becomes especially critical when you’re driving at high speeds. If you’ve checked the speed rating of the Recon Grappler, you’ll notice that this tire is designed to perform at higher speeds compared to most all-terrain tires. For instance, while the Ridge Grappler has a Q-speed rating for up to 99mph, the Recon Grappler has an R-speed rating for up to 106mph and even an S-speed rating for up to 112mph. This makes hydroplaning resistance a vital factor for the Nitto Recon Grappler.
Hydroplaning resistance primarily relies on the tire’s circumferential grooves and open shoulder blocks. Fortunately, the Nitto Recon Grappler incorporates both of these elements into its design. However, one notable aspect of its design is the presence of large, flat center blocks. While the tire’s wide and narrow grooves enhance its water evacuation capability, the design of these center blocks may slightly affect its hydroplaning resistance.
In summary, the Nitto Recon Grappler offers average hydroplaning resistance. I recommend exercising caution when encountering puddles to ensure safe driving in wet conditions.
Note: Hydroplaning is vital for a safe ride under the pouring rain. However, it might occur even with the best tire. Maybe you can’t prevent it but if you know what it is and how to deal with it, you can easily stay on the safe side.
Here is an extremely efficient guide about ‘How to Deal with Hydroplaning?‘ –> https://www.discounttire.com/learn/hydroplaning
Winter Performance
Winter performance is the one area where the Nitto Recon Grappler falls short of expectations. This was somewhat expected when comparing the Recon Grappler’s specifications with those of the Ridge Grappler.
In winter conditions, the stiffness of the tire compound makes a significant difference. Softer compounds generally perform better in winter weather. However, the real game-changer is having a non-freezing compound, which is essentially what you get with a tire that has the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snow Flake) symbol.
Both the Recon Grappler and Ridge Grappler lack the 3PMSF symbol, putting them at a disadvantage in winter conditions. However, the Ridge Grappler fares slightly better due to its softer and fluffier compound. Additionally, its deeper tread design makes it a better choice for driving in deep snow.
In summary, the Nitto Recon Grappler can handle occasional light snow, but it’s not the ideal tire for those living in regions with heavy winter conditions. I recommend this tire for individuals residing in southern and warmer regions where snow is less of a concern.
Comfort & Road Noise
In my opinion, this is the section where the Nitto Recon Grappler truly shines.
When you consider Nitto’s all-terrain tire lineup, you can place the Nitto Recon Grappler between the Ridge Grappler and the Terra Grappler G2 in terms of aggressiveness.
Under normal circumstances, you would expect its comfort and road noise levels to fall somewhere between these two tires. However, that’s not the case.
The Nitto Recon Grappler boasts a unique center section design that delivers a smooth and quiet ride simultaneously.
This center section is composed of large and small lugs that interlock with each other. When the tire is in motion, these lugs behave as if they are a single unit. This reduces the void area and results in a quiet and comfortable ride. Furthermore, its evenly sized shoulder blocks significantly reduce noise levels.
The Nitto Recon Grappler offers a luxurious and quiet ride that I highly recommend.
A side note here: Even though some tires tend to make noise because of their tread patterns, it’s still possible to keep your tire noise down.
I’m leaving a perfect explanation below from DiscountTire for those who need it;
How to Keep Tire Noise Down? –>
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise
Mileage
The Nitto Recon Grappler is a tire that’s well-suited for the typical conditions in Southern regions. While it may have some limitations in terms of winter performance, these shortcomings are primarily due to its stiff compound and a limited number of sipes.
These characteristics may not make it the best choice for snow grip, but they do contribute to significantly extending the tire’s tread life.
Thanks to its variable pitch design, limited sipes, and stiff compound, the Nitto Recon Grappler offers long-lasting durability. I wholeheartedly recommend it if a long tread life is your primary concern.
Getting maximum wear life from a tire is related to you as well as your tire,
If you’d like to learn how to get maximum tread life:
Warranty
Nitto provides different warranty mileage coverage depending on the load range and specifications of the Recon Grappler tire:
For P-Metric Tires with XL (Extra Load) and SL (Standard Load) load range, Nitto offers a generous 65,000-mile treadwear warranty.
For LT (Light Truck) and Flotation Metric Tires, Nitto offers a 55,000-mile treadwear warranty for the Recon Grappler.
If you’d like to review Nitto’s warranty owner’s manual for more details and information, you can access it through the following link: Nitto Warranty Owner’s Manual.
Fuel Efficiency
The Nitto Recon Grappler is a highway-oriented all-terrain tire that excels in offering low rolling resistance. This makes it an excellent choice if you’re looking to save money on fuel while maintaining an aggressive and capable tire.
Thanks to its lightweight design, limited sipes, and stiff compound, the Nitto Recon Grappler delivers a satisfying boost in miles per gallon (MPG).
Off-Road Performance
The off-road performance of all-terrain tires can be a significant factor for some users, while others may opt for these tires primarily for their appearance and for handling mild off-road terrains like gravel and sand.
If your needs align with the latter scenario, the Nitto Recon Grappler is a strong contender. However, it’s important to highlight the key to maximizing its performance in off-road conditions lies in adjusting your tire pressure, specifically by decreasing your PSI level. Lowering the tire pressure can significantly enhance the all-terrain traction of the Nitto Recon Grappler.
Going forward, I will evaluate its off-road performance in different conditions separately. Let’s continue.
- A side note here: If you’d like to see the best all-terrain tires by vehicle or usage, this article is GOOOOLD –> https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
Gravel
The Nitto Recon Grappler performs admirably on gravel terrains, thanks to its well-designed voided pattern and numerous biting edges. Additionally, its sturdy compound contributes to impressive wear resistance.
However, it’s worth noting that the center section of the Nitto Recon Grappler features relatively narrow grooves, which have a tendency to trap small rocks. This can occasionally impact the tire’s consistency in providing traction on gravel surfaces.
In summary, the Nitto Recon Grappler delivers a decent performance on gravel terrains, but it may have a tendency to collect and throw small stones.
Mud
Nitto Recon Grappler excels in muddy off-road conditions, thanks to its cleverly designed tire with highly angled lugs and a voided pattern. When it comes to mud driving, it’s important to note that the best all-terrain tires are typically just average performers, and the Nitto Recon Grappler falls into this category.
The tire’s design is particularly well-suited for mud terrain. Its self-cleaning capability is impressive, making it a highly recommended choice for tackling muddy trails.
Sand
The Nitto Recon Grappler is a suitable tire for driving on sand, especially if you’re comfortable with lowering the tire’s air pressure. Despite its somewhat aggressive pattern, the tire’s center section is well-designed for sand driving, allowing it to float on the surface without digging in too deeply.
If sand driving is a top priority for you, I highly recommend considering the Nitto Recon Grappler as a capable option.
Rock Crawling
When it comes to rock crawling, having ample rubber contact with the rocks is essential for traction. In this context, the sidewalls of the tires play a crucial role, as rock crawling can expose tires to sharp rock edges that may lead to flats.
For rock crawling, it’s advisable to opt for LT sizes of tires that come with robust sidewall protectors, as they offer better durability and resistance to rock-related damage compared to P-metric sizes.
Dropping tire air pressure is typically necessary for effective rock crawling, and the Nitto Recon Grappler stands out as one of the best tires for this type of off-road activity. Thanks to its strong 3-ply sidewalls and differently sized lugs on the center section and perfect sidewall biters, it provides decent level of performance
Sizes
| Tire Size | Wheel Diameter | Load Range | Ply Rating | Tread Depth(/32in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT305/65R18 F 128/125R | 18” | F | 12 | 16.3 |
| LT305/70R18 D 120/117R | 18” | D | 8 | 16.3 |
| LT325/60R18 E 124/121S | 18” | E | 10 | 16.4 |
| LT325/65R18 E 127/124R | 18” | E | 10 | 16.4 |
| 35×12.50R18LT F 128R | 18” | F | 12 | 16.9 |
| 37×12.50R18LT E 128R | 18” | E | 10 | 16.9 |
| 265/50R20 111T XL | 20” | XL | – | 13.4 |
| LT265/60R20 E 121/118S | 20” | E | 10 | 15.7 |
| 275/55R20 117T XL | 20” | XL | – | 13.5 |
| LT275/55R20 E 120/117S | 20” | E | 10 | 15.9 |
| 275/60R20 116S XL | 20” | XL | – | 13.5 |
| LT275/60R20 E 123/120S | 20” | E | 10 | 15.9 |
| 275/65R20 116T | 20” | – | – | 13.5 |
| LT275/65R20 E 126/123S | 20” | E | 10 | 15.9 |
| 285/50R20 116T XL | 20” | XL | – | 13.6 |
| 285/55R20 116T XL | 20” | XL | – | 13.6 |
| LT285/55R20 E 122/119S | 20” | E | 10 | 16.0 |
| LT285/60R20 E 125/122S | 20” | E | 10 | 16.0 |
| LT285/65R20 E 127/124S | 20” | E | 10 | 16.0 |
| LT295/55R20 E 123/120S | 20” | E | 10 | 16.1 |
| LT295/60R20 E 126/123S | 20” | E | 10 | 16.1 |
| LT295/65R20 E 129/126S | 20” | E | 10 | 16.1 |
| 305/50R20 120S XL | 20” | XL | 13.9 | |
| 305/55R20 116S | 20” | – | – | 13.9 |
| LT305/55R20 F 125/122S | 20” | F | 12 | 16.3 |
| 315/60R20 116S | 20” | – | – | 14.0 |
| LT315/60R20 E 125/122S | 20” | E | 10 | 16.3 |
| LT325/60R20 E 126/123S | 20” | E | 10 | 16.4 |
| 34×11.50R20LT E 121R | 20” | E | 10 | 16.9 |
| 35×11.50R20LT E 124R | 20” | E | 10 | 16.9 |
| 33×12.50R20LT F 119R | 20” | F | 12 | 16.9 |
| 35×12.50R20LT F 125R | 20” | F | 12 | 16.9 |
| 285/45R22 114H XL | 22” | XL | – | 13.6 |
| LT285/50R22 E 121/118S | 22” | E | 10 | 16.0 |
| LT285/55R22 E 124/121S | 22” | E | 10 | 16.0 |
| 305/40R22 114S XL | 22” | XL | – | 13.9 |
| 305/45R22 118S XL | 22” | XL | – | 13.9 |
| 305/55R22 116S | 22” | – | – | 13.9 |
| 315/45R22 116S | 22” | – | – | 14.0 |
| LT325/50R22 F 127S | 22” | F | 12 | 16.4 |
| 33×12.50R22LT F 114R | 22” | F | 12 | 16.9 |
| 35×12.50R22LT F 121R | 22” | F | 12 | 16.9 |
| 37×13.50R22LT F 128R | 22” | F | 12 | 16.9 |
| LT295/45R24 E 120/117R | 24” | E | 10 | 16.1 |
| 305/35R24 112S XL | 24” | XL | – | 13.9 |
| 315/45R24 116S | 24” | – | – | 14.0 |
| LT315/50R24 F 127/124S | 24” | F | 12 | 16.3 |
| LT325/45R24 F 124R | 24” | F | 12 | 16.4 |
| 35×12.50R24LT F 116R | 24” | F | 12 | 16.9 |
| 37×13.50R24LT F 124R | 24” | F | 12 | 16.9 |
| LT305/70R16 F 128/125R | 16” | F | 12 | 16.3 |
| LT315/75R16 E 127/124R | 16” | E | 10 | 15.7 |
| LT255/80R17 E 123/120R | 17” | E | 10 | 15.6 |
| LT265/70R17 E 123/120S | 17” | E | 10 | 15.7 |
| 285/70R17 116T | 17” | – | – | 13.6 |
| LT285/70R17 E 126/123S | 17′ | E | 10 | 16.0 |
| LT285/75R17 E 128/125R | 17” | E | 10 | 16.0 |
| LT295/70R17 E 128/125R | 17” | E | 10 | 16.1 |
| LT305/70R17 E 125/122R | 17” | E | 10 | 16.3 |
| 315/70R17 116T | 17” | – | – | 14.0 |
| LT315/70R17 E 126/123R | 17” | E | 10 | 16.3 |
| 33×11.50R17LT D 119S | 17” | D | 8 | 16.9 |
| 37×11.50R17LT D 128R | 17” | D | 8 | 16.9 |
| 33×12.50R17LT F 124R | 17” | F | 12 | 16.9 |
| 35×12.50R17LT E 125R | 17” | E | 10 | 16.9 |
| 37×12.50R17LT D 124R | 17” | D | 8 | 16.9 |
| LT275/70R18 E 125/122S | 18” | E | 10 | 15.9 |
| LT285/65R18 E 125/122R | 18” | E | 10 | 16.0 |
| LT285/70R18 E 127/124R | 18” | E | 10 | 16.0 |
| LT285/75R18 E 129/126R | 18” | E | 10 | 16.0 |
| 295/70R18 116S | 18” | – | – | 13.7 |
| LT295/70R18 E 129/126R | 18” | E | 10 | 16.1 |
| 305/60R18 116S | 18” | – | – | 13.9 |
I strongly recommend reading the below article before deciding between LT or P-metric tires:
https://tireterrain.com/lt-tires-vs-passenger-tires/
Specs
| Nitto Recon Grappler | |
|---|---|
| Category | Hybrid All-Terrain Tire |
| Vehicle | Light Truck, SUV, Jeep |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”, 22”, 24” |
| Weight | 40 – 83 lbs |
| Made In | White, GA, USA |
| Severe Snow Rated (3PMSF) | No (Only M+S) |
| Warranty (P-metric) | 65,000 miles |
| Warranty (LT Sizes) | 55,000 miles |
| Prices | Check price section to see best possible prices |
Price
The tire market has a dynamic price policy. Hence, in my point of view, sharing tire price is pointless.
Though, I’ve analyzed the top 10 brands of most popular tire brands.
Here are the dealers with a reasonable price range,
DiscountTire
- Biggest dealer in the US. Founded in 1960
- 1000 stores in 35 states. You most probably find one on your parallel street
- Free rotation and balancing
- 5% off for DiscountTire cardholders on online purchases
- Highest-rated online tire dealer in Consumer Affairs
- Almost all brands are available
- Delivery takes 2-4 days (30% shorter average waiting time when you book online)
- Frequent discounts and promotions
Nitto Recon Grappler: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/nitto-recon-grappler-a-t
SimpleTire
- Free shipping
- Delivered in 2 days
- Verified shops near you(for mount and balance)
- Mobile installation option
- 7 million customers since 2021
- 4.7/5 points on Google rate
- Top-notch customer service, you may even request a price match
Nitto Recon Grappler: https://simpletire.com/brands/nitto-tires/recon-grappler-a-t
Amazon
- Fast and free shipping (mostly in a day)
- Get your tires shipped to a selected service center or get them installed at home or work (how does it work?)
- Installation on Mavis Discount Tire (15$ per tire)
- Installing new stem valves supplied by pro
- Balancing your tires
- Road/safety test
- Since Amazon provides wholesale and affordable prices, they don’t offer a road hazard warranty
Nitto Recon Grappler: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Nitto+recon+grappler&ref=nb_sb_noss
While choosing dealers, I especially pay attention to reliability. All of the dealers on this list have 15-20 years of experience in the online tire business. Therefore, I can guarantee a smooth and fast tire-buying process.
Conclusion
Nitto Recon Grappler (see other off-road tires comparison on Nitto’s line-up) is one of the best southern region all-terrain tires that can combine cozy and quiet rides with moderate off-road traction. You can follow the below information for a better tire selection.
| Nitto Recon Grappler | |
|---|---|
| Best for | 3/4 ton or above trucks, dry regions, towing and hauling |
| Best Vehicle Fits | Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Ford F-250, GMC Sierra 2500, Jeep Wrangler, Ram 2500, Toyota Tacoma |
| Vehicle | 3/4 ton or above trucks, 1/2 ton or above trucks (if they tow) |
| Available Sizes | 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”, 22”, 24” (Ensure these tires fit your vehicle) |
| Made In | White, GA, USA |
| Labels | M+S |
| Warranty (P-metric) | 65,000 miles |
| Warranty (LT Sizes) | 55,000 miles |
| Prices | DiscountTire: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price |
Take-Home Points,
- LT sizes have stronger sidewalls. That feature makes them more durable. Yet, these tires offer a rougher ride. (LT vs P-Metric tires)
- XL sizes tend to carry more load and offer better handling. Hence, if you’ll go with p-metric sizes, they might be a better pick for hauling and towing( XL vs SL tires)
- Please pay attention to the load range and speed index. These metrics are essential if you expect decent tread life
- There isn’t a bad tire in the market right now, you should just know what to expect from tires
A side note here: If you’d like to get local advice and find the best fit for your driving habits, location, and road conditions DiscountTire – Treadwell Tire Guide can give you masterpiece recommendations.
I hope the article was helpful. If you have any further questions, you can leave them in the below section. Have a safe ride folks!
Fantastic article on these Recon Grapplers. I’m in need of a new set of tires for my 2014 Jeep Wrangler ‘4-door. It is a daily driver for my wife, though she only averages 12k miles/yr. The vehicle currently has a set of Nitto Terra Grappler G2’s that I have been very happy with. To date, we have driven 50k miles on them and they’ve performed well. Here’s some details on the Jeep:
– Jeep is all stock with no lift
– 17 x 9 wheels (Mayhem Warrior)
– 285/70/17 Terra Grappler G2’s
– 99.5% of driving is city/hwy driving in the Dallas area
– Jeep has never been “off-roading”, with the exception of an occasional dirt or gravel road
Based on your review, the Recon would provide a smoother, quieter ride than the Terra Grapplers?
Could you confirm that this size is what you would recommend? At the time, it was the size that Discount Tire recommended without a lift, and they give the Jeep a much nicer look (Just Empty Every Pocket).
Also would like to know load range and other specs if you could.
Many thanks!
Hello there sorry for the late reply,
Since you’re living in Dallas, I think Nitto Terra Grappler G2 is a better option for you.
Though, Nitto Recon Grappler can provide better off-road traction and appearance. On the other hand, it offers a slightly rougher ride than Terra Grappler G2.
Regarding tire size, it may give you a better appearance but worth reminding, increase the tire width will increase your fuel consumption and decrease the handling capability.
So, if your wife is happy with the consumption and handling, you can still use this size. But I still recommend 255/75R17 SL or C-rated tires, as far as I remember this is recommended size (the best way to decide that checking your vehicle’s door or manual and using recommended size).
BTW, you can consider Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S of Toyo Open Country AT3 also. These two have a wide product range which can help you to select the best fit for yourself.
I hope it helps.
Let me know if you need any further support.
I currently just purchased a Toyota Tundra 2023 Pro. I have driven a Tundra for 10 years and loved my Terra Grapplers. They no longer make these tires and love the look, feel and low noise level they provide. I want a similar tire to the terra grappler. What would you recommend for the smoothest, quietest and most aggressive looking tire for my new truck? I was thinking Falken Wildpeaks at3’s or the Nitto Recon Grapplers? Also, thought of Geolanders xt. Let me know your thoughts when you can. Many thanks in advance for your response.
Hello Geoffrey,
Most tires are available in LT sizes for your vehicle. If you wanna buy LT tires,
Falken’s and Nitto’s are similar regarding noise level. Yet, from my point of view, Recon Grappler looks better and offers a slightly smoother ride. Besides that, Falken Wildpeak AT3W is a heavy tire. You may experience a little bump on MPG. If you want something similar to Terra Grappler, Recon Grappler is your tire.
However, Falken Wildpeak AT3W’s P-rated OEM size is also available. OEM tires provide better riding quality and noise level. Their handicap is they last less than replacement tires. It’s also a bit expensive.
If you wanna take a look –> https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/falken-wildpeak-a-t3w/p/107032
If you can’t find this or find it a bit expensive or wanna go with LT sizes,
1) Nitto Recon Grappler
2) Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT
3) Vredestein Pinza AT
4) Sumitomo Encounter AT
I have a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon with an automatic transmission and recently referred 4.88 gears in preparation for 37s. My Jeep came stock with:
Falken Wildpeak AT3W
285/70R17 116/113Q C rated 2755lbs; weigh 63 lbs
I currently have:
Nitto ridge grapplers
315/70/17 121/118Q E rated 3195 lbs; weigh 70lbs
I am due for new tires and I am considering:
-Nitto Recon grapplers 37×12.5R17 124R D rated 3525lbs; weigh 75lbs
-BFGKO2
37×12.5R17 116S c rated 2755lbs; weigh 63-64lbs.
I have had C rated KO2s before on a previous Jeep and know they wear well, are reasonably quiet the first half of their life, I know the C rated have a 2 ply sidewall, but I don’t off-road much.
I know the Nitto Recon grapplers are marketed as a smooth riding and quiet tire with good tread life.
I live on the gulf coast and don’t drive anywhere it snows. I am looking for a smoother ride, good tread wear, and a reasonably quiet all terrain. While Jeeps are bricks I am also not wanting to take any more of a hit on fuel mileage than I have to going to 37s.
The Nittos are 11-12lbs heavier and a have a D load rating compared to the C on the KO2s.
Which tire do you think will fit my needs better?
R,
Billy
Hello Billy,
I hope you’re doing well.
I checked your options but it seems like there isn’t much option besides these tires.
If you don’t to much off-road, I think E-rated just gonna kill your efficiency.Besides that, it also negatively effect your riding comfort.
If I were you I will definetly go with BF Goodrich KO2.