Upgrading wheels and tires is one of the first things many off-road enthusiasts do to their rigs, and my Jeep Gladiator was no exception. I wanted a set of tires that could handle extreme off-road conditions while still providing a comfortable ride on pavement. That’s no easy task, as many mud-terrain (M/T) tires are known for being loud, stiff, and heavy. After researching and testing various options, I landed on the Nitto Trail Grappler M/Ts – a decision that has proven to be one of the best upgrades I’ve made to my Jeep.
Having used Nitto tires in the past—most notably on my 900-horsepower Corvette—I was already familiar with their reputation for performance and durability. When I transitioned from street performance to off-roading and overlanding, I knew I wanted a tire that could keep up with my adventures. The Nitto Trail Grappler M/Ts deliver exceptional grip, impressive self-cleaning ability, and a surprisingly smooth ride for a tire of this type.
In this review, I’ll break down my experience after 8 months of real-world use, covering on-road comfort, off-road capability, durability, and overall value. If you’re considering upgrading your tires, this in-depth review will help you decide if the Nitto Trail Grappler M/Ts are the right choice for your rig.
Those of you that know me from my previous automotive exploits know that I had a 900-horsepower Corvette that I used as my grocery getter (okay, maybe I used it for other things too). With all that power, traction obviously mattered a lot, and since Nitto always set the bar so high, I exclusively ran their tires on that beast.
So when I ventured into Overlanding and off-roading, I turned again to Nitto – and it’s a decision that has worked out very well so far.
Below is my Nitto Trail Grappler review of 8 months’ usage.
Table of Contents
- Nitto Trail Grappler M/T Specs
- Nitto Trail Grappler M/T On-Road Performance
- What About Off-Road Performance?
- Nitto Trail Grappler M/Ts are Also Budget-Friendly
- What’s NOT to Like About these Tires?
- FAQs
Nitto Trail Grappler M/T Specs
First things first, let’s talk about the basic specs of these tires:
- 35-inch M/T tires with a rugged and aggressive tread pattern (wrapped around 17-inch Black Rhino Armory wheels)
- Reinforced shoulder grooves for improved performance
- Mud evacuation channels and central siping to decrease hydroplaning
- 3-ply sidewall with thick rubber to minimize punctures
- Dual sidewall designs – one with stylized lettering and V-shaped sidewall lugs and the other with traditional lettering and flat buttresses
- Ultra-quiet design that’s 36 percent quieter than Nitto Mud Grappler tires
- Dozens of sizes for wheels that range from 15-26 inches in diameter
Throwing specs at you is just part of the review, though. Let’s dig into these details a little more and talk about the real-world performance of these tires.
Nitto Trail Grappler M/T On-Road Performance
My Jeep is my daily driver, so it sees a lot of city streets and freeways.
When I first got the Jeep, I will admit that I was a little concerned about how the ride would be once I got these massive tires on it. But my worries were totally unwarranted…
To date, the vast majority of the miles I’ve put on my Jeep have been on tarmac, and these tires have performed beautifully.
Not only are they far quieter than any other M/T tires I’ve had in the past, but the on-road comfort is next-level good.
Now, I’m not saying that my Jeep rides like a Cadillac, but you’d expect a tire with a big, aggressive tread like this would result in a less-than-awesome ride. But since Nitto’s mad scientists figured out a way to automate production and create extraordinarily uniform tires, you get a nice, smooth ride on tarmac.
Learn More:
PREVIEW | PRODUCT | RATING | |
| NITTO Ridge Grappler All_Season Radial Tire | ||
| NITTO RECON GRAPPLER A/T | ||
| Nitto Trail Grappler M/T All-Terrain Radial Tire | ||
| DYNOFIT 14mmx1.5 Wheel Lug Nuts |
What About Off-Road Performance?
As I noted earlier, these tires have a 3-ply sidewall that helps minimize punctures. And while I don’t drive over cacti in the desert every weekend, so far I’ve managed to avoid any punctures in these bad boys.
The aggressive tread pattern is fantastic for getting a grip on all kinds of surfaces – mud, snow, sand, and everything in between. The reinforced shoulder grooves, mud evacuation channels, central siping, and leading edge tread and side lug blocks go a long way in biting into the terrain to keep the Jeep moving ahead.
Having a tire that can clean itself out quickly is a huge benefit, particularly for Jeep owners like myself whose rigs are geared so low from the factory. These tires prevent tons of wheelspin and instead get rid of the gunk in an efficient manner.
These bad boys can handle running on low PSI too. When I need more grip (like on sand), I simply air down and take advantage of the killer tread pattern that these tires have. Then when it’s time to head home, I air up to 30 psi and enjoy a quiet and smooth ride all the way home.
From winter driving in Big Bear to Glamis sand dunes to fall camping trips in the Alabama Hills, these tires have proven to be a big asset when my adventures have taken me off-road.
In fact, these tires are so good that I outfitted my Turtleback Expedition Trailer with them as well (the trailer also has the same Black Rhino Armory wheels). The only difference is that the trailer’s tires are 33s (shown above in the bed of the truck), not 35s like I have on the Jeep.
Nitto Trail Grappler M/Ts are Also Budget-Friendly
What’s so great about these tires is that they offer top-shelf performance with a lower price point than many competing tires. So not only do they take it easy on your pocketbook, but they do so without sacrificing quality.
I’ve had my Jeep for less than a year, so I don’t have an abundance of miles on these tires. But I fully expect these suckers to last 40,000-45,000 miles before they need to be replaced.
Part of what makes these such great tires is certainly the build quality. While Nitto is a Japanese company, virtually all their tires are made in the USA (in Georgia, to be specific). As a veteran, I like knowing that my dollars stay here at home!
What’s NOT to Like About these Tires?
Honestly, there isn’t much that I don’t like about the Nitto Trail Grapplers. They are big, heavy tires, which certainly doesn’t help my Jeep’s already terrible fuel economy. Additionally, they aren’t rock stars in the rain, but it’s not like I do a lot of driving in the rain here in Southern California anyway.
Truly, these tires are hugely impressive and have not disappointed me yet. I don’t expect them to, either, especially after running Nittos on my Corvette with great success for so many years.
If you’re in the market for a tire upgrade for your off-road or Overlanding rig, take a serious look at investing in some Nitto Trail Grappler M/Ts. These tires have been one of the best investments I’ve made yet in outfitting my Jeep. Lastly, I hope this Nitto Trail Grappler review has helped you in making your final decision.
FAQs
How do Nitto Trail Grappler M/Ts perform on the highway?
Unlike many mud-terrain tires that produce excessive road noise and vibrations, Nitto Trail Grapplers are designed with sound-dampening technology, making them 36% quieter than their predecessor, the Nitto Mud Grappler. While they are still louder than all-terrain (A/T) tires, they offer one of the smoothest and quietest rides in the M/T category. On long highway drives, the ride remains comfortable and stable, with minimal road noise compared to most other aggressive off-road tires.
How well do Nitto Trail Grappler M/Ts perform in off-road conditions?
These tires excel in off-road environments, offering exceptional traction on mud, rocks, sand, and even light snow. Their reinforced shoulder grooves, mud evacuation channels, and central siping ensure maximum grip while reducing the risk of hydroplaning. Additionally, the 3-ply sidewall construction enhances durability, protecting against punctures from sharp rocks and rough terrain. Whether aired down for better traction or running at full PSI, they provide predictable handling and superior performance on various surfaces.
Are Nitto Trail Grappler M/Ts good in wet conditions?
While these tires are great in mud and dirt, they are not the best in heavy rain or icy conditions. Like most M/T tires, they have limited siping, which means they don’t disperse water as efficiently as A/T or highway tires. That said, they do have central siping that helps improve wet-road grip to an extent. If you drive in rainy conditions frequently, you’ll want to adjust your driving style accordingly and be mindful of stopping distances.
How long do Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires last?
The average lifespan of these tires ranges from 40,000 to 45,000 miles, depending on driving habits, terrain, and maintenance. Regular tire rotations and proper air pressure management will significantly extend their life. For an aggressive M/T tire, their durability is impressive, making them a solid long-term investment for off-roaders and overlanders.
Are Nitto Trail Grappler M/Ts worth the price?
Absolutely. These tires provide premium off-road performance at a lower price than many competing brands. Given their superior durability, strong on-road manners, and aggressive traction off-road, they offer a fantastic balance of performance and value. Plus, since most Nitto tires are made in the USA, you’re supporting domestic manufacturing while getting a high-quality, rugged tire for your vehicle.
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