I know this question has been asked a few times in this forum but I have to do it. I recently purchased a 08 Ram 1500 SXT quad cab short bed with 5.7L and 17" stock rims/tires. I’ve been checking other posts in the forum for about a week and can’t really decide on some new tires. The concensus seems to be on the Nitto Trail Grappler but I'm not sure they would be the best for my area. The stock ones have some tread left and would probably do until next winter, so I'm trying to get some research done beforehand and possibly find a deal. I live in Ontario Canada and use my truck mainly to commute to work and cottage. I spend a little time on some dirt roads but don’t do much off-roading. The winters are a concern as I live in a rural area and snow accumulation can be great at times. I put together a list of my needs from greatest to least and was hoping some of you experts can suggest a set of tires for a reasonable price. Also, I would possibly be interested in a slightly larger sized tire for looks.

1. Snow traction
2. Road noise
3. Tread life
4. Handling
5. Wet traction
6. Looks
7. Comfort
8. Size
9. Gas mileage
10. Towing
11. Warranty
12. Off road
13. Mud traction

 

For your application, my top 5 choices would be:

1) Nitto Terra Grappler
2) Toyo Open Country A/T
3) Cooper Zeon LTZs (I believe they are offering a decent selection in 17" now)
4) Mickey Thompson ATZ
5) Firestone Destination AT

Tough to beat any of these for their wet pavement/snow handling and quiet ride for their comparative aggressiveness...

 

Just got to use my Cooper Discoverer STT's in the snow for the first time (Maryland just got pounded with snow). They did awesome, had zero problems muscling through almost 3 ft of fresh snow, and did great on the street where the snow had been packed down. Also have Nitto Terra's, they are great in snow too.

 

Thanks for the reply guys.. another couple of questions. I've read in the forum that many people who buy the stock sized tires 265/70R17 aren't satisfied with the size. They all seem to want a little bigger to fill the wheel well. If I were to buy the Nitto Terra Grapplers, would it be better to buy the 285s or bigger? How big can I get away with on a stock truck without moding it? How much of a difference does it make for highway gas mileage, ride comfort and noise?

 

285 is the biggest without any MODS and no rubbing

 

I have 295/70/17 nitto terra's. Fit fine before leveling, but much better after. Actual measurents depend on the company. That tire size should be right at, if not just over, 33" in diameter, but not when you actually measure it. Most tire sites will have the metric and actual measurment listed.

 

i agree with hammer. Terra Grapps are nice, although ive never owned a set myself

 

Terras are nice. Ive got 'em, I would say either 285 or 295 depending on if you're 2wd or 4wd. The 295's fit great with the level Ive got but without it I would say on a 2wd you may have some articulation problems with the 295's if you dont have a level.

 

I had to read this like 3 times before I knew wtf you were talking about
You say the same thing twice in a run-on. proof read ever?


Guy says he wants no mods. he's got bone stock and wants zero issue's. i would get 285's and be done with it. get greedy by going wider and you may compromise a few things including gas mileage. Wider tire isn't better on snow and you get a lot of it. I agree with Hammer on the choices.

 

I have a set of 285/70/17 looks great... i am going with the bfg KM2s or the nittos next