Ridge Grappler review and what's next...
 

Currently running a 35x12.50R 18 Ridge Grappler. I've had them for a little over 3 years now and they currently have 9/32 remaining after 41k miles.(18/32 New) I have to say I think that's pretty impressive. They have great road manners, they aren't loud and have done well for light off roading and pulling a small trailer. I think I can easily get another 10k out of them but there's always the question of when does an off-road tire become useless off road.
If I'm being honest with myself the majority of driving is on road which is why I've stuck with the hybrid/all-terrain, but I have to say the Ridge Grappler is the best looking as far as looking aggressive.
As a review, my biggest gripe with these tires is wet traction has never been great. No worries with hydroplaning, but the rear can break loose rather easily. That's with a 3.73 rear and a tune.
That said, I'm looking for tires and definitely want to go 37s. Really having trouble with deciding on getting new Ridge Graps, whether or not to get 12.50 or 13.50 or switching to a mud terrain for a little while. So many choices.
The Ridge Grappler 37x13.50 is super heavy, I believe around 90lbs each.
Ridge Grappler 37x12.50 is several pounds lighter but way more expensive, 84lbs. (less popular?) Current 35s are only 74lbs.
I can get a good quality mud tire like a KM3 and it will be both lighter and cheaper than the Graps, but it will wear faster, be louder and MPGs will be a little worse. It'll also look a lot cooler!
In a comparison of dollar per mile, assuming Graps can get 50k miles and a mud tire gets 40k, they're actually pretty darn close. But again, maybe 40k out of a mud tire is too optimistic.
Thoughts? Experiences? Comments?
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...38e9225c22.jpg

you're right about the $/mile and its not uncommon for KM3 or Toyo MT to see 40k+ miles. Theres no escaping the weight of a larger tire and in the grand scheme of things, 6-8lbs/tire at that size will be irrelevant when it comes to mpg/performance.
https://simpletire.com/tire-sizes/37-13.50R18
https://simpletire.com/tire-sizes/37-12.50R18

I agree you're probably right that it doesn't matter. I haven't run mud tires in many many years so I guess the other big concern is just general road manners of an MT.
Plus, I'll likely be switching to a 4.56 gear in the summer.
Like most people I like to over-research everything especially when you're talking about spending $1500+ on a consumable item.

By switching to 4.56 like you have planned will help tremendously to outweigh the negative impacts of the heavier tire. Most MT's have decent road manners but are definitely easier to break loose in inclement weather due to less tread contact. The ridge grappler or AT style with less tread voids will give you better wet road manners.

I ran the Cooper STT Pros on my Bronco and loved them. Really good road manners for a mud tire. Very quiet compared to every other MT I have had. This was not on a large vehicle like am F150 but on a 44 year old Bronco.

Greg

90 lbs each holy crap! Would look pretty monsterous tho running a 37 13.5 👍

I remember running 35's back in the 90's and they always felt washy. Maybe because they were mud tires or maybe because technology has advanced. I'm a little worried that a mud terrain or the Ridge Grapp in a "D" rating will feel washy when towing. I had Trail Graps on my Cummins and I don't remember them being bad but they were "E" rated and my current Ridge Graps are "F" rated.

i find it very odd that the nitto and toyos are D rated. Never would have thought. It'd be tough to stray away from these two though just from all the positive reviews and known quality and mileage expectation.

I think it's only the Ridge Grappler in a 37x13.50r18 that you can only get in a "d", that just happens to be the one I originally wanted. I find it odd too.

Checking the link i previously provided show the Toyo MT and RT also in D range. I'd still go with your gut and go with the Ridge Grappler again, then MT, finally RT - if sticking with these 2 mfg's