Nitto Trail Grappler MT Review
Extreme grip and durability are on offer for this mud-terrain option from Nitto that’s built to target a particularly niche market.
PROS
- Mud-terrain capability with more on-road manners
- 3-ply sidewall for added protection
- Massive selection of sizes
CONS
- Can get pricey
Nitto offers an impressive list of off-road truck tires, and even manages to target niche segments with tires like the Trail Grappler. While a mud-terrain tire, it’s unique from the brand’s dedicated Mud Grappler mud-terrain tire, offering, as the name suggest, other features for the trail – as well as some improvements for the street (using tech from the Terra Grappler).
At the same time, it’s still incredibly capable.
Rather than rounded scoop-shaped exterior tread blocks, the Trail Grappler makes use of angular ones with a unique feature. Each block has a small divide in the middle of it to help deliver more biting edges off-road while also serving as a self-cleaning function to keep mud and rocks from sticking to the tire.
On the tread surface, the blocks provide additional biting edges that command lateral stability and enhance forward traction. For on-road comfort, Nitto’s engineers used advanced sound analysis equipment to systematically reduce noise levels commonly associated with off-road tires for a quieter drive.
Each interior tread block (arranged in two rows) contains a small slit as well, used as siping to help evacuate water on-road.
Not surprising for a mud-terrain tire is the aggressively designed sidewall, which serves the three way function of a) giving more forward motion grip in deep mud, b) helping to protect the sidewall and c) giving the tire an aggressive look. (Nitto is big into stylizing its tires and even goes so far as to offer different designs on each sidewall).
In terms of durability, we should point out that the sidewall is made of a 3-ply construction, protecting against side punctures and slices – one of the most likely issues on the trail.
To help improve on-road liveability, Nitto’s engineers designed the tire with a pattern that cuts noise by roughly one third. Tire noise is cited by owners as the number one drawback, which is perhaps an indication that owners just expect a lot.
Nitto Trail Grappler Price
The Nitto Trail Grappler varies in price dramatically depending on the size and specs. You’ll pay anywhere from roughly $225 per tire to the astronomical price of $1,300 a tire. YIKES!
That may sound insane, but it’s because of the sizes offered. You can get Trail Grapplers in 26-inch fitments!
Nitto Trail Grappler MT Warranty
As is usual with mud-terrain tires, there’s no milage warranty with the Nitto Trail Grappler, though based on consumer feedback you should expect around 40,000 miles before they need replacing.
All materials and workmanship are guaranteed for the first 6 years, and Nitto will replace defective tires within the first year (or first 2/32-inch treadwear, whichever comes first) free or charge. After that, Nitto will replace defective tires on a pro rated basis.
Nitto Trail Grappler MT Sizes
15-inch tires
33X12.50R15
16-inch tires
LT265/75R16
LT285/70R16
LT285/75R16
LT315/75R16
17-inch tires
LT255/75R17
LT265/70R17
LT285/70R17
LT285/70R17
LT285/75R17
LT295/70R17
LT315/70R17
35×12.50R17LT
37×12.50R17LT
40×13.50R17LT
18-inch tires
LT275/70R18
LT285/65R18
LT285/75R18
LT295/70R18
35×12.50R18LT
37×12.50R18LT
20-inch tires
LT275/65R20
LT285/55R20
LT295/55R20
LT295/60R20
LT295/65R20
LT305/55R20
35×11.50R20LT
35×12.50R20LT
37×12.50R20LT
37×13.50R20LT
38×13.50R20LT
38×15.50R20LT
40×15.50R20LT
22-inch tires
LT285/55R22
LT325/50R22
LT355/40R22
37×13.50R22LT
LT375/45R22
40×15.50R22LT
24-inch tires
LT375/40R24
38×13.50R24LT
40×15.50R24LT
26-inch tires
40×15.50R26LT
42×15.50R26LT
Is the Nitto Trail Grappler MT Good on the Highway?
As a mud-terrain tire the Trail Grappler is going to be loud compared to most tires, however, when compared to true MT tires its surprisingly quiet. Nitto claims that compared to the Mud Grappler it’s 34% quieter at low speeds and 36% quieter on the highway.
Are Nitto Trail Grapplers snow rated?
The Nitto Trail Grappler MT does not come with the 3-peak Mountain Snowflake logo on its sidewall and is, therefore, not certified for use in extreme winter conditions. Due to its massive tread lugs and capability in mud it does have some inherent grip in snow, however, it’s not designed not withstand colder temperatures and so the tread compound will freeze up and grip will fall off quickly.
What Ply is the Nitto Trail Grappler?
The Trail Grappler MT makes use of a 3-ply sidewall. This extra layer of protection means its better able to withstand side punctures, which can leave you stranded on the trail. It also allows the tire to retain its shape over time when aired up and down for off-road use.