Off-Road Tire Test - Toyo Open Country R/T

With the introduction of the Open Country R/T, Toyo has launched not only a new tire but also an entirely new segment. This new “rugged-terrain” tire is meant to bridge the gap between the company’s all-terrain Open Country A/T II and their mud-terrain Open Country M/T. Toyo firmly believes that there is enough demand from truck and SUV owners for a tire that fills this middle ground, which aims to provide both stellar off-road performance and a comfortable on-road ride. This newest tire from Toyo is made completely in the USA at the company’s Georgia factory. It features a sturdy three-ply polyester sidewall for optimum strength while carrying a heavy load or aired down off-road. The R/T’s tread design is a clear mix of elements from both the A/T and M/T tires. The wide shoulder groves are designed to provide excellent traction while preventing snow and mud buildup, but they’re not quite as spaced out as those on the M/T. Small stone and mud ejectors are molded between the tread blocks, which help prevent stone drilling. Scalloped shoulder lugs are utilized to provide added bite when the road gets rough. And for those of us who like choice, there are different sidewall designs on either side of the tire. Never fear though, both designs offer the same level of side-impact protection and cut resistance, regardless of your aesthetic preference.   |   Toyo Open Country Rt Tread We mounted up a set of Toyo’s new rubber to our ’09 Dodge Ram 2500 test mule and hit the road. On the highway, the tires act very civilized and fall in line right where they should be. While not as quiet and forgiving as a standard all-terrain, they are certainly well suited to daily-driver duty. The R/Ts are not silent, but our truck’s Cummins engine does a great job of covering up any noise that may be coming from the road. Heading off-road is where the tires really shine. Traction in soft dirt and sand is incredible, and they inspire a high level of confidence on hard pack. The R/T’s 10-ply construction makes for a very firm carcass, which means airing down is a necessity off-road. We look forward to giving them a shot at some mud and snow now that winter has shown its ugly face. All in all, the R/T does exactly what it claims: It’s a fantastic choice for the truck owner who’s caught in the middle. They are well behaved on the highway and provide ample traction when the pavement ends. And to sweeten the deal, the Open Country R/T comes with a 45,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is simply unheard of for tires this aggressive. Owners can be confident that the R/T will keep on giving for many years.   |   Toyo Open Country Rt Toyo Open Country R/T Size Tested: 35x12.5R17 Type: Radial Load Range: E Maximum Load (Lb @ Psi): 3,195 @ 65 Sidewall Plies: 3 Polyester Tread Plies: 2 nylon, 2 steel, 3 polyester Approved Rim Width (In): 8.5-11 Tread Depth (In): 19/32 Section Width (In): 12.5 Overall Diameter (In): 34.8 Revolutions Per Mile: 598 Weight (Lb): 75 Test Vehicle: ’09 Dodge Ram 2500