Off-Road Tire Test - Nitto Exo Grappler AWT

A truck’s tires serve as its connection to the road. They provide the traction to keep moving forward. It’s when a tire stops serving this fundamental purpose that it has failed. That’s why Nitto set out to introduce a tire that will provide optimal traction in all weather and road conditions. Recently introduced, the Nitto Exo Grappler AWT (All Weather Traction) is a tire built to meet the all-weather demands of pickup owners everywhere. Nitto set out to build a tire that was as capable on dry summer highways as it is traversing deep winter snow, or gravel roads, or muddy farmlands, or…well, you get the picture. What they’ve developed is a four-season tire that is a true jack-of-all-trades.   |   Nitto Exo Grapper Awt Tread The Exo Grappler AWT features a sturdy three-ply sidewall with large staggered shoulder lugs that provide additional sidewall strength, puncture resistance, and biting edge for traction on loose dirt. Each Grappler also has two sidewall designs for owners to choose from, one with three-dimensional buttresses and one with Y-shaped buttresses. Gear-shaped edges reinforce the center tread blocks, providing a stable contact patch while reducing stone retention and drilling. A special mix of natural rubber, high-strength polymers, and wear-resistant materials add additional resistance against cuts and chips. Rated with the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake for winter driving conditions, the Exo Grappler’s sipes and large lateral grooves not only provide biting edges but also aid in snow and water evacuation. And for additional traction, provisions for TSMI #15 studs have been added. Driving on the Exo Grappler AWT is a pleasant experience, as you might expect, both on and off-road. On the highway, the tires are firm and stable, but not silent. While not as loud as a traditional mud-terrain, they do have a distinct low hum that lets you know they are more aggressive than a run-of-the-mill all-terrain tire. When the traction gets challenged is where they really shine. The tires grab hard in loose dirt, providing a very confident feeling, and appear unfazed by water and mud. Overall, from our time spent riding on the new Exo Grappler AWT both on- and off-road, we’re sold. The traction they provide is outstanding, no matter what the circumstance may be. Our only gripe, if you could call it one, is the limited size availability. For now, the Exo is only available in 11 sizes. However, we’re confident this tire will be such a hit that Nitto will need to expand its lineup to meet the demand.   |   Nitto Exo Grapper Awt Nitto Exo Grappler AWT Size Tested: 35x12.5R18 Type: Radial Load Range: E Maximum Load (Lb @ Psi): 3,415 @ 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): 12.52 Overall Diameter (In): 34.76 Revolutions Per Mile: 598 Weight (Lb): 78 Test Vehicle: ’07 Ford F-150