Question about All-Terrain Tires

I drive a 2014 Prerunner and obviously do not go off-roading in it. I do however drive a lot of mountain roads including wet and gravely roads. Would I benefit from a set of AT tires or are those strictly/mostly for off-roading?

 

All Terrain tires are a compromise between a street tire and a true off-road tire. If you do any driving on unimproved roads, I'd be using an All-Terrain. How aggressive the tires are vary a LOT. Some are much closer to a road tire, others closer to a true off-road tire.

For what you're doing I'd stay away from a LT (light truck) tire. They are really designed for 3/4- and 1-ton trucks. But they are a tougher tire that a lot of guys use on smaller trucks an SUV's if they are hard core. Stay with something moderately aggressive in a P or standard load tire and you'll be fine.

There are some downsides. They cost more, the tires may be a little louder, they may not ride as smooth, and they may wear out sooner. It is also important to rotate them more often than street tires.

 

Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated. I was considering the Toyo Open Country AT 3s.

 

The Toyo Open Country AT3 is a solid option for what you are looking for.

 

Damn good tire.

 

I just put on a set of @Discount Tire Pathfinder AT I had Nitto G2s and I can
Say the Pathfinder is great. Road manners are excellent, traction great, wet road manners excellent, quiet tire yet aggressive enough for the gravel roads to the trails and campsites. Priced well too. Very very pleased.

 

Michelin Defenders

 

Thank you for your business, we appreciate you support. We are glad the Pathfinder is meeting your expectations and you are happy with them.

 

Another vote for Toyo open country at3's.

 

Definitely recommend the Toyos. Stick to SL/XL if you need better wet traction.