Mud Terrains in PNW?

Teeing up a question I’ve heard lots of debate about, curious of yalls opinions

I’m in the PNW and just snagged the truck (new ‘23 TRD OR). Manual transmission, came with GY wrangler A/Ts. I plan to mostly go forest roads for camping trips but also interested in checking out some off-road trails, or longer multi day overland routes.

Those with experience here in the PNW… is it worth it / a good idea to grab mud terrains to replace the ATs currently mounted? I’ve heard the downsides of road noise, mpg hit, rougher ride. I’m not necessarily looking for an immediate swap, unless opinions here are strong enough

This will be a dedicated camping rig, no need for daily driver use (except just for fun close by), some trips will have longer highway time too (up to BC coast, Canadian Rockies, western US)

 

Go hybrid tires, the MT tires are just awful in cold weather. They are good at offroad, thats it.

Nitto Ridge Grapplers are a great example. Duratracs, Toyo RT, Kenda Klever RT, M/T Baja Boss.

Tires are all about compromise, but don't lean into a 0.05% use when an average AT hybrid can do the same.

 

We have some friends we visit often in BC in the winter time and we roll with a 2500HD until we can get to the snowmobiles... that truck has Trail Grapplers and runs like a champ getting to Manning/Hope/etc. If it's not a daily like you're saying, may be okay to get the M/Ts. I run Open Country A/T IIIs and have also never had issues in rough weather and/or daily driver. Mostly have stuck to the Nitto/Toyo family.

 

I went with Goodyear Duratracs. I have about 5,000 miles on them and pleasantly surprised at how quiet they are. The ride is smooth, and no big hit to mileage.

No experience with PNW driving, but if the ‘experts’ say to get better tires, no regrets here with the Duratracs.

 

MTs are poor in the snow and ice unless it’s deep trail powder. Unless you have a need for deep mud, good ATs and airing down tend to be better in the PNW. I switched long ago and have never looked back.

 

Just popping in to plug the yoko G017 as usual.
AT's are more than enough for 90% of people's use and maintain far better road and winter manners than an MT. Last spring I popped MT's on hoping they would be alright for winter use and I was mistaken. The G003's I have been running have reasonable road manners but my duratracs and G017's are far quieter and do drive better on those HWY miles. Having said that I'll keep my G003's for summer use as the truck is a weekend vehicle and I am A ok with some compromise to have that meaty look and extra grip in that nasty clay

 

Good A/Ts will serve you best in your neighborhood.
Nitto RGs or Falken WP/AT3 I'd say...
These are quite different than the trash ATs that came with your taco...

M/Ts are not the best in the wet or snow /ice or on road.

 

Check out Yokohama G017 for a hybrid mud tire with lots of siping.

Super impressive tire. I have them on my sequoia.

 

Unless you are winter camping or backcountry skiing, the “meh” performance of an MT on ice or compact snow is of little importance for a weekend warrior.

Based on the OP’s description of his intended use, an MT would be great.

 

Super Swampers are always the answer. But the smarter choice is wear out the tires the truck came with since they're already paid for and perform just fine. Then you have time to figure it out.

 

Thanks everyone appreciate the ideas - I’ll probably run these OEs until they need replaced and keep some MTs on the list for a potential replacement

 

If you can get away with an OEM tire until they're worn, you definitely don't need an MT.

 

I would not recommend an MT in the PNW. Too wet and icy up here. I like the AT's or hybrids.

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT's and Cooper Discoverer Rugged Treks are my top choices/recommendations.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cooper-discoverer-rugged-trek.718494/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mickey-thompson-baja-boss-at.751616/

 

MT are horrible on wet pavement as well. Little to no sipping.

 

Yep. And the PNW is wet if you’re on the west side of the mountains.

 

Goodyear Duratrac

 

I like the aggressive look of the M/T but like mentioned they're noisy, wear quicker, and not great in snow. Ended up going with the R/T (hybrid cross between a M/T and A/T.)

 

I have milestar Patagonia X/Ts. I like them so far in the rain.

 

Off topic a bit but what’s your wheel and suspension setup. I’ve got sema 17 inch wheels and run 265/70/17 ridge grapplers. Been wondering if I could pull off 275s in the RT trail without modifying anything

 

Wheels: 17X8.5 6X5.5 0/4.75
Suspension: Icon Stage 8 set at 2" lift front/ 2" lift rear (rxt leaf pack option 2)
Had to do some minor plastic trimming and modify mud flap to fit. Also, not sure if it was needed but did the pinch weld mod. Clears cab mount by 1/2" at full lock. This is on a 2nd gen though.