I have a round-trip 80-mile commute to work. So I got a new 4Runner. I found myself in an interesting situation that most people would probably not experience.
I needed a 4×4 since I drive from Donner Pass, CA, back to Reno, NV, 4 days a week. So when I purchased my 4Runner, it was right before a large storm that put down a couple inches of wet snow in the mountain passes. And, thus, triggering the first chain control scenario of the winter season.
When purchasing my 4Runner, I wanted to ensure I wouldn’t have to chain up to go over the pass during the storm. The tires that came on my 2019 SR5 model were Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684 II All-Season tires. These tires can pass through the chain controls without having to be out in the cold, chaining the vehicle myself.
I quickly realized that these stock Bridgestone tires must barely meet the “All-Terrain Standards.” I reached this conclusion after my 80-mile trip through the wet snow/slush while freeway driving.
I have to drive up a very steep grade to get to work, which provided a very good test of the tires’ performance for the season.
Table Of Contents
The Search For All-Terrain Tires
I decided to go out and look for a new set of tires that could withstand the 80-mile trip with very little effort and reassure me that I could also make it through inclement weather.
One of my buying points for the tires was the mountain snowflake designation. Tires that carry this designation are tested to either meet or exceed harsh winter conditions, more so than a regular M+T tire.
When shopping for my new set of tires, I also wanted an all-terrain tire rather than a mud-terrain tire. Since most of my driving is on the highway and city streets, this was my most reasonable choice.
I also wanted to have a good percentage of capability out on the trails, so I settled on the General Grabber ATX tires. These are a new release from General that features upgrades from the outgoing General Grabber AT2s.
The General Grabber ATX all-terrain tires were purchased in the stock size 265/70R17. I went with the P-rated tires instead of the LT-rated tires as I don’t tow anything. Since I hardly ever go over any terrain that would warrant an LT tire, the P-rated Grabber ATXs were the sensible choice in my book.
Other Options
You can also order a set of the Grabber ATXs with studs.
I didn’t have them studded, but having the option of studded tires is nice. If you’re in an area that allows and warrants the use of studs for additional traction, studded tires are nice.
I have had no issues traversing over and around Donner Pass in inclement weather thus far. I’ve experienced snow, ice, rain, slush, and light mud without any issues regarding traction with this tire. It far exceeds the Bridgestone tires I had on the 4Runner when I first purchased it.
Spare Tire and Gas mileage
I also replaced my spare tire with a Grabber ATX, which fit in the stock location under the vehicle without any issues. This tire had a deeper lug than the Bridgestone tire that was mounted on the spare, so I was concerned it wouldn’t fit, but you can fit this tire and a larger tire in the spare area.
I noticed that my gas mileage didn’t go down at all, either. I attribute this to the added weight that these tires bring, as they weigh 41 LBS compared to the Bridgestone tires’ 39 LBS, which is a very negligible difference in total weight.
The Grabber ATX tires also have a larger lug pattern than the Bridgestone tires, at 14/32” compared to 11/32” of the stock Duelers.
On-Road Performance
The 4Runner’s ride also softened up a bit on the highway and city roads. General Grabber ATX tires have their proprietary technology called Comfort Balance™. Going over potholes and highway joints was much more comfortable than the Bridgestones that were replaced.
This comfort also translated to the rocky terrain on the trails. Even without airing down and at 32 PSI, it could go over washboards that would normally have my phone fall out of the mount with much less jarring.
There was no noticeable road noise on the highway at speeds ranging from 65 MPH to 80 MPH. I also experienced no rubbing at full lock going forward or reverse out of my driveway.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m very pleased with my purchase of the General Grabber ATX tires. I will probably continue buying from General Tire for any future tire needs.
I love the aggressive look it gave the 4Runner over the stock Bridgestone tires and the serious amount of confidence and grip it provides when traversing the trails or mountain passes. My 1,000+ miles of travel through varying temperatures and conditions have already locked in my opinion on these tires.
If you’re in the market for a new tire and are looking at all-terrain tires, I highly suggest the Grabber ATX tires and the entire General tire line.
They have very good mileage warranties and a 45-day trial period for the Grabber ATX tires if you’re hesitant to go with General tires.
To close off, I have a side shot of my stock height SR5 4Runner with the General Grabber ATX tires.
Hello, I purchased a set of General Tire Grabber ATX, size 275/70R/17 LT E load. I went with this size b/c I did not want to mess with any sort of trimming. I have a 2.5” lift on a 2020 TRD OFF ROAD. These tires a quieter than the 265/70R/17 Open Country AT II’s. The ride is noticeably smoother as well (road driving). I don’t have any significant miles on the tires yet so it’s too soon to provide a detailed review-just initial impressions.
Winter driving – these tires are excellent in snow due to the tread pattern and depth. As the temperatures fall well below zero these tires tend to struggle in icy conditions.
Grabber update: Roughly 2500 Km’s on the set, the rear 2 tires were replaced under warranty because they could not be road-force balanced within an acceptable limit. The newly replaced tires were balanced without issue. Generally, if you are not happy with the ride quality or there is a defect the manufacturer will replace at no cost. I am very satisfied with these tires so far, although they are not my dedicated winter tire, I am looking forward to testing the tires winter rating.
Hello,
Have you had complaints of vibrations at speeds above 80mph with the tire sz of 265/60r20?
how is the tread life so far?
Turned out that, if I wanted a General Grabber that didn’t rub the fenders of the Limited. I had to go with a 49 lb LT, which I decided against. When I switched to the 17 inch TRD Pro wheels, my only option was 245/75/17 so I went with Falken Wildpeak AT3W. Quiet and good tread wear so far but only driven 2K miles on them.
I’m going to a nearby America’s tire store Saturday to see if the ATX in size 265/70/17 will fit my 2019 4Runner Limited, without rubbing. They believe it will work and so are willing to take them off if they do rub (in reverse, at full turn, I believe, is the ultimate test?). Otherwise, if I want that tire, I’d have to get LT245/75/17, which has the exact dimensions of the OEM 20-inch Limited wheels with stock Yokohama Geolandar G96B all-season tires.
Where is the side shot? Any photos would be great..I’m looking at the same tire on the same model.
Thanks!