Towing a loaded trailer across the country puts any truck, and its tires, through rigorous demands. For Kevin Bandy, the owner of a 2017 Ford F250 Lariat 4x4, hauling his enclosed trailer with a K-swapped Mazda Miata race car on board meant his truck's tires had to be durable, reliable, and predictable on-road and off-road.
In August 2024, he decided to make a switch, installing a set of OEM-sized 275/65/20 Nitto Terra Grappler G3 all terrain light truck tires on his factory wheels. With nearly 5,000 miles on the odometer since the upgrade, Kevin has found the Terra Grappler G3’s to be a great fit for his tow rig.
Upgrading for the Long Haul
Tires are a game-changer for any vehicle’s performance, but they’re especially critical for towing. Kevin wasn’t just looking for new rubber — he was searching for durability, a quieter ride, and maybe a little help with fuel economy. His previous tires had started to get noisy, and vibrations were creeping in, compromising the comfort and stability he needed for trips across the country.
Almost immediately after installation, Kevin packed up his Miata and drove nearly 2,500 miles one way from Georgia to Northern California for the Gridlife Laguna festival. He was set to race in the Grid Life Touring Cup (GLTC) at Laguna Seca Raceway.
“[There was] clear improvement in reduced noise without any reduction in ride quality or perceived grip and handling,” he said. The Terra Grappler G3s brought a noticeable refinement to the drive without sacrificing that stable, confident feel.
Fuel Economy Gains
Another benefit came in the form of improved fuel efficiency. Trucks like this F250 diesel are known for solid highway MPG, but every bit counts, especially when towing a full 19,000-pound setup across the U.S. With the Nitto Terra Grappler G3s, he saw nearly a 1 MPG increase when unloaded and about a 0.5 MPG improvement under full load with the trailer. Over thousands of miles, these savings add up, both for the wallet and for reducing stops along the way.
Performance in Everyday Driving
Hauling such a significant load demands tire reliability, especially on long stretches of highway. For Kevin, maintaining traction and handling at high speeds with the trailer in tow is the priority. Additionally, an innovative new tread pattern incorporates tread blocks of various sizes to minimize road noises. Terra Grappler G3s didn’t just quiet the road noise; they delivered a consistently smooth ride that handled confidently.
The tires’ aesthetic appeal doesn’t hurt either. These aren’t just workhorses, the G3s add a rugged, capable look to the truck that matches its performance. It’s the type of upgrade that doesn’t just serve function but adds style, a factor any truck owner can appreciate.
Inclement Weather and Towing Capability
Towing puts added pressure on tires to handle weather changes seamlessly. While Kevin hasn’t yet encountered challenging weather with these tires, he has confidence that the tires will perform in those conditions. In situations where stability and control are key, large distinctive tread blocks with reinforced foundations create stable on-road handling, while full-depth sipes and a new tire compound produce significantly improved wet performance.
Long cross-country trips offer few second chances, and he trusts the G3s to manage those tricky situations effectively. Furthermore, the all-terrain versatility extends to all four seasons with 3PMS-rated snow traction, meaning that Kevin can confidently reach any track in the country during any time of the year.
An Upgrade Worth Making
When asked if he’d recommend the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 tires to other truck owners, particularly those who tow regularly, he said. “Absolutely! A tow vehicle needs to put long miles and significant weight on a tire and these have done well under those conditions. Additionally you need to have the grip to get out of tricky situations as the truck and trailer combo leaves fewer options for recovery. It’s clear these tires will do an effective job at both of these critical needs.” His cross-country journeys from race track to race track are the ultimate test, and he’s confident these tires will be more than up to the challenge.
It’s clear that the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 tires are more than just a new set of rubber – they’re a reliable choice for long trips with heavy loads, bringing a balance of performance, durability, and style to this F250.
While time and miles will ultimately tell the full story, these first 5,000 miles have been a cross country exhibition of the tire’s performance. For any truck owner looking to combine comfort and capability, especially under the demands of towing, the Nitto Terra Grappler G3s are a tire upgrade worth making.
