50,000-Mile Nitto Recon Grappler Review on a Ford F-250 Tremor
When we originally installed Nitto’s Recon Grappler all-terrain tire on our Ford F-250, our goal was a factory replacement tire that would meet or exceed all of the capabilities of the factory equipped rubber. Our F-250 is a Platinum Tremor model, so off-road capability was an important consideration in addition to all of the other day-to-day truck responsibilities.
Since its purchase in 2022, this truck has largely served as my dad’s daily driver in Metro Atlanta. In two years of driving, he has put a few ticks over 50,000 miles on the F-250, with regular trips to both the Western North Carolina Smoky Mountains, and south to Jacksonville, Florida.
Additionally, he often tows a 7000-pound travel trailer around the country. His use case demands A LOT out of a set of all-terrains. Simply put, the Nitto Recon Grapplers have lived up to all of our expectations, and more.
OEM + Fitment
Although most off-road enthusiasts size up with aftermarket tires, we elected to stick with the OEM size LT285/75R18 for a few reasons. Mainly, the Tremor package sets up the truck brilliantly for 35” inch tires. An upsize to 37s is possible with some trimming and a lift, but my dad was not interested in modifying the truck in any way. Additionally, the concessions in drivability that come with larger tires far outweighed any benefit for this particular truck.
We mounted the tires on a set of Method 706 wheels in 18x9 +18 sizing. In two years of driving and over 50,000 miles, we experienced no rubbing or other fitment issues on or off-road.
This was obviously a conservative combo, but it was one that was easy to execute and provided enough visual distinction to warrant attention from other enthusiasts. The wheels sit 35mm closer to the fender, offering a conservative flush fitment compared to the OEM package. One thing many people don't realize is that Nitto’s Recon Grappler offers two different sidewall designs, and we opted for the blockier pattern over the more jagged design on the reverse.
Long Term Quality
Even as the tires approach Nitto’s 55k mile treadwear warranty for the LT size, the tires still look great. The rubber is in excellent shape. The tread measures in the green a tire tread depth gauge, at 7/32" tread depth. These Recon Grapplers will have no issue soaring past the 55k mile warrantied distance, even with the additional demands of regularly towing a camper.
Built for Every Road
On road, the Recon Grapplers have performed admirably. Even with the Platinum package, a heavy duty truck like the F-250 still handles and rides very much like an old school pickup. Additionally, the off-road optimized Tremor suspension exacerbates some of the floatiness, jostling, and roughness of the rear leaf suspension. All that said, the Recon Grappler provides an OEM level of refinement to a truck that serves multiple purposes.
The Recon Grappler’s tread block rigidity reduces flex for better dry performance and a more confident ride on-road, even with a trailer. Additionally, Nitto’s arrangement of wide and narrow grooves in the tread pattern reduce road noise, while also improving traction in wet and dry conditions.
With the unpredictability of Georgia weather, in addition to the large amounts of interstate travel, having confidence in any weather condition has been a massive advantage and source of comfort with this set of tires.
Off-Road Reliability
While everyone has the best intentions for off-road adventuring, the F-250 has spent the majority of the 50,000 soaking up highway miles. After all, one doesn’t cover that amount of distance in two years crawling around on neglected forestry roads or 4x4 playgrounds.
That being said, the Recons have put in plenty of work on unpaved, muddy mountain roads in North Carolina, sandy beaches in Florida, and getting the travel trailer in and out of multiple off-road camping spots. The staggered shoulder lugs aided in off-road traction, while center and shoulder grooves set in a zig-zag pattern created a nice biting edge, useful in all the types of terrain we encountered.
While the past couple of years with the F-250 has been a whirlwind of cross-country drives, commuting, and the occasional trail ride, the Recon Grapplers have always been a reliable, engaging, great-looking addition to the truck.
Most F-250 owners won’t put this amount of mileage on a set of tires in under two years, but some will. Those drivers, who are always ready for adventure, can rest assured that the Recon Grapplers can handle whatever is thrown at them, on- or off-road.
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