Question about CT tire types

[Speedr]

Although not Cybertruck specific, this Tire Rack comparison test, with quantitative data, was pretty informative:

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[TCybertruck]

Check out the Nitto TerraGrappler G3. I got 275/65-20 LR E and didn't notice the 1/2" reduction at all, but they IMPROVED range 1-3% over the OEM GY AT's, in spite of having much more aggressive tread. I reguarly beat projected range on longer trips now, when I used to go over by ~5%, so confident now that I target 5-10% arrival SoC instead of 15-20% on supercharging legs. After several thousand miles including some trails, they are my new favorite truck tire!

Is your odometer off since the tires are smaller now?

 

[countryboy]

Is your odometer off since the tires are smaller now?

Initially it was a tad off but it calibrated after I did the new tires thing in service menu.

 

[Dogger37]

Pirelli just launched a new AT tire in 285/65/20 and it comes in an elect option designed for EVs. This is the tire I’ll be buying soon.

https://www.pirelli.com/tires/en-us/car/catalog/product/scorpion-xtm-at-elect

 

[HaulingAss]

Although not Cybertruck specific, this Tire Rack comparison test, with quantitative data, was pretty informative:

I haven't watched this video yet, but I wanted to point out one of the weaknesses of all tire reviews of this kind:

Tires are complex items, the "same" tire is offered in many different sizes and load ranges. The different sizes do not all perform the same in terms of subjective ride quality, corner grip, off-road grip in various conditions, etc. This is often more a function of the size of the tire (combined with it's internal construction)

Reviews rarely take into account how a tire's characteristics change from size to size (because they generally only review one size of the tire). But there is another compounding factor:

The vehicle it's mounted on. Different vehicles have different handling characteristics. Some tires amplify the positive or negative characteristics of a particular vehicles handling characteristics and this will impact the reviewers subjective perceptions enough that it makes their opinions almost worthless.

The tires selected by the OEM are actually tested and designed for that particular vehicle. That doesn't mean it's the best tire for YOU, but it does mean that tire, in that load rating, with that sidewall height and tread width "get's along with" that particular vehicle very well. You might find that a tire with a different construction in that same size is not as suitable for that particular vehicle.

 

[Coolhandz]

Pirelli just launched a new AT tire in 285/65/20 and it comes in an elect option designed for EVs. This is the tire I’ll be buying soon.

https://www.pirelli.com/tires/en-us/car/catalog/product/scorpion-xtm-at-elect

Thanks for sharing this. I think I'll give these a go as well. Looks like my local Les Schwab will have them. Now to decide if I want new wheels or not.......

 

[BrockN]

Thanks for sharing this. I think I'll give these a go as well. Looks like my local Les Schwab will have them. Now to decide if I want new wheels or not.......

I see they carry the three peak snowflake symbol. I'll be interested to hear how they handle and how energy efficient they are. In my experience, that symbol generally means a compromise on both handling and efficiency.

 

[pricedm]

I see they carry the three peak snowflake symbol. I'll be interested to hear how they handle and how energy efficient they are. In my experience, that symbol generally means a compromise on both handling and efficiency.

Since you're in the northern lands...what tires did you use last winter on your Cybertruck, and how did you like them?

 

[henchman24]

When the time comes, I'll be taking a close look at the Nokian Outpost nAT.

They are what I have and I highly recommend them. Very good set of compromises while still being very good off road.

To OP, since you don't off road and are in Texas, just find the nicest AS tire that fits with the looks you desire. Some of them look goofy, but if you don't mind that, you'll get a better ride, efficiency and handling. Some are designed to look a bit better, but start compromising noise and efficiency. Up to you to determine where that line is.

 

[BrockN]

Since you're in the northern lands...what tires did you use last winter on your Cybertruck, and how did you like them?

I took delivery at the beginning of December, two months after the 3 peak snowflake requirement took effect on the higher mountain highways. In my case, the Coquihalla (if you've seem Highway Through Hell on TV, that's the one). I had to drive it to get home, so part of the deal was that they source a Tesla winter tire package and install it before I arrived. That burned up my FS credit!

So I ran the Tesla Duratrac winter tire package and swapped to the regular AT wheels and tires in the spring. What I can tell you is...:

- The Duratrac winters were better in snow and ice (based on minimal experience with the summers up high on some backroads).
- I was happy enough with the winter performance of the Duratracs, but they weren't as good as the Nokian winters on my Model S. Not surprising and not a deal breaker for me.
- On regular asphalt, they were not as nimble as the OEM AT summers and definitely didn't grip as well in panic stops.
- The Duratracs were noticeably less efficient, even when accounting for weather/temperature.

The Duratracs will be going on again in a few days. Not looking forward to that, but not dreading it either, since they are definitely better when the snow starts falling. When they wear out, I won't necessarily replace with the same tire - I'll see what else is available. But I'm not planning to swap them out prematurely either.

So I don't know whether that answers your question?

 

[BrockN]

They are what I have and I highly recommend them. Very good set of compromises while still being very good off road.

What do consider the comprises to be?

And how are they for Wh/km (or Wh/mi) compared to the OEM AT tire?

 

[henchman24]

What do consider the comprises to be?

And how are they for Wh/km (or Wh/mi) compared to the OEM AT tire?

Compared to all season tires, a bit more road noise and less efficient. The road noise really isn't that noticeable to me, especially as you get up in speed and the wind noise takes over anyway. The less efficient is about 3% compared to the AS tire. That was early on both tires when both were not broken in. I don't think that would change dramatically, but some sampling noise is there. I'm at 427 wh/mi over 12k miles... where 7.5-8k are highway at 80+. ~2-3k are dirt roads or 4x4 trails.

Compared to OEM AT... not sure there are many. There might be a slight downgrade on handling, but that is more due to tread deflection on deeper lugs (and I'm not fully convinced it even exists). Beyond that, I don't think there is much there. Maybe a slight bit more road noise, but my experience with OEM AT are with the CB and that is just a noiser truck in general. I'd bet the nATs are more efficient than the factory AT. They are lighter, don't have as much going on with the sidewalls (more aerodynamic), and a similar hard compound. Maybe 1-2% more efficient. They will definitely be better off-road, mud, puncture, etc. Being triple peak rated with good siping, they are very good in the snow and ice. Going to last more like 50-60k than 25-30k mi too.

Compared to more aggressive AT or MT tires... less off-road traction, especially in muddy situations. Sidewalls are a bit too stiff to air down too much. I don't think I'd feel all that comfortable with the nATs at 15psi or lower. Probably not even 20 without beadlocks. With the upshot of having better on-road manners (and efficiency) than a MT tire or a more aggressive AT K03.

I honestly think they are a fantastic tire for mixed use with a decent amount of off-road and snow. If a person's use case is similar to mine, I think they'd be very happy with them. If someone is going to be on pavement 95+% of the time, I wouldn't recommend them as AS tires would be better for that use case.

 

[pricedm]

… don't know whether that answers your question?

110% yes, thank you!

I run dedicated wheels with Nokian Hakka R5 on my Model Y, and either Nokian or Blizzak snow tires on previous cars. I definitely appreciate the grip in heavy ski traffic.

Last winter I drove an old beater truck with BFG KO3s….not grip like snow tires, as you also observed, but a big improvement over non AT tires. This will be my first winter with a Cybertruck, so debating AT tires (either KO3s or the new Pirelli AT EV tire) or a dedicated snow tire on second set of wheels. Definitely pros and cons to each option.

 

[BrockN]

@henchman24 thanks for your response. If they're not that much different that the non-Foundation AS tire, that sure suggests they'd be better than the AT, at least in the efficiency department. I drive plenty of gravel and some sketchier trails as well, but not enough of the latter to make a tire choice based solely on that condition. If I'm at the point where the finer details and marginal differences of the AT tire on the truck are going to determine whether I need help to get home or not, I'm probably pushing too much. And shouldn't be there by myself.

It'll be a while before I need to replace my AT tires, so I'll keep the nAT on my list of possibles.

@pricedm I really like Nokian in general and have run more sets of Hakka RSI's over the years than I can count. Good results with the WRG incarnations on my friend's Model S too.

I don't think I'd run the OEM AT in the winter here, even if it was legal to do so. Just not as good as the Duratrac when it's important. Looks like you're in Colorado, so you know what snow is... I'd suggest getting the best ice/snow option you can justify. If it doesn't save your bacon, it might save someone else's. I've found that my driving style has become a little more reserved with the CT, mostly because I recognize how much damage I could do to someone with this thing!

 

[kpanda17]

My new AWD has been ordered and with core wheels to capture the -$7500.
I go off road, dune running at the beach April to Nov and occasional mountains. Was a landcruiser and wrangler dude. My plan, Oct purchase cyber/GWD set for $3250 and use them for those times not daily driving and road trips where I want efficiency. Highway with AS and Offroad with the ATs. I know, I could have done the mounting swap, but having the two complete sets feels good and when road tripping, ill take one of the ATs with me as a spare.

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