So just as I was about to purchase my second set of KO2s I was presented with the chance to buy some General Grabber X3 for essentially 50% off.
I am looking for a review of the Grabber X3 on a 5-speed 100 series both on-road and off-road.
I’m coming from a 80 series with 295/75R16 and I’m considering the size 275/70R18. The specs are below.
My usage will be PNW forest trails, mild OHV trails, snow wheelin, and commuting to work.
I loved the KO2s enough that I’m still considering passing on the X3 deal but I was hoping to find some user reviews in this forum.
Thanks,
Will
I purchased Grabber X3s, 275/70/18 for my 100 last fall. I had just purchased my first 100 (2004 LX470) after having had four 80's starting from 1992. Loving the LX. Truck had P rated all season tires when I bought it. This is what I found with the X3:
1. Love the traction, both mud and snow. I live in serious snow country with steep hills to get home every day.
2. Spare; had to air down to 20 lb to force it in to place.
3. Shocked at how much power I lost. Still faster than my 80s but painfully slower compared to the P rated at 275/60/18 factory size.
4. Lost about 4 mpg OUCH. Before the X3 I had been getting 15/19 with an average of about 17 mpg.
with the X3 getting 11/15 after correcting to actual mileage per GPS, (not speedometer mileage). With the 275/70/18 your speedo will be off about 5 mph at 70
5. Brakes far weaker. I guess the spinning weight, and larger leverage from the bigger diameter.
6. I was surprised at how much that extra inch in radius makes it harder to climb up to my seat. (I am 6'2")
7. Road noise went from NONE to substantial. Not enough to be a deal breaker for me but at certain speeds I can feel the lugs hitting the road.
SUMMARY:
Generally like the tire. I now have about 8000 miles on the X3. 5 wheel rotation done at 6000 miles. Wear is minimal and even. I suspect most of the things I don't like about X3 relate more to the larger diameter/ going from P to LT rating than anything general about the tire. Will that extra inch of clearance make a noticeable difference to me on off road use... Not likely. There were so few choices for tires with the factory size of 275/60/18 that moved me to a large diameter. I think next time around I will stay with the X3 or similar tire but at the 275/65/18.
Note: I have gone through maybe 10 sets of KO's over the years and came to realize they were horrible in snow, poor in mud, didnt wear that well. So poor that I wont even consider the K0 2's. I am sure they work well for some, but where I live in snow country in the mountains with steep roads, not an option.