Chevy Silverado Tests Nitto’s Latest Tires at Auto Enthusiast Day
Nitto Tire has a new formula with the Ridge Grappler, and it’s no secret.
During the fifth-annual Southern California Auto Enthusiast Day, Nitto Tire, the event host, put together one heck of a show. For the shine and show crowd there were hundreds of the finest builds this side of the SEMA convention. Then there was the skidpad, where various cars and trucks equipped with Nitto Tires put on a demonstration of decibels and scorched pavement. But, between the Dodge Demon owned by wrestling star Bill Goldberg, doing burnouts, and off-road racing champ Casey Currie decimating the tires on his Ford Pro-Lite race truck there were some bone stock Chevy Silverados.
Nitto Tire got us behind the wheel of the two Silverados, but, at first, they didn’t explain why. Both trucks were rocking aftermarket wheels on, what appeared to be, the same Nitto Ridge Grappler tires. An impromptu autocross course had been set up for the trucks to go around. The key elements were a set of large rumble strips setup at the end of the straightaway. Following that were a series of twists, bends and a chicane set up as a test of agility.
We drove the first truck around the course and, after a few laps, brought it back in. The Nitto rep sitting in the car still hadn’t told us what the deal was, but they ushered us into the next truck, also wearing the Ridge Grappler tires.
Rolling out onto the skidpad this truck immediately felt a bit softer, and more comfortable than the other truck. What gives? Again, we went through the skidpad course and, other than that slight increase in softness, everything felt about the same. That is, until we hit the rumble strips. While the first Silverado was decently composed through the rumble strips, other than some judder, this truck was noticeable more comfortable and less unsettled over the rumble strips. The Nitto rep said to try it again, but go even faster, ‘try hitting the rumble strips at 35 mph.’ We asked if he was sure, and, after giving us the nod and then we put the hammer down. Even with the increased speed, from about 25 to 35 mph, this second truck was way more comfortable over the rumble strips. Okay, really, what gives?
What’s the secret?
After pulling back in to the pits, we met with Chris Corbett, Events and Motorsports Manager at Nitto Tire. Corbett explained that we just experienced both compounds of the Nitto Ridge Grappler. The standard Ridge Grappler LT has been Nitto’s daily-drivable light truck tire for a while now. That LT rating, however, means that the tire is slightly more off-road geared than road-ready. Now, Ridge Grappler has also moved into the world of Hard Metric. Unlike an LT, a Hard Metric tire is more geared for day-to-day road use. This explains the improve in ride comfort.
Corbett further elaborated that the two tires look the same, and the difference is entirely in the rubber compound. The Ridge Grappler Hard Metric uses a much softer rubber in the face of the tire. This allows for it to have more give, and better soak up road imperfections. All of this improves the ride comfort. So, with the new Ridge Grappler Hard Metric, buyers get the rugged looks, and general durability, but with a softer, more comfortable ride.
Photos and video for Chevrolet Forum by Jake Stumph
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