MPG change going from A/T to highway tread

[Stevedbvik1]

I have a 2022 Tremor with the General AT’s on it. Wondering if anyone has swapped back and forth from AT’s to highway tread and if so have they seen MPG change? Just thinking ahead for next winters 4k plus road trip when the AT’s won’t be needed. Also because I have a chance to pick up some Michelin Defender LTX’s quite cheap. Thanks in advance

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[P. A. Schilke]

I have a 2022 Tremor with the General AT’s on it. Wondering if anyone has swapped back and forth from AT’s to highway tread and if so have they seen MPG change? Just thinking ahead for next winters 4k plus road trip when the AT’s won’t be needed. Also because I have a chance to pick up some Michelin Defender LTX’s quite cheap. Thanks in advance

Hi Steve,

I do not have much experience with fuel economy impact of AT vs Highway. I think the key metric here is rolling resistance, not an easy metric to find between tires as I recall....I think today with a focus on fuel economy, tire construction will be to obtain the best reduced rolling resistance possible... I think you will see very little difference...kinda like picking fly shit out of the pepper. Probably more effective to increase tire pressure a few psi.

Most likely benefit is going to be tire noise reduction with Highway tires... JMO...

Best,
Phil

 

[Frenchy]

There are a few different factors that will affect MPG from tires. As Phil already mentioned rolling resistance is one of them. Another factor is tire weight. Should I mention that the General Grabbers are a bit heavy? Generally speaking a lighter tire will give you better MPG due to the fact the engine does not need to work as hard to move it and keep it going. It also helps with handeling and braking. Regardless of the tire being an AT or Hwy type these factors will always apply.

Of course how the vehicle is(stock or modified) and how the driver acts will affect MPG too but that is a separate discussions.

 

[Frenchy]

Just wanted too add after taking a look on tire rack that you need to make sure if the tires are the same size and weither or not they are P rated or LT type tires. Thankfully tire rack has quite a bit of information to help with that decision.

 

[D Fresh]

Taking a road trip in the winter?

Keep the ATs on. Many, if not most, AT tires are 3 peak and flake winter rated. Whereas most "highway" tires are not that great in the snow.

 

[Frenchy]

Taking a road trip in the winter?

Keep the ATs on. Many, if not most, AT tires are 3 peak and flake winter rated. Whereas most "highway" tires are not that great in the snow.

Depending on the tire(both AT and HWY) it may not matter what you have. I have already proven this with the General Grabbers out here in the Colorado Rockies. As for the Michelin LTX Defender it does exceptionally well in winter driving conditions.

 

[D Fresh]

Depending on the tire(both AT and HWY) it may not matter what you have. I have already proven this with the General Grabbers out here in the Colorado Rockies. As for the Michelin LTX Defender it does exceptionally well in winter driving conditions.

Of course I was speaking in generalities. You can tell by the use of the words most and many.

 

[JasonTremor]

On a prior truck I've seen 2-3 mpg better on a highway tire compared to like load rated Goodyear duratracs. Doesn't really pay for a second set of wheels and tires if you do the math. I suggest saving the money you going to spend on extra wheels and tires and fund some more fun activities on your trip.

 

[JasonTremor]

Even if you not buying extra wheels, the return on investment is likely not favorable.

 

[deleriumtremor]

In the past, I have seen marked differences in MPG when going between tire type and sizes. When I went from 35x12.5 Nitto Ridge Grapplers to 285/70-17 K02's, on my Jeep Rubicon, I saw almost 3 MPG combined improvement.

I think if you took the difference in Tremor versus say stock XLT with the sport package EPA ratings, you likely would see something close to that in MPG improvement by switching, it definitely would be measurable.

Having said that, I agree with JasonTremor that it would likely not pencil out as a smart decision economically, even if you already owned the extra wheels.

 

[Toytec]

Since your question is about mpg, are the Defenders the same circumference as the Generals? Otherwise, a recalibration will be needed for comparison.
I will say this though, the Defenders have a noticeable difference in rolling resistance but spin easily even on wet grass. But a cheap good set is hard to pass up.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

Thanks for all the good input. I’ve been driving in the lake effect belt of Michigan for 50 years. So the winter driving thing is a moot point for me. Last two trucks were 2WD with sand bags in the bed. Another thing that I didn’t think of was 4K less wear on the AT’s. That also has value but hard to calculate. But seeing this is a yearly trip it might add up along with the MPG “savings”. If I hadn’t run across the crazy deal on the Michelins I would have never thought about it. Also I’m half Dutch and the wife is 110% Dutch so some of you will relate ?

 

[deleriumtremor]

Thanks for all the good input. I’ve been driving in the lake effect belt of Michigan for 50 years. So the winter driving thing is a moot point for me. Last two trucks were 2WD with sand bags in the bed. Another thing that I didn’t think of was 4K less wear on the AT’s. That also has value but hard to calculate. But seeing this is a yearly trip it might add up along with the MPG “savings”. If I hadn’t run across the crazy deal on the Michelins I would have never thought about it. Also I’m half Dutch and the wife is 110% Dutch so some of you will relate ?

Unfortunately, my wife has zero Dutch blood...

And I didn't need a DNA test to tell.

 

[Joeiconic]

The difference in mpg comes from the weight, moreso than the tread type, but I expect the MPG difference would around 2mpg or so, at best. But, the cost of another set of tires will FAR outweigh any mpg savings or wear and tear costs on the grabbers. Just drive the grabbers until you wear them out and then replace them.

 

[Pinski66]

Steve, I have been thinking of trying more of a highway tread tire on my Tremor for summer use. I'm in Ohio, the general grabbers handled the ice and snow last winter very well.

I was looking at the Firestone destination le3. According to tire rack they would be 7 lbs. Lighter per tire.

I'd like to try it, I think i would get my use out of both sets before they dry rot. I have wasted money on dumber stuff.

Let us know if you try it. Have you checked the weight difference on tire rack?

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