Are the OEM Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 tires really that bad?

Had my first "WTF?" moment with the factory tires. I was backing into my shop's graveled driveway on a slight incline and the right rear broke traction and started spinning. Started hearing all sorts of electrical buzzing and a yellow light flashed on the dash. I assume some sort of traction control activated. I applied the brakes and then started to try to go back again and it started spinning again with the accompanying noise and lights. Seriously?! I'm stuck in my driveway?? I have backed into this drive hundreds of times in everything from a Mercedes roadster to a lifted and locked Suburban and have never broke traction before.

Yeah, these tires pretty much suck, lol.

Still trying to hold out until closer to winter before putting on the new Goodyears, though.

 

What you are likely hearing is the hill hold feature (it pulses the ABS). It stops the vehicle from rolling back on steep grades.
There is a gravel street in our neighborhood & if you stop on it & take your foot off the brake, it does the same thing. Scared me @ first.
Designed so you don't roll back off a rock or obstacle.
Also, your traction light flashes (maybe ABS).
Does this sound correct?

 

Yeah, I've had that hill hold thing activate a few times. It's pretty annoying.

 

Yup, the Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 OEM tires absolutely suck on a light dusting of snow. In 2WD, I slid down my driveway and had the traction control engage and tires slip driving up my driveway within a week after I got the new 2019 TRD ORP home (earlier this month). I immediately ordered a set of Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2s and new wheels for the winter here in MN.

 

Reviving this convo. I just lifted my wife’s 4R and have sliders on the way. She wants to take it to Colorado instead of my Veteran 04 Tacoma. I wasn’t wanting to put new tires on a brand new truck just yet but I don’t know if they will be safe in the back country for even light wheeling with the in-laws.

My gut says no way. The alpine loop is usually wet and the rocks sharp. I cringe at changing a flat up there even in ideal conditions. I’ve experienced low traction even with my Duratracs and it feels no bueno. Going to have to prepare for new rubber I think.

 

Sounds like a perfect excuse to upgrade the tires.

 

Don’t ya just love when people (like me) come here looking for help in justifying new shit?

I was really going ask if people thought they would cut it out there, but in asking I basically just convinced myself otherwise by the end of the post.

Shit happens all the time...

 

Nobody has ever been talked out of buying anything here. You're going to need self control or a lot of disposable income if you're going to hang out here!

I'm guessing you already know this, but look for 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake tires if snow traction will ve a concern.

Post pictures of the new shoes once they're installed.

 

I swore that for once I was going to wear out a set of oem tires this time. But, I ended up getting one ruined by a bolt in the road. After seeing how much Discount Tire wanted for 1 new Dunlop tire, I traded the rest in and got 4 new Falken tires.

 

You can trade them in?! What?!

 

Yeah man. Go to Discount tire (if you have one near you) and see how much they'll give you for the stock Dunlops, provided you buy a set of new tires through them.

I'm sure there's other tire retailers that do this. Just don't know of any off hand.

 

Yup. I got $200 for the remaining 4 good tires at Discount Tire, with about 3k miles on them. That's what made the choice of buying a set of 4 new Falkens (+ one used tire for a spare) a no-brainer vs buying a new Dunlop replacement. I was so pleased with the deal, I got replacement certificates for the 4 new Falkens.

 

Went in and asked. $250 for all 5. Basically a free tire. Time to convince the wife.

 

Just tell her the 4Runners.com forum said to do it.

That always works

 

It seems like their only purpose is to give the lowest possible of a rolling resistance to satisfy the EPA ratings on these gas pigs.

 

What tires did you end up getting after 55k??? I’m at 56.5k and looking to get soon.

 

Are the OEM Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 tires really that bad?
Yes

 

Meh, I drive my in the rain on some pretty sketchy highways and steep private roads, not the greatest wet weather tire out there but far from the worst. No issues with moderate driving on dirt and gravel roads. Gets me 22-23MPG at 70mph without headwind, 19-20 with. Those of you who live in the SF bay area would know highways 1, 9, 17, 35, 92, and 152. No issues with any of those roads when going speed limit in the rain.

I don't think they pretend it's a snow tires so for an all season pavement tire I have no complaints.

 

i took mine off after 300 miles and put them in my basement. Anyone living near Exton, Pa? I’ll sell them really cheap!

 

On my 2021 they got replaced before 1000 miles. Never understand why that tire was even a consideration.

Best initial upgrade you can make. Could never shoe a horse like that an expect to get anywhere quick.

 

In laws are in Saxonburg, PA, Otherwise I would be tribute to set em a fire for you.

 

If you treat the Grandtrek AT20 as highway all-season, then it's merely acceptable for most driving. As an AT, it fails. It's been a while, but I remember them being tough to balance and surprisingly noisy.

 

they ride smooth and quiet, just Squirrley in any amount of rain and minimal coating of snow.