BFG Mud Trrain vs. General Grabbers?

[Phishman068]

I am contemplating some 215/75/15 tires for my syncro and really like the look of the BFG Mud Terrain tires but am shocked by the cost. The General Grabber AT2s are 40% cheaper and also get good reviews, I just don't like the look as much.

Does anyone have experience with either tire on a vanagon? Whats your preference? (Or make a case for a different 15'' off road looking tire).

[offroad.]

at2`s i rate highly. not used the bfg muds but the kumho kl72`s out perform them on many counts i run a set of those too. if you use a lot on the highway i`d go at rather than mt. mt`s can annoy you on long hauls and you get paranoid that you have wheel bearing noises. well i do anyway. lol

[zippyslug31]

I have BFG AT and love 'em!
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previous:
'80 westy
current:
'90 syncro westy 2.5L subi, triple knob, 16" wheels.
'84 sunroof van, 2.1L motor.

[Syncroincity]

The Grabbers are clones of the earlier generation of BFG ATs, same tread but they lack the new side lugs that Goodrich put on the ATs a few years ago. From all reports, they are a great tire for the price. ...and for what it's worth, I think they look great on the van. They make the statement you're looking for, they just don't scream it out like a set of Mudders.

Technically, your comparing two very different tires, the Mud Terrains use the same carcass as the ATs, but of course have the big honkin' treads... I've never personally ridden in a vehicle equipped with these, but I see (and hear!) them go by fairly often, they make a noise on the street that might get old if you do a lot of highway travel, and at low speeds you can almost see the truck shaking from tread slap.

I have had BFG AT (235/75-15) on the van for the last 8 years, and I love them, firm ride, and quiet noise level. I saw you were asking elsewhere about gearing changes with this size; I personally had NO issue with the driveability of the stock WBX using this size; no slipping the clutch to get rolling, or bogging on hills. Yes, you lose some of the "zip" if you can call it that, from the acceleration, but considering what vehicle we're driving, I found it acceptable. Going to a larger diameter tire actually decreases your rolling resistance; that makes up for a lot of the lost torque.

You'll probably need a lift kit, though if you're not up already... and the MT treads stick out farther from the body, be wary of clearances, particularly with the rear trailing arm.

Here's mine now, with 225/75-16 BFG ATs

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'86 Syncro CHC Top AAZ Turbodiesel
'04 Passat Variant 4Mo 5MT

Vanagon Build: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=466866&highlight=

[syncrodoka]

Be aware that MT tires suck in the rain and snow due to the large lugs and lack of siping. If the sticker shock of the tires is too much for you wait until you find out how much more in gas you will spend.