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Last updated 11/19/2024 - Originally published 11/19/2024
Written by SimpleTire
A sub-brand of the California-based Turbo Wholesale Tires, LLC, Rolling Big Power (RBP) is slowly gaining popularity among off-road aficionados wanting a decent mud terrain tire at affordable prices. While working its way to being in the reliable off-road tire manufacturer’s club in the USA, RBP has to encounter Nitto Tire, another formidable player in the same space, today or tomorrow. The Toyo Tire subsidiary, Nitto has earned the reputation of a great mud-terrain tire maker that offers long-term reliability and solid off-road performance. For today’s comparison, we have the Repulsor M/T RX from RBP and Trail Grappler M/T from Nitto. Read on to know their face-off story!
Designed for 4x4s, Jeeps, pickup trucks, and SUVs, the RBP Repulsor M/T RX and Nitto Trail Grappler M/T offer great traction, durability, stability, control, and longevity on slippery and swampy terrains thanks to their aggressive tread patterns and high void ratios. Packed with sturdy carcasses and special rubber compounds, they resist cuts, chips, punctures, and snags for a decent tread life. So, which of one of the two is a better option? Let’s compare RBP Repulsor M/T RX vs. Nitto Trail Grappler M/T, based on our proprietary SimpleScore and find out which of these mud terrain tires perform better.
RBP Repulsor M/T RX tires
Engineered for 4x4s, Jeeps, SUVs, and pickup trucks, the RBP Repulsor M/T RX features wide grooves, large, staggered tread blocks, and an open shoulder pattern that allows increased grip and traction on loose and soft surfaces. These wide grooves and open shoulder blocks help clear water, mud, and dirt from the tread for consistent traction and grip in loose dirt and deep mud. Meanwhile, the upper sidewall design of the Repulsor M/T RX returns optimum performance on rough roads. RBP claims that the mud-terrain tire not only offers great off-road performance but also reduces noise and vibration levels on paved roads for you to enjoy a comfortable ride quality. With sizes ranging from 17 to 24 inches, the RBP Repulsor M/T RX is suitable for most trucks plying on the roads.
Scoring a fine 7.9, the RBP mud-terrain tire promises adequate grip, traction, durability, and control, whether on or off the road.
Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires
Nitto is a brand that was first introduced in 1968 and has been in the market far longer than RBP. Hailing from the famous Trail Grappler series, the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T is an ideal match for pickup trucks and SUVs wanting to explore roads less traveled. While the balanced tread void ratio helps in the quick removal of dirt, mud, and water and boosts traction, the advanced rubber compound resists cuts and chips for increased durability. To boost the aesthetics, the Trail Grappler M/T comes with two sidewall designs – you can choose the one you like. While the 3-ply sidewall construction provides extra strength and durability, the optimized tread design reduces noise and vibration levels on different terrains thanks to the integrated advanced sound analysis equipment. With a wide range of tire sizes extending from 17 to 26 inches, the Nitto tire covers almost all the truck sizes available.
Boasting an 8.6 out of 10, the Trail Grappler M/T provides great off-road performance with improved traction, durability, and service life.
RBP Repulsor M/T RX vs Nitto Trail Grappler M/T on traction
Traction is defined as the ability of a tire to grip the surface without skidding. The whole game in mud-terrain tires is about the grip, and that’s why they came into existence! The Repulsor M/T RX and Trail Grappler M/T promise increased traction; let’s see their scores.
With a 7.5 traction score, the RBP Repulsor M/T RX features an open-shoulder design and wide grooves that boost surface traction in deep mud and loose dirt. The directional tread pattern, in combination with large block elements, aids in returning increased grip and traction.
The Nitto mud-terrain tire scores 8.3 thanks to its well-balanced tread void ratio that helps in the removal of dirt, mud, and debris trapped within the tread for consistent off-road grip and traction. Moreover, its tread pattern features a solid sidewall design and large tread elements to boost stability and grip in challenging conditions.
With a better traction score, the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T grabs the traction section.
ADVANTAGE: Nitto Trail Grappler M/T
RBP Repulsor M/T RX vs Nitto Trail Grappler M/T on durability
The durability of a tire is put to a real test on off-roads where you can encounter any obstacle; it could be a rock or a sharp wood block. Time to see how safe they’re off the beaten path.
Improving its score to 7.8, the RBP Repulsor M/T RX features wraparound lugs with stepped sides that enhance block rigidity and aid in reducing stone retention for increased durability.
With an 8.5 durability score, the Trail Grappler M/T’s solid sidewall design also helps in maintaining tire shape during sudden bumps.
The RBP Repulsor M/T RX ‘repulses’ win and loses the durability battle to the Nitto.
ADVANTAGE: Nitto Trail Grappler M/T
RBP Repulsor M/T RX vs Nitto Trail Grappler M/T on longevity
Longevity plays a crucial role in the tire selection process. However, mud-terrain tires usually do not last long and do not come with a limited manufacturer warranty.
The RBP tire utilizes special rubber compounds and a reinforced carcass to deliver fantastic longevity, scoring 8.6 out of 10. The cut- and chip-resistant rubber compound ensures the tire lasts long while giving optimum performance.
On the other hand, the Trail Grappler M/T scores 8.3, falling short of the RBP. Featuring a 3-ply sidewall construction with an advanced rubber compound, the Nitto tire resists uneven wear due to cuts, chips, and snags and delivers uniform tread wear, along with a longer service life.
Finally, the RBP Repulsor M/T RX got to taste a win as it pins the Nitto in the longevity department.
ADVANTAGE: RBP Repulsor M/T RX
When to use each
Mud-terrain tires feature large blocks and a high tread-to-void ratio to flush mud, water, and dirt quickly and reinstate grip and traction on challenging terrains. They come with aggressive tread patterns and reinforced construction to limit damage while crossing rough terrains. Lastly, they can be used on paved roads as well, however, they are noisy and vibrate at high speed as they are primarily meant to run on off-road terrains.
If you travel mostly on highways with occasional off-road trails, you should go for the all-terrain tires as they come with reinforced carcass and optimized tread pattern for comfortable ride on smooth roads while offering decent performance on rough terrains.
Which one should you choose?
To conclude, the mud-terrain tire battle with respect to traction, durability, and longevity is won 2-1 by Nitto Trail Grappler M/T. While the Nitto shines in traction and durability, the RBP takes the cake for longevity. So, if you’re looking for superior traction and durability between the two tires, the Trail Grappler M/T is your bet. However, for folks wanting their tires to last long, the RBP Repulsor M/T RX is the choice. Let’s have a look at their prices to decide which one you should go for.
Comparing the prices for the LT265/75R16 tire size, the RBP Repulsor M/T RX costs around $169 per tire while four such tires cost $676. Similarly, the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T costs about $290 per tire, with four costing $1160 (a difference of $484).
Based on SimpleScore, you can choose the RBP Repulsor MT RX if you:
- Drive vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Jeep Wrangler, and Ford F-250
- Want a long-lasting tire (8.6 vs 8.3)
- Want a highly affordable mud-terrain tire
You can go for the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T if you:
- Drive vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot, and Dodge RAM 2500
- Want a durable tire (8.4 vs. 7.5)
- Prefer a high-traction mud-terrain tire (8.6 vs 7.8)
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents will be more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.