When it comes to the 2024 Toyota Tundra Trd Pro, enthusiasts know that every detail is crafted for peak performance, especially when venturing off the beaten path. Tires are no exception, and the 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro comes equipped with Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires. However, there’s more to these tires than meets the eye, particularly when comparing them to aftermarket options and even other Tundra trims.
Let’s delve into the specifics of the Wildpeak AT3W tires on the 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro and understand how they differ from both the optional tires on non-TRD Pro Tundras and the aftermarket Wildpeak AT3W tires available to consumers.
For those opting for a non-TRD Pro Tundra model, there’s an available upgrade to 20-inch all-terrain tires. These tires are also Falken Wildpeak AT3Ws, but designated as “AT3WA.” This subtle difference in nomenclature signifies a key distinction: these are Original Equipment (OE) specification tires. OE tires are designed in close collaboration with vehicle manufacturers like Toyota to meet very specific criteria. These criteria often include balancing factors such as acceptable noise levels, ride comfort, handling responsiveness, rolling resistance (which directly impacts fuel economy), tire weight, and overall performance characteristics tailored to the vehicle.
Unlike aftermarket tires, which are designed for a broader range of vehicles and prioritize different performance aspects, OE spec tires are fine-tuned to the exact vehicle they are installed on straight from the factory. In the case of the 20-inch Wildpeak AT3WA optional tires for non-TRD Pro Tundras, this OE specification translates to a less aggressive tread pattern compared to the standard aftermarket Wildpeak AT3W. Furthermore, to meet Toyota’s stringent requirements, these OE spec Wildpeaks often incorporate a shallower tread depth and a softer rubber compound. These adjustments are made to optimize for the aforementioned criteria like noise reduction and rolling resistance, which are crucial for fuel efficiency and on-road comfort.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro‘s standard tire: the 18-inch Wildpeak AT3W. These tires are also based on the popular aftermarket Wildpeak AT3W model, sharing the same fundamental tread design that has garnered praise for its off-road capability and on-road manners. However, mirroring the 20-inch AT3WA situation, the 18-inch Wildpeak AT3W tires on the 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro are also OE specification. This means that even these TRD Pro tires have undergone modifications to meet Toyota’s specific performance and comfort targets. Similar to the 20-inch OE spec tires, the 18-inch Wildpeak AT3W on the TRD Pro may also feature a reduced tread depth and a tweaked compound compared to their aftermarket counterparts.
For Tundra owners considering tire replacements or upgrades, understanding these OE differences is crucial. If you were to purchase aftermarket Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires, whether in a Light Truck (LT) size or a standard non-LT size, you would be getting tires with a more substantial tread depth right out of the box. Aftermarket versions are also typically 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rated, signifying severe snow service capability, a feature that may or may not be present on the OE spec versions depending on Toyota’s specific requirements and testing.
Finally, it’s worth noting an important point regarding tire wear on the Toyota Tundra, which has been discussed in online forums and owner groups. Reports suggest that Toyota’s factory alignment specifications for the Tundra include a degree of positive camber in the front suspension. Positive camber, where the top of the tire tilts outward away from the vehicle, can sometimes contribute to increased wear on the outer shoulder of the tires. This is something to be mindful of, especially when considering tire rotations and overall tire longevity on your 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro or any Tundra model.
In conclusion, while the 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro boasts Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires that are visually similar to the highly regarded aftermarket version, they are indeed distinct OE specification tires. These OE tires, along with the optional 20-inch Wildpeak AT3WA on other Tundra trims, are engineered with specific adjustments in tread depth and compound to meet Toyota’s comprehensive performance, comfort, and efficiency targets. For owners seeking maximum tread life and potentially more aggressive off-road performance, exploring the aftermarket Wildpeak AT3W options might be a worthwhile consideration when replacement time arrives, keeping in mind potential alignment factors that could influence tire wear.