Blackhawk’s new Ridgecrawler R/T is a highly appealing option for the on-off-road consumer.

One automotive trend that’s become increasingly popular in North America over the last decade is Overlanding.

Essentially a form of self-reliant wilderness exploration, where enthusiasts frequently used motorized transport, to journey to and camp at remote areas (often for extended periods), it tends to encompass a wide variety of terrain, from roads (paved and unpaved) to mud and rocky off-road trails. And even though many consumers might not frequently partake in such activities, or even might just want to experience exploring the wilderness for a full day or a weekend, having a vehicle and a set of tires that can handle such a wide range of driving conditions becomes exceedingly important.

Growing segment

That’s why Rugged-Terrain (R/T) tires have grown in popularity over the last few years. Offering a combination of All-Terrain and Mud-Terrain features, R/T tires are designed to dissipate mud and debris, while at the same time provide superior traction on slippery surfaces, including rain and snow. For consumers looking for a product that offers a balance of solid on and off-road capability, R/T tires in today’s marketplace are highly appealing.

It’s one reason why Sailun Tire Americas (STA), through its Blackhawk brand, has introduced the Ridgecrawler R/T.

“The R/T segment is an up and coming one that we have not participated in before,” explains Jamie McIntyre, Senior Vice President, Sales, Canada and Product Development North America for Sailun Tire Americas. So, when STA and specifically, its Blackhawk brand, looked to enter the segment, it wanted to ensure it had a tire that offered superior performance, versatility and value.

The result is the Blackhawk Ridgecrawler R/T. Currently offered in 40 different sizes, from 16-inch all the way up to 22-inch diameter versions, the Ridgecrawler R/T is designed for consumers that own light trucks and SUVs and want to use them for off-roading, but at the same time also need to drive their vehicles every day. “They don’t want something that is extreme, but something that’s a little more aggressive than a typical All-Terrain tire and not as aggressive as an M/T tire,” says McIntyre.

3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification

Another feature that’s likely to appeal to consumers, particularly those in Canada and northern U.S. states is the Ridgecrawler R/T’s 3PMS certification. Having a tire that’s been tested and approved for use under snow and winter conditions, adds further versatility, boosting its overall appeal in the marketplace, an important consideration for tire retailers and their customers. Additionally, says McIntyre the light truck versions of the Ridgecrawler R/T are also pinned for studs, adding further capability for those located in cold, and mountainous regions where studs are permitted.

Yet it’s where the rubber itself meets the road and the rocks, that determines a tire’s true capability and Autosphere was invited to put the Ridgecrawler R/T through its paces.

The location was the Nevada desert in August (where temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit on a regular basis), and the vehicle was Ford’s popular Bronco 4×4.

As part of its marketing campaign to show what the Bronco can do, Ford has created a series of Bronco Off-Roadeo events across the U.S. At these, consumers are invited to put the vehicle through its paces on a variety of trails and road conditions, and for our test, the Off-Roadeo represented a perfect starting point.

Our test Bronco was an Everglades Edition, powered by the 2.3-litre, four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, with the 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, advanced 4×4 system with locking rear differential and seven different G.O.A.T (Goes Over Any Terrain) modes.

Challenging terrain

The trails in and around the Mt. Potosi Bronco Off-Roadeo site, offer some spectacular vistas, as well as challenging terrain to navigate. In four-wheel high range, we found the combination of the Bronco and Ridgecrawler R/T was highly effective on gravel roads, especially when it came to steeper grades. The tire has an optimized wide footprint tread design, and this provides excellent bite, particularly on loose surfaces and steeper inclines where superior traction and delicate throttle input are essential to prevent excessive slippage, as well as minimize the risk of getting stuck.

When negotiating more rugged terrain, the combination of the Ridgecrawler R/T’s tread design, sturdy sidewall lugs and the Bronco’s 4×4 and G.O.A.T. system results in a tire and vehicle that’s essentially ready to tackle anything. Select four-wheel drive low range and adjust the G.O.A.T. dial to Mud/Ruts and the Bronco goes where you point it. Whether it was negotiating bigger boulders, slippery rocks at the bottom of dry riverbeds and small gulleys on the trail where lesser vehicles and tires could easily get stuck, the Ridgecrawler R/T and Bronco consistently demonstrated their ability to just carry on and get the job done.

While many of those who purchase the Ridgecrawler R/T aren’t likely to put their tires through these kinds of scenarios, it was both fascinating and awe-inspiring to see just how capable this tire, in combination with a modern 4×4 can be.

Solid backing

Other key aspects of the Ridgecrawler R/T are a 72,000 km/60-month warranty, a five-year manufacturer warranty against defects, plus a Road Hazard Warranty for the first 3/32nds of tire wear or two years from initial purchase. These, combined with a competitive price point are likely to further enhance the appeal of this tire among consumers. Another is STA’s partnership with OK Tire, which sees Blackhawk products distributed exclusively through OK Tire’s more than 300 locations across Canada.  

 “[Ok Tire] is a great Canadian brand that serves customers from coast-to-coast,” explains McIntyre “and partnering with them has resulted in a fantastic relationship.” He notes that if Blackhawk can build it, OK Tire will stock it, resulting in a solution that’s highly efficient in meeting the size, capability and market demands of customers. And, when you factor in the capability and value that tires like the Ridgecrawler R/T bring to the table, the result is a win for the manufacturer, for the distributor, for the retailer and for the customer.