Duratrac's a good compromise for everything? (4 Viewers)

[kbahus]

I am going to have to get some new tires for the new truck. I have been doing some reading and searching it seems like the Duratrac's are a good option for an all around tire. I would really like a tire that is daily driveable on the highway but can still go offroad and will have no problems this winter getting up to the resorts and backcountry ski areas. Is this the best option? can't decide on 265/75/16 or 285/75/16. I think I will most likely go with the 265 as I know the narrower tire should perform better on the snow/ice. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[7schulz]

That is what I'm going with in the 315 flavor.

 

[BirfMark]

I've got a set of 285's on my 80 if you want to check them out. I work up by JAX...

 

[kbahus]

Cool, I will do that. I pick up my new to me Cruiser on Sunday out of SLC. I will come by some time next week when I get free.

 

[BirfMark]

Sounds good, just let me know what day works for you - I don't usually drive it to work (live south of Greeley), but I'm always looking for an excuse. I've been really happy with the Duratrac's so far, but haven't had a chance to get them in snow or icy hardpack yet. Did a trip to Ouray a few weeks ago though, and didn't have a single issue.

 

[rgsiii]

I have 285's on one of my 80's. I previously ran Nitto Terra Grapplers on both.

I was very happy with the TG's and have gotten about 50K on each. I was wanting a more aggressive tire and was initially holding out for the Nitto Trail Grapplers to come out in a 285/75/16 size--it still may be months before that happens. I decided to go with the Duratrac's on one vehicle.

I have had them on for about 3K. I find them noisier than the TG's and they are somewhat heavier--enough on my '94 to slow it down a bit. The noise increase is not dreadfu. l The ride is not as smooth as a TG. On the third off road trip, I got a puncture in a sidewall (mercifully, I had the discount Tire warranty).

I find the Duratracs to be very good off road. They did a nice job in some mud and they did what was asked of them. I think they are a good compromise. The TG's on the road do better for me. In the mud, Duratracs are better. I have over 150K total miles on my TG's and have never had a flat.

 

[kbahus]

Interesting info on the comparison. I was also looking at the Terra Grapplers as the other option. For the most part I will be driving on the pavement and snow so maybe they are a better option. Birfmark, I will shoot you a pm when I know when I can make it over and check those tires out.

 

[dalma]

My 315 duratrac's will be installed on Saturday, can't wait to get them on. Will post pics after their on.

 

[Chef J]

I went with 285/75/16's and couldn't be happier. They track straight and true at 85MPH on the highway, are definitely noisier than the Michelins but quieter than the last set of BFG A/T's I had. In sand at 18PSI they did everything I asked of them and last weekend off road they performed without a hitch in some really sloppy conditions at 38PSI. I think they are a great compromise, they look good with an aggressive pattern and although I haven't had them in snow yet, their design is promising.

 

[kbahus]

Are you folks running the load range E version? I noticed in the 265/75/16 that they are available in E and C load ranges.

 

[Chef J]

I have E, I believe there is a D available as well

 

[Nay]

One thing to look at with the Duratracs is the siping is not very deep. I was having my tires rotated at Discount a couple weeks ago and saw a set of the Duratracs and was surprised how little of the tread depth was penetrated by the siping.

Something to think about if you are looking to get high mileage out of this type of tire without hitting a point where certain performance areas are likely to degrade substantially.

 

[Corbet]

Anybody stud a set yet for winter use. I'm planning to pull the trigger on a set of 315's as my winter tires tonight. But can't decide on the studs.

Sears has the best price right now on 315's by the way. $205.20 per tire.

 

[asutherland]

Anybody stud a set yet for winter use. I'm planning to pull the trigger on a set of 315's as my winter tires tonight. But can't decide on the studs.

Sears has the best price right now on 315's by the way. $205.20 per tire.

Wow... much better price than I got. So far I love my Duratracs

https://forum.ih8mud.com/ca-bc-vancouver-island-cruisers/409456-wheeling-lake-cowichan-19-creek.html

 

[Coguy]

Think I paid 1060 for my five balance and mounted. I only have about 300 miles on 'em, but I'm happy so far. I went with the 315/70's...

 

[BirfMark]

Ouch - best deal I could find on my 285 was like $1300, mounted & balanced for 5.

 

[northernrighty]

darwink runs them and has nothing bad to say. I'd say they are a winter/light wheeling tire, won't clear in the thick stuff.

 

[Corbet]

well now they are $216 per tire at Sears. Still the best I can find. just ordered mine from Summit Racing with a price match.

But sears has the 315/70r17 for $152 right now !!!!!!!!

 

[lrowe_csp]

I ran the Duratrac in a 285 16 size through the winter storms that paralyzed Washington DC and the east coast last winter, and they were absolutely unstoppable in the snow. Thye have been fine for on highway, and have done a couple of 700 mile trios with them without issue. They are louder than michelin's but not as bad as some.

 

[darwink1]

Frickin great in the snow and seem to stick to the rocks pretty wicked to boot.

Two thumbs up for an all rounder.

D