Kelly Safari TSR v. Goodyear Duratrac

[OlyWaFJ]

The other Kelly Safari TSR threads are closed so I'm bringing this topic up again.

My BFG KMs are done and need to be replaced asap (50k+ miles), I really want the Goodyear Duratrac's but I'm having a hard time justifying their price at $234 a piece when I can pickup these Kelly Safari TSR's for $177 each. Especially when I picked up my BFG KMs a couple years ago for $114 per tire!

I'm not finding a lot of long term info out there on these Kelly tires, seems there are more good than bad reviews though.

Goodyear own's Kelly and has for years so I'm assuming they are using the same core just slightly modified molds/rubber because the Duratrac tire bears the Severe Service Emblem denoting that it is suitable for use in severe winter conditions and the Safari TSR does not.

Tread patterns are pretty close.

Kelly Safari TSR

Goodyear Duratrac

I don't want to run true MTs again, I just don't wheel that hard up here in the NW to justify. So I'm looking for a good deal on an aggressive AT that will work good in the snow/ice, have ok road manners, don't care about noise, not a lot of rock wheeling or real sticky mud, at times lots of water/loose mud and the occasional root sticking out trying to puncture my sidewall.

Did I mention I hate buying tires...

 

[IanB]

They are very similar in construction, tread blocks/sipes are a bit different, no idea about the rubber compounds used. If you live where it snows, I'd go with the Duratrac as you can tell from looking at them there's differences that justify why they bear the severe winter rating and the Kelly's don't.

If you go with the Kelly's, make sure to report back on how they do in the snow/ice.

 

[OlyWaFJ]

Every couple years we get a good snowfall, last year we had about a week with 18+ inches, normally in Western Washington it is fairly mild so I don't need a great snow/ice tire just something better than an MT. The Goodyears are a known entity and really I'm squabbling over $200, which in the whole scheme of the life of a set of tires isn't too bad. It is killing me that I'm paying double what I did 3-4 years ago when I bought the BFGs, granted I got a steal on the KM's because the KM2's were just released and most tire shops had these on fire sale but still...

 

[mcgaskins]

For what it's worth, the local discount tire matched the lowest price I could find online for my Duratracs. Don't go off MSRP as there's a good bit of wiggle room on price. I think the first quote I got was roughly $300 a tire total with mounting, balancing and taxes. I ended up paying about $240 a tire with mounting, balancing, and taxes. I think if you can afford it the DTs are worth it - I've been very pleased on the trail and highway so far.

 

[arndog123]

Another vote for GY DT's. They're almost magical in the snow. My wife's 80 series has over 25K miles and still plenty of thread left on 'em. My only complaint is they don't make 37 inchers.

 

[OlyWaFJ]

Ended up buying a set of 265/70R17 General Grabber AT2's from tirerack for less than $700, no WA sales tax when buying from those guys. Saving some money on the tires will allow me to get my first new windshield for the FJC, you can only imagine how cracked it is being a 2007 with the original glass!

 

[Pin_Head]

So I'm looking for a good deal on an aggressive AT that will work good in the snow/ice, have ok road manners, don't care about noise, not a lot of rock wheeling or real sticky mud, at times lots of water/loose mud and the occasional root sticking out trying to puncture my sidewall.

Sounds like the GY MT/R would be better for your desires, especially if you encounter roots in your sidewalls. They are an aggressive AT or a more streetable MT. GY says that their sidewalls are 33% more puncture resistant than the DTs. Last year the price was only about $20 more than the DTs.

 

[davegonz]

How quiet are the Kelly TSR or DT's compared to BFG AT's?

 

[thatcabledude]

My buddy has the 35" TSR on his K5. He likes them a lot. I have 33" KM2s and I would say they are about the same loudness on the HWY. When my KM2s die I will be getting a set of 35" TSRs.

There is my 0.02.

 

[shinsain]

After a bit of research I chose the DuraTracs. I got four 33x12.5 15s mounted, balanced, out the door for $1000. Didn't seem like that big of a jump for me. I assume around $1000 for good truck tires when it's time to replace.

I have only had them a few weeks but I took them up in the snow here in the mountains (deep...over a foot, no tracks...) and they were amazing. As good as studless snow tires on my Subaru. No pavement wander, road noise isn't too bad either. Can't say about dirt/mud. Don't do much of that.

And come on...they look awesome.