Duratecs vs. Wrangler SA in the snow?

RyanC

RyanC

New member
I'm in the process of purchasing a new Silver Trail Edition and am trying to decide what I want to replace the stock tires with.

Based on all of the posts (and pictures) I've read here I have narrowed it down to either the Duratec or the Wrangler SAs. I live up in the mountains of Colorado so will not only be taking it off road but will be spending a significant amount of time driving in the snow. On past cars I would put on dedicated snow tires in the winter (Hakkapelita's - awesome tires) but with the 4Runner I'm looking to get a tire that will get me through everything.

Can I get some perspective from you guys on how these two tires handle in the snow? My driving will probably be ~80% pavement (snow in winter) and ~20% off road so I'm thinking the SA might be the more appropriate tire. That being said, I really like the look of the Duratecs and am curious as to how much snow traction I might be giving up going that way.

Thanks for the help!
 
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I had Wrangler SA's on my '07 FJC and they performed terrific in the bad snowstorm we had here in Dec of '08. When we get snow on the valley floor here in Oregon it seems to always be accompanied by ice under the snow on the roads. Other 4x4's were slipping and sliding and the Wrangler SA kept me going in a straight line, when I wasn't dodging other drivers. I purchased my '10 T4R TE about a month ago and had Wrangler SA's on it before it had 200 miles. I had the FJC in Moab in '08 and the tires did the job on the less challenging trails I chose to run. How they work on serious off-road? I don't have a clue.
 
Goodyear's site rates the SA and the Duratrac at 10 for snow traction, and 9 and 8 respectively for dry and wet traction. The SA's will be quieter. I chose E-rated Duratracs and I love them.
 
SeattleMike said:
Goodyear's site rates the SA and the Duratrac at 10 for snow traction, and 9 and 8 respectively for dry and wet traction. The SA's will be quieter. I chose E-rated Duratracs and I love them.
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Thanks to you and SandCrawler I have chosen them as well. Have them on hold and I just have to get by to have them mounted. I'm hoping the new rubber will draw my eyes away from the chipped paint and door ding that happened on the 4th day of ownership in a mammoth wide spot here at my office. Heading over to the dealer in a few to pick up my touch up Mag Grey.
 
Snow wasn't an issue with my Duratracs this last winter and was impressed with them and their dry and wet pavement manners have been very good for an A/T tire and off road they've been handling dirt and rocks just fine.
 
I would think about BFG AT's, I know you said you don't go offroad very much but these tires look good and work great on ice. I had them and spent a winter season in Steamboat Springs, CO (alot of snow) and I swear they were like velcro. I do have the V8 so it is all time 4wd, which probably helped a lot but the tires were great and they last forever!
 
sandcrawler said:
hope you like 'em! :hatsoff:
nearing 5k miles with mine and no complaints — lots of compliments, however.:nerd:
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Thanks mate. I have to thank Harper as well, who was very kind to reply to a PM I sent with a few questions.

Ron I have caught your Duratrac props as well. Love your avatar and have that T-shirt, tomorrow I'll pick up The Final Frontier.
 
Thanks for the feedback guys. I've decided to go for the Duratracs - if we have a particularly bad winter this year I can always stud them if need be. Although based on what I've read I doubt I'll need to do that.

I've noticed that most of you have gone with the E rated tires - anyone go with the non-E rated tires? Or more importantly, anyone go with the non-E rated tires that would recommend that path instead?
 
RyanC said:
Thanks for the feedback guys. I've decided to go for the Duratracs - if we have a particularly bad winter this year I can always stud them if need be. Although based on what I've read I doubt I'll need to do that.

I've noticed that most of you have gone with the E rated tires - anyone go with the non-E rated tires? Or more importantly, anyone go with the non-E rated tires that would recommend that path instead?
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Well I just went E yesterday and after only 35 miles (half highway and the rest some city work today) or so I do not feel I made a mistake in any way. The truck, myself, and my sliders alone will always have me over 5000lbs., and with the family and gear for camping will be well over. I thank the other members who steered me to the E.
 
A bit late on the reply but went with the Duratracs and after driving with them for the past week (including some off road) I couldn't be happier.

Thanks for the advice!
 

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Autbond said:
I would think about BFG AT's, I know you said you don't go offroad very much but these tires look good and work great on ice. I had them and spent a winter season in Steamboat Springs, CO (alot of snow) and I swear they were like velcro. I do have the V8 so it is all time 4wd, which probably helped a lot but the tires were great and they last forever!
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I would second this as the BFG's are one of the few all seasons that get the snowflake symbol indicating severe snow usage. They also drive well on highway and aren't too noisy.

As for the OPs question, the Wrangler SAs are really good. Other option worth considering is the Michellin LTX M/S 2 tires.
 
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453030 said:
Thanks to you and SandCrawler I have chosen them as well. Have them on hold and I just have to get by to have them mounted. I'm hoping the new rubber will draw my eyes away from the chipped paint and door ding that happened on the 4th day of ownership in a mammoth wide spot here at my office. Heading over to the dealer in a few to pick up my touch up Mag Grey.
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Off topic here, but do you still have the ding? If so, look into paintless dent repair. It will probably only cost $50-$80 to repair the ding and you won't be able to tell that it ever happened.
 
RyanC said:
Thanks for the feedback guys. I've decided to go for the Duratracs - if we have a particularly bad winter this year I can always stud them if need be. Although based on what I've read I doubt I'll need to do that.

I've noticed that most of you have gone with the E rated tires - anyone go with the non-E rated tires? Or more importantly, anyone go with the non-E rated tires that would recommend that path instead?
Click to expand...

Just so you know, once you have driven a pinned-for-stud tire without studs, you cannot go back and stud them later.
 
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