4RunnerTrail
New member
Lets hear some feedback please. Did everyone get Load E rating? I hear they can be squishy in C and float on highway lane changes...
Duratracs everyone liking theirs?
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SeattleMike
New member
I have them, 265/70/R17E. We took a trip from Seattle to Yellowstone NP, then down to Grand Tetons NP, then on to Glacier NP.
We drove through thunderstorms that turned the highways into streams, on dirt roads that went from mud holes to sand traps to moon craters to snow banks along a five mile stretch, along gravel roads with 50 mph speed limits, and the only thing that stopped us was a 100' tree that had fallen across the road and wedged itself in between other tree trunks. Traction was never an issue and I never had to air down.
We drove over 2000 miles around Yellowstone's Loop, I-90, US 93, US 2 and countless side roads, forest roads, and used-to-be-roads and I've gotten decent mileage at speed on the highway (21mpg fully loaded at 70mph) and great mileage in the parks (25 mpg unloaded at 45 mph) and they are wearing nicely at 44 psi. Fuel economy is not an issue and the only thing that will prevent me from buying another set is if they stop making them.
Do they track well and how is the on road handling? I'm curious how they handle on road as when compared to stock. I want a more aggressive tire and go off road frequently. I also take longer road trips and know from experience that I'll get tired of the tire if it does not do well on the highway.
SeattleMike
New member
I thought about it, but getting stuck would have meant a long walk back in the middle of bear country. I did resolve to make sure I have a chainsaw next time.
They track fine for me, even on windy drives. They aren't going to turn a truck into a sports car but I've never experienced the "floating" that people with stock tires on an SR5 complain about.
I'm curious where you heard that. I'm about to pull the trigger on these in a C load myself. The only thing I've read negative was concerns that a few people had that the sidewalls are soft - but I haven't read anything that says that its actually a problem as long as you're not driving a one ton pickup truck.
I hope to hear some more feedback here, especially on C versus E load rated.
Thanks.
danny4runner
New member
I have the C rated Duratrac's and love them! Rain, Snow, Heat, hwy/City all great! Today I ran over a screw but didn't puncture the tire because of the thick tread I Just pulled it out. 
Plus I like the option of being able to stud the tires for the winter although I didn't have to last winter because they kicked so much A** in the powder! The only thing that gets annoying with these tires is the sidewall grip after you spray Tire Wet on after a detail then drive, the Tire wet collects in the grip and get sprayed all over the side of the Runner when turning. After one lesson learned I now have to use a brush or sponge to spread out the stuff they let dry a little.
All in all I would buy again just wish I would have got the 285's!
Plus I like the option of being able to stud the tires for the winter although I didn't have to last winter because they kicked so much A** in the powder! The only thing that gets annoying with these tires is the sidewall grip after you spray Tire Wet on after a detail then drive, the Tire wet collects in the grip and get sprayed all over the side of the Runner when turning. After one lesson learned I now have to use a brush or sponge to spread out the stuff they let dry a little. All in all I would buy again just wish I would have got the 285's!
That's great to hear, especially about the highway and snow (I'm in CO too and that's important for me). Have you been off road with them yet? How did they do in the rocks?
danny4runner
New member
I haven't done much "off roading" as far as 'Rock crawling' but for trail riding they have been great grabbing the rocks that are imbedded in the trail. Now I'm not talking about Boulders here lol just like basketball size or maybe 2-3 basketball size rocks put together. I have done some steep inclines on loose rock and dirt with ease!
Good to hear. Any problems with the sidewalls getting gouged or chipping of the rubber anywhere?
thanks.
danny4runner
New member
JB.
New member
Drive the same conditions he mentioned (45mph, 44psi) and you'll be way over 20mpg.
Ryan_S
New member
I have stock sized, E rated. The last tank was 20.2 MPG, half highway (73mph), half to work (stop and go 20-75 mph).
I think they handle great, they don't feel like they have as large of a sidewall as they do. Not squishy or flexy at all.
When I had them installed the tire guy was telling me that the C and E range are actually made out of different rubber compounds, in addition to the extra plys. The E range have a harder, longer wearing compound. Take that FWIW.
I think they handle great, they don't feel like they have as large of a sidewall as they do. Not squishy or flexy at all.
When I had them installed the tire guy was telling me that the C and E range are actually made out of different rubber compounds, in addition to the extra plys. The E range have a harder, longer wearing compound. Take that FWIW.
CJ3Flyr
Super Moderator
What pressure?
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
I'd like to see that in print since that sounds like salesman talk more than fact.
The problem is where to find any real facts. The Goodyear web site says very little about the construction of these tires, so I called Goodyear to ask about them - like how many plys in the sidewalls. The rep at Goodyear told me to go to a tire shop and read what it says on the side of the tire and that they didn't have any other information in front of them other than available sizes. :redbrick: Unbelievable. I'm still likely to go ahead and get these C rated.
