Like some of you, I love the Duratracs. Like some of you, at about half tread they got louder. Enough to give me a headache sometimes.
I have run a lot of different tires on a lot of different 4WD vehicles. One was a Ram diesel (forgive me) so the weight thing was not an issue LOL. Before the 4R I had a 12' Tundra. After nearly crashing is 4" of snow in a turn, it got Duratracs too.
Not only is the 4R superior for my driving style and location in the snow it is by far the best 4WD vehicle I have ever owned. Must be the weight distribution or something. The Tundra had a cap too. My driveways are so steep that an inch of snow or less will keep any front wheel drive car at the bottom. Even trying to go up backwards (can't believe I fell for that one).
Now, after about 49k miles and still (like I said) about half the tread, it is time. Not only are they louder, but even at 32 psi they break traction in the rain at nearly every stop light. Yes, I do drive spirited as they say. Yes, I do have a lead foot. But in the beginning, I had to work to get them to break. Now, not a problem. Nannies light up all the time and smack my wrist. I can feel some breaking too in the lateral traction department on tight curves at highway speeds. By tight I mean 40 mph max curves (dry). And at highway speeds I mean 50 - 60 mph.
I think (this is mainly directed to the OP) it has a lot to do with the type of snow you get where you live and not so much what I tell you about my tires or driving habits. All my snow driving is on asphalt. I live in the country, in Maryland, but in the northern region and our snow is mostly wet. The BFGs I used to run, man, those tires would load up so bad they were slicks. Yes, I knew how to spin it out, trust me. But for safety reason you may want to go slow sometimes. Sometimes... Our snow is like silica sometimes and slippery than anything I've ever seen. We rarely get dry snows. I think this matters immensely.
So for me, from my experience, even with only getting about 48k miles on them (cause' they aint cheap so it stings) I am sticking with the Duratracs unless someone can sell me on something that is a Hybrid MT/AT with as many sipes and tread depth and groove width.
Oh, and I have a vanity issue. I like aggressive looking tires. I never go on any trails with my trail. Not until it is paid for. I do off road but it is always a controlled situation. Nothing crazy like some guys do.
Oh, I have towed too. At the limit. But both trailers are tandem axle. That helps a little.
I would like to think that there is a better tire now than there was 3 years ago. My cousin has a 2015 4R, and last year got the new BFGs. They look cool, aggressive enough, but for me, the tread looks the same as the older models so I am scared. I need something I know and trust.
I would love to try something that looks good and gets more than 45k miles on it. I have even considered going the other route since I never hard core off-road and going with a Nitto or something with longer tread life. Something more higher snow than off-road rated. Maybe even something with a shorter sidewall and maybe more diameter. I like the 4R wheels but would maybe like a 18" or 19" if possible. I don't mind a +1 if I have too, cause I don't care about the speedo being off. The computer will adjust on that in 2 or 3 tanks of gas. +2 and you might have some issues. I also don't mind lifting a little but I don't want spacers at all.
So like the OP, except for his specific comparison request, what is out there that is better than the Duratrac in wet, heavy, slushy, slippery snow (and even some ice, (which the Duratracs are amazing on) or clay based mud, that will last longer and look as Bad Arse?
Oh, and up by me, the Duratracs are not only on 4Rs. I see them on everything including Jeeps. That should say something too. Location Location Location. It's all about your type of snow..........
I have a friend in NM and he swears by the Mich LT/X on everything he has owned. But his snow is mostly dry and never that icy.....too tame for me....
Rob
