Needs vs wants

Jono.ful

Jono.ful

New member
So, my in-laws own a tire shop. This past fall, I was poking around the shop and came across (what I remember being) a new set of 285/70/17 Duratrac's. Talking to my father-in-law a couple days later, he said I cold have them free of charge. We live in another city and didn't have to room to take them home then, so I suggested I'd have them shipped out in the spring when I took my winter rubber off. Well, they arrived on my door today, but it turns out they are D-range LT285/70/17 Wrangler Silent Armor's, and not Duratrac's.
I drive mostly highways, but like to get dirty when ever I can. The Silent Armor is pretty aggressive for an AT, but won't perform as well in the mud as the Duratrac and definitely don't look as good.
Locally, the Silent Armor goes for about $350 and the Duratrac is about $330 per tire. So, my questions is: do I flip the Silent Armors for as close to retail as I can and pick up the Duratracs, or just keep 'em?
 
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I remember when I was planning my lift and tires I spent a lot of time reading reviews on a bunch of different tires and the Silent Armour was one of them. From what I can recall the SA got better sidewall puncture resistance and highway ratings than the Duratracs, but they rated pretty low for off road traction in comparison. And I agree, the Duratracs are a much better looking tire. Flip em if you can. You're in big truck country so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding takers.
 
I guess the first question I would ask myself is how important are aesthetics? If you care about the looks, I'd probably stop right there and sell them while they are new and buy the duratracs. Let's face it, the silent armors are pretty subtle in the looks department, and well you need to look at them every single time you get in and out of the car right?

On the other hand if you are more concerned about the overall performance/comfort it sounds like the silent armors would probably serve you just fine 90% of the time. And from what I've read they are pretty quiet too.

Decisions decisions....:)
 
I've got calls into a couple shops around town to see if I can work a straight trade for the duratrac's. if that doesn't go through, I think I'll probably try to flip the silent armors.
 
Another vote to flip them...I am primarily highway myself and love the Duratracs. I am sure the silent armors are a great tire as most of the reviews I have read state that. They just weren't quite aggressive enough for me. If I was going to spend the money in an investment that would last me 3+ years, I wanted something more drastic. Your situation is a bit different because you got them for free...but I vote to flip them and spend the couple hundred you will most likely need to throw in for the Duratracs. They do humm ever so slightly, but the traction for an AT tire I would argue can't be beaten.
 
Seriously? What a bunch of horsesh!t advice. Of course I say this as I see nothing about discussing this VERY generous gift with your FIL. Have you at least had the courtesy of asking him?
 
I can picture the conversation with the Father in Law now....

"Hey! Wait a minute! Those aren't the 4 brand new (expensive) all terrain tires I shipped you for Free!? WTF!?"

:snacker:
 
philsey said:
Seriously? What a bunch of horsesh!t advice. Of course I say this as I see nothing about discussing this VERY generous gift with your FIL. Have you at least had the courtesy of asking him?
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I've offered both cash and barter, the man wanted neither. Also, I'm sure he acquired them in a trade of some kind himself since Goodyear isn't one of their usual brands.

EDIT: actually, I really wanted a set of Toyo M/T's, but I was told they wear poorly/quickly.
 
I'm with Philsey, on this. If my father in law gave me expensive tires I'd run them and just replace them when needed. The point in hand is that he was very generous giving them to you for free and shipping them.
 
lilsid112 said:
I'm with Philsey, on this. If my father in law gave me expensive tires I'd run them and just replace them when needed. The point in hand is that he was very generous giving them to you for free and shipping them.
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#Agree or sell with his approval.
 
Without knowing the dynamic of the relationship, its a little judgemental to get down on me for wanting to sell them so that I can get something I feel is more suitable, especially since the silent armors didn't cost him anything either. And for the record, the tires shipped on my ups account. </rant>
 
Jono.ful said:
Without knowing the dynamic of the relationship, its a little judgemental to get down on me for wanting to sell them so that I can get something I feel is more suitable, especially since the silent armors didn't cost him anything either. And for the record, the tires shipped on my ups account. </rant>
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Sorry for harshing you, but you made none of these conditions clear in your OP.

Actually, I was criticizing the advice you were getting, more than anything. But, that's what happens when you ask advice of a Forum, especially when /ahem/ someone had consumed several Guinnesses. yum yum.
 
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It sounds like you've already made up your mind about the duratracs since you want a more aggressive looking tire.
 
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