Time for new A/T tires. Brand? Load rating?

[wadle5]

Was personally leaning towards Duratracs in 255/75, but heard a couple complaints about weak sidewalls. Anybody else have an issue with the Duratrac


I was going to get the BFG KO2, but not offered in the size I wanted

What is making you go to that size. Was researching that size, but am now seeing more options in the 255/70 size? Just wondering your thoughts

 

[NinjaOne]

What is making you go to that size. Was researching that size, but am now seeing more options in the 255/70 size? Just wondering your thoughts

Based on my research, I wanted the advantages of a taller tire w/out the impact on MPG and acceleration. The narrower tire is also supposed to be good with snow and hydroplaning. Suspension should also be more responsive as has less weight to deal with.


Downside would be sand etc where you need the "flotation" that a wider tire can provide.

EDIT: Kinda pointless for a mall crawler, but hey... (Need to change that)

 

[wadle5]

Based on my research, I wanted the advantages of a taller tire w/out the impact on MPG and acceleration. The narrower tire is also supposed to be good with snow and hydroplaning. Suspension should also be more responsive as has less weight to deal with.


Downside would be sand etc where you need the "flotation" that a wider tire can provide.

EDIT: Kinda pointless for a mall crawler, but hey... (Need to change that)

True, fortunately I only got stuck in sand once with the 265/70 but that was user error/i mean stupidity. Luckily Tredz got me out of that situation.

 

[JB.]

The only 2 tires I am considering as replacements are the BFG KO2 and Good year Duratrac
So I think I would like to stay with P. Or is it really a "big deal" to go to C rated tires?
If I could get the KO2 in a P, I'd probably get them as the reviews seem to conclude that they are quieter on the highway, and I like the look of them a bit more....Leaning towards the Duratracs in P265/70/17

Since you've narrowed it down to two tires, you've already done most of the work. Duratrac in P seems a perfectly reasonable choice. I never considered Duratrac because the LT version seems to have no cap ply contruction (beefs up belt/tread separation resistance). Not claiming it's a huge deal, but it just seems odd to me for a modern tire to have omitted this simple, proven construction. I haven't looked into whether the P version has it (I'd guess yes) but that would matter to me, personally, and I would have to know before I bought it. I hesitate to even mention it, though, as there have been a ton of Duratracs sold and I'm aware of no separation reports so just consider that an explanation of why I didn't consider Duratrac. It probably shouldn't impact your choice.

I got the KO2 because of the claimed large increase in gravel abrasion resistance (I live in the desert). Depending on how true that claim is, I would also expect that attribute to have some compromising effect on snow and wet but that's just a guess. I can say I was surprised how quiet they are.

I was under the impression that more plys = more puncture resistance but the staff member told me that this is FALSE and more pls only = more load carrying capacity.

These days, it's ply rating rather than the number of plies, but the answer is kind of in the middle. Load ranges are about containing air pressure in service. With more air pressure and more load, naturally the tire needs to be built stronger but it takes surprisingly little extra sidewall cord to bump the strength up to the necessary levels. So, in terms of cord strength only, LT sidewalls have more puncture resistance but perhaps not as much as many think. Rubber thickness plays a big role in puncture resistance and that attribute is not consistent across brands and load ranges.

Perhaps I'll go to my local tire shop and ask to see a P and C in the Duratrac.

That's a good idea. Typically, there would be a difference in tread depth and perhaps a difference in tread aggressiveness as well. Nothing like seeing the tire first hand.

 

[JB.]

I know JB recently swapped Revo 2s out for BFG KO2s so perhaps he can chime in with a comparison.

For the record, it had nothing to do with any dissatisfaction with the Revo.

I still like them for all the same reasons. I cut a piece out of the sidewall and will eventually follow-up the sidewall comparison in the Revo thread after the holidays.

 

[collierunner]

Michelin AT/2

I know that maybe the Michelin isn't on your radar, but I recently picked up a set. I found them dirt cheap on Craigslist from a guy who just bought a TRD Pro Tundra (he thought they were too soccer car looking and he wanted a bigger tire). The 32in Michelins fit great, no rubbing. The traction is amazing both on all the fresh snow on Mt. Hood and in all the rain we been getting in the PNW. They replaced Discovery H/T's which were down right scary. Worth keeping in eye out for a set.

 

[Mushroom_Cap]

Wow, some good info in the replies since I last logged on. Extra thanks to JB.

Just curious JB, what psi are you running in your C rated KO2s? I am guessing around 45psi for daily driving? And how do you find the ride? Would you like to hazard a guess how the ride compared to a similar tire in P load rating? Or the KO2 in a slightly different size that comes in P?

Also JB, this "cap ply construction" you are talking about. Honestly I have no idea what this means. If you find out can you please post it on this thread? And if I get a chance to hit up a tire shop before you write a reply, and I find out, I'll post it on here.

From what I've learned so far seems the P rated are the way to go for me. I don't need the load carrying ability above P (C, D, E). Yes by and large LT are "tougher" than Ps, but as JB pointed out rubber thickness plays a big role too, and this is not = across diff brands.

I have had no issues with the P rated Cooper AT3 over 50k miles in, and given the duratrac is likely a "better" tire I suspect I will not have any issues running this tire off-road.

Heavily leaning towards the Duratrac Ps over KO2 Cs.

Thanks a lot for the info guys. Of course I still welcome any additional opinions/feedback.

 

[dirt hooker]

i have the E load duratracs on my '03 and they have been exceptional on all types of roads and conditions, esp the wet- they are wearing well but have become louder as the miles were put on them

question about the KO2's- i know their rain performance was increased over the original KO's, but how would they compare to the Duratracs?? i drive in the wet a lot

 

[PaulB-2006 T4R]

I am going to put in a vote for Falken Wold Peak AT. I am on my 2nd set. 1st set I got 56,000 miles. At DTD they are $135, no tax or shippingn then bring them to DT to mount.

Tire Details - Discount Tire Direct

 

[S p a r k y]

I am going to put in a vote for Falken Wold Peak AT. I am on my 2nd set. 1st set I got 56,000 miles. At DTD they are $135, no tax or shippingn then bring them to DT to mount.

Tire Details - Discount Tire Direct

How many miles did you get before they became half racing slicks? Most of the sipes are cut to half of the tread blocks. Every time I see these on vehicles they look slick. I had them will never have again
[MENTION=93434]gshadow325[/MENTION] I would rather have AT3's than falkens again

 

[JB.]

Just curious JB, what psi are you running in your C rated KO2s? I am guessing around 45psi for daily driving? And how do you find the ride? Would you like to hazard a guess how the ride compared to a similar tire in P load rating? Or the KO2 in a slightly different size that comes in P?

Right now, 36psi. When the weather gets hot, it'll be closer to 40. Air pressure contributes much more to small bump feel than load range. Differences felt due to load range are pretty small.

Also JB, this "cap ply construction" you are talking about. Honestly I have no idea what this means. If you find out can you please post it on this thread? And if I get a chance to hit up a tire shop before you write a reply, and I find out, I'll post it on here.

Sorry about dropping that in there. Kind of mean thing to do when someone is ready to pull the trigger. Finding out would involve emailing the company which is usually not the straight forward process one might imagine, also I wouldn't bank on a tire shop being able to reliably answer the question. I wouldn't give it a second thought, though. My bad for muddying the waters.

 

[S p a r k y]

I run 37/35 on my D dura's works best for me

 

[PaulB-2006 T4R]

How many miles did you get before they became half racing slicks? Most of the sipes are cut to half of the tread blocks. Every time I see these on vehicles they look slick. I had them will never have again
[MENTION=93434]gshadow325[/MENTION] I would rather have AT3's than falkens again

I used them in a MN winter from 42 to 50,000 miles on them and they worked great (not like new but never got stuck), the last 5,000 miles was pushing it with rain. I did get better gas mileage the last 5,000 miles.

 

[Mushroom_Cap]

Right now, 36psi. When the weather gets hot, it'll be closer to 40. Air pressure contributes much more to small bump feel than load range. Differences felt due to load range are pretty small.



Sorry about dropping that in there. Kind of mean thing to do when someone is ready to pull the trigger. Finding out would involve emailing the company which is usually not the straight forward process one might imagine, also I wouldn't bank on a tire shop being able to reliably answer the question. I wouldn't give it a second thought, though. My bad for muddying the waters.

Interesting. I thought you'd be higher in the psi but it sounds like no real issues airing down to 36psi or so if the weather is cooler and not carrying a heavy load.

So for kicks, if you were me, would you get the C rated KO2 or the P rated duratrac? I'll consult my local tire shop before I pull the trigger, but I'll probably stick with what I know and like, and that is P load rating.

 

[Mushroom_Cap]

I am going to put in a vote for Falken Wold Peak AT. I am on my 2nd set. 1st set I got 56,000 miles. At DTD they are $135, no tax or shippingn then bring them to DT to mount.

Tire Details - Discount Tire Direct

I had a set of Falken tires many moons ago on my Celica. They were the worst tires ever! Could never get them balanced right, sucked in the rain, rode hard as a rock and they were H rated! The brand Falken stirs up bad memories and I could never buy another set. I took them off at about 7/32 and sold them for peanuts. Couldn't take them anymore.

Might consider these ATs for my wheelbarrow? Lol! Sorry, couldn'r resist:mmph:

 

[JB.]

So for kicks, if you were me, would you get the C rated KO2 or the P rated duratrac? I'll consult my local tire shop before I pull the trigger, but I'll probably stick with what I know and like, and that is P load rating.

I see no reason to switch from the direction you're leaning.

 

[gshadow325]

How many miles did you get before they became half racing slicks? Most of the sipes are cut to half of the tread blocks. Every time I see these on vehicles they look slick. I had them will never have again
[MENTION=93434]gshadow325[/MENTION] I would rather have AT3's than falkens again

Agreed, they are not bad tires when new but it's the sipes that are not the depth of the tread. I noticed they became racing slicks after 15k.

I currently have 6500 miles on my general grabbers at2 that i installed on my lifted super charged alltrac previa aka Tala-Van. I installed these Oct 30,2015, that's a little under 2 months. If i had these falken wild peaks, it would be half way worn out. At this rate, the generals look like they will do 65000 miles real easy. These 4 ply skinny at tires look brand new. I did 215 75 16 got them from discount tire direct on some sale on ebay, came to 384 shipped.

Pictures of the questionable vehicle,lol.....yes this vehicle has a lot of crap done to it too.

 

[gshadow325]

I had a set of Falken tires many moons ago on my Celica. They were the worst tires ever! Could never get them balanced right, sucked in the rain, rode hard as a rock and they were H rated! The brand Falken stirs up bad memories and I could never buy another set. I took them off at about 7/32 and sold them for peanuts. Couldn't take them anymore.

Might consider these ATs for my wheelbarrow? Lol! Sorry, couldn'r resist:mmph:

Funny you bring up the celica, my first set was on my 92 alltrac turbo celica. I have the same feelings about them. Ended up selling the vehicle before i removed the tires.

 

[Mushroom_Cap]

Curious if anyone out there has, or knows someone you has the Duratrac's in P rated 265/70/17 and if they like them. I believe it was S P A R K Y who said earlier in this thread that his brother has them on his Tacoma and loves them.

Seems the P rated tire in this size is fairly new.

Just wondering if any T4R owners are rocking this tire and what they think of it.

 

[S p a r k y]

This guy [MENTION=50591]gaterose[/MENTION] has the 255/75's and several more so as well.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/68031-gaterose-build-thread.html

P is a good choice for you, go for it