Remi

In my introduction thread, I posted that Goodyear Duratracs are now available in two new sizes: 275/60/20 (33") for $228 per tire and 275/55/20 (31.9" stock) for $218 per tire. Both are P rated tires that are substantially cheaper than the LT versions (e.g., LT285/60/20 with a cost of $355 per tire).

I've used the search function and read through all the tire fitment thread and a ton of other posts. I know that a 33" tire will fit without rubbing; I know that a 2" level or less is best; I understand the differences between a P and LT rated tire.

But - here's my question, between the Duratrac P275/60/20 (33") and the LT285/60/20 ("33.5) which tire do you pick and why?

As a side note, the P275/60/20 does spec out at a max load of 2,679 pounds per tire, which is higher than the stock Pirelli's 2,403 max load.

All opinions are welcome.

xcntrk

I would only use a D or E load rated LT tire for towing and/or heavy off-road use. If you don't do much of either, then a P rated tire will give you the smoothest on-road centric ride.

The question is, why would you want an off-road tread pattern in a passenger car tire? If it's just for looks, then P rating seems fine.

Remi

Thanks Xcntrk - I do tow - but not a ton. The truck will definitely see off-road, especially during hunting season. More aggressive tread would also be beneficial for Iowa winters.

The reality is the truck will spend 85-90% of its time on pavement with the rest off-road. On my last vehicle (a Nissan Pathfinder hardbody) I had P-rated General Grabber AT2, which were more than competent for my needs. However, that vehicle was much lighter than the truck.

1994Vmax

Then like 95% of Duratrac owners....... you don't need that style of tire. I ran a few sets and drive in environments where that aggressive tread would be more warranted...... and I still don't use them. I found them noisey, wear very quickly especially during summer months and the traction to be absolutely no better in snow than my Silent Armors..... which wear better and are much quieter tires. I had 2 sets of Duratracs and 2 unexplainable blowouts on the highway.... enough was enough and never again.


I find tons of praise on the net for them and I have no idea why. Even the guys I work with that get them installed only get them once..... and then never again.


Just buy a decent all terrain tire.

Remi

Thanks for that perspective Badass69. I too have seen a lot of praise for the tires. I appreciate the negative analysis that wasn't just complaining.

I assume your Silent Armors are P rated?

BassAckwards

You can get them in both but I have had good luck with my DuraTracs for the last 5 years and 50k miles. Never had a complaint with the noise but that can depend on the size you get as well. I had LT275/70R18

joek03

Remi - I am in the same boat as you and am happy to see the P rating/cost advantage. I'm having trouble finding tire weight specs/full spec list on the P rated tires do you have that?

Remi

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....0WDT&tab=Specs

Click on specs, then pick the tire you're interested in. If you're using your phone, it helps to click "full site" at the bottom of the page.

1994Vmax

I have had P rated silent armors yes. Since the truck they are on currently rides close to its 8600 lb gvwr I use 10 plies. I have had good luck with either. That said Silent Armors are no longer made so that doesn't really matter. I might give the Armor Trac a shot however.

SteveLord

Hi fellow Iowan! I am tossing ideas around myself. Coopers and Toyo AT2s have been at the top of my list. The AT2s do come in a P275/65/18 size.