New P rated Duratracs worth considering?
06-03-2014, 11:14 AM
#31
Remi- reviews and threads like these are what make forums a valuable tool. I am in the same boat as you with a very similar truck so thanks for taking the time to put this out there. Pretty good chance I will be getting the same tires you decided on.
06-03-2014, 07:18 PM
#32
I spent countless hours reading various threads about the differences trying to gain the collective knowledge of this group. I'm happy to help and to contribute to that knowledge base.
06-05-2014, 09:53 PM
#34
Senior Member
As an update, I made the decision to go with the p-metric Duratracs in 275/60/20 over an LT variant (275/65/20 and 285/60/20). Importantly, the p-metrics have more carrying capacity than even our trucks do, so the extra weight capacity of the LTs was unnecessary.
Some have made comments that the p-metrics are not as aggressive as the LTs. That's true, but the difference is not significant enough to drive the decision (I had a tire shop put the p-metric and LT side by side. My observations are at post 31 here: https://www.f150forum.com/f38/p-rate...4/#post3516159).
From my view, here were the pros and cons of p-metric vs LT:
P275/60r20
Pros:
· Cheaper than LT (about $85/tire cheaper than 275/65 and $125/tire than 285/60)
· Light 46 pounds (2 pounds less than stock)
· Less effect on gas mileage and ride.
· Runs w/o level.
Cons:
· Least aggressive tread
· Shallower tread (2/32 less tread)
· Not as strong, may be more prone to puncture and flats
· Smallest height (33 inches)
LT285/60r20 and LT275/65r20
Pros:
· Stronger tire, less prone to flats and punctures
· Carries more weight.
· More aggressive tread
· Taller, may fill the truck better if leveled (285/60 = 33.5” and 275/65=34”)
Cons:
· More expensive
· Heavier tires. (285/60 = 59lbs and 275/65 = 57 pounds)
· Firmer/harsher ride because the tires are stronger. More wear/tear on truck.
· Because heavier, likely lose 1-2 mpg
As noted above, for me tread design and carrying capacity really became non-issues between these tires. I focused on whether the benefit of a stronger LT tire offset its negative characteristics (mpg loss, stiffer, slower acceleration/braking). For me, it did not and the cheaper tires were a bonus.
I have no rubbing even when cranked in reverse. The tires ride great and I didn't notice much loss in terms of acceleration/braking. Although I don't have a lot of miles on them yet (60), average MPG has remained the same. There is a little hum from the tires, which I like. The tires were installed with 36PSI, which felt too low when decelerating to a stop. I bumped the PSI to 42 and they feel much better.
If I end up with a bunch of flats when hunting in the fall my tune might change, but for now I feel that I made the right decision. Now the questions is whether to level or leave it stuffed. Opinions?
Sorry for all the words - I thought all of this may help someone else making a similar decision.
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Some have made comments that the p-metrics are not as aggressive as the LTs. That's true, but the difference is not significant enough to drive the decision (I had a tire shop put the p-metric and LT side by side. My observations are at post 31 here: https://www.f150forum.com/f38/p-rate...4/#post3516159).
From my view, here were the pros and cons of p-metric vs LT:
P275/60r20
Pros:
· Cheaper than LT (about $85/tire cheaper than 275/65 and $125/tire than 285/60)
· Light 46 pounds (2 pounds less than stock)
· Less effect on gas mileage and ride.
· Runs w/o level.
Cons:
· Least aggressive tread
· Shallower tread (2/32 less tread)
· Not as strong, may be more prone to puncture and flats
· Smallest height (33 inches)
LT285/60r20 and LT275/65r20
Pros:
· Stronger tire, less prone to flats and punctures
· Carries more weight.
· More aggressive tread
· Taller, may fill the truck better if leveled (285/60 = 33.5” and 275/65=34”)
Cons:
· More expensive
· Heavier tires. (285/60 = 59lbs and 275/65 = 57 pounds)
· Firmer/harsher ride because the tires are stronger. More wear/tear on truck.
· Because heavier, likely lose 1-2 mpg
As noted above, for me tread design and carrying capacity really became non-issues between these tires. I focused on whether the benefit of a stronger LT tire offset its negative characteristics (mpg loss, stiffer, slower acceleration/braking). For me, it did not and the cheaper tires were a bonus.
I have no rubbing even when cranked in reverse. The tires ride great and I didn't notice much loss in terms of acceleration/braking. Although I don't have a lot of miles on them yet (60), average MPG has remained the same. There is a little hum from the tires, which I like. The tires were installed with 36PSI, which felt too low when decelerating to a stop. I bumped the PSI to 42 and they feel much better.
If I end up with a bunch of flats when hunting in the fall my tune might change, but for now I feel that I made the right decision. Now the questions is whether to level or leave it stuffed. Opinions?
Sorry for all the words - I thought all of this may help someone else making a similar decision.
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08-05-2014, 12:25 PM
#35
08-05-2014, 01:03 PM
#36
Senior Member
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.
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.
I'd have no issues in going with a P rated tire if I was only pavement cruising, but I do run fire trails around and in Tahoe National Forest. Otherwise, they're excellent tires ... it came down to Good Year, Cooper/ProComp, General, and Mickey Thomspon for me.
UPDATE: Sorry, missed that you made your purchase. Good choice and they look very nice! Personally, this is the 2nd set of Duratracs for me and I think you're going to really like them.
Last edited by DangFoo; 08-05-2014 at 01:12 PM.
08-05-2014, 02:05 PM
#37
Senior Member
I've had those tires before and was very disappointed with the snow traction. Got the Duratracs those tires are like velcro in the snow. Best snow tire I've ever had.
08-06-2014, 08:50 PM
#38
Regarding ride quality, I think I noticed a bigger difference after installing the leveling kit than the tires. Between the two, it rides a little firmer than stock, although I can't really quantify it. Suffice it to say, it's minimal. In fact, if the truck came with the level and tires, I might not have known. Also, I put the tires/level on within 2 months of purchase during the "new love" phase, meaning it may ride exactly the same or nearly the same and I'm just now noticing the truck's true ride characteristics.
Hope it helps - good luck with your decision.
08-06-2014, 08:56 PM
#39
I pretty much agree with this post. I've had my truck for just over one month and I immediately swapped-out the Pirellis for the Duractracs in size LT 275/65/R20 [Paid $313.00 per tire]. They're roughly 34" tall and 11" wide, which is perfect IMO, as they're flush with the fenders and clear with zero issues [I have a 2.5" RC level kit with added rear block].
I'd have no issues in going with a P rated tire if I was only pavement cruising, but I do run fire trails around and in Tahoe National Forest. Otherwise, they're excellent tires ... it came down to Good Year, Cooper/ProComp, General, and Mickey Thomspon for me.
UPDATE: Sorry, missed that you made your purchase. Good choice and they look very nice! Personally, this is the 2nd set of Duratracs for me and I think you're going to really like them.
I'd have no issues in going with a P rated tire if I was only pavement cruising, but I do run fire trails around and in Tahoe National Forest. Otherwise, they're excellent tires ... it came down to Good Year, Cooper/ProComp, General, and Mickey Thomspon for me.
UPDATE: Sorry, missed that you made your purchase. Good choice and they look very nice! Personally, this is the 2nd set of Duratracs for me and I think you're going to really like them.
08-06-2014, 09:12 PM
#40
Senior Member
No way I'll replace OEM P-metric G-Y Wrangler SRA tires with others of same classification. Although I really like the appearance of G-Y Duratrac (run G-Y MT/R on my jeep), comments here plus multiple online reviews on loss of mpg which I want to minimize within reason. My preference is BSW vs ROWL, so considered and nearly bought a set of Toyo O-C A/T2. After comparing side-by-side at local tire store, seems instead I'll choose BFG All Terrain T/A kos in OEM size LT275/65R18E even though BFG only makes 18" sizes w/ ROWL. IMO, those tires are a great combo of function, durability/wear and overall good looks - in spite of those white letters! 