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The p-metric Duratracs came off my truck today so I think it's appropriate to give my final thoughts and observations on these tires.
First the good: These tires ran for 63k miles and came off with 4-5/32 tread left! That's pretty d@mn impressive considering they're 50k mile tires (if memory serves). All in all, these tires performed phenomenally until the very end of their life. Snow/ice traction in Iowa winters has been great and rarely required 4wd. Wet traction was also good. I never experienced any of the rumored sidewall damage, tears or squish that people comment on throughout these threads. They also performed well towing, logging thousands of miles with a trailer hitched up (including a 2k mile trip to Texas and back). These tires ran in rush hour traffic, snow covered backroads roads, level B mud roads, gravel roads, corn and soybean fields, and even through fields of cleared saplings to move deer blinds around. In 63k miles, the only damage was a screw that punctured a tread block, which was fixed with a $7 plug from the local auto parts store (this happened 2k miles ago). There was never a time I thought I needed - or wished I had bought - an LT tire instead of the p-metric variant. In summary: IMHO, these tires are all they're cracked up to be.
Now the bad (but not really bad): As stated above, these tires performed very well. However, in the last 15k miles or so (around the 50k mile mark) the tires continued to get louder and louder. Also, they would vibrate at slow speeds (5mph rush hour traffic). All of this was caused by visible uneven tread wear (feathering) on the outside lugs. I rotated the tires every other oil change. Early on, this was sufficient and kept tire wear even. However, that clearly was not frequent enough towards the end and should have been done every oil change. In addition, in the last 15k miles, the tires got very slippery. I would experience tire spin leaving stop lights and recently experienced the rear end break loose on wet roads while raining. I don't know if this was caused by the uneven wear or simply because the tires were wearing out and the sipping wearing out (see pictures attached). Either way, even with the tread left, I didn't trust them for another Iowa winter. In summary: IMHO the bad was not that bad.
Now for the most important question: Would I buy them again? Or, better yet, would I recommend them to others? Absolutely. If you're not after anything bigger than a 33" tire, or even want to stay with the stock size, these tires are fantastic. However, I did not buy another set but ONLY because I wanted to go with a bigger size, forcing me into an LT tire. But - if they did - I almost certainly would have.
Now for the most important question: Would I buy them again? Or, better yet, would I recommend them to others? Absolutely. If you're not after anything bigger than a 33" tire, or even want to stay with the stock size, these tires are fantastic. However, I did not buy another set but ONLY because I wanted to go with a bigger size, forcing me into an LT tire. But - if they did - I almost certainly would have.
That's impressive getting 63k miles (101k KM) out of a set of tires. I managed to get 73k KM (45k miles) out of my stock Pirellis with 5/32 left thought that was pretty good but they had no grip left for winter. Some good information and helpful advice I just picked up a set of used Duratracs in the stock 275/55/20 size, they have worn uneven already suspect from the previous owner, 10/32 upfront and 12/32 in the back but for $300 can't go wrong, Just be sure as you suggest to rotate every oil change. I live in Alberta and we get some nasty winters.
What did you end up getting to in place of the Duratracs or did you just move into a Duratrac in the LT size?
Last edited by Rockstar_Weldor; 12-16-2016 at 01:02 AM.
I have the 275/65R18s on my truck now and love them. I was originally going to go with 295/65R18s in the duratrac but they only came in load range E. We need to keep in mind this is a half ton truck and even D load range tires exceed the factory tires weight rating. Unless you are running mud bogs or rock crawling I would stay away from the heavy load ranges for a smoother ride and less rolling resistance. For me I will be upgrading from the stock 18s down to 17 inch raptor rims and running a 285/70R18 (33x11.50) load range D duratrack very soon.
It's also worth saying this is my 5th set of duratracs. I have run 265/75R16s and 33x12.50R15s on a heavily modified Dakota, 31x10.50R15s on a Toyota, and a set on 18 inch chevy rims on a supercharged 5.3 Z71 that towed often. I have never had a failure and have been very happy with durability and wear.
I've used "P" rated tires on 1/2 ton trucks for a very long time. If you look closely at the specs most "P" rated tires are rated for exactly the same load as "D" rated LT tires in the same size and more weight than "C" rated tires. I hear lots of talk on the internet about LT tires having fewer flats. That isn't the case in my experience. The owner of the tire store where I do business says he sees the same number of flats in LT's as P's. Anything that will puncture a P will puncture an LT.
The sidewalls on an LT tire are tougher and most of the more aggressive tread patterns are only available in LT's. If you drive in a lot of large rocks I can see the LT's being able to withstand sidewall damage better than P rated tires. Otherwise I'll save the money and buy P's.
What did you end up getting to in place of the Duratracs or did you just move into a Duratrac in the LT size?
This was a painstaking decision for me. Originally was going to get Kanati Trail Hogs (Duratrac knock-offs for $275/tire) but couldn't find them anywhere and local shops told me not to expect more than 30k miles out of them.
Was then going to get 275/65/20 Duratracs but at $375/tire I couldn't justify it because I'm half thinking of trading my truck in the near future.
I ended up with Mickey Thompson Baja ATZp3 in 275/65/20 and saved the $250 differential. We'll see how they perform or if I regret my decision later.
I would have gotten the 275/60/20 Duratracs again but wanted to go taller. Unfortunately, that pushed me into an otherwise unnecessary LT tire.
For anybody looking for Duratracs - check out 4wheelparts.com. They seem to have really good prices on tires and free shipping in most instances. Of course, you still have to pay someone to install them. I have no affiliation with the website, but thought I would share if it helps anybody else.
This was a painstaking decision for me. Originally was going to get Kanati Trail Hogs (Duratrac knock-offs for $275/tire) but couldn't find them anywhere and local shops told me not to expect more than 30k miles out of them.
Was then going to get 275/65/20 Duratracs but at $375/tire I couldn't justify it because I'm half thinking of trading my truck in the near future.
I ended up with Mickey Thompson Baja ATZp3 in 275/65/20 and saved the $250 differential. We'll see how they perform or if I regret my decision later.
I would have gotten the 275/60/20 Duratracs again but wanted to go taller. Unfortunately, that pushed me into an otherwise unnecessary LT tire.
For anybody looking for Duratracs - check out 4wheelparts.com. They seem to have really good prices on tires and free shipping in most instances. Of course, you still have to pay someone to install them. I have no affiliation with the website, but thought I would share if it helps anybody else.
Look forward to hearing what the results are with your choice, Duratracs are known for good tread life but honestly I think it comes down to as you say price $250 is significant number on a set of tires, be crazy not to give them a shot especially if you are considering selling.
Anyone in Canada looking for Duratracs, Canadian Tire is the spot (just don't let them mount and balance). They usually go on sale this time of year have to watch the flyers usually 25% off and even applies to LT sizes. I priced a set of 275/55/20 $1080 & 285/60/20 was $1420 taxes in out the door.
I was going to do that deal until I found a set 75% tread left on kijiji for $300. So far in our wonderful Alberta winters these have been amazing! lots of grip, I want to see how they perform trying to pull somebody out of the ditch in less then ideal conditions.
Remi - your review mirrors exactly my experience down to the tire spin time frame. I will say I had them re-balanced at 40k, and I feel it really improved ride quality. I am at 52k now on mine, tread depth looking like it will be the same etc. Thanks for the heads up on 4wheelparts I will give them a look.
12-15-2016, 09:55 PM
