Goodyear Announces a new variant of the MT/R

[TCM]

http://bajasafari.blogspot.com/

It looks promising, a more siped version of the BFG MT KM2. With any luck they will offer a 255/85R16.

[adventureduo]

Interesting. The GYMTR has always been my favorite all around tire... i can't wait to see the reviews on this version.

[Beowulf]

The side lugging is definitely more stylized. What I liked about the original MTR was just basic blocked "U" shape side lugs.

This tire reminds me of a Pro Comp.

[MattScott]

Maybe they'll break the "Good-for-a-year" stereotype with this one.

[pskhaat]

Is it directional?

[milo12]

Here is a link to the datasheet.

http://www.goodyeartires.com/goodyeartireselector/display_tire.jsp?prodline=Wrangler+MT%2FR+with+Kev lar&mrktarea=Light+Truck&treadwidth=&aspectratio=&rimdiameter=&sidewall=

These may be a good replacement for my Toyos. The only complaint I have about the Toyos is they are load rating E so they are kinda stiff. These Goodyears come in a C and D rating for a 35 inch tire.

There is also this tire that looks interesting for more snow driving.
http://www.goodyeartires.com/goodyeartireselector/display_tire.jsp?prodline=Wrangler+DuraTrac&mrktarea=Light+Truck&treadwidth=&aspectratio=&rimdiameter=&sidewall=

[pskhaat]

Good call on this size: LT285/75R18

Wonder if they're hiring down at the local Kwik-E-Mart http://xepoch.com/mud/resize.cgi/100/100/3.bp.blogspot.com/_Qa2S3BQm83A/Roq-MnnI4CI/AAAAAAAAAB0/KFqcEPYZzu8/s320/685925717_ba6d1a4755%5B1%5D.jpg so one could pay for them.

[durango_60]

I like the looks of the DuraTrac, looks like competition for the Cooper ST which is what I think suits my usage best.

[spressomon]

I like everything about the MT/R's I've run except the fact GY can't seem to make them round. I finally gave up after 3-complete sets of MT/R after experiencing the same out of round/difficult to balance/keep balanced issues and went to Toyo. Others I know have witnessed the same issues.

If they actually take care of the manufacturing issues described above this new version could be a great tire. And ditto above: Hope they offer them in a 10.5/11.0" x 35 diameter (16 or 18 wheel) AND 255R85 16!

[Backwoods Rambler]

http://www.goodyeartires.com/goodyeartireselector/graphics/Tires/full/106223.jpg

Honestly the Dura Trac seems like the PERFECT tire :drool: for my driving needs. 90% street commuting in Colorado with occasional heavy winter snow/ice & spring rain with the remainder of my driving on (usually dry) mountain dirt track and some, but very little, rock crawling. But alas no 33x10.5x15 offered :(

If only I had 16" rims, the 285/75/16 Load 'E' is right on the money....some day.... :Astrologist: I'll just have to settle for the BFG KM2's until I can afford 16" rims.

[Beowulf]

GY is just going to have to make these in 255/85R16.

[Redline]

The DuraTrac does look tire like a great tire to compete with the Cooper ST.

I want them to make it in a 255/85R16 'load range D'


I like the looks of the DuraTrac, looks like competition for the Cooper ST which is what I think suits my usage best.

[Backwoods Rambler]

I sent an email to Goodyear requesting mileage warranty & addition future sizing information, since I couldn't find it on the website. Hopefully I'll hear something back soon.

I think I might buy some inexpensive 16 steel rims just to run this tire in the 285/75R16 size (p/n: 312005027), but that's an E load range tire so I'm concerned about the sidewall being too stiff and giving a rough ride??

[Beowulf]

I hope they actually reply to you with actual information. I usually get the form letter "The requested information is not available at this time"

[Beowulf]

http://www.goodyear.com/cfmx/web/mediaphotos/upload/lowres/nat020209WranglerMTR1Wet223.jpg

[Beowulf]

http://www.goodyear.com/cfmx/web/mediaphotos/upload/lowres/nat020209WranglerDuraTrac.jpg

[Beowulf]

http://www.goodyear.com/cfmx/web/mediaphotos/upload/lowres/nat_1024military_mtr_tire.jpg

[Darren]

Sizes listed here (http://www.goodyeartires.com/goodyeartireselector/display_tire.jsp?prodline=Wrangler+MT%2FR+with+Kev lar&mrktarea=Light+Truck&treadwidth=&aspectratio=&rimdiameter=&sidewall=). No 255/85/16.

They still list the existing model on their site, and the article wording makes it sound like the the new version is a lineup addition, as the thread title also suggests, as opposed to a replacement. Can this be confirmed?


Maybe they'll break the "Good-for-a-year" stereotype with this one.

I'm guessing this was your personal stereotype, and not one that is generally shared. I've gotten at least 45,000 miles on my previous three sets of MT/Rs, and 55,000 on the last. I don't think one can complain at all about tire life with a tread type like this.

[Bluto]

http://www.goodyear.com/cfmx/web/mediaphotos/upload/lowres/nat020209WranglerDuraTrac.jpg

Almost like the Dunlops Radial Rover RT:
25609

[Life_in_4Lo]

http://www.goodyear.com/cfmx/web/mediaphotos/upload/lowres/nat020209WranglerDuraTrac.jpg

Which is this? looks pretty good

I like the new MTR tread design better than the old one but the sidewall looks too trendy. Maybe it looks better in real life.

[Bighead]

I'm guessing this was your personal stereotype, and not one that is generally shared. I've gotten at least 45,000 miles on my previous three sets of MT/Rs, and 55,000 on the last. I don't think one can complain at all about tire life with a tread type like this.

I hope I am able to get that type of mileage out of mine.

[Beowulf]

Which is this? looks pretty good

I like the new MTR tread design better than the old one but the sidewall looks too trendy. Maybe it looks better in real life.

That is the Dura Trac.

Your thoughts on the looks are mine as well. Tires today seem to be going towards this trend fad. I just want a straight Michelin XZL, or similar with could side lugging and be done with it.

[Backwoods Rambler]

Almost like the Dunlops Radial Rover RT:
25609


The dunlops appear to be offered in a very small selection of sizes.

These are all I could find:


LT215/85R16
LT235/85R16
LT235/75R15
LT245/75R16
LT265/75R16
LT225/75R16


Source (http://www.dunloptires.com/dunlop/display_tire.jsp?prodline=Radial+Rover+RT&mrktarea=Light+Truck)

[Backwoods Rambler]

I'm guessing this was your personal stereotype, and not one that is generally shared. I've gotten at least 45,000 miles on my previous three sets of MT/Rs, and 55,000 on the last. I don't think one can complain at all about tire life with a tread type like this.

I've actually heard the same with the MT/R's; However, the set I owned sw very little trail or street use before I sold them to get out of rock crawling and into expedition style 4wheeling/camping. I will say that I really liked them on the trail though.

[Backwoods Rambler]

I talked to Goodyear PR the other day and was told that there is NO TREAD WARRANTY for the Dura Trac tire. Not sure if this would be a deal breaker for anyone, or if it really matters at all? Anyone ever gotten anything from a treadwear warranty? No final pricing yet either.

[Beowulf]

I've never had a tire NOT last as long as I expected when it came to tread wear. And especially when it wasn't something unrelated to alignment. I figure the way I treat my tires I'm quite happy when I get 40K miles on them.

Now for the Volvo, I would expect to get more miles and usually do.

[haven]

The folks at Pickuptrucks.com had a chance to test the new MT/R
tires. Their report is here
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2009/03/first-roll-goodyear-mtr-with-kevlar-offroad-tires.html

The reports says the tires are pretty quiet on the highway, clear
mud quickly, and didn't suffer any punctures or sidewall cuts after
crawling across jagged granite, deflated to 12 psi.

[Beowulf]

Not a bad little article. Only time will tell. I hate to say, but based on looks alone I don't think it will sell as well as the New BFG MT KM2.

[pskhaat]

Sooo... again are they or are they not directional? Clearly looks so?

And...pickuptrucks don't appear to be treading lightly:

http://blogs.cars.com/.a/6a00d83451b3c669e201127917a78128a4-800wi

[Beowulf]

Here are some pics I found over on Jeeps Unlimited.

http://www.hof4x4.com/100_0050a.JPG
http://www.hof4x4.com/100_0051a.JPG
http://www.hof4x4.com/100_0053a.JPG
http://www.hof4x4.com/DSCN0001a.JPG
http://www.hof4x4.com/DSCN0007a.JPG
http://www.hof4x4.com/DSCN0008a.JPG
http://www.hof4x4.com/DSCN0006a.JPG

[Beowulf]

From what is posted in this thread the answer is NO. They are not directional.

Jeeps Unlimited MTR Thread (http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?t=495018&referrerid=2319)

[adventureduo]

They are NOT directional. per Goodyear. Just like i posted in the other MTR thread.

[pskhaat]

They sure do appear directional both in asymmetric and angled tread design. Don't like white out...

[adventureduo]

Don't like white out...

I agree 100%

[jfarsang]

Hopefully, they'll last a while.

I just picked up a set. Used the latest rebate and got my local tire shop to price match a dirt cheap store across the country. That put them in my price range.

Will post pics once I get them up. :ylsmoke:

[Redline]

x3

I prefer when the tire is blackwall on both sides so I don't have to put up with white lettering on the inside of my wheels :smiley_drive:


I agree 100%

[jfarsang]

Got the set of 31's. They look and feel very durable.

I was sitting on the fence between these and the DuraTrac's.

Let me tell you, as soon as I felt the DuraTrac sidewall, I laughed out loud in the store.

It's comparable to a road tire. I couldn't believe how soft and pliable it is.

That sealed the deal with the MTR's.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3388310848_e32d13ea47_o.jpg

[pskhaat]

Let me tell you, as soon as I felt the DuraTrac sidewall, I laughed out loud in the store.

Maybe they're a great stick on slickrock?

[weezerbot]

They just look bizarre to me. We have the previous version of MT/R's on the FJ and we love them...I'd buy a set for the 4Runner if they made them in a decent size for a 16 inch rim but they don't...and on these tires (at least the ones we have) having the white out makes a huge difference...the raised white letters stick out almost 1/4 in from the tires and grab and get caught on stuff all the time. Bleh...

[Hilldweller]

Hopefully, they'll last a while.

I just picked up a set. Used the latest rebate and got my local tire shop to price match a dirt cheap store across the country. That put them in my price range.

Will post pics once I get them up. :ylsmoke:
$205/tire after rebate for my 285/75-16 (33") set last night.
Ride is comfy, grip on wet roads is great. Trails this weekend.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v352/billpearlman/IMG_0091.jpg

[pskhaat]

Yeah, I'm not running white out unless I'm sponsored, no reason for me to pay to advertise for someone else.

[Hilldweller]

Yeah, I'm not running white out unless I'm sponsored, no reason for me to pay to advertise for someone else.
The 33's only come with the RWL --- and I can't see them when I'm driving so I really don't mind...

[clinnet]

Yeah, I'm not running white out unless I'm sponsored, no reason for me to pay to advertise for someone else.

I prefer black out myself. But if the tires are as good as advertised I could live with it.

[Outback]

Got the set of 31's. They look and feel very durable.

I was sitting on the fence between these and the DuraTrac's.

Let me tell you, as soon as I felt the DuraTrac sidewall, I laughed out loud in the store.

It's comparable to a road tire. I couldn't believe how soft and pliable it is.

That sealed the deal with the MTR's.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3388310848_e32d13ea47_o.jpg






OH great,
I just learned that 4 Wheel Parts Wholesallers in WA ordered the wrong tires. Our techs truck will be sporting the Dura Trac Goodyears . I told them the "NEW" Goodyear MT/Rs with Kevlar. How they got Dura Trac out of that is beyond me. But I will have the MT/Rs on my new work truck in about a month. We go to the same places so it will be interesting to see how well they perform from one truck to the next. The trucks will be really close to identical.

[Hilldweller]

When I called 4Wheel Parts, they said that they didn't have the new MTR's and couldn't get them yet.
Discount tire got them in 12 hours from the Goodyear warehouse in Atlanta for me and beat web pricing.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v352/billpearlman/IMG_0092.jpg

[jfarsang]

Just took it up to Vedder mnt over the weekend.

I am loving them.

I was up there two weeks ago climbing one of the atv trails in 4x.

More than 1/2 the same track up I was able to do it in 2wd with MTR's compared to the BFG AT's/Nokian's.

After driving hwy/city in the rain and up in the mud, they are amazing tires.

I was skeptical at first, but I'm pretty sure Goodyear put in their R&D on these meats and came out with a solid tire for mud that rides like an AT on the road.

I'm sold on them.


Finally got around to testing them out on the road/rain/greasy mud.

They are not quiet so be prepared to turn up that radio. :sombrero:

They track straight on dry pavement and stop/corner much better than the last generation MTR in the rain/wet pavement.

Thin/wet greasy mud was good. They self cleaned very easily.

You can feel the low rumble from start to about 20mph. Of course I'm sitting above the tires in my rig so the sound/vibes are more pronounced being a cab over.

Will report back after a week or so of driving them around.

Running 38 psi on the road. Will play around and see what's the best to run. I do get a slight constant vibration at all speeds compared to the AT's I just took off. Same rims, nothing changed.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3638/3396624037_3e47f1bd73_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3476/3397435156_dc8ce43072_b.jpg

[Hilldweller]

I am loving them.
After driving hwy/city in the rain and up in the mud, they are amazing tires.

I was skeptical at first, but I'm pretty sure Goodyear put in their R&D on these meats and came out with a solid tire for mud that rides like an AT on the road.

I'm sold on them.Ditto:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v352/billpearlman/100_2535.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v352/billpearlman/100_2544.jpg

[Redline]

a solid tire for mud that rides like an AT on the road

Meaning they are quiet?


snip.........

After driving hwy/city in the rain and up in the mud, they are amazing tires.

I was skeptical at first, but I'm pretty sure Goodyear put in their R&D on these meats and came out with a solid tire for mud that rides like an AT on the road.

I'm sold on them.

[jfarsang]

I had them aired up too much.

Now they are comfortable and quieter.

I would rate them just a hair over the BFG AT KO's noise.

Not loud at all actually. I'm quite impressed with them the more I drive them.

[Hilldweller]

Meaning they are quiet?Louder than an AT but the quietest tire I've used with this much bite. You hear the lugs dig in on the asphalt while cornering.
Let's put it this way: my wife (the critic) said, "oh, they're not loud at all..."

This is how I described them on the JEEP forum:
Big chucks of Earth heaving in dynamic rooster-tail ballistic arches heavenbound as I casually point-n-shot myself all over the place and listened to Skynyrd.
Not tractor tires but they're the best tire I've ever used that doesn't rattle my fillings loose on the highway.

[Redline]

That's an eloquent description :)



Louder than an AT but the quietest tire I've used with this much bite. You hear the lugs dig in on the asphalt while cornering.
Let's put it this way: my wife (the critic) said, "oh, they're not loud at all..."

This is how I described them on the JEEP forum:
Big chucks of Earth heaving in dynamic rooster-tail ballistic arches heavenbound as I casually point-n-shot myself all over the place and listened to Skynyrd.
Not tractor tires but they're the best tire I've ever used that doesn't rattle my fillings loose on the highway.

[Hilldweller]

That's an eloquent description :)Redneck poetry...
:costumed-smiley-007

[ginericLC]

So how round are they? Are they taking a lot of weight.

I have the original MTRs in a 315/75/16 and they constantly take rebalancing and need a lot of weight.

Because I hate them they will last for ever.

The Kevlar sidewall really interests me as the old MTR get sliced like butter in the Idaho lava rock.

[Hilldweller]

So how round are they? Are they taking a lot of weight.
The sidewalls made them much harder to mount; alot like a low-profile go-fast tire. But they didn't take much weight and don't feel muddish on the street.
I went frolicking on Saturday on some sloppy roads and had it in 2wd to see how they'd work. I actually forgot to put it back in 4wd for the bad part and was surprised when I noticed....
They continue to impress me.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v352/billpearlman/100_2611.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v352/billpearlman/100_2657.jpg

[UK4X4]

Interesting- the tire is definetly directional, all the pic's on good years site show the larger void side out......and they have black side walls,

You have white lettering out but are mounted the same way round...so they must make two versions, one with white and one without

I think I'll stick to my km2's.....black side out:)

[Hilldweller]

The 33's only come with big white letters for now.
Gaudiness was never a deal-breaker for me. But, then again, I grew up in northern NJ (fahghettabbouddit) and have a history of dating big-haired strippers...

[jfarsang]

Interesting- the tire is definetly directional

Sorry to burst the bubble but the MTR's are 100% NOT directional.

I have the 31's OWL. You can get different sizes with either OWL or black out.

They are round.

Took less than 2 oz per tire to balance and are wearing evenly so far.

Wet, dry, city potholes, highway... it spanks my BFG AT KO's.

The only one concern I have is just longevity. But raking on the miles will show the results. May take a while.

Other than wear, it's the best 'all traction' tire I've ever driven.

[UK4X4]

"Sorry to burst the bubble but the MTR's are 100% NOT directional."

err how exactly can it be unidirectional when the tread pattern is not symetrical ?

One side of the tire has larger blocks closer together than the other and so can only be mounted one way round.

[Hilldweller]

"Sorry to burst the bubble but the MTR's are 100% NOT directional."

err how exactly can it be unidirectional when the tread pattern is not symetrical ?

One side of the tire has larger blocks closer together than the other and so can only be mounted one way round.They're totally not directional. The AT section is always mounted inboard. If they were directional, they'd have the same sidewall printing on both sides and you wouldn't be able to rotate...

Take a good look at my tires and do a mock rotation in your head. Notice how that rf tire that you just put on the lr is now spinning the other way and the AT section is still inboard?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v352/billpearlman/100_2611.jpg

[UK4X4]

Obviously we have an english - american language issue here

The tire is designed to work mounted with the AT tread side inner as you say.

So it only fits on the rim - one way round


Hence my use of the word directional in that it only goes on the rim one way round.

A standard "uni-directional tire" in UK English can be mounted either way around as it has a symetrical tread pattern.

like a BFG MT mounts any way around you want

[jfarsang]

Directional means that looking from the front, both tires (with a different tread pattern from left to right side of the tire) look identical from side to side when they are rotating in the same direction. You'll see an arrow or marker on the side of the tire indicating forward direction.

Non-directional / asymetrical means that one tire (with a different tread pattern from left to right side of the tire) is facing the opposite direction of the other side tire and are rotating in the same direction.

Both cases, when you drive away on anything soft and look at the imprint, both sides look identical.

Goodyear MTR Kevlar's are not directional. They are non-directional/asymetrical tires.

You rotate them just like any other tire.

There are many many road tires that have this asymetrical design. It's not a new design pattern.

It works well with this one.

[Hilldweller]

Directional means that looking from the front, both tires (with a different tread pattern from left to right side of the tire) look identical from side to side when they are rotating in the same direction. You'll see an arrow or marker on the side of the tire indicating forward direction.

Non-directional / asymetrical means that one tire (with a different tread pattern from left to right side of the tire) is facing the opposite direction of the other side tire and are rotating in the same direction.

Both cases, when you drive away on anything soft and look at the imprint, both sides look identical.

Goodyear MTR Kevlar's are not directional. They are non-directional/asymetrical tires.

You rotate them just like any other tire.

There are many many road tires that have this asymetrical design. It's not a new design pattern.

It works well with this one.

And that's how y'all say it in A-Murrickin English... :victory:
...sorry...


I am digging these tires. Have I said that already?

[jfarsang]

It's been a while that I've had these on.

The more I drive with them, the more I love 'em both on/off road.

I cannot believe how well they stick to pavement in dry/wet conditions. Much much better than my last two sets of AT's, albeit a touch louder.

Went through a nice ravine filled with water n' mud. Ended up actually floating sideways. I swear these things have paddles on them.

Keeping up the thumbs on this one.:safari-rig:

[jfarsang]

Bumping this up.

When I bought them back in April, the only two things that I was skeptical about was tread life (like the old MTR's) and performance in winter (ice/snow).

I've done a few long distance trips and a number of logging road/chunky rock trips and the tread looks close to new.

Also I have now driven for the past 2 weeks in the snow up in Whistler.

I will never buy another set of tires.

These have surpassed my expectations on ice/slush and in deep snow on logging roads.

2 things to keep in mind. They are heavy tires so make sure they are balanced properly and your wheel alignment is good.

Cheers guys
Jesse

[Mike S]

...These may be a good replacement for my Toyos. The only complaint I have about the Toyos is they are load rating E so they are kinda stiff. These Goodyears come in a C and D rating for a 35 inch tire.

The E range Toyos can be run with variable pressure depending on load. I run mine at 55 psi when not towing, and at 65 psi towing my 4500 lb. Airstream. You can go to max pressure (80 psi) for big loads, No ride or wear problems with the lower inflation levels.

[spressomon]

Bumping this up.

When I bought them back in April, the only two things that I was skeptical about was tread life (like the old MTR's) and performance in winter (ice/snow).

I've done a few long distance trips and a number of logging road/chunky rock trips and the tread looks close to new.

Also I have now driven for the past 2 weeks in the snow up in Whistler.

I will never buy another set of tires.

These have surpassed my expectations on ice/slush and in deep snow on logging roads.

2 things to keep in mind. They are heavy tires so make sure they are balanced properly and your wheel alignment is good.

Cheers guys
Jesse


I too love this tire and I swore I'd never buy another Goodyear tire after bad out of round experiences with three other GY MT/R (non-Kevlar version) sets.

But it is a great tire! And although heavy the Toyo MT is heavier. About 10K on them to date with LOTS of off-road use. I finally got to test them out in 12" of snow we received overnight with ice underneath and they are great as you stated!

The strange (to me anyway) thing: As the sharp edges have worn off the tire has actually gotten quieter. The loudest they are happens to be in the 35-40mph range but then they get quieter all the way to 65+mph! Granted their not quite AT quiet but for an MT I am very, very impressed with their relative quietness. Strange for a true MT tread tire.

[jfarsang]

13,000 miles and going strong.

Tread life is amazing for a soft compound.

Tracks excellent in rain, snow, slush.

Ice is 'okay' which is obvious. It's not a dedicated snow/ice tire, but it's predictable which is important to me in the winter.

On roads with black ice, it's comparable to my yokohama at's a few years ago.

I love these tires.

They are the best All Terrain tire I've driven on. They are not a fullon mud tire, but more aggressive for an AT. Kind of in between.

Just make sure you rotate them religiously.

[rparker762]

I have run the MT/Rs of the past and loved them and had the same expectations of these. I have always liked the sidewall strength and thats the reason why I have always chose them. So far these have run everything I have thrown at them and beg for more and I dont care where I place them, they hold up. Also, even though the sidewalls are tougher, they can flex.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz306/Rico762/015-1.jpg
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz306/Rico762/016-1.jpg

[pskhaat]

Post some more pictures with ~10psi in them on that same incline?

[Hilldweller]

22,000 miles on mine and they're still the best tires I've ever run.
Not as good as Super Swampers in mud, not as good as a Blizzak on ice, but they're exceptional on the rocks and good at everything else.
The best surprise is the grip on wet asphalt.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v352/billpearlman/072.jpg

[rparker762]

Post some more pictures with ~10psi in them on that same incline?

Unfortunately right now that spot is underwater and with the rains to come it's gonna be a few days before I will get back out there.

[grouch]

I am still torn between these and the KM2's. I read cool aid drinkers on both sides and it confuses me to no end. I normally am a "let's pull the trigger and find out kind" kind of guy but that is a hard attitude to carry over to $1200 tires.

[Hilldweller]

I am still torn between these and the KM2's. I read cool aid drinkers on both sides and it confuses me to no end. I normally am a "let's pull the trigger and find out kind" kind of guy but that is a hard attitude to carry over to $1200 tires.
I've watched them side-by-side on the trails and the difference is negligible.
I'm hoping that the Kevlar is making a difference though. This is the longest I've run a set of tires without a single flat... (knocking wood)

[grouch]

The only thing keeping me from trying these are the tread life reports on the previous version. I like they way the look and the concept behind them. I like the fact that some people just can't seem to get the directional thing out of their heads. I even like the side walls. They look killer on parker's blazer!

[just eric]

The only thing keeping me from trying these are the tread life reports on the previous version. I like they way the look and the concept behind them. I like the fact that some people just can't seem to get the directional thing out of their heads. I even like the side walls. They look killer on parker's blazer!

I'm running the previous generation MT/Rs on my FJ cruiser (size 285/75 16). I had them siped when I purchased them and they have run flawlessly for me over the past 20k miles. They currently have 16/32 of tread depth remaining (originally 19/32) and there has been no chunking to speak of. I have run them on rocks and forest trails around the PNW but the majority of the miles have been on the road. I expect to get at least another ~15k miles out of these, not bad for a MT.

[daverami]

I know there are lots of negatives out there about the Duratracs. I wish I had had a chance to try the MT/Rs but I'm happy with the Duratracs (285/75R16). Not that many miles yet, but I've had them down to 15psi on rocks and in mud, and on pavement while raining, and snowy/icy conditions. They have performed quite well and I am very pleased. Much better than my BFG/AT's, which is a good tire. Of course this is my opinion for what it is worth. I wish Goodyear had both these tires in a load range D in the 285, and also in the 255 sizes.

[Redline]

I agree, but the 255/85 is a slowly dying size, or at the very least a niche market tire.

I take it that you don't prefer a needlessly firm load-range-E for lighter applications? Is it the firmer ride or the reduced flex that bothers you?



Snip...............

I wish Goodyear had both these tires in a load range D in the 285, and also in the 255 sizes.

[daverami]

I agree, but the 255/85 is a slowly dying size, or at the very least a niche market tire.

I take it that you don't prefer a needlessly firm load-range-E for lighter applications? Is it the firmer ride or the reduced flex that bothers you?

The ride is a little firmer, but not bad. With the supposed weaker sidewall of the Duratrac, I think it actually helps. I'm not really complaining, but I think for the Tacomas, a load range D is plenty.

Why is it that the 255 is a dying size? I guess since it's so popular here, that it seems like everyone uses that size. Is it that the tire companies don't really sell that many?

God forbid tires are all going to start coming out requiring a 20 inch wheel!:(

[Redline]

The 255/85R16 is disproportionately popular here and maybe on a few other enthusiast sites, but the figures don't lie. I don't have them at my fingertips but there are relatively few tires made/sold in 255/85R16.

The 265/75R16, 285/75R16 and their 17” equivalents are much more popular. Ask any tire store how many 255/85 they sell and you might just receive a blank stare. Unless the salesman has been in the tire business a while (not a 'kid') they might not be familiar with the size. I have already run into this at my local Discount Tire.

You are not far off with your 20" wheel comment. Very few trucks come with 16-inch wheels anymore, the Tacoma being one of them. Almost everything else is 17-18", often because of large brakes that won't fit a smaller wheel.


snip....

Why is it that the 255 is a dying size? I guess since it's so popular here, that it seems like everyone uses that size. Is it that the tire companies don't really sell that many?

God forbid tires are all going to start coming out requiring a 20 inch wheel!:(

[daverami]

Ask any tire store how many 255/85 they sell and you might just receive a blank stare. Unless the salesman has been in the tire business a while (not a 'kid') they might not be familiar with the size. I have already run into this at my local Discount Tire.

Your statement is correct for this area too, at least the tire stores I went to when I was shopping around.

The BFG/Cooper store had no Cooper S/T's or BFG KM2's in that size that I wanted to try, and I would have had to order them. Les Schwab did not have any Toyo MT's in 255 either. That is really a shame.

Forgot to mention one other thing that I don't like about the load range E tire is the weight.

[Redline]

Yes, but the weight of each tire is just like sizing, it varies and is not always what you might think.

A 255/85 load-range E BFG KM2 is 55 lb.

A 255/85 load-range D Maxxis Bighorn is 57 lb.



Your statement is correct for this area too, at least the tire stores I went to when I was shopping around.

The BFG/Cooper store had no Cooper S/T's or BFG KM2's in that size that I wanted to try, and I would have had to order them. Les Schwab did not have any Toyo MT's in 255 either. That is really a shame.

Forgot to mention one other thing that I don't like about the load range E tire is the weight.

[HB 4X4]

I've narrowed it down to these or BFG AT KO's for my next set. I am still skeptical of the Goodyear MTR's since they are still relatively new and there aren't many long-term reports yet. My Nitto's are chunked bad, so I am looking for something tougher, but that won't require a new dental plan from a harsh on-road ride as it's my daily driver.

I am looking at the same spec's for both: LT285/70/17 D load rating.

I am most concerned with there being a significant difference for on-road comfort over the KO's. I will be coming from 285/70/17 P rated Nitto Terra Grapplers, so either one will be a big difference, but I want the better of the two. Any thoughts?