The New Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT Tires

[[DELETED MEMBER 103062]]

I'm posting this because I believe that not many people are aware of this new tire that is available on the market that I believe is worth looking at.

Last September Goodyear released their new version of the Duratrac. Goodyear Duratrac's have been around for many years, and is a very popular tire. The new version is identified as the RT and is significantly different than the original with tighter internal tread blocks and siping. The exterior remains very aggressive for rock crawling and mud.

I've been a big fan of the original Duratrac's for many years, except for the noise and the fact that they were not good on ice. The new RT solved both of those issues IMO. They are super quiet and awesome on Colorado ice for the reasons noted above. Based on the tread and side wall design, I can only assume, they are every bit as good as the original Duratrac's in the rocks and mud, but haven't personally tested the tires in those conditions yet.

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[SaintNick]

What? No pics?

 

[zouch]

biggest 17 is a 265/70? i'm out.

LMK when they get to 37s.

 

[58Willys]

I put a set in a few months ago, best on/off road tire I’ve run in close to 50 years.

 

[grimmjeeper]

biggest 17 is a 265/70? i'm out.

LMK when they get to 37s.

They may. It just takes time to get production up and running.

Though the old Duratrac only went to 35s so I'm not sure they will make 37s.

 

[tk1700]

I've had a set of 285/70 17E for about 5000 miles now and time for the first rotation. They are fantastic. I've had them on packed snow, snow about 10in deep, rocks, a little mud and highway. I thought the E rating would be too stiff and almost didn't them for that reason. It really isn't that much different than the factory KO2s were once I found a good pressure, 30psi. They have performed well and I'm happy with the purchase. They are quieter on the highway than I expected, I've had them over 80mph numerous times.

When I bought them from Discount Tire they were so new that they weren't listed in their inventory. Joe from Discount Tire on the forum contacted GY and had them added to their inventory and helped me order thru my local store. The whole process too about 2 weeks to get them in store.

These are the only 2 pics of them I have right now. It looks low, but it's on a small hump. When I rotate them I'll measure the wear as the spare doesn't have any miles yet.

 

[Jtphoto]

biggest 17 is a 265/70? i'm out.

LMK when they get to 37s.

Actually they do make them up to 315/70R-17 (35”) but I would like a 37” version. I run the regular Duratracs in 35” no and then. Love the tires.
FYI Duratracs need to be rotated like MT tires, every 3000mi (5000klm) so they stay quiet in road.

 

[DaltonGang]

I've had a set of 285/70 15E for about 5000 miles now and time for the first rotation. They are fantastic. I've had them on packed snow, snow about 10in deep, rocks, a little mud and highway. I thought the E rating would be too stiff and almost didn't them for that reason. It really isn't that much different than the factory KO2s were once I found a good pressure, 30psi. They have performed well and I'm happy with the purchase. They are quieter on the highway than I expected, I've had them over 80mph numerous times.

When I bought them from Discount Tire they were so new that they weren't listed in their inventory. Joe from Discount Tire on the forum contacted GY and had them added to their inventory and helped me order thru my local store. The whole process too about 2 weeks to get them in store.

These are the only 2 pics of them I have right now. It looks low, but it's on a small hump. When I rotate them I'll measure the wear as the spare doesn't have any miles yet.

285/70/17 not 285/70/15. But, I know what you meant.

 

[Jeffy56]

I like the looks of this tire too. However, only load E? If you lower the air pressure on an E for a daily decent ride, not trail situation, you will be flexing the carcase a lot more than normal. This could come back and bite you with separation later on.

 

[tk1700]

285/70/17 not 285/70/15. But, I know what you meant.

Thats what I get for being in a hurry this morning. Its fixed now, thanks.

 

[58Willys]

I like the looks of this tire too. However, only load E? If you lower the air pressure on an E for a daily decent ride, not trail situation, you will be flexing the carcase a lot more than normal. This could come back and bite you with separation later on.

I have the E range running 31PSI, they ride very well, just slightly stiffer than stock. Great tire!

 

[C.Sco]

biggest 17 is a 265/70? i'm out.

LMK when they get to 37s.

They likely never will. The original Duratracs maxed out at like 34 or 35" too.

It's too bad, I really really like my duratracs I had on my WK2. Was sad to see they have nothing worthwhile for my Wrangler. I like my Ridge Grapplers more though, although the snow traction isn't quite as good as the Duratracs.

 

[Jtphoto]

They likely never will. The original Duratracs maxed out at like 34 or 35" too.

It's too bad, I really really like my duratracs I had on my WK2. Was sad to see they have nothing worthwhile for my Wrangler. I like my Ridge Grapplers more though, although the snow traction isn't quite as good as the Duratracs.

Goodyear also has the Boulder MT that replaces their MTR.

 

[C.Sco]

Goodyear also has the Boulder MT that replaces their MTR.

PRetty decent price for the 37" ones too, $479 each at tirerack. Discount seems to only stock up to 35" for some reason.

 

[Jtphoto]

Those GY Boulder are on my short list if I do 37s again. If I go back to 35s it will likely be Duratracs.

As for ice traction some have commented on, there is no AT tire that is good on ice unless it’s studable . There are specific tires like Ice-X or Blizzak that are specifically designed for ice but they don’t last long if you drive them on gravel, pavement and rock. Their rubber compounds are the opposite to what we need for on and off road performance tire.

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