DuraTracs - Handling?

[bjwhite]

Snow update on the 255 55 19: These things tear it up! Lots of traction in the snow, and the stopping power is fantastic. They do great on ice, packed snow, and fresh snow. Really make this LR4 feel like a snow machine. Loving them right now.

So what's up with the "not rated for severe snow" rating on all of the website selling these? This also seems to be only be for the 255/55/19 size. About ready to pull the trigger to replace my very much loved and very much worn out MT/Rs in 255/55/19. Wish I could find another set.

 

[GoLoaf]

So what's up with the "not rated for severe snow" rating on all of the website selling these? This also seems to be only be for the 255/55/19 size. About ready to pull the trigger to replace my very much loved and very much worn out MT/Rs in 255/55/19. Wish I could find another set.

I'm no expert, but I believe they can't be rated for severe snow because you cant put studs in them. They are too low profile for studs. Automatic disqualification.

Otherwise, they are the same tread pattern and compound as other DuraTracs, so I'm pretty sure they might as well be rated for severe snow.

 

[bjwhite]

No, that's not it. Studs are outdated snow technology in most cases. Many severe snow tires don't use studs.

Turns out, the reason this is that these don't have the mountain snowflake symbol on the side as they are out of the Germany Goodyear plant and they figure production is so small they didn't put this size through the testing.

But you're right in that the tread pattern and compound is the same. I recently confirmed that with some folks.

 

[Adrenalinsports]

I still like my DuraTracks a lot. They do great in the snow. And very good off road. I think they are the best mix of on and off road. Plus they make the Land Rover not look like a soccer mom car. But if you don't plan on doing hard off road trails then you would probably like a less aggressive tires for less road noise. But the DuraTracks are the quietest mud terrain tire I have owned.

If you not doing tough off road stuff and don't need mud terrain tires then I have also been very happy with the Copper Discovery AT3. They still give you an aggressive looking tire but are super quite and handle extremely well in snow. Much better than any other all terrain tire I have owned.

Overland Journal did an all terrain tire test and the cooper discover AT3 was the overall winner. I put them on my dodge mega cab six months ago and love them.

Jud

 

[bjwhite]

What size did you go with?

 

[Adrenalinsports]

275/65 R18 on compomotives

 

[bjwhite]

I'd love to see a pic of yours with the compmotives?

 

[GoLoaf]

No, that's not it. Studs are outdated snow technology in most cases. Many severe snow tires don't use studs.

Turns out, the reason this is that these don't have the mountain snowflake symbol on the side as they are out of the Germany Goodyear plant and they figure production is so small they didn't put this size through the testing.

But you're right in that the tread pattern and compound is the same. I recently confirmed that with some folks.

Now that you mention it, I think I did hear that getting the mountain/snowflake doesn't come cheap, and they don't sell enough of the 255/55/19 to warrant the cost.

On the road noise front, they are barely louder than my stock conti's, and I'll credit the LR4's sealed/plush interior for that.

The biggest downer on the DuraTracs is definitely the marshmellow ride on asphalt. That definitely took some getting used to. I'm also afraid that these tires are too soft for the weight of the car, and I'll end up burning through them quicker than normal. Time will tell.

 

[Adrenalinsports]

Here is a photo of my LR4 with Compomotives and 275/65 R18's

Jud

 

[Iron oak]

The biggest downer on the DuraTracs is definitely the marshmellow ride on asphalt. That definitely took some getting used to. I'm also afraid that these tires are too soft for the weight of the car, and I'll end up burning through them quicker than normal. Time will tell.

I have the 255/55/19 Duratracs and took someone's advice on bumping up the tire pressure to help offset the squishy feeling. I run 44 psi at all 4 corners and it handles much better on road.

I haven't had much of a chance to test them out in a lot of snow yet but they do amazingly well in slush and ice. We are getting a blizzard here in Maine on Tuesday, with an estimated 18"-24" of snow so they will be a good test.