BFG AT vs. DuraTrac

[4x4mike]

Here it is:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...T-s-kinda-suck

[Seanz0rz]

i also bought load range E tires this time, the D's are more expensive and impossible to find. go figure...

so far the E's feel great. i notice a difference between old and new tires, but im not sure how much of that is due to the load range difference and how much is down to the fact that they are new and the old ones were OLD.

[CJM]

I tried BFG AT's, while they were ok they were not great. I found that if your going anywhere near mud they clog up and dont clean out too well, the also clog up with snow in the same manner, dont work well on ice and hydroplaned to easily for my liking.

I switched to dueler revos and found them much better and rode better too.

[4x4mike]

My first 2 sets of BFG AT's were on a fullsize pick up (285/75/16). When I bought my 4Runner it had a brand new set of Revo 2's (265-70-16) on there (the style before the present one). I was happy it had new tires but wanted BFG's in 265-75-16. I put a lot of miles on those Revo 2's in close to 3 years and they were great, I would recommend them. I chose the BFG's to replace those, when the time came, because I wanted something a little more aggressive, the next size up and the heavy sidewall.

Yes, I feel the AT's are a compromise. They aren't great in mud (I tend to avoid the stuff) and I've heard about the hydroplaning but have never experienced it. My snow experience is also 50/50. We do a some traveling in snow and ice going to Tahoe and visiting family in Nevada. At times it gets squirrely but I feel it would do the same with most other tire, in the same size and with the same amount of air in them. I don't live in the snow but if I did I would likely choose another tire for winter if I did.

[DHC6twinotter]

Thanks for all the great info guys!

I've heard about the mud issues with the BFG, but I don't plan on mudding (not my thing). I think it might be ok for what mud I may encounter on the trails, but I dunno. I've heard several other people, in addition to 4x4mike, mention the stronger sidewalls on the BFG. Stronger sidewalls would definitely be something I'd like.

As far as snow goes, the DuraTrac has really good snow reviews, and If I were moving to an area with plenty of snow, I'd probably get this tire. I submitted an application for a job in Flagstaff, so we'll see what happens with that. They get some snow there, so some better snow tires like the DuraTracs would be nice.

I'm leaning towards the BFG's, but I've got another week or so before I need to make up my mind.

I loved my Desert Duellers I had on my 2nd gen, and I really wish Bridgestone still made them. The Revos look nice, but not really as aggressive as I'd like.

Thanks again for all the input.

[04 Rocko Taco]

Let us know what you end up going with Dan!

[DHC6twinotter]

How important is the speed rating?

The BFG with a Q rating is more expensive than the S rating, even thought the S is rated for a higher speed. I don't get why, but maybe it has to do with the Q not having the white lettering.

Sears has the BFG tire with the S rating on sale at about the same price of TireRack, plus free mounting and no shipping charges. Total price is 800.96 + tax for set of 4. If anybody knows of a better deal, let me know!

Thanks!
Daniel

[4x4mike]

I think it depends on how fast you plan on driving. I'm not an expert on tires but I'm guessing the speed is based on a certain load, temperature, etc. If any of those change the number changes and even then there is probably some safety factor is built in. I've had my 4Runner at 90+ mph but not for very long and I don't plan on doing it again soon. As it is I drive like a grandma.

I looked into ratings and letters a bit in my search for BFG's. IIRC a lot of the LT tires were rated for less than 90+. Having one for say, 100 mph would probably only give piece of mind but I don't think it's necessary.

[Cebby]

I was a long time BFG AT guy and tried the Duratrac's last summer on my Jeep WJ. I've been pleasantly surprised.

They are a little noisier, but they wear like iron and I've not had any balancing issues that I heard GY tires are known for. This past winter they were great in the snow (we didn't get much this year, but they were good in what we had)

They look great with the side biter tread on the sidewalls too.

Running 265/70R17's

[DHC6twinotter]

Well, I ended up getting the BFG's today. Most I've ever spent at one time on any of my vehicles.

Thanks for all the input! We'll see how these turn out.