Tire questions

[CThomsen]

I need to replace the Michelin XPS tractions on my 97 dually. They have been great but now cost over $300 each for 235/85 R16. Does anyone have any experience with Goodyear Duratracs or GY Wrangler MTR? I'm also looking at Firestone destination m/t. I want something good for mud and also snow. Any opinions are appreciated. Thanks, Chris

 

[WalterRyan]

I do not know about those specific tires. What I do know is that a year and a half ago I put Goodrich commercial traction's on for the same reason. I have been extremely disappointed in them. They are not half the tire the XPS traction's where. They are not going to last half as many miles and the traction even on pavement is poor. I will be going back to the Michelin's soon even at the high price.



I hope you have better luck than I did.



Walt

 

[AABEN]

I am a snow bird and the truck came with BADyears. Replaced them at 10. 000 miles went to Firestone 235/85/17 Trans Force I have over 64. 000 miles on them. I pull a fifth wheel that is 38Ft and the hole rig weight is 23. 000 and a lot of miles at 70 75 miles on Interstate HY so I am very happy with my tires they are going to be replaced with the same tires soon.

 

[dresslered]

I've used the Michelin XPS in the past and loved them. They were extremely heavy but durable. Then, I switched to the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo's based on their reviews. Great tire. However, since I don't see much mud (duallies suck in the mud anyways), I recently went with the LT235/85R16 MICHELIN LTXMS2 ORWL 10. They are supposed to be (untried) great in the snow but not intended for mud. They are a highway tire (multi-surface) and I have noticed an honest 1-mpg increase already.

 

[Schumacher]

My friend has the Goodyear duratrac's on his 07. 5 and likes them in the snow and rain but, they are a little soft. He does alot of in town driving and the out side lugs are cupping. It would help if he rotated them more often. I don't think you will get the same wear as the Michelin XPS's

 

[TFabian]

Can't vouch for the wear characteristics for the Duratracs since I only have about 700 miles on them, but was elk hunting this past week. Combination of mud, snow and ice. Handled these conditions very well, didn't use 4wd anywhere. So far I am very happy with them. Reading reviews on these, a regular rotation schedule is highly recommended.

 

[MChildress]

Going to be hard to beat the Michelin's XPS I put them on my GN after blowing x3 Carlisle's the first year I bought the trailer and have had no problems going on 6 yrs now. Just replaced a set of 4 12 year old Michelin LTX on the horse trailer that had been on my 95 F350 originally. I asked the tire shop if these new ones were going to last 12 years he laughed and didn't believe until he looked at the date code on the tires. I know they are a little pricey but really believe you come out on top in the long run on longevity and safety.

 

[HBarlow]

The price of Michelins has increased considerably but that was caused by a severe decline in the buying power of the US dollar thanks to our current government.

When the buying power of the dollar declines the purchase price of everything rises.

Michelins are still the best value on a per mile basis of any tire available for use on light trucks or trailers.

Initial purchase price is painful but they still provide great performance and long wear.

 

[seafish]

I USED to run them on my 6. 9L Ford and they were a GREAT tire, but I can't find them in 17" sizes.



Are the XPS made in a 17" size??

 

[AEdelheit]

I see you mentioned the Wrangler MTR, my 04. 5 came with them and I hated them, extremely noisy tire, I would never recommend them.

 

[Bill Stockard]

I USED to run them on my 6. 9L Ford and they were a GREAT tire, but I can't find them in 17" sizes.



Are the XPS made in a 17" size??

Unfortunately, they are not available in a 17".



BTW, I put over 100K miles on a Ford 6. 9L. with a Banks turbo kit on it One head gasket and an injection pump overhaul, otherwise just regular maintenance expenses.



Bill

 

[CThomsen]

My last set of Michelin XPS tractions was purchased in May 2005 for $185 each. Now the same tire is over $300. I don't see that other brands have increased this much. I have 60-70K on these tires. I'm leaning toward trying the GY Duratracs. They are priced @ ~$190. Even if they only last 40-50K miles, I think I'll be money ahead.