My 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs (285/70/17) began their service lives with tread blocks 18/32 inches deep. In my August 5,000 mile video review I stated that the tread depth was 16/32. This projected a life expectancy of approximately 40,000 miles. Six months later, with 10,000 miles under their steel belts my Duratracs’ tread depth had only fallen 32nd to 15/32’s. These are the average four-tire tire wear rates. One tire on the Jeep still measured 17/32′ at 5,000 miles. Two of the four tires were correct at 15/32’s at 10,000 miles, the other two being 32nd and 33rd, respectively.

The tread blocks’ corners show normal rounding. I have not seen any cupping, excessive pitting, or any other signs of premature or abnormal wear. To maximize the set’s utility, I will continue to rotate the five tires and expect to get at most 40,000 miles from the tires.

These tires have performed well in a variety of environments.

On-road

Duratracs are still a good choice for everyday driving. They are quiet and comfortable, with a pressure of 28 psi. Excellent traction on dry asphalt. Street driving is hard, especially at highway speeds. However, I have never felt that the Goodyears had lost grip. The tires aren’t affected by the open skies. Wet-pavement traction works just as well. The Jeep will pull in the same direction if the Goodyears measuring 11.5 inches on each side are dropped into the rainwater. However, this is normal with any large truck/SUV tire.

The Duratracs have been able to withstand the harshest winter conditions, even though it was warmer than usual. The tires are capable of handling snow upto about 5 inches without slipping or losing control. Although I have experienced minor slippage on ice-covered roads, it was only when I started from a standing stop. This is probably due to my learning curve when applying the wider tire contact area to the icy surface. That aside, both driving and braking are confidence-inspiring.

Off-road

It was a great feeling to be able to move beyond simple gravel roads and test the Duratracs against real off-road obstacles. They have not disappointed me in this area, too, I am happy to say. They were able to handle the local sandstone, and other rocks and made a smooth, dry surface. I was curious to see how the tires would perform in the deep sandy environment that is so prevalent in my local wheeling area. The Duratracs did a great job handling fine sands, and I have never seen a tire spin.

The Duratracs have impressed me for more than a year. They are a joy to have around for many years.