Anybody with Duratrac 19s got a report? Looking for toughest 19

[JamesH]

Hi

My OEM Wranglers are at 38000km and I'm going to have to replace them before I go to the Kimberley in August.

I'm hoping some new options have come out since the long older threadsv. Please don't tell me about Gordon's 18" rims; can't afford them, and when Ive saved up I don't have storage for the old rims.:(

I read somewhere that some people had got hold of some Duratrac 19s that are starting to seep into Australia? How are they, is availability improving?

I need a tough set of 19s that can handle bad to nastyish roads eg Gibb River side roads, Dalhousie/Mt Dare, some station tracks type stuff. Rarely do mud. What are the latest options? I've read such mixed reports on Coopers, particularly sidewall strength, which I reckon is a big factor for me. I just don't trust them.

[4evershiva]

I got all my tyres fitted with 19inch duratrac in November, they are awesome, not much road noise, handles the wet bitumen well during the heavy shower last Friday. Went to fraser island for the long weekend and it did perform well. Have tested it on dirt road and it perform well. Gives you the aggressive tyre look as well. Love them.

P.S: Still need to put it to test for rock climb and mud conditions. am confident they will perform well on those conditions.

[rar110]

Im looking for something similar, although not as aggressive as Duratrac.

Here is some discussion on Hankook RF10s in 255/55R19.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/208764-tyres-r18s-lt.html

[LandyAndy]

James do you spill the Pimms at every set of lights???
Thats not good milage from the tyres,guessing I have to look forward to it:(:(:(:(:(:(
Andrew

[JamesH]

James do you spill the Pimms at every set of lights???
Thats not good milage from the tyres,guessing I have to look forward to it:(:(:(:(:(:(
Andrew

I won't lie and say Ive never spilled a drop, Andrew, but I'm pretty sedate. Never had an emergency that saw ABS kick in for example. I corner pretty slow and apart from a return trip on the Hyden-Norseman Rd (which is as smooth as a baby's bum and a brilliant picturesque time saving drive btw - especially for you) they've never been off-road.

They've also been rotated. Got no issues with wheel allignment that I'm aware of and not noticed any tyre wearing faster, theyre all wearing out:(

From what Ive read, my experience is pretty typical

[dmdigital]

38000 is exceptional for Wrangler HP imo. I only got 22000 on the set on my D2a. Great on sealed road but not much of that here. I've just gone for the Cooper Zeon LTZ as there was slim chance of getting Duratracs.

I can't spill pimms at the traffic lights... There aren't any. But there's also not enough traffic to wait for to give you time to mix a descent martini at the main intersections in town ;)

[LandyAndy]

I would expect you to be gentle James;););););)
Shame I cant get time off to chase you north,got mountains of leave owing including long service leave;););););)
Andrew

[LandyAndy]

38000 is exceptional for Wrangler HP imo. I only got 22000 on the set on my D2a. Great on sealed road but not much of that here. I've just gone for the Cooper Zeon LTZ as there was slim chance of getting Duratracs.

I can't spill pimms at the traffic lights... There aren't any. But there's also not enough traffic to wait for to give you time to mix a descent martini at the main intersections in town ;)

Derek.
The Pimms joke between James and I goes back to when I first met James,just after buying my D2,he suggested that I should be drinking Pimms owning a vehicle like that;)
;););););)
Andrew

[discotwinturbo]

I might be the exception then. Have now traveled 80k, 20k on my Coopers, and 60k on the factory wranglers. Now starting to look for new tyres as they are almost ready to be taken off.
No off-road (apart from the GOE course on day 2 of ownership), but plenty of heavy towing and lots of right boot.

Brett....

[JamesH]

I'm thinking that Hankooks might be the way to go. I need to find a Perth supplier, I guess and allow time to get them in.

[Shortyesquire]

I spoke to Swan tyres before xmas and they wanted $280 for the 18s and $330 for the 19s.

[Redback]

I'm thinking that Hankooks might be the way to go. I need to find a Perth supplier, I guess and allow time to get them in.

Hi James, JAX Tyres supply the Duratrac in 19", I don't know if you have JAX in the west though

Bob Jane supply the Hankooks if you go that way.

We are hoping to be in the Kimberly in August, keep an eye out for a our grey D4, ya never know we may cross paths.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bazzar/media/High%20Country%202012%202013/IMG_6679_zps17100663.jpg.html)

Baz.

[JamesH]

Thanks everyone. I do not believe we have a Jax in WA but I think will look into Bob Jane and Swan for some Hankooks and if they disappoint me off the bitumen I might hunt down the Duratracs after that.

What I don't like about the Hankooks is the white writing on both sides of the tyre. This might go with the GU Patrol drivers but it clashes with the Pimms and cucumber sandwich vibe that I like to rock.

[gghaggis]

My (19") Hankooks don't have white lettering?

Cheers,

Gordon

[4evershiva]

My (19") Hankooks don't have white lettering?

Cheers,

Gordon

u had just made his search harder now...:D:D

[dukemasterpro]

Hi James, JAX Tyres supply the Duratrac in 19", I don't know if you have JAX in the west though

Bob Jane supply the Hankooks if you go that way.

We are hoping to be in the Kimberly in August, keep an eye out for a our grey D4, ya never know we may cross paths.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/bazzar/High%20Country%202012%202013/IMG_6679_zps17100663.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bazzar/media/High%20Country%202012%202013/IMG_6679_zps17100663.jpg.html)

Baz.


Very nice Baz! Such an amazing place to tour...

[JamesH]

We are hoping to be in the Kimberly in August, keep an eye out for a our grey D4, ya never know we may cross paths.

Baz.

Baz, out plans are still loose but I daresay we can touch base nearer to the time. We'll be up there in August, usually roll along the Gibby into the Territory and visit some friends in Victoria River district. It will be a two D4 convoy and maybe a peasant or two.

I recommend you file away a trip to El Questro. A great place, all on the one station you can see a whole lot of what the Kimberley has to offer. Campsite accommodation to 6 star luxury (all types of wallet from fat to morbidly obese) you can do day trips to interesting spots around the place. It's almost all you need if time is tight and you have to head back for school holidays coming to an end or whatever. Home Valley too.

Mitchell Plateau is awesome though you roll the dice on when the grader last went through. Bungle Bungles road in sucks big time for a reasonably interesting visit, no more. I'm not doing it again, did it twice in the Defender and over it.

I'd love to see another D4 on the track.

[ytt105]

A red D3 may also be out there around that time.

Regards

[Redback]

We have 2 months to see things, we will be heading for the Rock then turning left, that's the plan so far:D

Seems it may be over run with Discos, we could be travelling with a white D3, with some peasents tagging along also:D

Baz.

[theins]

Have gone through two sets of Wrangler HP over the course of 90k... Have finally moved to General Grabbers and have done about 30k on them and I would have expected to get another 30-40k out of them

[RHS58]

I'm keen to try out the Hankook ATM when the Wranglers wear out.
Cooper Zeon LTZ not cheap, and opinions very polarised ie people either love em or hate em.

[phl]

Time to swap the Coopers out after 27,000km. After 2 sidewalks last trip, and a bulge (below) this trip, as well as over 50% wear, I'm looking for something with stronger sidewalls.

For 255/55R19, I'm tossing up between the Goodyear Duratrac or the Hankook RF-10 Dynapro AT-M. This trips was a lot of rocks and unfortunately mud (started at Tom Groggin in the dry, rain started going up Mt Pinnabar Track, and suddenly sliding backwards at an angle after attempting a steeper ascend).

This morning after an easy drive between Wheelers Creek Hut and the Benambra-Corryong Rd, the TPMS alarm went off. Initially thought was just a slow leak, so pumped it up, and went on. Happened again, and found the sidewall bulging. Finally found a good spot to change the tyre at Benambra, and this is what it looks like.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/12/165.jpg

Entirely possible damaged was sustained on one of the other tracks, and this only manifested overnight, but I feel I can't trust these tyres off-road anymore.

[Stuart02]

Time to swap the Coopers out after 27,000km. After 2 sidewalks last trip, and a bulge (below) this trip, as well as over 50% wear, I'm looking for something with stronger sidewalls.

For 255/55R19, I'm tossing up between the Goodyear Duratrac or the Hankook RF-10 Dynapro AT-M. This trips was a lot of rocks and unfortunately mud (started at Tom Groggin in the dry, rain started going up Mt Pinnabar Track, and suddenly sliding backwards at an angle after attempting a steeper ascend).

This morning after an easy drive between Wheelers Creek Hut and the Benambra-Corryong Rd, the TPMS alarm went off. Initially thought was just a slow leak, so pumped it up, and went on. Happened again, and found the sidewall bulging. Finally found a good spot to change the tyre at Benambra, and this is what it looks like.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/12/165.jpg

Entirely possible damaged was sustained on one of the other tracks, and this only manifested overnight, but I feel I can't trust these tyres off-road anymore.

That's Cooper AT3s? Apples with apples for Duratracs would be the Cooper ST Maxx, much tougher IMO

[phl]

That's Cooper AT3s? Apples with apples for Duratracs would be the Cooper ST Maxx, much tougher IMO

No, those are the Zeon LTZ, at the time the only 19" off-road tyres.

Are the ST Maxx available in 19"?

[Edit] No, nothing for 19". FWIW, I'm only comparing the 19" versions, as I realise I can get LT tyres in 18".

[Bradmc]

I have the 19inch duratrac's and I rate them as very good. Road noise is not an issue, they handle well in all road conditions and perform well in most offroad conditions. Use the right tyre pressures for the conditions and you should be fine.

I bought mine from an online trader. I'll send you a PM.

[phl]

This time I kept to 36psi, so was surprised I had a problem. Road noise isn't that big a concern, as I lived with BFGs for 8 years in my previous vehicle.

Checking online, Tempe Tyres in Sydney seems to have them at a good price including fitting.

[Greatsouthernland]

I've done 5000km on my Duratracs and I'm very happy with them. Many rocks and stumps in paddocks that would have wrecked the side walls of my originals, don't even mark the Duratracs.

[rar110]

How do the Duratracs handle on wet bitumen?

[Graeme]

The 17" Duratracs that I ran on my D4 had good wet grip.

[Greatsouthernland]

How do the Duratracs handle on wet bitumen?

Good question, I had concerns initially, but I've pushed it (where safe) and couldn't upset the vehicle dynamics. Admittedly there is some serious electrickery and computerised gizmos that kick in and would make average tyres safer on this vehicle than an older one without driver assist...BUT, specific to the D4 on wet bitumen, I feel safer on the Duratracs than I did on the stock rubber.

There is a softer ride and the tyres feel 'spongier' than standard (equals a smoother ride overall ;) ), so quick cornering on the highest Llams setting tends to elevate the pulse rate, but it doesn't result in any adverse tracking or excessive roll....

[Stuart02]

Have you noticed some for sale in the market? Could always give em a shot. I doubt you could go horribly wrong with a quality tyre

[disconerd]

Hi all

Looking at getting some 19 inch Duratrac's as well. Does anyone have experience regarding the life span of these tyres. I know it's dependant on ones driving but a rough guide would be helpful.

Cheers

[ScottD4]

I'm about to get the Duratracs. Tempe Tyres in Sydney have them for $340 ea fitted, if anyone knows of cheaper feel free to let us know.

After only getting 27000 out of the original tyres surely anything is going to be better.

Absolute joke.

[RobA]

Scott that price is fantastic given I was quoted $568 F&B by a Goodyear shop in Adelaide

Rob

[Graeme]

I've done 5000km on my Duratracs and I'm very happy with them. Many rocks and stumps in paddocks that would have wrecked the side walls of my originals, don't even mark the Duratracs.
The tread seems significantly wider and more protective of the sidewalls on the 19" Duratracs than the 19" Hankooks or the 17" Duractracs that I had on my D4.

[Greatsouthernland]

The tread seems significantly wider and more protective of the sidewalls on the 19" Duratracs than the 19" Hankooks or the 17" Duractracs that I had on my D4.

Yes I agree, I'm very impressed with the 'forgiveness' this factor offers, from urban assault on gutters :angel: to the rutted tracks and other hazards I come across, for the price discussed in this thread, they are so far the best value in tyres I've come across in 19" for this vehicle.

[Nomad9]

Hi James H,
X2 on the Norseman to Hyden road, beautiful road.......

[dalil]

I am on for new tyres after 60k on OE. Last week i went to goodyear to check the price and actually see the tyre. I didn't like the side wall it fill very soft, and from goodyear specification it sims it was design for European winter(snow) rather Australian outback. I think Iwill go with Hankook Dynapro atm.

[LandyAndy]

Hi James H,
X2 on the Norseman to Hyden road, beautiful road.......

The Cascades road to Esperance is the same.They are both well maintained gravel as they are emergency detours.The Cascades road is the only way into Esperance if the South Coast Hwy is out,same story for the Noresman to Hyden,its incase the tar to Kal is out.
Andrew

[scomac]

Tyre Sales Online are selling 19" Duratracs for $374 fitted in W.A at approved dealers including Barbagallo.

[Greatsouthernland]

Anyone tried these on the beach? I'm told (by a LC owner) they dig in worse than OE rubber, shouldn't take them on sand...

I reckon they will be fine when aired down, the sidewall is stronger too which will allow for lower pressure if needed.

Thoughts?

[Graeme]

I don't know how much stronger the sidewalls are than other tyres as they're still only P-rated. Anyway, LT tyres need to be lowered more than a P-rated tyre to get the same elongation on sand.

[Greatsouthernland]

I don't know how much stronger the sidewalls are than other tyres as they're still only P-rated. Anyway, LT tyres need to be lowered more than a P-rated tyre to get the same elongation on sand.

Thanks Graeme. I'll find out next week....:)

[gghaggis]

Anyone tried these on the beach? I'm told (by a LC owner) they dig in worse than OE rubber, shouldn't take them on sand...

I reckon they will be fine when aired down, the sidewall is stronger too which will allow for lower pressure if needed.

Thoughts?

They work very well in sand - I've had them down to 12psi on soft dune drifts up at Wedge Island, but most sand driving can be done at 16 ~ 18psi.

Cheers,

Gordon

PS Oops - I'm referring to the Hankook 255/55R19's!

[Greatsouthernland]

They work very well in sand - I've had them down to 12psi on soft dune drifts up at Wedge Island, but most sand driving can be done at 16 ~ 18psi.

Cheers,

Gordon

PS Oops - I'm referring to the Hankook 255/55R19's!

Onya Gordon :D

At least I should be able to get down to 20psi without causing damage...will have trax and snatch strap in case.

[Graeme]

Anyone tried these on the beach? I'm told (by a LC owner) they dig in worse than OE rubber, shouldn't take them on sand...More aggressive tread patterns will dig in faster once starting to bog but often will provide more ability to keep going to avoid bogging. My 17" Duratracs were great in the Simpson last winter.

[jon3950]

More aggressive tread patterns will dig in faster once starting to bog but often will provide more ability to keep going to avoid bogging. My 17" Duratracs were great in the Simpson last winter.

I'm with you Graeme. I think the belief you must use HT tyres on sand is over-stated.

The best tyres I've had on sand were MTRs on my D2, because they were tall and skinny. When they start bogging in you lift your foot - simples.

Cheers,
Jon

[Graeme]

I think the belief you must use HT tyres on sand is over-stated.They're a safer bet for drivers who are inclined to keep the power on thinking they're making progress when really they're going down faster than going forwards.

[jon3950]

They're a safer bet for drivers who are inclined to keep the power on thinking they're making progress when really they're going down faster than going forwards.

No doubt you're right Graeme. Maybe I should qualify it by adding, "for those who engage their brain when 4wding".

Cheers,
Jon

[Vasculardoc]

I put duratracs on in June last year and drove from Darwin to tasmania off-road the whole way on some pretty feisty roads, gibber filled plains, sand, bull dust and mud, corrrrrrrrrrrruggggaaaattttttions for Africa and generally gave them a great work out. No punctures, no sidewall bites, and good grip and handling, also on road in Darwin where the wet seas can sort out shabby off road tyres.
I'm really happy with them. They are available through tyresales.com.au for about $400 a corner from memory.

[strydes]

Thats encouraging to hear Vasculardoc. I've just picked up the ones that were for sale on here and will run a rotation of 6. They certainly look the biz, though I won't be able to give a review until I fit them and hit the road in late March.

Compomotives were my dream/plan, but ultimately trip budgeting just didn't allow for 5/6 of them.

[phl]

I put duratracs on in June last year and drove from Darwin to tasmania off-road the whole way

What sort of pressure were you running them at?

[Vasculardoc]

From memory mid to low 20's at varying times - 20 odd through the sandy bits of the finke river bed. Never felt I had to go lower than 20.

[Vasculardoc]

Thats encouraging to hear Vasculardoc. I've just picked up the ones that were for sale on here and will run a rotation of 6. They certainly look the biz, though I won't be able to give a review until I fit them and hit the road in late March.

Compomotives were my dream/plan, but ultimately trip budgeting just didn't allow for 5/6 of them.

I was the same re:compomotives - but 6 of them with tyres was a bit much pain at that stage and the duratracs have been so good I'm not that worried at the moment.

[phl]

Hope they are better than the Coopers. Just put 5 on today, and so far on-road handling doesn't seem to have been affected. A bit more noise than the Coopers, but perhaps will settle once all the little molding tags wear off.

[Vasculardoc]

How do the Duratracs handle on wet bitumen?

No problems at all - we have buckets of rain in Darwin and they are solid.