I think Goodyear was first started in 1898. lol So they have been part of our culture for a long time.

 

The best set of tires I had throughout the life of my 2000 TJ (I bought it brand new and took it to 305k) were Michelins. They were rated at 80k and I got 130k of even wear, excellent on and off road traction in several New England winters and were amazing. The original Goodyears were OK, I got about 90k out of them. The set I got after the Michelins were BF Goodrich and were Ok. The TJ had the canyon wheel package, so the tires were 30.5x9R15 or something like that.

When I got my 95 XJ recently, one of the key factors in buying it was the tires looked good enough to pass 2 years of MA inspections without replacement. If I ever have to (or want to) buy tires for it, it will probably cost me more than I paid for the jeep ($800)..

 

The problem with Michelin is that in warmer drier climates they are dried out and falling apart long before you get your mileage out of them. Then Michelin is so arrogant they blame the environment and will not make them good under warranty because they do not cover "exposure".

And the cost of a set of Michelins is Europe's answer to keeping more cars off the road. lol

 

I ran Goodyear Wrangler RT/S from 2002 to last fall when I couldn't find them around. Everyone just has the Goodyear Wrangler Radial, so I picked up a set. The RT/S ALWAYS treated me well up here in Northern Maine. DEEP winter snow, deep spring mud and lots of hard rain in the summer. The ONLY complaint I have about them after running them for 15 years was they wore out a little quick, but I was traveling on a BAD road daily and I drove pretty fast, so that's kinda expected.


So far I don't have an issue with the new "Radial" model. You cant really argue with a tire that's $70 bucks a piece or less if its good in deep snow and rain up here, which so far it is. Im off road more than most people and Im doing 85 on the highway a few times a week.


Are there better tires out there? Of course. But if you want something you can use in snow, rain, mud, highway and off road, you wont find better without spending a bunch more.

 

I'm sorry man i laughed at this part haha.... your the first person I've heard that has said they liked them in snow, or off-road for that matter. Like I posted earlier, they are like slicks with a tread design. They may be $70, but there's plenty of reasons they are that cheap, and it's not because they are a quality off-road tire haha........unless were talking about different tires?

 

So I was unable to get the trendsetters. They are apparently being phased out. Went with Hankook Optimo 724. $95 per tire mounted and balanced. $380 total out the door. Of course if I pay cash there and they don't charge sales tax. And they didn't charge the disposal fee. They're rated for 70,000. I did find them fairly cheap on the net but I grew up with the 2 sons who are eventually taking over the shop from their dad. And they've always been good to me and I kinda owe my business to them so I'm happy. They feel good on the dry pavement should far. Will keep you posted once we get some rain or snow.

 

I have been running the Cooper weather masters going on the 4th winter. No problems. $400 total mounted and balanced. I have run the same tire on my KIA Soul for 2 years (year round) about 60,000 miles. Had to buy two new for the front last week. Been very happy with these tires, but I am hard of hearing.

 

And the award for the first actual historical fact of this thread goes to ..... Bugout4x4

 

How many people do you REALLY know ACTUALLY using them in the same conditions I am? Id guess none.

 

Well.... looks like we're getting a bit divided on the topic now.
I personally have a nearly new set on my XJ thanks to the previous owner... So I'll run mine in all the conditions I see in the high country of Colorado and determine if they work or not for me.

As for the tire in general (no pun intended).... I think it's still made because there is a demand for it within a certain part of the market. If there wasn't they wouldn't make it anymore.
I also don't think that every person that puts a set of these shoes on their ride are completely oblivious to what they're doing. Some might be, but that can be said of any product in any market.

 

actually I see them quite a bit....i work at a tire shop...i listen to what customers have to say... you are the first person I've heard that actually think they perform well offroad. Just something I haven't heard...ive used them as well. They have no traction ofrroad....scary as hell on wet pavement....being somewhat knowledgeable about tires, seeing as that's how I make a living, the wrangler radials are not something I would recommend to anyone. I think they are a $50 tire being sold overpriced hahah plus I think they are dangerous in wet conditions especially now in winter. The tread compound is HARD. That doesnt really lend itself well to helping a tire get traction on anything other then dry pavement. I just am not comfortable putting those tires on a customers vehicle based off everything customers say, my own experience with them, and just comparing them to other tires side by side....for just a touch more money, you can get another budget all terrain that actually is worth something. The iron man all terrain. If they work for you that's great. Can only imagine how better tire would work for you haha

 

good point there Martlor.... the compound itself has a lot to do with it, not just the tread patterns and siping.

 

there's a reason those wrangler last so damn long haha...the compound allows for it. It's not so soft or sticky that it will wear quickly.

 

Bah moving sucks anyways im gonna lookie into those iron mans some more. We need a tire thread lol i know theres many but from what i seen theyre older and some tires recommended arent made anymore or are updated. A family truck we had had daytons on them and man those things rocked.

 

tires are awesome to talk about hahah. Especially for trucks and suvs.