Massive Trauma!

[Eagle]

I actually bought a set of NEW tires today -- for the first time in over 20 years. Since then I've always rolled on either whatever came on a Jeep, or run tires that were either bought as used tires, or that came on Jeep alloy rims I bought. But ...

 

The new-to-us 2001 XJ was wearing a set of the OEM Wrangler RT/S tires. They still had decent tread, but my friend Eric noticed that the sidewalls on a couple were cracking. When I looked more closely, I saw that all four were cracked. And my wife is currently using that vehicle so I don't want to take any chances. So, I went shopping.

 

And I found that Goodyear no longer offers either the original Wrangler Radial or the Wrangler RT/S in a 225/75-15 size. But Wal-Mart has in stock original Wrangler Radials in 235/75R15 for $87 each. Did some research on Tire rack's web site and found that the Wrangler RT/S and the newer Wrangler they're putting on Jeep Liberties get horrible reviews, but the original Wrangler Radial gets great reviews. So ... I bought a set of five. The speedo previously read a bit faster than true road speed anyway, so this should make the speedo just about dead nuts accurate, and provide a scintilla of extra road clearance.

 

Why is it that the good stuff always gets discontinued, and the replacements are never as good?

[Pete M]

perhaps there's some variation in what appear to be the same tires? my dad has enjoyed 2 sets of goodyear forteras now under the Libby with good mileage out of them and great rain/snow traction. yet on tirerack it got horrible reviews. with a bit of research I found that the complaints came from people with either 17, 18 (Explorers, grand cherokees, etc) or tiny 14 inch rims. Dad has 16s. :dunno:

[dfreeman616]

the wrangler radial is a good tire, no complaints especially for the money. the rt/s, in my opinion, is junk. especially in the snow or any wet traction. i currently have a couple goodyear sr/a's that are nice, and they actually cost less than the crappy rt/s but more than the radial.

[sinkrun]

I have had several set the last few years both used and new. For a daily drive and the price you can beat them.

[AMCJeepMJ]

Our Escape came with wranglers as OEM equipment and lasted 65k miles. We currently have the goodyear wrangler silent armors on it and just love them.

[Incommando]

I have had horrible luck with Goodyears and will never buy a set again. The last 3 times I had them I was very disappointed. The MT/R's I had were hands down the worst tires I have ever owned. The off-brand M/T's of the same size that I replaced them with held a balance ( the MT/R's would not), lasted 20,000 miles longer, and performed better off road in the terrain I wheeled in. The wear pattern of the MT/R's, even with 3,000 mile rotations, just plain sucked.

 

The other two sets were also OEM installations. Junk, pure junk. I realize that Goodyear and the others make the exact same tire to different specs to satisfy the vehicle manufacturer but in the end it is their rep that gets trashed. That being said the Wranglers you purchased at Wallyworld may or may not be the same as the one's that had the good reviews. WW is notorious for forcing manufacturers to change items in order to meet their price point. :fs1: