Goodyear Tire Hydroplane Warning.

NorCal 4x4 · 10-08-2004, 10:28 PM

I came across this Post, in a thread on the General Discussion forum titled "2005 Titan Option Packages Messed Up", post #13 by member Mike H. Although these tires may be extremely safe on some vehicles, on the Titan in this particular application, they are apparently a safety hazard, (based upon his observations).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike H.

I'm in the unfortunate situation of having put thousands of miles on both the original off-road BFG 285's (first) and then the non-offroad Goodyear 265's (now). Without a doubt, the Goodyear 265's SUCK in heavy rain (actually any rain). They hydroplane badly. The 285 BFG's are far superior in the rain. I was very surprised. They are stickier on dry pavement too.

caltitan · 10-09-2004, 12:17 AM

Hmmm, according to the tire manufacturers, here are the performance ratings on a scale of 1 to 10:

Goodyear Wrangler SR-A P265/70R18
Dry traction = 8
Wet traction = 8
Snow traction = 6
Off-road traction = 4
Quiet ride = 8

BF Goodrich Rugged Trail T/A P285/70R17 117T
Handling = 7
Wet traction = 7
Winter traction = 7
Mud traction = 7
Quiet ride = 8

bestatchess · 10-09-2004, 02:54 AM

The Rugged Trails get bad ratings at tirerack.com

NorCal 4x4 · 10-09-2004, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caltitan

Hmmm, according to the tire manufacturers, here are the performance ratings on a scale of 1 to 10:

Goodyear Wrangler SR-A P265/70R18
Dry traction = 8
Wet traction = 8
Snow traction = 6
Off-road traction = 4
Quiet ride = 8

BF Goodrich Rugged Trail T/A P285/70R17 117T
Handling = 7
Wet traction = 7
Winter traction = 7
Mud traction = 7
Quiet ride = 8

I would put more trust in the experiences of someone that has actually used both tires on his Titan rather than the numbers you quote. And as I stated, "on the Titan in this particular application, they are apparently a safety hazard, (based upon his observations)". I have no reason to believe this guy made up the story, and assuming it is true, this is a tire/vehicle combination that I hope doesn't happen, due to the apparent safety hazard.
I'm pretty certain that the numbers you quote were not "as tested on a Titan", but instead based on a standardized methodology. As an example of the manufactures numbers, on a previous vehicle, I have had one brand of 40K treadwear tires last 20K, and another brand's 40K tires last 35K, huge difference. Numbers like this can be useful guidelines, but to expect the same results on all vehicles is like expecting the same gas mileage on all Titans.

Mike H. · 10-09-2004, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swarren1

I came across this Post, in a thread on the General Discussion forum titled "2005 Titan Option Packages Messed Up", post #13 by member Mike H. Although these tires may be extremely safe on some vehicles, on the Titan in this particular application, they are apparently a safety hazard, (based upon his observations).

And I stand by that 100%. I don't give a rat's arse what the ratings say. Here in central Florida it rains almost every day in the summer. I put several thousands of miles on the BFGs, and now have on the Goodyears. In HEAVY rain/standing water, there is NO comparison. After driving the BFGs for so long, then switching over the Goodyears during the rainy season, it really is noticable. You can drive much faster in heavy rain with the BFGs and still feel safe. The hydroplaning with the Goodyears is very noticable. VDC "slip" light even kicked in once during a storm with the Goodyears, while going STRAIGHT at about 40.

Now on DAMP surfaces with no standing water, they are comparable, or the GY may even be better. But in heavy rain, SLOW DOWN with the Goodyears.

At half tread, I think they will both suck. But thankfully I won't have to find out. My Centerlines and Nittos are IN, and I'm going to get them on this morning!

Stay tuned......

greasy · 10-09-2004, 07:29 AM

I agree with you Mike. I live in South Florida, where it rains every other day, and one of the reasons I removed the Good Years was the hydroplanning issue. I installed Centerline Stingray III with Toyo Open Country A/T and the difference is incredible. No more lack of traction during wet conditions.

caltitan · 10-10-2004, 10:37 PM

I posted the ratings only so that people could comment on them and I do trust what people in Florida have to say about driving in the rain (especially after recent events there). I am concerned about hydroplaning on Goodyears even here in So Cal because when the first rains come, all the oil laid down over Summer and early Fall rises out of the asphault, cracks, and freeway slab grooves and makes things even more slick. On my old SUV the OE tires were Goodyear Wrangler AP. They were designed to lower road noise (which they did well) but they made for a slippery commute in the rain (eventually put on aqua tred tires which were great and equally quiet). No rain here since I bought my Titan in June so I have yet to see how the tires and the truck will handle in the wet.

Mike H. · 10-11-2004, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caltitan

....No rain here since I bought my Titan.......

Wow, I can't begin to fathom what "no rain" would be like for that long. I don't know how they rate the tires. I figure they probably use a damp asphalt surface. In that situation, the Goodyears may be better. But in say, 1/2" water, the BFG is heads and tails better. Like on the interstate, where the tire contact trails settle and are a little lower and fill up with water, that is where it is very noticable.

Now I'll see how my Nittos do..........

TerryTitan · 10-13-2004, 07:45 PM

Well I had the same BFG's on my Tacoma and never had 1 worry about losing control in the rain. Then had the Titan in FL and was losing it all over the place with the rain and the Goodyears on. Then today I was in VA looking for an apartment and on my way back to NC what do you know, it starts to rain and here I am without a truck because it hydroplaned and hit the barrier between the east and westbound lanes. Needless to say that Im getting new tires before it comes back out of the shop.

mikedpsych · 10-14-2004, 06:51 AM

I have the Goodyears and live in Houston. It has been raining for the past 2 weeks and I have not had a problem driving in the city or highway.

rarjar · 10-14-2004, 07:14 AM

I also have the Goodyears and drive back and forth between Lafayette, LA and East Texas. Have made several trips in moderate to heavy rain with no problems. May be that my tires are still new and they still have plenty of tread.

Doghouse · 10-14-2004, 01:00 PM

Be advised that the traction and treadwear numbers are based off each tire manufacturers "Standard" tire. They are only good for comparing with in the manufacturers product line.

Goodyear passanger to goodyear passanger
Dunlop performance to Dunlop performance
Micky Thompson off road to Micky Thompson off road.
J-FYI

drewdawg · 10-14-2004, 01:23 PM

I have the Goodyears and I'm not sliding off the road but they definatly arent the best for wet roads.

*Titan_TX* · 10-24-2004, 03:33 PM

Tire Pressures also have a lot to do with traction and hydroplane. So the goodyears might be fine.

lcbrownz · 10-25-2004, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caltitan

Hmmm, according to the tire manufacturers, here are the performance ratings on a scale of 1 to 10:

Goodyear Wrangler SR-A P265/70R18
Dry traction = 8
Wet traction = 8
Snow traction = 6
Off-road traction = 4
Quiet ride = 8

BF Goodrich Rugged Trail T/A P285/70R17 117T
Handling = 7
Wet traction = 7
Winter traction = 7
Mud traction = 7
Quiet ride = 8

The pictures of your truck look like an identical twin to mine except mine was born 5 days later.