This '06 Dodge Ram Quad Cab has been an excellent truck for us and has seen many aftermarket upgrades. We must say, while knocking on wood, that all the work met our expectations. Early on we decided to run a set of Walker Evans 20-inch Street Lock wheels, but soon discovered that locating the right tire size wasn't easy. The sizes available seemed either too small, with very little sidewall, or too large, causing them to rub the fenderwells.
| Looking at the specs of the Wrangler MT/R, we were surprised to find not only a wide range of sizes (from 31X10.50R15LT to 42X14.50R17LT) but what appeared to be the right fit for our wheels.
This truck was built primarily to tow, with an understanding that it would also make many trips in and out of the city and spend weekends in the backcountry. So the tire had to have the correct load rating, have some off-highway ability, and fit properly.
After months of searching, our answer came in the form of the Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar from Goodyear. We had seen many of these tires out on the trail, but mostly on hardcore off-highway rigs. This wasn't a bad thing-our truck is used off-highway occasionally-but many times a good off-highway tire is not necessarily the right tire for towing because of the compound types and tread patterns.
Looking at the specs of the Wrangler MT/R, we were surprised to find not only a wide range of sizes (from 31X10.50R15LT to 42X14.50R17LT) but also what appeared to be the right fit for the custom off-road wheels we had. So we placed an order for a set with Kevlar, LT285/65R20 in load range E. The spec sheet indicated that they measured 11.5 inches wide and 34.8 tall with a maximum load of 3,860 pounds at 80 psi.
| We have had many dealings with Discount Tire and haven't had a single bad experience. The store in Santa Clarita was no exception.
Our first stop was at Discount Tire, also known as America's Tire, in Santa Clarita, California. Discount Tire is recognized as a quality tire distributor and for its service center with a large inventory, but most of all for its professionalism and customer relations. We have had many dealings with Discount Tire and haven't had a single bad experience. The store in Santa Clarita was no exception. We were met by the assistant manager, Abd-Allah Tarik, given a cup of coffee, and told to hang tight. The guys went to work mounting and balancing the new Wrangler MT/Rs, and soon we were on the road.
Immediately we noticed better response in the steering. The truck felt as if it had been freed up. A slightly smaller contact patch on the ground meant a lot less resistance in the steering. The previous tires were about an inch larger all the way around. These new Goodyear tires measured out just over 341/2 inches tall and 111/4 inches wide. Basically, the truck drove like it had with the original factory tires.
| The Kevlar helps increase sidewall puncture resistance by 35 percent, according to Goodyear.
The new tires offered a smooth and, for an aggressive off-highway tire, quiet ride inside the cab. Incidentally, the off-road capabilities of these tires have been well documented. The tread is made of six plies: two polyester, two steel, two nylon. The sidewall is three-ply: two polyester, one Kevlar. The Kevlar increases sidewall puncture resistance by 35 percent, according to Goodyear.
In addition to great off-road performance, the MT/Rs will carry a bit more load than stock tires. The tires that came from the factory were also a load range E, with a rating of 3,195 pounds at 80 psi. The Goodyear Wrangler MT/Rs with Kevlar have a maximum load of 3,860 pounds at 80 psi, so technically we increased the load capability by 665 pounds.
| The tires that came from the factory were also a load range E, with a rating of 3,195 pounds at 80 psi. The Goodyear Wrangler MT/Rs with Kevlar have a maximum load of 3,860 pounds at 80 psi.
We now have more than 6,500 miles on the Wranglers in just about all conditions, from the snow in the High Sierras to the sand and mud of the California deserts. On the highway pulling a load, these tires worked as well as any we have used.
