Goodyear introduced the Wrangler TrailRunner AT in 2016, and it’s one of the most popular models in the Wrangler line. This tire is tough and dependable, with excellent off-road capabilities. Many people choose it for light trucks, SUVs, crossovers, and similar vehicles. Here’s more information about Goodyear’s history and the Wrangler TrailRunner AT’s style, available sizes, tread design, pros and cons, replacement warning signs, and reviews.
Goodyear History
Frank Seiberling started the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio, in 1898. The company focuses on tires for light trucks, SUVs, commercial trucks, race cars, motorcycles, planes, farm equipment, and earth-moving machines for construction. Goodyear even makes bicycle tires.
Style
The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT has a rugged look that matches its off-road abilities. Like other tires in the Wrangler line, the sidewall has bold, black Goodyear Wrangler lettering with white outlines. The TrailRunner AT model name is in smaller, black lettering and can be difficult to see from any distance.
Available Sizes
The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT comes in 15-, 16-, 17-, 18-, 20-, and 22-inch sizes. P-metric and LT-metric options are available. P-metric tires are designed for vehicles that don’t need to haul or tow heavy loads or travel off-road, including many light trucks and SUVs. These tires have a P or no letter before the tire sizes. LT is an abbreviation for “light truck.” LT-metric tires can help vehicles use their maximum towing and carrying capacities. Reinforcements beneath the treads and in the sidewalls make them more durable but less efficient.
Tread Design and Performance
Goodyear’s engineers worked hard to give this tire excellent performance. Goodyear calls it an all-terrain tire because it operates well on the highway while providing great traction in rougher conditions. The Wrangler TrailRunner AT uses one of Goodyear’s newest tread compounds. It’s chip- and tear-resistant and molded into a symmetrical, aggressive tread design.
Large, interlocking tread blocks provide superior durability on- and off-road. The edges of the tread blocks have saw-toothed shapes, and multi-angle microgrooves or sipes improve traction off-road and during the winter. A stepped tire shoulder gives extra traction in deep mud and snow. The treads extend around the side or shoulder of the tire and help keep mud, small stones, and snow from accumulating between the treads and impacting traction or leading to damage or excess wear. The individual shoulder tread blocks increase the number of biting edges gripping the road during cornering or turning.
The tread pattern is optimized for even wear and long life. It also minimizes noise despite its aggressive features. The tread design’s flat footprint increases road contact for better controllability and driving stability.
LT-metric sizes have a five-rib tread pattern. Ribs are the raised sections of the tread, and they’re made of tread blocks. The Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) and the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) have certified this tread pattern for winter use. The three-peak mountain snowflake symbol is on the sidewall. It lets buyers know that testing showed this tire can accelerate 10% faster in medium snow than tires without this symbol.
Inside the Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT are two steel belts with spiral-wrapped nylon reinforcements. These belts are on top of a two-ply polyester cord body that’s perpendicular to the tire’s tread. This design combines durability and strength with a quiet ride. It helps keep the tire from deforming over time and makes it capable of carrying heavy loads, especially when you choose an LT-metric size.
Pros and Cons of the Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT
The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT can perform well all year in most conditions, including wet, dry, and chilly weather. It can provide long life with lots of utility on the highway and off-road. Other benefits include superior handling, responsive steering, and a smooth ride for an all-terrain tire.
On the other hand, this tire might not be the best choice for everyone. If you drive off-road on tough trails or in winter conditions often, other models, such as the Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure, might be more suitable. However, this tire is versatile and affordable, and it works well in most situations while providing a comfortable ride.
When To Replace the Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT
For safe driving in snow, heavy rain, or off-road conditions, the Wrangler TrailRunner AT needs at least 2/32 of an inch of tread depth. The standard tread wear indicators can help you determine when to replace the Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT. You can also look for signs you might need a tire replacement, such as uneven wear, bulging or blistering on the sidewall, or unusual vibrations.
Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT Reviews
Here are some reviews of the Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT:
- World Tire Review wrote, “The Goodyear TrailRunner AT is light-duty, comfortable, fuel-efficient, and attractive.”
- Tire Reviews and More said, “It appears that Goodyear spent a good amount of time developing this model for on-road use. Expect to find more civilized street manners and a comfortable ride quality compared to more rugged and aggressive all-terrain tires. That may work well for a large majority of owners who only go off-road on an occasional basis.”
- TractionLife stated, “There’s no doubt about it: Goodyear has lived up to their international reputation with this tire.”
The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT is ideal for people who drive off-road frequently but still spend most of their time on the highway. It’s rugged and durable and can handle most conditions.
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