If you’re looking for a tire that can handle your daily drive and weekend projects without a fuss, you might be considering the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685. This Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 review will look at what makes this highway-terrain tire a popular choice for pickup truck owners who need reliable all-around performance.
It’s built for the driver who uses their truck as a tool—hauling, towing, and commuting—but still expects a comfortable ride. Let’s see if it’s the right fit for your vehicle.
Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685
The Dueler H/T 685 sits in the highway-terrain (H/T) category. That means it’s optimized for paved roads, offering a quieter and smoother ride than a rugged all-terrain (A/T) tire. However, it’s got some tricks up it’s sleeve for light off-road duty and bad weather.
Bridgestone designed this tire specifically for SUVs and light-duty pickup trucks. It focuses on long tread life, all-season safety, and dependable towing capability.
Key Features and Technology
Bridgestone packed the Dueler H/T 685 with features aimed at durability and control. The tech inside is what sets it apart from older highway tire models.
- Dual-Layer Tread Compound: The top layer resists wear for long mileage, while the underlying layer is designed to stay flexible in colder temps for better grip.
- 5-Rib Tread Pattern: This design provides stable handling and even wear, especially important when you’re carrying a heavy load in the bed.
- Lateral Notches and 3D Sipes: These are tiny slits in the tread blocks that bite into snow and wet pavement, improving all-season traction.
- Shoulder Block Design: The wrapped shoulder blocks give you a bit more bite on loose surfaces like gravel or dirt, adding versatility.
- Computer-Optimized Shape: This helps ensure the tire wears evenly over its lifespan, so you get the most miles out of your investment.
Performance on the Road
Where this tire truly shines is on pavement. It delivers a comfortable and quiet ride that you’ll appreciate during long highway drives or daily commutes. Road noise is minimal, a common advantage of H/T tires over more aggressive ones.
Handling is predictable and secure. The steering response is good for a truck tire, giving you confidence when navigating city streets or merging on the interstate. For a tire built for heavy vehicles, it performs admirably.
Wet and Winter Weather Traction
The Dueler H/T 685 carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. This means it meets severe snow service standards, a big plus for drivers in areas with harsh winters. The numerous sipes and grooves effectively channel water away to resist hydroplaning.
- In light snow and slush, it provides confident grip.
- On wet roads, braking and cornering feel stable and controlled.
- It’s not a dedicated winter tire, but it’s a capable all-season performer in colder climates.
Durability and Towing Capacity
This is a strong point. The tire’s construction is robust, with reinforced materials to handle the extra stress of towing trailers or hauling heavy payloads. Many users report excellent tread life, often exceeding 60,000 miles with proper rotation and alignment.
The tire maintains it’s stability under load, which reduces sway and improves your feeling of control when you’re towing. Always check your vehicle’s specific load ratings and choose the correct tire size.
Off-Road and Gravel Performance
Remember, this is a highway-terrain tire first. It can handle maintained dirt roads, gravel driveways, and light construction sites without issue. The tread is more than capable for these common situations.
However, it’s not suited for serious off-roading like deep mud, rock crawling, or soft sand. The tread pattern isn’t open enough, and the sidewalls aren’t as protected as an A/T tire. Stick to mild, unpaved paths.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
No tire is perfect for everyone. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you buy.
- Limited Off-Road Prowess: As mentioned, it’s not an all-terrain tire. If you spend significant time off-pavement, look to Bridgestone’s Dueler A/T line.
- Heavy-Duty Mud/Sand: The tread can pack up quickly in sticky mud, reducing traction.
- Price Point: It’s often positioned as a premium H/T tire, so it might cost a bit more than some budget options, though the longevity can justify it.
How It Compares to Other Tires
How does the Dueler H/T 685 stack up against the competition? It’s useful to see where it fits in the market.
- vs. All-Terrain Tires (like BFGoodrich KO2): The Dueler H/T 685 is quieter, smoother, and often lasts longer on road. The A/T tire will dominate off-road but sacrifices some pavement comfort.
- vs. Other H/T Tires (like Michelin Defender LTX): They are very close competitors. The Defender is often praised for its legendary mileage, while the Dueler H/T 685 frequently gets nods for its snow traction and slightly more aggressive look.
- vs. Previous Model (Dueler H/L Alenza): The H/T 685 is generally seen as a more durable and capable successor, with better wet and winter performance.
Is the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 Right For You?
This tire is an excellent choice for a specific type of truck owner. You should consider it if:
- Your driving is 90% or more on paved roads.
- You need reliable all-season traction, including for light snow.
- You regularly tow trailers or carry heavy loads.
- You value a quiet, comfortable ride and long tread life.
- You occasionally drive on gravel or packed dirt.
You might want to look elsewhere if:
- You frequently drive in deep mud, sand, or over rocky terrain.
- You want the most aggressive “off-road look” for your truck.
- Your primary concern is getting the absolute lowest price point.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
To get the most miles out of your Dueler H/T 685 tires, follow these simple steps.
- Check Air Pressure Monthly: Use a reliable gauge and inflate to the pressure listed on your truck’s door sticker, not the tire sidewall. Underinflation is a major cause of premature wear.
- Rotate Every 5,000-8,000 Miles: This is crucial for even tread wear. Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s rotation pattern.
- Get Regular Alignments: Have the alignment checked at least once a year, or if you hit a major pothole. Misalignment quickly ruins tires.
- Balance When Needed: If you feel a vibration in the steering wheel or seat, it’s time for a balance.
- Inspect Tread Depth: Use the built-in wear bars or the penny test to monitor tread depth and plan for replacement before it becomes unsafe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 good in snow?
A: Yes, for an all-season tire it performs very well in light to moderate snow, thanks to its 3PMSF rating. It’s a solid choice for winter conditions, though dedicated winter tires are always superior in extreme ice and snow.
Q: How many miles can I expect from the Dueler H/T 685 tires?
A> With proper maintenance, many drivers report getting between 60,000 to 70,000 miles from a set. Your driving habits, vehicle, and maintenance routine are the biggest factors.
Q: Can I use these tires for light off-roading?
A: Absolutely. They are fine for forest service roads, hard-packed dirt, gravel, and similar conditions. They are not designed for technical or severe off-road trails.
Q: Are Bridgestone Dueler tires good for towing?
A: The Dueler H/T 685 is an excellent tire for towing. Its sturdy construction and stable tread pattern provide good control and stability when you’re pulling a trailer.
Q: What’s the difference between the H/T 685 and the Dueler A/T Revo 3?
A: The H/T 685 is a highway-terrain tire focused on on-road comfort, longevity, and light all-season capability. The A/T Revo 3 is a true all-terrain tire with a more aggressive tread for serious off-road use, which comes with slightly more road noise.
Final Thoughts
The Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 stands out as a top-tier highway-terrain tire for pickup trucks and SUVs. It masterfully balances the needs of daily drivers who also put their vehicle to work. You get impressive tread life, confident all-season traction, and a comfortable ride without giving up the durability needed for hauling and towing.
While it won’t satisfy the hardcore off-roader, it covers the vast majority of real-world scenarios for truck owners. If your adventures are mostly on the highway, with the occasional detour onto a dirt road or through a snowy pass, this tire is a reliable and capable partner that won’t let you down. It’s a smart investment for getting the most out of your pickup.