if one were to buy directionals and not use them the correct way, V down point does the digging, this also makes it a very good if not the best self cleaner, it would be a waste of money and a better choice could be made, To buy a directional requires one to want the most traction a tire can have so its worth useing,If U are lucky enough to get em by chance they are awesome tires, The TM states on trailers for them to be mounted in a backwards direction this will increase the tire wear life, and has no need for traction on a trailer, Handling will be impared if on the "fronts" if they are not the same way, and stability also, if on the fronts and the tire not going in the driection it was intended will have a poorer or less traction on all surfaces, so yes it definitely makes a difference but one wont explode if done wrong most Military units have many trucks with tires going every way imaginable,I would take the time and money to re mount it to go the correct way, this way U will also have the same tire wear and wont end up with one balding first, and in a serious braking condition this can and will be dangerous, I have always loved tires, and spent many hours mudding just watching out the side of many a willys, I almost always ran directionls , watching the bud chunks flop up when going slow or just admiring the tread pattern in the mud itself, thats just me, ...Randy