Maybe an outside version of an "inside scoop"? My dad and uncle just retired from 42 and 38 years, respectively, with a major tire company that still builds tires in the US. They no longer build auto tires at their plant, but Dad designed a few tools that are used almost worldwide, so he keeps "in the know" when he can.
That having been said, never believe anything I say...check it out when you can.
So, those tires are made in China, by a company owned in Taiwan (Federal Tires). They were originally built on an anticipated contract with Discount Tire Company, but continually failed QC and could not pass Discount Tire's standards. Even though the DB TV show makes it look like they came up with the name, the tire was already branded as "Patriot".
When DT stepped away, the company approached Pep Boys/CSK. Again, could not pass minimum standards and were told, "No thanks."
Then, through the magic of TV, they became an "awesome idea" to the guys at DB. The marketing match was made, Hollywood had their say, and the SAME TIRE is now the DB "Patriot" series.
Although it IS true that they developed a "special compound" for the diesels AFTER the deal was made, the other tires are the same ones that everyone else rejected.
This series of events took several years to pan out.
So...I'm saying that to say this...BUYER BEWARE!
If you do go with these tires, demand that the seller prove the provenance by getting the build code from the tire (Last four characters after DOT code. For example "0317" equals the third week of 2017.). If the build code is before 0616, I would not take them for free. The rejection notice came from Pep Boys/CSK in late 2015, I believe. Can't verify on Discount Tire.
Final opinion, again...just an opinion: There are some very good tires coming out of China. The issue, as with everything from that region, is how good the US quality control is for that product. The tires that Discount Tire are having built in China are really good tires. Some of the tires that Tire Rack sells from China are not... The big difference is that Tire Rack is basically a distributor, while Discount Tire is actually having tires manufactured for them under private label.