Best Winter AT Tire??
- Thread starter JimJr15
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2016 4Runner SR5
Senior Member
BFG KO2 or the General Grabber AT2 I've used them both and was always very happy with them both. Ran them in all seasons, not just winter. I'm sure there are others out there also.
kenwilliams0803
New member
bamma
New member
There really is no "winter only" specific AT.
The Cooper ATW is probaby the best for winter performance, look at the siping and you will see why... The studdabke Cooper M+S is a dedicated snow tire that some run year round.
The General Grabber AT2 is also studdable and good in winter conditions. I ran all year with good performance (not studded).
The ST Maxx you are running are supposed to be decent in winter conditions.
The Cooper ATW is probaby the best for winter performance, look at the siping and you will see why... The studdabke Cooper M+S is a dedicated snow tire that some run year round.
The General Grabber AT2 is also studdable and good in winter conditions. I ran all year with good performance (not studded).
The ST Maxx you are running are supposed to be decent in winter conditions.
Quick vote for the Falken AT3W also. I haven't personally had mine in snow yet (just got it in July), but have heard good things.
I did find an article not long ago about how Cooper is sore since they have independent benchmark data that their ATW blows away pretty much everything else with a mountain snow flake certification on it. That may be the best bet if you want something still pretty capable as an AT that is near winter tire performance.
I remember an Expedition Portal article where they ran Broken Arrow in Sedona with a set of them on in the snow (I believe in an older Land Cruiser); it could be a neat read also.
I did find an article not long ago about how Cooper is sore since they have independent benchmark data that their ATW blows away pretty much everything else with a mountain snow flake certification on it. That may be the best bet if you want something still pretty capable as an AT that is near winter tire performance.
I remember an Expedition Portal article where they ran Broken Arrow in Sedona with a set of them on in the snow (I believe in an older Land Cruiser); it could be a neat read also.
I'm in a similar boat. I am currently running a new set of Cooper AT3s on my new 4R but I have a set of Blizzaks from my last SUV that have at least one more winter left - maybe two as little as I drive.
I'm trying to figure out if I really need to swap tires for winter use.
If I can just run the AT3s that means I can sell the Blizzaks and the stock "OffRoad" wheels.
We haven't seen a serious storm yet in Denver and I don't plan on heading to the slopes until January so I haven't had a chance to test out the AT3s on shitty roads.
Anyone else have that experience yet?
I'm trying to figure out if I really need to swap tires for winter use.
If I can just run the AT3s that means I can sell the Blizzaks and the stock "OffRoad" wheels.
We haven't seen a serious storm yet in Denver and I don't plan on heading to the slopes until January so I haven't had a chance to test out the AT3s on shitty roads.
Anyone else have that experience yet?
bamma
New member
At3s are great in snow for an AT. They do not come close to Blizzaks though.
ScoMey
New member
I have the Cooper AT/W's on my T4R... they are very good in measurable snow conditions, but I can't say I'm crazy about how they perform in icier situations - a dedicated winter/ice tire (i.e. Blizzak's, etc.) will be a better choice if those are conditions the OP will face on a regular basis. IMHO.
It's a trade off I guess, since the Cooper's are a 'winter rated' tire, but still intended as a 4 season tire - they have to be durable in warmer temperatures. I just don't think the rubber is soft enough for good ice performance.
Good luck!
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bamma
New member
Completely agree.
Since you are doing winter months only, and live where there is real snow it looks, I recommend Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT2 (E load range), Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 SUV, or Nokian Nordman 7 SUV.
I just ordered a set of the Nordman 7 SUVs to replace a set of Nordman 5 SUVs, and run BFG All Terrain KO2s in C load range the rest of the year on my stock Trail w/KDSS. Best combo in my most opinionated and humble opinion
I just ordered a set of the Nordman 7 SUVs to replace a set of Nordman 5 SUVs, and run BFG All Terrain KO2s in C load range the rest of the year on my stock Trail w/KDSS. Best combo in my most opinionated and humble opinion
Thanks. I'm actually asking if the swapping of the tires on the rims will damage them over several seasons.
But given your advice I'll look at the Nokians once my Blizzaks are done.
gundrted+t4r
New member
Unless your driving 100% on ice or snow most people don't need a tire like a blizac. I've had 'snow' tires I grew up in WI. Talk about snow and ice. I learned to drive in a 75 rear wheel drive pick with normal tires. Here in CO I've never wanted a deticated snow tire. It the weather is that bad you shouldn't be on the road or you need to slow down.
Just get a any good AT tire and you'll be fine. I've had the graber at2 and they are great in the snow. If you want proof watch the expedition overland guys in Canada. They use the tires in 2ft of snow on forest roads.
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Just get a any good AT tire and you'll be fine. I've had the graber at2 and they are great in the snow. If you want proof watch the expedition overland guys in Canada. They use the tires in 2ft of snow on forest roads.
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bamma
New member
While I agree that a certain ATs will work in winter, and there is no substitute for safe driving, the safety factor with acceleration and stopping with a dedicated snow can keep you safe, even from other idiots on the road. And the Blizzaks added traction performance on black ice could save your life, and the performance data proves it. For someone that wants the extra safety factor, an AT will always fall short in winter conditions.
Just searching on Google for stopping distance of at all season vs dedicated snow shows time and time again the huge performance difference between the different tires. Bottom line is snow tires can perform 20% better with stopping and braking.
Keep in mind that dedicated snow tires are designed for traction on paved roads, not multiple feet on forest roads. An aired down MT will perform awesome in deep snow, but will be horrendous on any icy road.
So no, no one needs snow tires, but if you drive in snow they make a big difference.
I personally run Falken Wildpeaks, and they are ok, but the surefootedness of the Blizzaks on my wife's 4runner are night and day.
JSparky
New member
Not sure about others, but I don't feel like any specific recommendations can be made without knowing what you're looking for out of the tire. I say that only because a lot of assumptions could be made from wanting a "winter allterrain". Like others have said the st maxx isn't bad and is studdable. For the cost and hassle of a second set of tires, I'd only see real value in going with a dedicated winter road traction tire like a blizzak, or some super wide footprint tires in any flavor for soft snow wheeling. You'd have to check the tire fitment guide under FAQs to see how wide you can go without rubbing.
The st maxx is going to cover the in-between quite well, while other at's may be better in snow and ice, I don't know if they're "second set of tires better", but you'd have to value that for yourself. I totally respect wanting winter tires for safety purposes, I've been in and helped others out of my fair share of snow banks. Hope that can help narrow down the search.
The st maxx is going to cover the in-between quite well, while other at's may be better in snow and ice, I don't know if they're "second set of tires better", but you'd have to value that for yourself. I totally respect wanting winter tires for safety purposes, I've been in and helped others out of my fair share of snow banks. Hope that can help narrow down the search.
