Snow Tire Thread

[CanukRunner]

Greetings!

Looking at snow tires for the upcoming season.

I have been lookig at tires for a good month now and came up with some logical choices..

The Tire size I was looking at and pricing was 265 75 R16.

This tire size is very limiting asmost tires of this size are load range E, and I'd like to stay C for comfort.

My delemma is I need good hard pack and ice performance as I am on the Highway alot. I also dont have any fancy electronics to keep my rig straight if my tires are not up to the challenge..

But buying pure snow ice tires will wear out far too quickly.

So far the research suggest that the best made tire by a long shot is the BFG TKO. 3 ply side, and they last forever. Problem is they are not aggressive enough for me any way. In our 32 in tire size they are only available in E load range which does not bear the SEVERE snow mountain peak. Even if it did with those old school sipes it just cant be tht great on ice, not to mention no self cleaning properties. (sucks in mud) 31.65x 10.51 tread depth 16/32

Another choice is the Duratrac, comes with decent sipes but weaker sidewalls and I have read reviews of poor performance in a foot of snow, the wear is also less than the TKO. 31.7x 10.5

The BFG commercial Traction, is interesting... no real reviews I can find that are helpfull, was wondering if any of you know the tire and have used it.. Does it last as long as the TKO? I heard it was designed for wet grass and clay. once again E load range tread depth 15/32 ---31.8 x10.5 it also bears the mountain peak symbol. It also says under Summit racing web site that they are not DOT approved.

I also saw a cheaper but not cheap enough option for the firestone winter force.. actually looks aggressive for snow and Ice but would wear to fast for a DD.

Who likes what and why?

What is the max tire rim combo we can fit stock? ( perhaps different rims could get us 32 x11.5?

 

[XJeepguy]

This is my 2ND season on Terra Grapplers , I live in BC and travel to Northern Alberta for work all the time. I love em ! Probably the most underrated tire around.

 

[Mano1124]

Why don't you check out the Hankook Dynapro ATM. At my local Discount Tire they are priced at $102 each for 265/75/16. Half the price of BF All Terrain. I have a set and I love them. We dont get snow here but I would imagine they would perform great.

 

[Riggity]

I have Duratracs right now. On the roads I when there is snow the back will slide out in 2wd. When I switch to 4wd though, I have no problems. Offroad in the snow they definitely allow you to go forward and back no problem. My only irk with them is that they have no side to side traction. Whenever I ended on a hill that was tilting the 4runner right or left, I felt like I would end up going forward and sideways. Made for some tricky situations. Granted these are the first tires I've had while snow wheeling, but I don't think I will be getting them again.

 

[Gerdo]

I have Duratracs right now. On the roads I when there is snow the back will slide out in 2wd. When I switch to 4wd though, I have no problems. Offroad in the snow they definitely allow you to go forward and back no problem. My only irk with them is that they have no side to side traction. Whenever I ended on a hill that was tilting the 4runner right or left, I felt like I would end up going forward and sideways. Made for some tricky situations. Granted these are the first tires I've had while snow wheeling, but I don't think I will be getting them again.

This is the first negative thing that I have heard about the Duratracs.

Are you looking for a tire that works well in the snow or a true snow tire?
A true snow tire has softer rubber compound that stays flexible in colder temps to grip better, a lot more siping to hold snow (snow grips snow like rolling a ball for a snowman). But the will wear quicker because they are soft.

A narrower tire will cut thru the snow down to the road better for better traction. A wider tire will float over the snow decreasing traction. If you are wheeling in deep snow you do need to float with wider tires.

Tires like the Duratracs already have lots of siping but are a year round rubber compound. If you choose a year round tire (BFG ATs, Yokohamma AT/S or the like) have them siped, it will add tons more traction in the snow. I have all my tires siped since I learned this first hand.

 

[IanB]

I have Duratracs right now. On the roads I when there is snow the back will slide out in 2wd. When I switch to 4wd though, I have no problems. Offroad in the snow they definitely allow you to go forward and back no problem. My only irk with them is that they have no side to side traction. Whenever I ended on a hill that was tilting the 4runner right or left, I felt like I would end up going forward and sideways. Made for some tricky situations. Granted these are the first tires I've had while snow wheeling, but I don't think I will be getting them again.

Did you air down for the deep snow wheeling?

 

[CanukRunner]

I've seen the Grapplers, yoko's, grabbers, hankooks, there prices are too close the the TKO's to compete. ($30-40 per tire) ( the Hankooks are 147 per tire btw.)

Whether you like the TKO's or not.. (and beilive it or not i reeeally dont want them) you cant argue that they are constructed far better then there competition.

I have a problem buyin any tire that says "all" in it. Its a fantastic way of saying equally crap at everything.

I wish they made Mud Terrains with blizzak style sipes.... that would be the ultimate snow / ice tire!!

Any one know where we could find those?

I'm still waiting to hear if anyone kows about those BFG Commercial tires.. I have a feeling they could be really great tires ( or total crap..lol) .. they are only 2 ply sidewall construction but they have large sipes, cool shoulder teck ( for decreased wear)...

 

[Stick Figure]

The BFG all terrain KO didn't impress me much in the snow. I wasn't getting stuck or sliding out, but I've also driven my old MR2 with Falken Azenis on it in snow and felt more confident. That is part of the reason I wanted to try out the Falken Wild Peaks this time around. Luckily for me I only have to drive in the snow when I want to

 

[gbc]

Tirerack.com has good info imo

 

[awdjunkies]

I think, shy of a dedicated snow tire, the (Goodyear)Duratracs, the (Nitto)Grapplers, and the (Kumho) Road Venture AT KL78 are going to be your best bet for snow/ice traction. Yes I rate them in that order, where Duratracs are at the top of the list..

 

[Riggity]

Did you air down for the deep snow wheeling?

I didn't. No on board air just yet.

 

[JB.]

Winter truck tires.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/...inter-truck-tire-ratings/ratings-overview.htm

 

[IanB]

I didn't. No on board air just yet.

It makes a BIG difference. I picked up a $30 cigarrette socket powered compressor, took about 20 minutes to bring my tires from ~20psi back up to 35 on the weekend, but the difference in traction was unreal.

 

[Riggity]

It makes a BIG difference. I picked up a $30 cigarrette socket powered compressor, took about 20 minutes to bring my tires from ~20psi back up to 35 on the weekend, but the difference in traction was unreal.

Thanks for the tip. I will definitely pick one up.

 

[flatboy]

I just picked up some Nokian studded


and can't wait to try them out.

 

[awdjunkies]

I just picked up some Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5


and can't wait to try them out.

Right, but that's a dedicated snow tire.. SWEET tire nonetheless!!!

 

[Gerdo]

I've seen the Grapplers, yoko's, grabbers, hankooks, there prices are too close the the TKO's to compete. ($30-40 per tire) ( the Hankooks are 147 per tire btw.)

Whether you like the TKO's or not.. (and beilive it or not i reeeally dont want them) you cant argue that they are constructed far better then there competition.

I have a problem buyin any tire that says "all" in it. Its a fantastic way of saying equally crap at everything.

I wish they made Mud Terrains with blizzak style sipes.... that would be the ultimate snow / ice tire!!

Any one know where we could find those?

I'm still waiting to hear if anyone kows about those BFG Commercial tires.. I have a feeling they could be really great tires ( or total crap..lol) .. they are only 2 ply sidewall construction but they have large sipes, cool shoulder teck ( for decreased wear)...

Saving $120-$160 on a set of tires isn't worth it?

I wouldn't say that BFGs are constructed far better than other brands. I have dragged my C rated Yokos over tons of rocks (sidewalls too) almost to the point to see what it'll take to destroy one (I have road hazard warranty) and they just side thru without damage.

I have no issues with a tire that says all season on it.

I would NOT buy a mud terrain tire as a replacement for a snow tire. All terrain tires will out perform a MT in the "usual" snow on the road, hands down (short of foot deep snow). The more snow a tire can hold onto, the better it will perform in the snow. The sipes in Studless snow tires hold snow, that snow sticks to the ice and snow on the road. We have siped BFG MTs and they still suck in the snow on road.

 

[the great him]

Greetings!

Looking at snow tires for the upcoming season.

I have been lookig at tires for a good month now and came up with some logical choices..

The Tire size I was looking at and pricing was 265 75 R16.

This tire size is very limiting asmost tires of this size are load range E, and I'd like to stay C for comfort.

My delemma is I need good hard pack and ice performance as I am on the Highway alot. I also dont have any fancy electronics to keep my rig straight if my tires are not up to the challenge..

But buying pure snow ice tires will wear out far too quickly.

So far the research suggest that the best made tire by a long shot is the BFG TKO. 3 ply side, and they last forever. Problem is they are not aggressive enough for me any way. In our 32 in tire size they are only available in E load range which does not bear the SEVERE snow mountain peak. Even if it did with those old school sipes it just cant be tht great on ice, not to mention no self cleaning properties. (sucks in mud) 31.65x 10.51 tread depth 16/32

Another choice is the Duratrac, comes with decent sipes but weaker sidewalls and I have read reviews of poor performance in a foot of snow, the wear is also less than the TKO. 31.7x 10.5

The BFG commercial Traction, is interesting... no real reviews I can find that are helpfull, was wondering if any of you know the tire and have used it.. Does it last as long as the TKO? I heard it was designed for wet grass and clay. once again E load range tread depth 15/32 ---31.8 x10.5 it also bears the mountain peak symbol. It also says under Summit racing web site that they are not DOT approved.

I also saw a cheaper but not cheap enough option for the firestone winter force.. actually looks aggressive for snow and Ice but would wear to fast for a DD.

Who likes what and why?

What is the max tire rim combo we can fit stock? ( perhaps different rims could get us 32 x11.5?

I've seen the Grapplers, yoko's, grabbers, hankooks, there prices are too close the the TKO's to compete. ($30-40 per tire) ( the Hankooks are 147 per tire btw.)

Whether you like the TKO's or not.. (and beilive it or not i reeeally dont want them) you cant argue that they are constructed far better then there competition.

I have a problem buyin any tire that says "all" in it. Its a fantastic way of saying equally crap at everything.

I wish they made Mud Terrains with blizzak style sipes.... that would be the ultimate snow / ice tire!!

Any one know where we could find those?

I'm still waiting to hear if anyone kows about those BFG Commercial tires.. I have a feeling they could be really great tires ( or total crap..lol) .. they are only 2 ply sidewall construction but they have large sipes, cool shoulder teck ( for decreased wear)...

it sounds to me like you want to have you cake and eat it too... sorry man its just not going to happen. go to a tire store and talk to some of the guys there about why snow tires work in snow and mud tires work in mud and why they wont work well vice versa. snow tires are softer(as previously stated) for flexibility in colder weather(the more they flex the warmer they get) and to stay "sticky" in ice and hard packed snow, they have smaller tread blocks to put more edges on the road surface to give better grip.. snow tires will actually last a long time if only uses in cold weather say like 50* and below. the colder the better the tire performs. and yes all the sipping from snow tires is like magic, it helps break up the tread blocks making them flex better as well as giving the tire more biting surfaces.

mud tires on the other hand are big chucky blocky tires that grip rock and mud. they grab much and fling it clear or the tire as it digs down trying to find solid ground. they too are a softer tire but for different reasons, they want to be "sticky" on the rocks and give great grip on solid surfaces. by the nature of the tire and what its used for they coupled with the fact that it is a soft rubber compound they dont last long either typically(they get chunked out and ate up off road in the rocks and mud, and the pavement eats a way at them too). their big tread blocks dont do well on hard packed snow or ice cause it has very few biting edges or gripping surfaces. its just a couple of big blocks or rubber with a large flat surface (hence why they dont work well in water either). they tend to just sping on the ice and glaze it making it even worse. sipping will help this but will only bring the tire back to an all terrain status at best, but will promote much faster wear when offroading as the tire will be much more susceptible to chucking being a much softer rubber compound.

i recommend if you want a mud tire that will do good offroad and a snow tire that will do great in the snow and ice you buy the Good Year MTR or the likes there of, and you buy the Bridgestone Blizzak dm-v1 or something of the likes, and use them for their respected uses. you will not be disappointed. i have personally run the Bridgestones and they where awesome, i ran them from the end of november till mid march last year and they show almost no signs of wear, i used less than 1/32 of tread in that time. they where on my runner which was/is a DD for me. i also made one afternoon "wheeling" trip around mt hood in the snow, where i was able to out wheel any of the guys who i went with. one had a land rover defender 90 with 32" Toyo ATs and another guy had a 90 toyota pick up with 33" Toyo MTs on it and a spool, the other guy had 94 4runner with the 31" BFG ATs. i didnt have my locker yet but i pulled out the defender and the 4runner when the pickup couldnt and i was the one blazing trails cause the pickup couldnt get the traction.

just some food for thought.

 

[brian2sun]

These new Cooper Discoverer STTs I got are performing great in the snow (and even better seeing as though they are true M/Ts). I've had lots of different M/Ts in the snow and they all suck, but these Coopers don't slide out easily and I don't sit there polishing snow trying to make it up my road.

The best tires I've ever had in the snow were Dunlop Maxx Tractions. But they are ugly and they weren't so great off road. The Cooper STTs so far have been great off road and in the snow. If you're looking for a very aggressive mud/snow tire, I highly recommend them.