So... if anybody is still checking this thread I thought I'd add my two cents and start contributing to discussions a little more as I mostly just read everyone else's usually pretty sensible information.
I still have the OEM Bridgestone Dueler H/Ts on my '10 SR5 (how sad is that????) and the tread is starting to get rather low. Too low to want to drive around in northern WI with all winter. I've never used winter tires on a 4x4 before, but they improve the handling so much on my wife's car ('05 Scion tC) in winter weather conditions that I decided to give it a go also, even though good A/T tires can perform adequately in most winter driving conditions. I know that most people think along those lines with 4x4s and AWD vehicles, but spinning all four wheels only helps get the vehicle moving - it won't keep you from sliding off the road on an icy corner or keep you from successfully making an emergency stop at an icy intersection when somebody else slides through their red light and into your path. From my experience with winter tires they handle much more predictably in snowy and icy conditions than A/Ts or All Seasons, so much so that most people that have never tried them have no idea the performance they're missing out on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlYEMH10Z4s
They also represent that extra bit of insurance for those times like last winter when my wife and I had to drive three hours through a blizzard at night, passing car after car in the ditch. I had no real problems on my Michelin Cross Terrains that were on my Explorer at the time (I felt that they were actually very good performers in the snow), but that's a 235 width (vs 265) and will cut down to the pavement better.
Therefore, I did my research on Consumer Reports' and Tire Rack's testing, and I considered the consistently exceptional performance I've experienced with Blizzaks while also keeping in mind that tire technology seems to be continuously improving. I read about how great the Nokian Hakka R SUV tires are supposed to be, but not too thrilled about the price. Also, I don't do any offroading, except pretty light stuff like unmaintained forest roads and stuff like that during hunting season.
In the end, I decided to order the Continental ExtremeWinterContact tires in stock 265/70r17 size (got them for $136/each off TireTeam.com). However, I am wondering if I should have gone narrower, I just didn't like the idea of having to step down in diameter (they don't make a narrower size with a high enough aspect ratio to keep the stock diameter) and lose the ground clearance... I think it will be a good compromise though as the Continental has been reviewed to be at the top of dry pavement performance despite its highly competitive snow and ice test results.
Testing Winter Weather Specialists: Studless Ice and Snow Tires
I won't be mounting them on the vehicle until the beginning of November, but I could use some wheel recommendations if anybody has them (steel wheel anybody can vouch for working well on their 5th gen?)
I will also make sure to give a review on their performance after I've been able to put them through the paces (can't wait, bring on the snow storms! :jump
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Now I suppose I better try to do some work before it's time to go home... hahahaha.
