The ironic search for studded snows for a 07 4Runner living in CO mtns

[gcraig]

When I opened the brochure for 2007 4Runner prior to purchasing I was pleasantly suprised to see that the roads featured in the front of the brochure are all visible from my home in Telluride, CO. After fairly extensive research I chose the 4Runner Limited 4WD because it is one of the few remaining real truck bodies underneath and I thought it could handle life in the Colorado mountains. However, I didn't really pay attention to the tires.

Now, after being away a few months, I am looking for snow tires for the vechicle-in particular studded snows. I have spoken to 5-6 different tires dealers across Colorado who have in turn checked many suppliers/warehouses/etc. I have also spoken to several Toyota service departments in the state. Also tried a slightly larger tire at a Denver tire shop but it didn't work. Have also checked TireRack.com. I cannot anywhere find consistent answers to what tires I can use and where I can find it.

I have heard many different answers including:

- have stay with exactly the same sized tire (265/60-18) and there are no snows, much less studded snows around right now of that size, anywhere
- could go to 17" rims and tires but still no studded snows are available that would work
- the tpms system and the 4runner's systems will be thrown off by any change in rim/tire size
- can't switch period because of tpms
- have to also change spare if I change other tires

Why do I have to have studded snow tires and can't I just deal with regular snows? In a word no. I drive several steep, dangerous rural roads that often have black ice on them. Numerous vehicles have wrecked on these roads, many of them SUVs with regular winter or worse all-season tires. I can't afford to roll down a 150 foot canyon wall in minus 10 weather on a road that sees only sparse traffic.

So, any help greatly appreciated on what I need to know to get some studded snows going for this vehicle or if I definitively cannot in which case Toyota's literature is basically false in that this vehicle is not cut out for life in the San Juans.

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

 

[rook]

Welcome!
You bring up many valid points. All I can say is a 4runner with studded snows will be awesome. I chose not to get my tires studded, but I'm not driving anywhere near a big cliff either. Here is a little bit of what I learned when shopping for snows earlier. Tiresbyweb is where I got my tires, they offer free shipping, which really pays off considering the expense is multiplied by the number of tires you buy.

The TPMS is the biggest pain in the butt for people who want to put snows on. It is cost prohibitive to buy a 2nd set of sensors and have them reprogrammed every time you change over. I would suggest you get a second set of studded snows mounted on separate wheels. Go with 17", no smaller, to allow for brake caliper clearance. Nokian makes 2 models of studded tires in 265/65/17 which is also a stock size on 4runners. http://www.tiresbyweb.com/Tiresearc...espec.x=7&submittirespec.y=13&SearchTerm=Spec

You can also go with 265/70/17 with no fitment issues and will have more studded tire options available. The tire is slightly larger (apprx 1" in diameter) and less expensive. You will have choices between Cooper, Multi-Mile and Nokian.
http://www.tiresbyweb.com/Tiresearc...espec.x=10&submittirespec.y=8&SearchTerm=Spec

275/65/17 is also available. Wider will handle better, but provide slightly more flotation in snowy conditions, with better ice traction.
http://www.tiresbyweb.com/Tiresearc...espec.x=6&submittirespec.y=10&SearchTerm=Spec

As for TPMS, I chose not to put sensors in my winter wheels. Your light will not come on unless you go on a long road trip and travel for 50 consecutive miles without turning the engine off. If it does come on, you will need to put your truck near where the tires are stored, allow the system to reset. If they are stored in your garage, you will not have a problem.

For the spare, considering where you will be traveling, Id get a spare snow tire as well. . If you choose not to get a spare snow tire you will need to choose size 265/65/17. This size will be the same diameter as a stock tire and you could limp home on a stock spare without causing any problems with the VSC. I chose to go with 265/70 and therefore bought a spare snow as well.

 

[gcraig]

Rook:

Thanks for the detailed advice. Extremely helpful. Regarding TPMS, aren't you supposed to rotate tires anyways regularly and doesn't this also trigger need for TPMS reprogramming? I will likely go with your suggestion and forget TPMS on snows and just ignore the light. 50 miles out here is a trip to the store for milk

I've had Nokians in the past on other vehicles and they performed well.

Greg

 

[leftyrb]

Rook:

Thanks for the detailed advice. Extremely helpful. Regarding TPMS, aren't you supposed to rotate tires anyways regularly and doesn't this also trigger need for TPMS reprogramming?

Greg

Rook offered great information and I agree with the TPMS being reset. I have my tires in the basement, and with the vehicle in the garage, the light will reset.

I have had two 4Runners with TPMS and the dealer rotated tires and am certain that there was no need to reprogram.

I am running 16" Toyota steel rims in the winter and 17" factory rims in the summer - about a 3 percent speedo error, but otherwise no fitment problems.

Rick B

 

[14 snow]

This is great information, thank you!

I already have a set of 17" Sequoa rims that I plan to use for snows once I buy them. I know I need a set of TPS sensors for them and since I regularly travel 100 miles to my vacation property the TPSS light would always be on.

What options are there for actually sourcing the TPS sensors other than the dealers?

 

[Kmvreter]

I have heard many different answers including:

- have stay with exactly the same sized tire (265/60-18) and there are no snows, much less studded snows around right now of that size, anywhere
- could go to 17" rims and tires but still no studded snows are available that would work
- the tpms system and the 4runner's systems will be thrown off by any change in rim/tire size
- can't switch period because of tpms
- have to also change spare if I change other tires

Too add to what others have said.

Rim size (18") doesn't matter, overall tire diameter does. You can go up one step in aspect ratio (larger diameter) without any harm unless the studs get in the way for clearance (this may be the reason behind why you said "Also tried a slightly larger tire at a Denver tire shop but it didn't work.")

Don't worry about the TPMS. The system will tigger a blinking fault light after 60 minutes (maybe less on an '07) of continuous operation away from the sensors. The system will reset itself when you get back near the sensors. It's not worth the cost of the second set of sensors and the reprogramming twice a year (snows off then on again) for a convenience safety feature.

Don't worry about the spare, unless you really need it with studs to get the flat to a tire shop (I suspect you don't need it because you will still have 3 studded tires on the road.)

I would recommend a seperate set of steel wheels to mount the snows (without the TPMS.) Try the 16" offered for the T4R (part # 42611-35231 back when I bought them in 2004.) Find a dealer that will get you one to test fit over your front brakes (even borrow a 16" alloy spare from an SR5) but I'm almost sure it will fit because Sport models have the larger brakes, not the Limited. Or measure the diameter of your front rotor and we can confirm the fit. The 16" will give you even more tire options. The 17" 6-bolt Tundra steelie will also work. Whatever size you get, don't forget to get the conical seat lug nuts (part # 90942-01007.)

Post some pics of the setup you decide on.

 

[orbit]

http://nokiantires.com/en/winter_suv.aspx

-They make multiple studded tires, they are pricey but worth it if you demand the highest performace in winter.
Nokian makes hakkapeliittas....they are some of the best winter tires made.....there are mostly manufactured in Finland. They may have invented studded tires. The company started in 1936 making tires for car racing on the frozen lakes of Finland.

 

[jeremysoca]

Im a jealous bas****!

Telluride is my fav place on earth!

 

[alaskaman]

I worked with a Doctor who came from Telluride in the Navajo. He was very dreamy about it every time he spoke about it..........sounds beautiful.......and somewhat remote.........any pics appreciated........extra points if they have your ride in em.....


..........best:awais:

 

[Climb14er]

Now, after being away a few months, I am looking for snow tires for the vechicle-in particular studded snows. I have spoken to 5-6 different tires dealers across Colorado who have in turn checked many suppliers/warehouses/etc. I have also spoken to several Toyota service departments in the state. Also tried a slightly larger tire at a Denver tire shop but it didn't work. Have also checked TireRack.com. I cannot anywhere find consistent answers to what tires I can use and where I can find it.

Why do I have to have studded snow tires and can't I just deal with regular snows? In a word no. I drive several steep, dangerous rural roads that often have black ice on them. Numerous vehicles have wrecked on these roads, many of them SUVs with regular winter or worse all-season tires. I can't afford to roll down a 150 foot canyon wall in minus 10 weather on a road that sees only sparse traffic.

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

If you drive the Sawpit road (or another exactly like) every day then yes, studded snows might be 'better'.

If however you drive from Telluride to Norwood, then studs are overkill IMHO.

Your 4Runner and a slower speed when it gets tough driving will be more than 'enough' for the paved or even off paved roads in the area. :

It's your money and comfort level though but studs in my book, based on a lot of winter driving in Colorado are just loud and annoying.

 

[alaskaman]

Could you clue me why the ride To Telluride without studs is a good one? gracias.

 

[Climb14er]

Could you clue me why the ride To Telluride without studs is a good one? gracias.

A good one... meaning road quality or scenery?

It's a fine road, nothing dangerous about if you take it easy on one or two stretches if the road gets snowy.

There's a LOT of sunshine which melts the road on a regular basis.

When I weigh the drone of studs ALL the time vs the road quality, I believe it's HWY 145, for me, studs are overkill, loud and not necessary with a high quality drivetrain in the 4Runner.

YMMV, but unless you drive the Sawpit or similar road EVERYDAY, I wouldn't put studs on a 4Runner.

 

[alaskaman]

thanks......did you post pics at some other time...........? thought I saw a couple. if that was your trip.............

 

[Climb14er]

thanks......did you post pics at some other time...........? thought I saw a couple. if that was your trip.............

I've posted some pics of the mtns of the exact area from an up front and close perspective in the past.

With all humility, I know the area and roads fairly well having climbed and skied and who have friends there... for many years.

I had studded snows on my Finnish tires (forgot the name) on my rear world drive Mercedes and the tires were great performers.

However, the Benz didn't have the AWD/4WD drivetrain of the 4Runner and the studs were my only 'alternative' at the time.

Like I said, the noise was loud and annoying most of the time.

I like smoothness, road gripping and comfort/quality ride in the 4Runner... and not a constant metal sound coming from my tires in the 4Runner. :

 

[gcraig]

OK my search is over. The local tire/repair place finally was able to find a solution for me. I bought 17" black steel rims (5), P265/65R17 hankook studded snows. The shop recommended I go with something cheap because mag chloride on roads here will eat tires over time. Had to put all new lug nuts because existing toyota ones don't fit new rims. This means I have to find a new tire iron, not a big deal. Skipped a second set of TPMS and will just live with light being on all winter as I stored summer tires at shop. Looks very burly and as others have noted, pretty loud rumble from studs.

To those who've posted that studs here are overkill. You are corrrect for main highways. However I drive Specie Creek Road a lot (M-44) and there have been several severe accidents with folks sliding into Specie Creek - fortunately no one badly hurt - because regular snows and all seasons can't hold on one very steep, always icy section. Also, stupidly, the garage ramp into our underground garage in my building is always icy and one tends to want to slide into garage walls on way in. Also, I often drive McClure Pass heading to Aspen and Carbondale and there are times where that becomes an icy, no mistake area.

Overall costs was very high but since I tend to keep vehicles ten years I justify in a low per year amoritization.

Have attached a summer telluride pic for your enjoyment.

 

[Falls]

Are they legal to run in CO. ? Illegal here in Wi.

Anyway my Uncle & I both are USM'S and he lives in Alaska and runs studded tire , you might want to see if an online store has some that they can ship to you. Off the wall idea , but just a thought. They use a lot of them up there.