Which tires/rims

[Cruiser13]

Hello all. New to the forum, but not Toyota. I pick up a new '11 limited 4runner (blizzard pearl) on Tues to add to our '02 Land Cruiser and '07 Tundra.

I'm running Michelin LTX AT2's on both the Tundra and Cruiser. These are best ATs IMHO. We drive to a cabin up in the mountains all winter, where the last mile or so is gravel, uphill, with switchbacks. The Cruiser got stuck a few times until I put on Blizzaks. So, here is my dilemma:

Ltd comes with 20" rims. I'm going to buy another set of rims so I can have snows on one and regular tires on the other set. I was thinking of putting the snows on the stock 20s. The Cruiser drives sloppy with snows on 16" rims- they are just too soft and the Cruiser too heavy- I'd like to avoid this, thinking the snows on 20's, with the low profile will help.

So, what size for the other rims? And what tire? Think the LTX AT2's would be good on a 4runner (I don't see why not)? Can I upside these to add 1" in diameter? Is there a better AT tire for the 4runner? Should I stick with 20s, or go with 17s, 18s?

Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to give enough background. My brain hurts trying to think of the options here. Thanks in advance.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

So you're going to have a set of snow tires and a set of AT tires?

It depends on which side of the AT tire spectrum you want to go. On road or off road. I would say the LTX AT2 is definitely one of the best on road AT tires, but the DuraTrac may be the best all around AT tire.

 

[Cruiser13]

Yup- set of snows and set of ATs. Or maybe just road tires instead of ATs. I'm open. The 4runner won't see a lot of offroad.

I found the LTX ATs to be perfect in terms of off road capability/on road handing for me.

 

[whiskywizard]

Not 10 minutes ago I also began looking at winter tire/wheel combos, so I'll be watching this thread to see what kind of suggestions you get.

Normally, you want to go with a minus 1 or minus 2 config for snows, because that taller, narrower tire is far more effective in snow. I was considering 18" wheels and Blizzaks.

 

[Lineman]

I highly recommend Blizzaks! Get you a dedicated winter set and switch out in spring. That's what we do in North Dakota. Run them from late Oct thru early March.

 

[Cruiser13]

I highly recommend Blizzaks! Get you a dedicated winter set and switch out in spring. That's what we do in North Dakota. Run them from late Oct thru early March.

Well, they do make the Blizzaks in 245/60R20. That's what I'm planning to get. I'm just wondering if I should get another size rim, ditch the Dunlops, and put an entirely different tire on in the summer.

Any thoughts on the stock Dunlop's? What do people think is the best tire for the ltd?

I mean, if you go to tirerack.com (link here to selection), the selection for that size is pretty weak.

 

[whiskywizard]

I placed my winter tire/wheel order yesterday, with Tirerack. I ended up going with black Ultra Gauntlet wheels (17") and Bridgestone Bizzak DM-V1 in 265/70R17.

Since they are brokered and should clear through Canada Customs quickly, I should have them in about 5 days. I won't install until mid- to late-December though.