Winter boots and rims are in

[spud72]

We bought our new 07 4Runner in the spring, and we intend to keep it for many years. Being so, even though the 4WD system is fantastic, the all season mud-snow tires are no replacement for true winter rubber. So I opted to order in some winter tires for it and I also dug up some generic black steel rims to save swapping them every 2 seasons and the wear/tear on the stock mags. Since we'll probably keep the vehicle for 7+ years, the cost really works out well over time. I suspect the tires will last a good portion of that time too.

They were a bit of a pain to find for a reasonable price as I wanted to stay factory sizes (rims and tires) so I could use them as spares if need be.

I did not opt for the tire pressure monitoring valvestems though. They were something like $100/each. I figured I could like with the idiot light on the dash for 4 months or so.

Hankook iPike RW07s

 

[Kmvreter]

Thinking ahead to snow already!

Are you allowed to put studs in those where you are?

Good idea to run the dedicated steels (I do with BFG's) but don't forget to get a set of conical seat lug nuts.

 

[justin37013]

Cool. I what looks like the same generics on my old rig. They were actually the steel rims off FJ Cruiser. Got mine on EBAY for $550.00 with the wheels and tires.

 

[spud72]

Thinking ahead to snow already!

Are you allowed to put studs in those where you are?

Good idea to run the dedicated steels (I do with BFG's) but don't forget to get a set of conical seat lug nuts.

Last year we had snow on the ground and staying by Oct 20th! Hopefully, it won't again this year but you never know!

I got lugs with the rims, so that's covered too.

We are allowed to stud them here, and I might do so, but I won't bother yet. I'll try them this way first.

 

[mole177]

being from so cal, i have no idea what studs are for...

what are they?

 

[spud72]

being from so cal, i have no idea what studs are for...

what are they?

Basically little tiny metal "spikes" that fit in the little round holes on the tread that you see. They really improve traction on the really packed snow and especially ice.

 

[Kmvreter]

Basically little tiny metal "spikes" that fit in the little round holes on the tread that you see. They really improve traction on the really packed snow and especially ice.

But most jurisdictions don't allow them. The traction comes at the price of causing damage to the road surface. Most of the areas that do allow them in the north have gravel or lousy pavement anyways.

 

[rook]

Nice setup. I am shopping for snows too. I'm curious about the Hankook's, what made you go with that particular tire?


Mole, are you just rubbing it in that you have perfect weather year round?

 

[Even Steven]

Those tires are supposed to be excellent in the snow. I've heard nothing but good things about them.

But you could've gotten a nice used set of factory wheels for cheap on ebay.... Those black steelies are fugly!

 

[Even Steven]

Mole, are you just rubbing it in that you have perfect weather year round?

That's half the fun of owning a 4Runner.... we get to drive in the deep snow during the winter. I love the winter season!

 

[spud72]

But you could've gotten a nice used set of factory wheels for cheap on ebay.... Those black steelies are fugly!

They're sure not good looking, and I did look at some used factory rims from a fellow forum member. However, freight to get them up here was prohibitive. I checked salvage yards too and their prices were stupid for factory rims.

I am shopping for snows too. I'm curious about the Hankook's, what made you go with that particular tire?

A couple main reasons, really.

Firstly - the Hankooks have fantastic reviews from what I've read. I really haven't read anything bad about this one. Although, it's quite a new tread design and there isn't a ton of feedback.

Price. Hankook (at least up here) has had some really aggressive pricing to compete all around with the big manufacturers. These were about $50 cheaper/tire compared to the Toyos I was looking at, and over $100 cheaper than the Nokians.

As well, as most people here know the size is kinda wonky, so there really isn't a ton of different tires to chose from.. only maybe 12 or so winter tires. So, based on price/performance, it was a pretty easy choice for me.

 

[spud72]

But most jurisdictions don't allow them. The traction comes at the price of causing damage to the road surface. Most of the areas that do allow them in the north have gravel or lousy pavement anyways.

True enough, but I don't know of any provinces or states that get the true, awful, woeful winters were you would actually want spikes that has good pavement on most roads to begin with!

Here is a pic with one mounted (to make sure the rim fit fine).

To those that nitpick, yes, I know it's on backwards. It was just easiest to get to and a trial fit so I really didn't care.

 

[TechWrench]

Last year we had snow on the ground and staying by Oct 20th! Hopefully, it won't again this year but you never know!

I got lugs with the rims, so that's covered too.

We are allowed to stud them here, and I might do so, but I won't bother yet. I'll try them this way first.

Just a word of caution about the studs. I am a fan, if you live in a state that allows them, but from past experience installing studs way back in a past life/job, there are some precautions you should know about. It is not recommended that you try to install studs once the tires have been driven on. Because the studs are inserted into the stud holes in the tires with the mushroom head in, if you have ANY small debris or pebbles that make it into the hole before you install the stud, the head of the stud can work the pebble into the body of the tire and eventually cause a leak. Most shops won't install them, or will refuse to warranty the tire if it has been driven on first. The shop that does the install should have someone experienced in installing them. If they aren't installed properly, they will fly out, or damage the tire. If they are not sized properly to the hole in the tire, they can cause damage to the tire if too long or fall out, and if they are too short, they won't work as intended.

 

[spud72]

Just a word of caution about the studs....

I've heard similar stories too.

Either way, I have no plan as of now to installing studs on my tires.

 

[rook]

spud,

Any update on these? how do they do on dry roads? any extra noise? any snow yet? Snow-making allowed for Halloween skiing in Maine but nothing on the ground yet.

 

[leftyrb]

A dash of snow here this morning, but has now melted at my locale (1800 ft. elevation), but probably still around at higher altitudes. I usually down't install my winter rims and tires until Dec.

R

 

[spud72]

spud,

Any update on these? how do they do on dry roads? any extra noise? any snow yet? Snow-making allowed for Halloween skiing in Maine but nothing on the ground yet.

Nothing here yet, knock on wood. Forcast for the next week is still pretty mild. I'll post when I put them on and have some miles.

Thanks for asking.

 

[spud72]

Well, I put them on the other day as snow was forecast.

Last night we had freezing rain which turned to snow in the morning.

Wow. I am very, very impressed. Even in 2WD is was incredibly sure footed. The difference between any other vehicle I had with all season M+S is remarkable. We had a skiff of snow last week which I drove with the factory dun-flops and these far, far outperformed them in much, much worse conditions.

Road noise is minimal - very similar to the OEMs. I would not hesitate recommending these.

 

[jwyshrek]

Are you going to leave the plastic wrap on the wheels to keep them looking new?

 

[spud72]

Are you going to leave the plastic wrap on the wheels to keep them looking new?

Well, sure! Don't want to scratch that fancy black paint!

Actually, it really was a bugger to take off. man, what a pain.