Winter Studded Tires: 16" vs 17"

[poston]

I am late to the market for some studded winter tires for my 2004 4Runner SR5 V8.

I really like the Nokian Hakka 8 in the 16 inch (265/70R16), but there is no stock left in Canada. There are 17 inch tires available (265/65R16). Unfortunately my existing winters are on 16" rims, so I would need to buy new rims.

Any thoughts on running 17 inch vs 16 inch in terms of traction, ride, handling and pothole dangers?

Other option would be to wait until next fall. Even the Pirelli Winter Ice Zero is only available in 17" in a suitable size.

The Nokian LT2 available in 16", but it seems to be older technology with fewer studs, and I wonder if a 10 ply LT2 is overkill. Does anyone have experience with the Nokian Hakka 8 studded vs Nokian LT2 studded?

I am restricting my choices to factory studded tires.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Greg

 

[Beaumont67]

I am late to the market for some studded winter tires for my 2004 4Runner SR5 V8.

I really like the Nokian Hakka 8 in the 16 inch (265/70R16), but there is no stock left in Canada. There are 17 inch tires available (265/65R16). Unfortunately my existing winters are on 16" rims, so I would need to buy new rims.

Any thoughts on running 17 inch vs 16 inch in terms of traction, ride, handling and pothole dangers?

Other option would be to wait until next fall. Even the Pirelli Winter Ice Zero is only available in 17" in a suitable size......................

Greg

Hi Greg, gonna throw you a curve ball:
- my brothers mechanic always seem to have great advise, without fail
- he recommends Cooper Arctic Claw XSI, to all his winter customers
- based on price & longivity / they wear like nails
I have a Gen3 SR5 and next year will be running 17" Gen5-T4R alloy rims, in summer / original 16" rims, dedicated for winter months.

Our local Costco stopped selling Pirelli LT (light truck) tires / had to many returns, over a 2 year period.

My wife has 17" Michelin winters on her RAV4, that came with the SUV / I will not go to that expense, when tires need replaced.
PS - our son bought a new 2015 Lexus RX350 & the 19" tires came with the Cooper brand / even some AMG Mercedes, use Cooper for OEM.
- if Cooper is good enough for the high end market / their good enough for me, while saving a good buck

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Sizes: https://pmctire.com/en/tires/multi-mile/arctic-claw-xsi.tire

The Cooper Arctic Claw XSI and TXI are winter tire brands manufactured by the tire company Multi Mile to combat snow and other inclement weather conditions on the roadways. The tires feature a high-traction tread and patented snow groove technology and are sold in both studded and non-studded varieties.

Arctic Claw tires are extremely heavy duty and were designed mainly for sport utility vehicles, crossover vehicles and light trucks. Their "d-square" sipe technology enhances the strength of the tires' rubber in wet and wintry conditions, and Multi Mile's commitment to enhancing stud retention ensures that the tires maintain their traction and grip through the winter.