First Snow Storm in My new Tacoma

For the last 12 years I had a 2001 Dodge Ram. I loved the way that truck would go through almost anything in the winter. When if finally died, I bought a 2015 Tacoma. I was a little apprehensive when the first really heavy snow came because the Tacoma is so much smaller and lighter than my Dodge.

We had our first real snow storm earlier this week, and the Tacoma did great! I still have the factory tires on it, and it still made it through without any problems.

I'm sold!

 

pff.... get rid of those shit factory tires... if you thought it did good with those you are in for a real treat with some good treads

 

+1... minor snow here in SoCal, my Taco got totally stuck in an unplowed road. Quite embarrassing. Tires had NO bite, even with full load of weight in the bed and e-locker on. Stock tires FTL!

 

prerunner problems.

 

I drove through Big Bear's biggest snow dump last year with no issues at all on stock tires. Saw no less than 5 cars stuck or involved in accidents on the way up the hill. I'm very impressed with how this truck performs. Also, I've never had a locker but I'm not sure they help much in snow? Maybe someone can chime in on that

 

Is your truck 4x4? I've driven my stock 4x4 around in 12" of unplowed snow here in Colorado with no problems at all.

 

if one tire is a spinning in the rear.... you can lock and get both tires spinning and hope that the otherone has traction.

 

I think "shit" factory tires, is a fairly subjective characterization: we had our first major snow last week and more on the way. My factory tires got me from here to there just fine, just like they did last year. As long as I get "there", that's the treat!

 

the rugged fails on my TRD OR 4x4 got PROMPTLY replaced after their first time in snow and ice at mammoth mtn... where i could hardly take a turn without them slipping.... the hankooks i have are SO MUCH BETTER its not even funny... 4wd is no longer needed around town, where rugged fails would of required it.

 

I used to have an 01' Pre Runner and it got stuck in just about any amount of snow. Upgraded to the 15' 4x4 last year and haven't been stuck once! I love this truck!

 

You didn't have the appropriate tires or weight in the back. 2wd with the right tires do fine in the snow.

 

Probably very true! I was 22 and knew nothing about trucks.

 

This is not an endorsement for the Rugged Trails but I have been driving on them for two winters now. They have been fine with no slipping or getting stuck. We got a foot last night and had no problems. They are not great tires but don't feel you need them removed from your truck immediately.

 

I live in a snow belt, and we drive in a lot of snow all the time. I don't use anything dramatic, just a good Bridgestone winter tire. Any 4X4 Tacoma is unstoppable in snow with a set of good winter tires.

 

My stock BFG Rugged Trails have 45k on them and have done just fine. I did swap them out with a set of studded Wintercats which OWN it in the snow.

The BFG's have easily another 5k left on them. They're excellent highway treads.

 

12k miles on OEM Rugged Fails. Seemed fine in heavy rain when new. Now, after the 12k miles, not as good. Still, I'm not buying new tires until these are worn out. At that time I will get some good tires. I should have negotiated for better tires when I bought the truck. Live and learn.

 

My rugged fails got me where I needed to go on the road for two winters. That doesn't mean they were good tires, they were simply marginally adequate tires for city conditions. I went slower than I would have with better tires, braked earlier, and didn't put the truck in places where I knew it would get stuck. And they completely sucked off-road which is to be expected. I wouldn't accept a brand new set of five for free.

 

Maybe in your part of the world.

Last Thursday (at 7:00 am) I drove through 30" of snow on my side road for about 1.5 miles before I made it to the plowed main road. I had it in 4wd, was really pushing it, and never let up. I even blasted through a few drifts that were up to my hood. I have a skid plate on my truck for this very reason. Some days, I am the plow.

You may have been able to follow me in my tracks, but there is no way that you could have led the way with a 2wd.

... and then you have this guy that I saw in town that day:



I love his headache rack. It's a freakin' iron headboard!

 

All said and done i spent like 400 bucks for 4 brand new one size bigger PROPER tires (hankook dynapro atm rf 10's). It was 660 out the door with tax mount balance and ins on all tires.... sold the rugged fails that had about 9 k miles on them on CL fo 260.

the 400 bucks is the BEST money i have EVER spent on my truck bar none.... tires should NEVER be skimped on, they are the only thing that keep you on the road...

 

Your right, the TIRE that meets YOUR driving requirements, is money well spent. My factory tires and 4WD have served me well so far. No Mammoth mntn's here, but secondary roads here are the last to be plowed (could be weeks) and I get everywhere I want to get to. I guess when I get ready for new rubber, whatever I spend, on whatever I buy, will be the BEST money I EVER spent. LOL