Best A/T tires for snow - Ko3's, Ridge Grapplers, Wildpeaks?

I know there are LOTS of threads on tires, I've read them but still wondered about snow driving.

I have a TH, and I'm going to keep the stock 18" rims. I live in VT, so lots of snow driving on hilly terrain. I do a lot of road/highway driving as well and hit the trails a few times per month (mostly summer and fall). Not as concerned about off-road capabilities, as most of these tires perform well enough for my needs.

I'm looking at:

• Ridge Grapplers
• Ko3's
• Toyo open country 3's
• Wildpeak A/T 4's

Also torn a bit between 285x70x18 and 275x70x18. I've heard that 285's can be tight on the TH.

 

Snow probably isn’t your issue. I’m guessing it’s packed snow/ice. I had KO2s in C load which weren’t great. Currently on Wildpeaks in E load and about the same. I can deal with it but neither were/are ideal. Are you opposed to dedicated winter tires?

 

A lot of good tires on that list. Seems all would suit your use.

Is there a specific reason why the Nokian Outpost nAT is not on your list?

Appears all of those tires in the size you are considering would be LT Load rated which very much affects ride quality.

 

They all perform well enough the first year. Ridge grapplers arent rated for severe weather if I recall, but the other 3 are.

I'd suggest avoiding LT tires for better winter performance, the standard load tires tend to be softer and better at packed snow and ice.

My vote is falken, then Toyo 2nd, and the LT BFG KO3 third

 

Where we live in VT gets 270"+, so yes lots of packed snow on secondary roads for a few days post storm but main roads typically get cleared fast.

On our other vehicle and my previous car (STI) we rocked snows. Most of the guys I know that have Taco's or other off-road rigs run A/T's all year and have no issue. Not opposed to dedicated snow's, but I'm [hoping] to move off these wranglers into 1 set of tires.

 

I've been looking at the Nokians as well. Good tire from what I've read.

 

They have an odd fan base. My dealer hates them. They always have terrible wear patterns and get loud quick. I'd never put them on my truck, I'd sooner have coopers (I run coopers as summers, cheaper)

We are in Canada and we don't really care for any of the all terrains in the winter, but the nokians seem to have a lot of false promises.

 

Y'all get a lot of snow up there I bet.

 

Yokohama is slowly coming out with new AT tires, but these are a solid choice for cold as well.

https://www.yokohamatire.com/tires/geolandar-a-t-g015

The new tire is called an AT4 but only comes in 4 sizes so far.

 

I'm part of the odd fan base and took a leap of faith and got the Nokian nAT. It is a new tire made in new factory in Tennessee hence the n in front of AT. The older AT was made in Russia. I've not seen snow/ice testing against other ATs, only other Nokian All Weathers and the Hakapalita. The test results, done in Sweden were quite positive. I guess I'll learn first hand whether they are indeed a false promise. We'll see how they go this winter. I had a dedicated set of studded snow tires for my 2nd gen. I'm a nordic skier and visit the snow once or twice a week and I'm trying to see if I can do with one set of wheels/tires on this rig.

I can say that on road performance reminds me very much of the Toyos I've owned. Quiet (for now), smooth and excellent grip. Much different compared to KO2s that I've owned which are quite hard and get loud in a hurry and overall not so great in packed snow. I've found that KO2s have great tread life. I understand the K03 is a newly designed tire. If they perform substantially better in snow than the KO2 and deliver the KO2's tread life, that would be a good all season tire.

 

I'm almost at the point of replacing my Toyo open country tires -- I've had them one year and put 33.5k miles on them, and they're already down to 6/32nd tread (from around 14/32) -- not impressed with that wear.

as they have a 60k mileage warranty, Discount Tire tells me I'll get a pro-rated amount back when they get down to around 4/32

so I'll be looking for something better next time around

 

I have a 2nd gen base model tacoma, which is rwd. I run toyo open country at3 and weight in the back. I've had no trouble driving in winter.

 

Thanks, good info.

KO3's have a slightly tighter lug design of the 2's which does help a bit for grip (plus better siping). Imagine that helps in snow...

 

Mickey Thompson Baja boss A/T! I’m looking at these next.

 

GY Duratracs should be in your list. Great on packed snow, winter highway driving, etc. Good all around tire and on the lighter side, even in LT sizes.

 

I've been running the ridge grapplers in 295 75 16 E rated for 20k miles and even when new they absolutely sucked in snow and ice. Otherwise they're a great tire. My previous set was ironman all country mt which is a budget tire and they were WAY better in the winter. just my $0.02

 

My buddy swears by those it's all he runs on his stuff

 

I have the Toyo AT3 had a few sets and I have been happy with them

 

The ko3s are fairly new, not sure if there is any snow data out there, but the ko2s were not very good in the snow we had, they would pack up with snow. Falkens were better, but I’d look into duratracs. Those were great.

 

I’ve had Toyo ATII’s and run Falken Rubitreks currently, which are similar to the Wildpeaks. Been very impressed with the Rubitreks. I’m in Northern New England and also plow with my Tacoma. That being said, if I drove more than my 12 mile commute, I’d run Bridgestone Blizzaks. No 3Peak snow rated AT will touch a dedicated snow tire on ice. My wife and son both ride on Blizzaks. They are relatively light and surprisingly quiet for a winter tire. Hope this helps.