Snow Tire Decision - Keep My BFGs or Swap

Hi all,

Hoping I can ramble a little bit about what is on my mind.

Currently I have 265/75-16 BFG A/T KOs on black TRD T/X Beadlock wheels on my 2013 AccessCab. They worked quite well through last winter dealing with some of the more crazy storms. However, I do notice when they are wet, sometimes I have the occasional white knuckle moments.

I'm wondering if it's worth it to upgrade to a set of dedicated snow tires for the winter here in MA. I would downsize to the 245/75 tire size from the base/SR5 model. I was looking on Discount Tire and I can get a set of Hankook I-Pike IW11 and MB TKO wheels for $885 shipped with lugnuts.

I want to go with the narrower tire to cut through the snow. My reasoning is to protect my TRD wheels from the road salt (I've been through one winter with them, but I don't know if I want to push it more given Toyota's problems with clear coat on wheels in contact with road salt).

Based on other drivers' educated opinions would I gain anything from using a dedicated winter tire over my current BFGs? I'd prefer to limit swapping tires as much as possible to prevent damage to the wheels.

Thanks!

 

The only thing I can think of is you could get studs if your state allows them. You also wouldn't have to worry about damaging your nice rims. In my state I can have studs so i am getting some studded duratracs soon.

 

Last winter was the first that I did not run winter tires, I ran BFG AT's. The difference in performance is like night and day. Needless to say I am running winter tires again this winter.

 

I ran the BFGs and 4wheel drive for years, and never had an issue with winter driving. In fact I upgraded to that tire especially for their ability in the snow.

 

Then I can only assume that you have relatively mild winters or run in 4 wheel drive constantly. BFG AT's are not a winter tire. The rubber compound is too stiff in freezing temps and the siping is deficient relative to a dedicated winter tire.

 

My BFG AT's are possibly the worst winter tire I've ever driven on.





<<< And I get lots of snow.

 

Before i got duratracs i had Firestone destination ats. They are pretty good for a winter tire.

 

I've run them through some pretty wild winter weather. While they may not be a winter tire, I've run them up into the mountains during some pretty big storms and coupled with 4x4 they've performed well.

YMMV

...and no most of the fun of driving in bad winter weather is to see how far you can get before needing the 4x4.

 

OK, let me rephrase:

The BFGs are decent in deep, softer snow. When you get onto the packed stuff and ice, they're terrible. Which is what I drive on most winter.

Also, I'm sure there's worse winter tires, but as far as typical AT's go, there are betters ones.

Also if you're looking into a dedicated set of winter tires, I would look into 235/85s. Especially if you already have 265/75. Should be about the same height, but nice and skinny for the snow.

 

So I ended up placing an order.

I had first placed an order for the 245/75 tires, but since the TKOs are 8.5" wide, I was really at the upper limit of the tires. Discount Tire had said I would probably be fine with the 245, but after I ordered I was perusing the Hankook site and found that 8" was really the limit for a 245 tire, I adjusted to a 265/70.

It's not my ideal situation, as I'd prefer a narrower tire, along with a narrower wheel and a higher offset (these are -6mm / 4.5 BS), but given the choices available for wheels (lots of bro choices) and the pricing of the package, I had to jump. I also sprung for the smaller center caps.

We will see what comes of it. It's funny that I have a winter set that is wider and has a lower backspace than my "good" wheels. Thanks for all the input.

 

x2 on both points.

I've run the Hankooks and they are an excellent winter tire.

For the record (and future reference) I run Bridgestone Blizzaks and have for the last 4 years. Ran Nokian or Hankook studded tires for our 8 yrs up here prior to changing to Blizzaks. I wouldn't go back to studs for anything. FWIW

 

Blizzaks would have been my "preferred" choice, but given the deal I put together on the Hankooks, I'm not complaining.

 

Understand that completely...you can usually get a better deal on the Hankooks. If you're not getting a lot of single digit/sub zero temps, you might not notice the difference. I've done a comparison between my Blizzaks and Hankook IPikes on my son's truck at -10F ... the Blizzaks still feel spongy and the Hankooks harden up. Just passing on my experience. I always got great performance and life out of the Hankooks.

 

I appreciate it!

 

Just waiting for the alternate caps. No desire for the snow though. (Snow = salt = fighting off rust)