AT vs Snow Tires

Hi All,

Recently purchased a '09 Tacoma SR5 Double Cab LB and looking for some opinions on tires, specifically from those who drive in snowy/icy conditions. I live in Denver and frequently travel to the mountains and although I'd really like the peace of mind a set of Blizzaks would bring, I foresee them wearing out pretty quickly with the mostly warm/dry conditions in Denver and find it hard to justify two sets.

Has anyone found good AT tires that they're comfortable with on snow/ice? I'm looking at some WildPeaks, but curious for recommendations on any AT tire.

Also, does anyone know if the Long Box Double Cab presents some additional handling issues on snow/ice? Assuming the longer wheelbase makes the truck a little more squirrelly on ice?

Thanks for your help!

 

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is great in those conditions. Nothing beats a dedicated snow tire, but Tire Rack did a comparison between 4 tires and the Cooper was the closest to the winter tire for winter performance, by far.

 

A dedicated snow tire will always outperform in the snow. But, I don't have the space or the $$$ to run two sets of tires. I've gone thru two sets of general grabber AT tires. The AT2's and now the ATX's. I have been thrilled with thier performance in all weather.

 

Bridgestone Dueler Revo A/T

 

X2!! Had mine on for 1.5 winters now w weekly trips to the mountains. Excellent traction, no issues at all.

 

Unfortunately, I had a scary incident with these tires on my 4runner, sliding off the interstate and into the ditch. Obviously not all on the tires, but mentally I’d have a hard time putting them back on my truck.

 

I have the cooper at3 4s and they were only good for the first winter in Alberta (similar to denver)

I could have used them this year but one icey highway drive with my kid led me to buy a winter set as well.

You can always start with the A/T and buy winters later like I did. Nothing compares to a real winter.

 

Falken Wildpeak A/T

 

Highly recommended. We get some fairly amazing snows in SE Colorado, and the AT3 4S work well. We get about 30-35K miles on a set--largely from lots of driving on dirt roads.

 

Those recommending cooper might wanna read this

https://www.consumerreports.org/car...lls-tires-due-to-risk-of-sidewall-separation/


I had a set of AT3's in an LT Load range C. Great tires for the first 10k miles, then traction fell off like a rock in all buy dry conditions.

Went back to good ole Michelin Defender LTX M/S's and wont be changing from that again, you will not find a better all season tire that is quieter, longer lasting, or better grip in dry, wet, icy or light snow roads.

 

I've stopped recommending them, this only 18" sizes, but reflects on the poor quality.

 

Yeah, i was not impressed with my AT3's Like i said traction fell off like a rock around 10-15k miles, they were the NOISIEST tires i have ever had (this was with proper alignment, good shocks and rotations every 5k). But thats pretty much been my expirence with every other AT tire. Yeah they look cool but about the only thing they are good at would be deeper snow or maybe some mud, but tbh MT's would be better in those conditions.

 

I also had a 2008 with the 6ft box, add some weight when you know there might be ice or snow

I have two totes filled with 75kg(165lbs) concrete each that I put on the back to give some extra traction in snow

 

Another vote for the Michelin defender LTX
They grip like a snow tire thanks to extensive siping and they wear forever.

 

I've seen that, although it doesn't affect our stock size. I've also owned 4 sets of these tires (including the regular AT3 before the 4S came out) and haven't had any issues and I put on about 25k miles per year.

 

First winter season using Wildpeak ATW3s and they have been good, i snowboard once or twice every week and am in the mountains quite a bit in Alberta climate very similar to Colorado. i dont keep any weight in the back so when it gets dicey i typically switch it into 4WD and no issues.

 

I just shovel the snow into my truck bed when I'm doing the driveway and when it gets warm the snow melts so I don't have to move anything or tie it down.

 

Something doesn’t sit right with me on how this is secured in the bed of the truck. I hope the plastic lids are not the only thing securing 330 lbs of concrete.

 

One great all season tire that does extremely well in snow is the Yokohama G105. Regardless of the make model of the tire, you need narrow tires for best performance in ice snow. I don't care how good the compound or tread is. If you love wide tires, expect to suck when it gets slick.

 

That could be hell in a collision.