2017 Toyota Tacoma SR

Ok, so I bought me a 2017 Toyota Tacoma SR 2WD...I have dealt w/a couple snowfalls and let me tell you the fact that I don't have 4×4, weight in the bed of my truck and snow tires I'm doing quite a bit of sliding and it's a pain in the ass...

Obviously, I need snow tires and weight but I'd like to know A. Which brand of tires made for snow/ice has proved to work out best? (Quality not cheap) and B. Has anyone used traction weights in their truck and how well has that worked? Also, how much weight wise and where should the weights be positioned?

 

I used to put some concrete patio stones in my 2wd trucks when it snowed. Positioned over and forward of the rear axle so as not to transfer weight off the front axle. Definitely helped some.

 

Add the weight first, then buy the tire. See if the weight is enough.

I used to put 150lbs in the bed of my 95 S-10... big tractor weights of a 1952 Farmall Super M.

Keep a bag of sand or kitty litter handy too to spread on the ground if you spin you tires trying to get out of a parking spot or something.

 

The best thing you can put in the back of your truck is sand bags or a traction bag.....

I've run MANY different types of snow tires, and let me tell you that Bridgestone makes the best ones... The Blizzak series..

Only problem is that traction does not last through the entirety of the tread.. Their technology only lasts about half the tread depth... The rubber they use actually absorbs the moisture between the tire and the ice to make it less slippery... Its like a spongy rubber, its not just the sipes..

I recommend Micheline X ice to you... They last a long time, and actually have a full warranty.. Unlike all other brands..

I have the cooper discoverer M+S.. I am completely satisfied with them... But I have 4x4... I think you would want something more like the michelin.. The cooper is blocky.. I bought them because I need something more durable than an average snow tire... I like to spin and do fish tails and Michelins bridgestones don't like that stuff... It'll ruin them.

 

The Bridgestone Blizzaks are the go to tire for most here in CO. I've heard nothing but praise for them. I would definitely couple them with some weight, doesn't have to be anything fancy. Sand bags are cheap and easy to move around .

 

Hahaha, evidently, I just wanted to copy your post.

 

I was going to get these tires, but they were out of stock!

The Dunlop Grandtrek SJ6..



They "look" pretty good...

I believe this design is fairly new..

 

Another thing, the tread depth of a lot of these snow tires is only 14/32's... Or less..

The cooper had 16/32's...

I think if the cooper was a touch softer it would be ultimate... But then it would wear to fast...

The reason I bought them was the blocks help with wear and abuse... These little picky treads on most snow tires just don't hold up to my driving habits... "Donuts"

 

Best advice when looking for snow tires is to look at what the emergency vehicles use in your area. They don't skimp. I put a bag of water softener salt behind each wheel well, adds weight, gives you something to spread for traction and if you don't bust the bags you can dump it in you water softener in the Spring (if you have one).

 

Howdy! Good advice here.

 

Your avatar makes me want to slap my phone

 

I'd say go with a set of Blizzaks too, we have them on our crossover and it's a great tire.

 

This is sort of of why I picked the Cooper..

All private ambulances run them in this area..

 

If you go with a pure winter snow tire make sure to get an extra set of wheels so you dont wear them out.
The blizzaks are great, but only put them on when its going to snow or you will need a new set every year.

not trying to be a jerk but, if it snowed enough to consider needing winter tires why wouldnt you just buy a 4wd model?

 

Not everyone can afford it

I rocked 2wd for years..last 4 trucks... Not a problem in the snow with the right tires and some weight.. And I live where we get it a 1 foot at a time...

This is my first 4x4 since my 84 toyota 4x4 when I was 17...

 

Well my intent was to have on a winter set for 6mos and "summers" if you will for the next 6 mos...Also when I bought Mr. Truck here my job was transferring me out of state so I bought w/the mindset that I would never see snow or ice where I was going & now that it has been delayed well I've had to deal with the snow on a couple occasions.

 

I can understand that.

I guess I just think of things differently, if I were in a snow prone area I would be more inclined to save a few extra K and make a larger down payment on a 4wd model.

I dont have much room to talk though, I drove a G35 coupe for 6-7 years with terrible winters and finally had enough of that. No way will I ever not have a 4wd vehicle now.

That being said, for the OP if you buy a quality tire and throw some sandbags in the back and use good driving habbits in winter you will be fine.

 

gotcha, that makes sense.

I would say go for some extra wheels with snow tires, also put a good set of tires on your "normal" wheels too.
That way maybe you can get by for 8-9 months of the year before having to use the snow tires.

A good all weather tire with some sandbags in the back will get you alot further than you think, and will preserve your winter tires so you can get 2-3 years or more out of them

 

Make sure to strap down the sand bags or whatever you decide to put in the bed really well. They can become projectiles in the event of an accident.

I'd also get a set of snow chains/cables and learn to use them.

Regarding snow tires, the best I've ever used is studded Nokian Hakka's.

 

Thanks for all the feedback/suggestions...the factory default and my current tire size is 245/75R16...I have yet to go through my owners manual but has any one upgraded size wise on their tires & it not have been a problem?