AT vs Snow Tires

If you use sand you’ll have the option of throwing some under the tires for traction if you get stuck.

 

No doubt a dedicated snow tire performs best in winter conditions. But, in 30+ years of winter driving here in Maine, I've never felt the need to run one. AT's tires have done just fine for me. Never been stuck, spun out or wasn't able to get where I was going. Just take your time and drive appropriately according to the road/weather conditions. I do put three tubes of sand in my bed over my rear axle.

 

Michelin Defender LTX M/S are awesome. I'm not running them right now, but when I was out West in snow several months they were the best I've run. Some owners get 80,000 miles out of them.

 

Growing up in the mountains and working as a ski coach the last 20 years, I never saw the need to run winter tires until a winter tire/wheel set was thrown in on the purchase of our newest truck, my 2014 DCLB.

The difference in winter traction is eye opening. Snow packed roads, when you're expecting reduced traction, is one thing but the unpredictable 32 degree freeze/thaw conditions or on black ice are where these tires shine.

For a winter commuter working in the mountains, I will never go back to just running A/T tires in winter again.

 

This. That's what I do as well. Kind of regret the heavy ass E-rated tires at this point (had C before, same tire) but the tread depth is legit.

To be fair OP, everyone is going to recommend their tire of choice because it reaffirms their own decision.
Just get one of the 3PMSF tires and move on IMO

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3pmsf-3-peak-mountain-snowflake-all-season-tire-list.642673/

 

I had a set of Cooper M&S and a set of Duratracs. I honestly couldn't tell a difference between the two in the winter. Northern Michigan. I have always run snow tires in the past and now I run Duratracs all year.

 

I am on 89,000 miles on mine and JUST passed inspection but I've been waiting for inventory to return (cuz KoViD I called michelin) and they're FINALLY IN STOCK!!!

 

Slapped some new Mastercraft Stratus AP on the old girl. Seems good and glad to get fuel economy back

 

I'm in VT and have been running Grabber ATXs for two years now. Very reliable tire in winter conditions, I love the traction in deep snow and highway driving in a blizzard is not an issue. I've driven up and down ice covered hills and yes there is a slight lack of traction but I still feel very in control. They are a studdable tire but you wouldn't want to run that year round. I'd follow the narrow tire train on this topic too. I run 285/75/16 and yes they do feel a little floaty some conditions but if you run closer to stock tire size you won't have that.

 

I am in the same conditions. This my first season running Wildpeaks at 32psi and honestly I have been impressed. Totally agree with you about the 32 degree temp that is when it gets fun coming down the access roads.