Winter Tires.

I didn't hate the stock Wranglers in the snow but any time it got icy, or started snowing slush I regretted not buying winters right off the bat. I left my truck mostly parked for the entirety of my first winter and only drove out when there was fresh snow on the road because any other condition was dangerous.

If you see winter for more than 2 months just suck it up and buy a pair of proper snow and ice tires. If you can't afford them you shouldn't have a vehicle in a winter climate.

I loved my Hakkapeliitta R3s. I'm trying out a set of larger Grabber Arctic LT this year and the Hakkas are going on our 1999 Ranger so I don't have to take out the battery for the winter (storage space is severely lacking in my house). Also gives me a chance to teach my friend to drive in a vehicle that isn't...as nice lol.

 

Completely agree with this. I ran the wranglers from January onward. Ok in snow, but I wouldn't trust them on ice. I just picked up a set of lightly used Hakkas. Really hoping they are as great as everyone says!

 

i ran these last season the first time, they did very well

 

I have the stock wheels/tires on my 2019 OR: 265/70-16. Looking for winter tires to help get me through the winter in central Maine, where we usually see lots of snow, and icy roads are not uncommon. I live on a gravel road. Will also have sandbags in truck bed to help.

I think I have it narrowed down to General Grabber Arctic LT LT245/75R16 and Blizzak DM-V2 245/75R16.

Any thoughts between these options, or have other recommendations? I had assumed studded tires (Grabbers are studdable) would be better, but see many comments and that Outside article saying the circumstances are very rare for them to be better.

And if I go with Blizzaks, is the narrower size (245/75R16) better than the 265/70R16 in most circumstances for increased winter traction?

 

Skinny tires are usually better in deeper snow
I would choose blizzaks over general personally

 

I go between 265 in the summer and 255 in the winter, I don't really see a huge difference, although I will say I don't hydroplane and have never had a problem cutting through the snow. I worked at a Forestry company and our fleet Tacomas all got 245/75R16 for winter/gravel. They did a great job of keeping most crews out of the ditch.

Studs are old school and have been passed by current tire tech, they aren't worth the noise, hassle, sketchy dry handling.. If you can't get there with new winters, you probably shouldn't be there. If you know how to use chains you can, but anyone who does usually swears to avoid them.

 

Thank you both. Very helpful.

Good to know the commercial vehicles got the 245s. Looks like I'll be getting those Blizzaks.

 

Not on ice!

 

Put on the winter yesterday.. and today;

 

Ok, the 265/75R16 Hakkapeliitta LT3's are on. Mounted onto Toyota OEM steelies. Last week i had a set of Toytec springs, fresh Bilstein 5100's, and a new front passenger side bearing tossed on. Ready for winter!

 

Prepared to be bored while driving in winter conditions.. New winter tires go where you point them, stop when you press the brakes, and go when you press the gas. Co-workers show up late for work, people slide into things, cars drive at 1/8th the speed of normal - and you will just be driving along like every other day.

 

My BFG Winter Slaloms, bought used 7 years ago with shown rims, had to be replaced. Was going to go with Hakka R3 SUV but opted for the Blizzak DM-V2s instead. I've run Hakkas on my Civic years ago and they were great; Basically opted for the Bridgestones this go around based on shop availability.



265/70 r16

 

265/75/16 Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3 Studded.

 

Don’t think it gets better than that

 

Anybody try the cooper AT3 4s?

 

Just saw this video posted the other day. Comprehensive test of General's range of LT/SUV options in the snow and ice. Winter tire vs all season vs all terrain vs mud terrain. It's not a surprising result for anyone who has had winters before, but if anyone is on the fence about the need for a dedicated winter tire, or if you need some data points on whether A/T or M/T tires are any good on the road in snow, here you go:

 

Question: Will 245/75-16s fit on the stock TRD-OR rim? Deciding between the Blizzak DMV2’s in that size or the standard 265/70-16

 

amateur question, but what're the pros/cons of studded?

 

Better to ask us than wait until the cops tell you the cons haha

The studs bite into the ice. They’ll hands down be the best traction available. Basically ice climbing spikes for your tires. They’re illegal most places because they can smash up asphalt. They’re also pretty noisy.

 

Yes