Snow vs. All-Terrain tires?

[NorskieRider]

Any suggestions for LT tires for winter use?

I live in hilly southern Minnesota and winter is an annual certainty here. While we don't get much more than 60-70 inches a year, it tends to stick and turn into slop and ice. So I'm not looking for tires which will dig out of many feet, but rather those which will provide traction around town (stopping, turning), climbing slick steep hills and (importantly!) slushy ice wintry mix at highway speeds on my 84-miles 3x a week commute.

On past car and trucklets I've always had dedicated winter tires (usually Blizzaks) so I didn't have to compromise on handling, comfort and treadwear the other nine months of the year. I'm tempted to go this route again on the RAM, however, I'm not sure that makes sense considering that the RAM is not a vehicle I'm going to be much concerned about handling. The compromise might be in towing stability (i.e. more plies) vs. snow traction rather than handling and treadwear. The new "all-weather" category is another aspect to consider.

Which leads me to my question:

Instead of running a dedicated set of snows, does it make more sense to run one set of decent tires in all conditions? Like the Vredestein Pinza's, which are both "Severe Snow Service Rated" and load range "E", for example.
But I suspect that Blizzaks will probably out-perform the Pinza's in the slop.
Does the load rating affect comfort? i.e. are the 4-ply SL's more comfy than the 1-ply E's or ... does the vehicles size and weight make that a moot point?

Thanks in advance!

 

[HemiDude]

If you have the space to dedicate for your tire swaps, it is always an advantage to have a set of winter tires to swap to. If you want some something for year round, there are some good all season tires out there. I've been very happy with my Cooper Discoverers, AT3 4-seasons, though I think Cooper has replaced them with a different model. You didn't indicate what you tow, so its hard to offer more advice - are you pulling a TT, car hauler, or a small open trailer?

 

[Ready Go]

I'm in a very hilly, curvy area of SE Wisconsin (South Kettle Moraine) and I can not say enough great things about the Bridgestone Deuler AT Ascents!
I have LT285/60R20 E-rated and am currently running them at a lower 36F/33R psi for our rough winter roads and in our last snow storm of 12"+ heavy, icy, wet snow they performed flawlessly! I didn't slip once or lose traction or even have ABS kick in (driving in 4High & 4Auto..even tried 2WD and still did amazingly well).
These are 3Peak Rated and 16/32" tread with extensive sipping for a non-Winter tire (Bridgestone makes the Blizzak, so you know they know sipping well).
Took a look at the AT Ascents..as a side benefit, they are one of the lightest weight tires, especially for an LT tire.

 

[SW Driver]

Any suggestions for LT tires for winter use?

I live in hilly southern Minnesota and winter is an annual certainty here. While we don't get much more than 60-70 inches a year, it tends to stick and turn into slop and ice. So I'm not looking for tires which will dig out of many feet, but rather those which will provide traction around town (stopping, turning), climbing slick steep hills and (importantly!) slushy ice wintry mix at highway speeds on my 84-miles 3x a week commute.

On past car and trucklets I've always had dedicated winter tires (usually Blizzaks) so I didn't have to compromise on handling, comfort and treadwear the other nine months of the year. I'm tempted to go this route again on the RAM, however, I'm not sure that makes sense considering that the RAM is not a vehicle I'm going to be much concerned about handling. The compromise might be in towing stability (i.e. more plies) vs. snow traction rather than handling and treadwear. The new "all-weather" category is another aspect to consider.

Which leads me to my question:

Instead of running a dedicated set of snows, does it make more sense to run one set of decent tires in all conditions? Like the Vredestein Pinza's, which are both "Severe Snow Service Rated" and load range "E", for example.
But I suspect that Blizzaks will probably out-perform the Pinza's in the slop.
Does the load rating affect comfort? i.e. are the 4-ply SL's more comfy than the 1-ply E's or ... does the vehicles size and weight make that a moot point?

Thanks in advance!

It does not make sense to run a decent all season tire in your case. You already have experience with winter tires, so you know the benefits if traction they provide in the conditions you describe. You absolutely want winter tires for traction and safety.

 

[Granite Goat]

I am in similar boat as you; I don't get much snow but I like having the utmost mobility and safety when I do.

I am picking up a set of 18" steel wheels with TPMS from a Ram Tradesman tomorrow that I plan to mount dedicated winter tires on. I have done extensive research on what reasonably priced winter tires are available in the 275/65R18 size (stock size and correct diameter).

Blizzaks and Nokians are amazing, but expensive and can wear quickly on warm/dry pavement during breaks in the weather. I do not plan any heavy towing in winter, so have not assessed the load range of these. Here is a snippet from my spreadsheet with some tire models I am considering and that may want to look up.

 

[HSKR R/T]

A good all season or all terrain will perform good in the winter. Especially with 4-auto selected. I wouldn't personally say dedicated snow tires are needed. You know the benefit they offer, but on a 4wd vehicle with decent all seasons or all terrain tires, there won't be as big of a benefit as on a 2wd vehicle.

 

[NorskieRider]

If you have the space to dedicate for your tire swaps, it is always an advantage to have a set of winter tires to swap to. If you want some something for year round, there are some good all season tires out there. I've been very happy with my Cooper Discoverers, AT3 4-seasons, though I think Cooper has replaced them with a different model. You didn't indicate what you tow, so its hard to offer more advice - are you pulling a TT, car hauler, or a small open trailer?

Yes, I have the space and tools for a second set. At most I'll be towing about 6000# and not likely in the winter.

I'm in a very hilly, curvy area of SE Wisconsin (South Kettle Moraine) and I can not say enough great things about the Bridgestone Deuler AT Ascents!

Thanks for the suggestion!

I am in similar boat as you; I don't get much snow but I like having the utmost mobility and safety when I do.

I am picking up a set of 18" steel wheels with TPMS from a Ram Tradesman tomorrow that I plan to mount dedicated winter tires on. I have done extensive research on what reasonably priced winter tires are available in the 275/65R18 size (stock size and correct diameter).

Blizzaks and Nokians are amazing, but expensive and can wear quickly on warm/dry pavement during breaks in the weather I do not plan any heavy towonh in winter, so have not assessed the load range of these. Here is a snippet from my spreadsheet with some tire models I am considering and that may want to look up.

That's what I'm thinking too - used 18" wheels are a dime a dozen, and the 18" tires are lower priced as well.

A good all season or all terrain will perform good in the winter. Especially with 4-auto selected. I wouldn't personally say dedicated snow tires are needed. You know the benefit they offer, but on a 4wd vehicle with decent all seasons or all terrain tires, there won't be as big of a benefit as on a 2wd vehicle.

We grew up with RWD on all-season tires and we survived MN winters, so I agree that snow tires aren't 'needed'. But they help a lot!

 

[H2OMAN]

The closer you get to mud terrains the worse it gets. Snow tires will always be better than AT's. Some AT's have a good snow rating but they are still not as good as pure snow tires. Off road tires are looking to dig in and fling debris. Snow tires collect the snow so you can ride on top. There is simply no comparison.

 

[LouNY]

My last 3 RAM's and my wifes last 4 vehicles have all run the same brand of snow tires the Nokian Hakkapeliitta studded snows LT's for the trucks and the SUV series for the others.

 

[NorskieRider]

As a follow-up ... got a chance to try out the OEM Dueller H/L Alenza's in yesterday's snow storm, and promptly ordered snow tires when I got home. I had forgotten how much better bonafide snow's are vs. all-season's.

 

[Granite Goat]

Which snow tires did you end up going with?

As a follow-up ... got a chance to try out the OEM Dueller H/L Alenza's in yesterday's snow storm, and promptly ordered snow tires when I got home. I had forgotten how much better bonafide snow's are vs. all-season's.

 

[NorskieRider]

Which snow tires did you end up going with?

Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8 - Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8 Review - Truck Tire Reviews

Mainly because they were on sale ($127/tire) and had good reviews. I've got a set of 18" rims to mount them on and can swap them in my garage per seasonal requirements.

 

[HSKR R/T]

As a follow-up ... got a chance to try out the OEM Dueller H/L Alenza's in yesterday's snow storm, and promptly ordered snow tires when I got home. I had forgotten how much better bonafide snow's are vs. all-season's.

Factory tires probably aren't the best to compare to.

 

[boogielander]

Look for AT ties with 3 peak rating from established brands:
Falken Wildpeak AT4W, Toyo, etc.

 

[LouNY]

No way would I run an all-season even with the so called 3 peak symbol.
Studded snows all the way.
One reason is that my driveway has a steep slope in almost all the driveway 12-16 degree of slope,
then when we get storms similar to this last one with out chains or studds you will have expensive body work to have done.

This is the pattern my studded tractor chains laid down today

 

[Brutal_HO]

Look for AT ties with 3 peak rating from established brands:
Falken Wildpeak AT4W, Toyo, etc.

Even 3PMSF rated AT's are not as good in the hardpack snow/ice as dedicated snow tires like Blizzaks or Hakkapaliitta's... Very different tread compounds.

Around here, we call them no-season tires.

The A/T4W is widely reported to be worse than the A/T3W in the snow. However, still has better ratings (on tire rack) than others mentioned in this thread.)

I have A/TW3's on my HD and we run Blizzaks on our AWD cars. I'd drive either car before the truck if the situation allows. Then again, one has Quattro and real diffs and dedicated summer(Pilot 4S)/winter(Blizzak) setup, the other some fancy Korean AWD algorithm with 3PMSF AS/winter(Blizzak) setup.

 

[mikeru82]

Look for AT ties with 3 peak rating from established brands:
Falken Wildpeak AT4W, Toyo, etc.

^^This. Unlike the M+S rating, which has not standard or testing requirements to add to a tire sidewall. The 3PMSF rating does require the tire to go through testing to be able to add that rating. But no all season A/T tire will perform as well in winter conditions as a true dedicated winter tire.

 

[boogielander]

Even 3PMSF rated AT's are not as good in the hardpack snow/ice as dedicated snow tires like Blizzaks or Hakkapaliitta's... Very different tread compounds.

Around here, we call them no-season tires.

The A/T4W is widely reported to be worse than the A/T3W in the snow. However, still has better ratings (on tire rack) than others mentioned in this thread.)

I have A/TW3's on my HD and we run Blizzaks on our AWD cars. I'd drive either car before the truck if the situation allows. Then again, one has Quattro and real diffs and dedicated summer(Pilot 4S)/winter(Blizzak) setup, the other some fancy Korean AWD algorithm with 3PMSF AS/winter(Blizzak) setup.

oh yeah can't beat blizzaks or dedicated snow tires for sure.

i haven't got AT4Ws yet... my AT3Ws refuse to die or wear the tread (50k still have over 75% left) quattro and blizzak would be my choice for snow too.

 

[WasatchBack]

Most semi decent tires will dig out, its your ability to stop and turn. I run studded Nokian Hakka LTs