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.