I have a 2015 Ford Explorer Limited that is a fleet rental return that we purchased last year.
I am curious what others have done regarding winter traction?
I am pretty sure the Hankook tires are OEM (correct me if that is incorrect) and they seem to be ok for around town but it looks like we will be in Northern Idaho for a couple of weeks at the end of December.
Anyhow the tires if they are the original tires have about 39k miles and still would be OK, but traveling in snowier country on them...
As you may know there is no clearance for traction devices on the Ford Explorer Limited on account of the tire size.
In the area we live traction tires or traction devices are required at times. "All season mud and snow" is allowable.
Not being able to put traction devices on the car is a little different, as in one less option, when it is time to prepare to travel.
I know there are great traction tires to purchase, but has anyone had success with going to an 18 inch snow tire and wheel? That size would allow traction devices.
Also, according to some tire shops, when using traction devices on a all-wheel drive vehicles, traction devices should be used on all four tires.
I have an 05 F250 short box crew 4X4, and I am the original owner. If the conditions warrant I would drive it, instead of the Explorer. I have chains for it if needed, but because of its ground clearance, I have only needed them a couple of times.
Anyhow, any ideas or experiences, yours or others you may know of, I would like to hear about it.
Harold

 

Can't guarantee anything but my '14 Sport came with the Hankook's and I had severe doubts about them in the snow but figured what the heck give 'em a try. Now NYC ain't Idaho but we do get snow. Last winter we got the second largest storm in NYC in the last 25 years.


With the trans in snow mode the limiting factor was not traction so much as ground clearance. That front air dam is less than 6" off the ground and makes a lousy snow plow. I was actually amazed at the places it went without any trouble. Not going to bust drifts but had no trouble with poorly plowed roads and parking lots.

 

Sir Duck,
Does the sport have 18" or 20" rims?
I thought clearance would be an issue.
Thank you for the "mode" advice.
We have not had a significant weather event as the one you mentioned.
I take it that you might have 20" rims on account you did not use traction devises, or you just did not need them?
Harold

 

The Sp has 20" rims and no clearance for chains or straps. In anything up to 6" of snow the all wheel drive logic always found traction. I was very surprised.

 

My 14 XLT came with Michelins. Still look great at 26K

 

Just buy a set of proper winter tires and basic steel rims to put them on, you don't have to buy 20's either 16's would likely fit just make sure the overall diameter is close to the same as the original wheel/tire combo.

 

Live in Montana and bought a set of dedicated (snow flake symbol) 1ce/snow tires for the winter. Bought Toyo Observe GSI-5 in the P255/50R20 for our Sport and they are great. Don't think I have ever been so impressed with a snow tire in my life. Don't need to put it in snow mode, which is good because the wife forgets, the traction is awesome. We are up above 4,000 feet and even in ice they grip. Again really impressed.