Winter Tires
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 151
Likes: 19
From: Tucson
Update - Les Schwab Wintercat 275/65/18 Snow Tires
Dedicated snows are the way to go here in Montana.
Excellent traction in the snow. The difference in traction is noticeable and recommended,
compared to my 20" Michelins. I am able to drive around in 2WD more, on some days.
This is a December 1st to March 15th tire, for me.
Excellent traction in the snow. The difference in traction is noticeable and recommended,
compared to my 20" Michelins. I am able to drive around in 2WD more, on some days.
This is a December 1st to March 15th tire, for me.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 493
Likes: 5
A contractor with a F350 and 20" Michelins was on our moderately difficult driveway with about 12" of fresh snow. The truck did great pushing through the snow...UNTIL he lost momentum. Dedicated snows would of been great!
On a related note, we just picked up our new F450. The Continental HSR tires are not know for being great in the snow. In 2WD they live up to their reputation, but to my surprise in 4WD they do really well!
So much so, I may forgo the dedicated snows I had planned...and we live in a high snow area of Central New York.
On a related note, we just picked up our new F450. The Continental HSR tires are not know for being great in the snow. In 2WD they live up to their reputation, but to my surprise in 4WD they do really well!
So much so, I may forgo the dedicated snows I had planned...and we live in a high snow area of Central New York.
Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: land of sky blue waters
Here in MN, big snowfalls are usually 2-3 times a winter, sometimes more, sometimes less. Takes us a day to dig out.
On the other hand, we get lots of little "nuisance" snowfalls that make ice. If it gets and stays bitter cold, that ice doesn't melt even with salt. Some ice even forms from exhaust condensation (aka "black ice").
So for here, ice is by far the bigger concern than deep snow.
For ice, you need siping and softer rubber compounds, which means dedicated snow tires. All terrain and mud type tires don't really work very well on ice.
A single tire for year round is simply a compromise that won't be optimal for summer or winter.
It's up to you whether the added expense and bother is worth it to you. For me it is. Call it cheap insurance. Yes, it's a PITA. So are accidents.
I've run Blizzaks and Coopers for winter tires. Been happy with both.
On the other hand, we get lots of little "nuisance" snowfalls that make ice. If it gets and stays bitter cold, that ice doesn't melt even with salt. Some ice even forms from exhaust condensation (aka "black ice").
So for here, ice is by far the bigger concern than deep snow.
For ice, you need siping and softer rubber compounds, which means dedicated snow tires. All terrain and mud type tires don't really work very well on ice.
A single tire for year round is simply a compromise that won't be optimal for summer or winter.
It's up to you whether the added expense and bother is worth it to you. For me it is. Call it cheap insurance. Yes, it's a PITA. So are accidents.
I've run Blizzaks and Coopers for winter tires. Been happy with both.
New User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: BC Canada
I got my '17 with the Firestone winterforce tires, they had a deal on in Oct when I got the truck you get winter tires, rims and sensors free or take $1200 off the price of the truck. I like that my stock lariat rims don't get buggard up from the harsh winter roads and the winter specific tires are great. I have to run the Forscan thing though so I can run my tire pressures down to 50 or so and the tires will work even better.
I had Nitto Trail Grapplers on my '06 previous to this truck and they were sketchy to say the least when on BC's winter roads. I frequently go up logging roads for snowmobiling and chains were a must have with the Nitto's, the Firestones are much better.
I had Nitto Trail Grapplers on my '06 previous to this truck and they were sketchy to say the least when on BC's winter roads. I frequently go up logging roads for snowmobiling and chains were a must have with the Nitto's, the Firestones are much better.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 8
I don't pretend to compete with Canadian Winters. I am a First Responder, so a lot of times I am out in the middle of the night before the plows.
I looked at Nokians but they were kind of pricey. Went with Firestone Winterforce and have been quite pleased. Tires are well-siped, but I had them studded because we get a lot of "mixed precipitation" (snow/ice/freezing rain) during Connecticut winters.
I looked at Nokians but they were kind of pricey. Went with Firestone Winterforce and have been quite pleased. Tires are well-siped, but I had them studded because we get a lot of "mixed precipitation" (snow/ice/freezing rain) during Connecticut winters.
Those look better than many of the Nokians I've seen around here. And especially the others.
Make sure you have straight "see through tread pattern" so they look like a ribbed tire when spinning. That's great for rain, which many winter tires suck at.
I prefer a Cooper STT or ST Max. I need something that won't turn into a slick when there's mud under the snow. The Coopers were soft and pliable in cold weather. Worked great. Maybe I couldn't push as hard on ice as a winter tire, but it was more than acceptable. And tons better than the OEM junk.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: Fort Mcmurray,AB
I don't pretend to compete with Canadian Winters. I am a First Responder, so a lot of times I am out in the middle of the night before the plows.
I looked at Nokians but they were kind of pricey. Went with Firestone Winterforce and have been quite pleased. Tires are well-siped, but I had them studded because we get a lot of "mixed precipitation" (snow/ice/freezing rain) during Connecticut winters.
I looked at Nokians but they were kind of pricey. Went with Firestone Winterforce and have been quite pleased. Tires are well-siped, but I had them studded because we get a lot of "mixed precipitation" (snow/ice/freezing rain) during Connecticut winters.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: Fort Mcmurray,AB
I got my '17 with the Firestone winterforce tires, they had a deal on in Oct when I got the truck you get winter tires, rims and sensors free or take $1200 off the price of the truck. I like that my stock lariat rims don't get buggard up from the harsh winter roads and the winter specific tires are great. I have to run the Forscan thing though so I can run my tire pressures down to 50 or so and the tires will work even better.
I had Nitto Trail Grapplers on my '06 previous to this truck and they were sketchy to say the least when on BC's winter roads. I frequently go up logging roads for snowmobiling and chains were a must have with the Nitto's, the Firestones are much better.
I had Nitto Trail Grapplers on my '06 previous to this truck and they were sketchy to say the least when on BC's winter roads. I frequently go up logging roads for snowmobiling and chains were a must have with the Nitto's, the Firestones are much better.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 607
Likes: 3
From: CT
Studs are in great on snow and ice, but I gave myself a thrill the other day when the traffic came to dead stop in front of me on the highway. My stopping distance was quite a bit longer than I expected on a dry concrete roadway.
There was about a second and a half where I thought I might clobber a Toyota Yaris.
However, overall.., having studs when driving on ice is worth it hands down.
RWNJ
There was about a second and a half where I thought I might clobber a Toyota Yaris.
However, overall.., having studs when driving on ice is worth it hands down.
RWNJ
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 377
Likes: 5
Studs are in great on snow and ice, but I gave myself a thrill the other day when the traffic came to dead stop in front of me on the highway. My stopping distance was quite a bit longer than I expected on a dry concrete roadway.
There was about a second and a half where I thought I might clobber a Toyota Yaris.
However, overall.., having studs when driving on ice is worth it hands down.
RWNJ
There was about a second and a half where I thought I might clobber a Toyota Yaris.
However, overall.., having studs when driving on ice is worth it hands down.
RWNJ
Studs don't have a significant gain on snow, only on ice... albeit if you buy studded tires, the tires are probably winter rated, so you get improved snow handling from the tires.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: PA
Another vote for Firestone Winterforce!! I do a lot of plowing and they perform great. However I ripped the sidewall out of one last week and local firestone dealer said they quit making them in 20". He was able locate one for me after doing a national search. I really hope they don't discontinue making them!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 377
Likes: 5
Another vote for Firestone Winterforce!! I do a lot of plowing and they perform great. However I ripped the sidewall out of one last week and local firestone dealer said they quit making them in 20". He was able locate one for me after doing a national search. I really hope they don't discontinue making them!