Snow Tires
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 471
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From: Michigan
Snow Tires
I have decided that I need to get better snow tires for my '01 2.5L 5-speed. Does anybody have any favorites/advice? What snow strategies have worked for you in the past? A few people have told me I should get bigger tires, but I'm a little wary of that, partially because I don't want to replace all of them at once. And I usually keep about 2-300 pounds of sand in the back, but I've heard 500 is better from one person, and by another that 500 in a truck my size is excessive. I've got about a week of warmer weather to decide what to do before we get dumped on again. Thanks for the input!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 132
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D-Ranged2.5,
Several posts have covered this topic recently. I recommend the BLIZZAK tires if they are available in your rim size. Getting a set of junkyard rims saves you from changing the rubber on the rim. I have junkyard rims for my snow tires and BLIZZAK tires didn't come in that size so I wound up with Glacier Grips. Either is a good winter traction tire, but the Glacier Grips are passenger car tires.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=428229
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=419071
Several posts have covered this topic recently. I recommend the BLIZZAK tires if they are available in your rim size. Getting a set of junkyard rims saves you from changing the rubber on the rim. I have junkyard rims for my snow tires and BLIZZAK tires didn't come in that size so I wound up with Glacier Grips. Either is a good winter traction tire, but the Glacier Grips are passenger car tires.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=428229
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=419071
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
From: Maine
I have two of the cheapest snow tires that VIP sells, studded, and they work great. They're called Arctic Claws, and I paid about $160 for both of them, mounted, studded and balanced. I don't have ANY weight in the back end now (not even fallen snow- I have a tonneau), and I really don't need it. If studding is legal where you are (I don't think it is, though), that's your answer. If not, we have a Focus with Nokian Hakkapellita (sp?) tires on it that work VERY well (as they should for $150 a pop...), and I've heard good things about Blizzacks. You can check tirerack.com for reviews of different brands.
I think 500 lbs is too much for your truck; I know my 2.3 struggles to move that much weight, and I imagine the 2.5 does, too. Last year, I carried 320 lbs, and it was enough to get me though the winter on crappy all-seasons.
I think 500 lbs is too much for your truck; I know my 2.3 struggles to move that much weight, and I imagine the 2.5 does, too. Last year, I carried 320 lbs, and it was enough to get me though the winter on crappy all-seasons.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 576
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From: crete, illinois
bfg all terrains are a great versatile tire that works great in snow, mud, etc. but their expensive! on our trucks with regular rotations can last 60,000 miles so you will get your $ worth. a thinner tire gets more traction and will get down through the snow however a wider tire leaves a bigger foot-print and looks better. i had 500lbs. of concrete in the bed of my 4x4 and it weighed it down, i can't emagine what it would do to a 2wd.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 748
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From: North US Border, Canada
BFG All Terrains, is what I've had for 5 years. I used to run these tires all year round in the northpole (Quebec, Canada) They are the only tires I've used that where soft enough in very low temperatures that wouldn't melt away in high summer temperatures. Yes they are expensive but from what I've seen, you'll probably go through two sets of the cheaper tires before changing these BFG's. I'm not a math teacher or anything, but in the long run it'll cost you just as much if not more to run cheaper tires.
Good Luck
Madmike33
Good Luck
Madmike33
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,208
Likes: 13
I run the Goodyear Ultra Grip. They where left over from when I sold my old Crown Vic the wheel pattern was the same and the tire size was the same they have worked well so far 2003 reg cab 4cyl 2wd no weight in rear. These where purchased At Walley World for about 80 per tire.
