this is an error

 

I checked and you're wrong about the BFG A/T. The BFG AT does have a snowflake in the mountain (severe snow rated) in larger sizes, including 33", 35", 36" and 37" tires in various wheel sizes. Typically the non-snow flake tires have a black sidewall and the snow flake ones are raised white lettering.

 

So what is the difference between the BSW and the RWL that gets a Snowflake On The Mountain?

I e-mailed the Safety Council that hands out the Snowflake On a Mountain Logo, and they told me that the BFG A/T's now use a rubber compound suitable for cold weather and the BFG's passed the heavy snow testing w/flying colors. They ranked lower on braking on hardpacked and ice but still reached the qualifications for a Snowflake On The Mountain Logo.

I will stick w/ a Real WINTER tread since 90% of my winter driving is on hardpacked and ice.

Tires Rated Excellent in Snow

• Continental Contact TS-740 (Snow Tire)
• Goodyear F32S (Snow Tire)
• Nokian "Hakkapeliitta" NR09/NR10/NRW/Hakka-1 (Snow Tire)
• Pirelli P77 ("All-Season")
• Pirelli Winter S2 (Snow Tire)
• Semperit M+S (Studded Snow Tire)
• Vredestein Snow+ (Studded Snow Tire) SnowTrac
• Bridgestone Blizzak (non-studded snow tire)
• Dunlop DS-1 Graspic

 

The bsw/rwl is an identifier. Actually, it would make it easier for the state police in states that rate tires as traction control devices, as they do in Oregon. As an example, a state trooper can see almost immediately if the tire qualifies as a traction control device in lieu of chains during winter conditions, based on the color of the sidewall.

BTW, you answered your own question about what the difference is, "...and they told me that the BFG A/T's now use a rubber compound suitable for cold weather and the BFG's passed the heavy snow testing w/flying colors."

I live where there is plenty of snow and will need new winter tires. Do the tires you listed above come in a 33+" tire on a 17" wheel with a load rating of D or higher? I need something with at least a stock load range and size. What can you suggest for tires based on the trucks stock ratings.

 

Not true.

I've seen BSW BFG ko's (not turned out) w/the Snowflake on a Mountain.

It's sad that the best Winter treads are made for cars and SUV's and not trucks like ours that really need them to PLOW SNOW!

 

In what sizes? I got my information from BFGoodrich/Michelin. Maybe they aren't current on their product. I know there are a lot of people that like the black sidewall look, I bet they'd appreciate knowing in what sizes they can get the BFG AT KO tire with the snowflake on the mountain tire.

I'm going to try to buy tires this fall before the snow starts falling. Do the tires you listed above come in a 33+" tire on a 17" wheel with a load rating of D or higher?

 

Some of the BFG T/A KO tire sizes are not snow rated, some are.

For instance, the 285/75QR16 states "Not Rated For Severe Snow" on Tirerack.com.

 

Actually not you opinion, it's a proven fact.

Why is everybody a 'dude'?

 

I've been called worse.

 

LMAO, me too. Just sounds like we're in grade school or something. Or SO Cal.

 

You're right. The bsw version, in that size, isn't snow rated; however, the same size is also offered with rwl and is snow rated.

I was responding to Mike's comment about BFGoodrich not making the snow rated versions in larger sizes. They do.

 

Who would have thought that "black sidewall" or "raised white letters" would matter that much in the snow?

 

Haha, that white lettering must be part of the snowflake in the mountain designation. High traction white lettering!!!

The tires are actually different.

 

That must be it dude!

 

My guess is, it is a matter of stock. They newer tires have a different compound that passes the severe snow rating tests, the older tires didn't. BFG has sold all of the older raised white letter tires so now all new shipments are of new stock that meet the SSR rating. They haven't sold all of thier old stock black lettered tires, so they are still shipping the ones made with the older material. Once stock of those run out they will begin shipping the SSR rated ones in black lettered tires too.