Hi all.

I bought my first pick up last summer (truck in sig). In retrosepct I sometimes regret not having purchased a 4x4. I use this truck for a 3-4 day stretch every 2 weeks to haul my tools to the jobsite and back (I install kitchens). I rarely do any towing and usually haul between 700 and 1000 lbs in the truck bed. I currently have Toyo GO2 Open Country tires on it (LT235/85/16) with about 9/32 tread left, and find the performance very disappointing on both snow and ice. I do a fair amount of driving on packed snow and ice covered dirt backroads with the occasional hill. I'm keeping my eyes open for a decent set of used winter tires.

My questions is:

Am I better off opting for a 215/85/16 tire rather than the 235/85/16 for the conditions I usually drive in?

I'd especially like to hear from anybody driving a 2wd in winter.

Thanks
Itch

 

I don't think there would be much difference between those 2 sizes. Get a set of studded snow tires, or at least 2 for the driven axle.

 

Thanks....studded tires are definitely my plan!!


Itch

 

I have a 2wd Ranger and go from 215 to 235 in the winter and I have studded tires front and back.

Helps me get going and stopping.

 

You would hardly notcie any difference between the two sizes you have listed. I'd say being in Canada, studded tires are the way to go and keep the ones you have for summer. The weight you haul around should help you too, if you place it properly.

 

Last time I went to Canada, studded tires were not allowed and I had to take mine off at the border.

> I do a fair amount of driving on packed snow and ice covered dirt backroads with the occasional hill.

Try "green diamond" retreaded tires. That would give you some real traction and steering. You can get them in P235/85r/16.

 

I am in Canada.

 

Thanks for the advice guys

Seems to me that the 235/85/16's are a size that's easier to be had in used tires, so I will focus my search on this size.


rebocardo - we are allowed studded tires, however there a laws regarding when they can be put on and when they have to come off.

stuart1 - just curious as to aurgathor's post. Are we allowed to just stud the driven axle in Canada? I vaguely remember reading if you use studs, then all 4 must be studded.....this true?

Itch

 

Local laws or ordinances may differ. Here it's not against the law, but tire places will not install you just 2, partly for liability reasons. 4 is obviously better, but I never had more than 2. (in all cases on RWD cars). The extra 2 tires on the front help you steer and stop better, but you can more or less compensate for that by, guess what, going slower.