do i need winter tires and sand bags?
 

Hi Guys,

I just got brand new 2018 XLT XTR 4X4 with Elocker. I am very new to truck. This is my first truck. I am in Canada. I drive to mountain for skiing each weekend. I am wondering if I need to change stock tires to winter tires when driving on the highway during winter snow season? If so, any tire recommendation?

also do i need to put sand bags on the bed for better traction control?

Thanks, much appreciated.

Snow tires for sure. Any snow tire is 100% better than all seasons.
With my 2010 I put weight in the box with snow tires on. In my 2016 I just put snow tires on it.
I run Blizzaks on my vehicles. But any snow tire will do.
Michelin X ice is a great tire also and better than the Blizzaks on ice.

Adding weight in bed is never a bad thing, just put it over the axle.

I am in Alberta and drive mountains and hunt and ski.. For sure get good winters and cheap rims. Unless you buy higher trim with AWD winter tires are a must,

I still run dedicated winter tires and have auto 4WD - auto 4WD still won't help you stop.

I also like to have a little weight in the bed. The combination of the two gives real confidence on slippery roads. That and just using your head.

Winter tires for sure.

Weight in the box will help with traction, but can adversely affect stopping distance so just be mindful of that if you do put weight in the box.

The only people who will tell you that you don't need winter tires are people who never bought a set. The difference between all seasons and snow tires is night and day.

depends on the tire... already had this debate on the Audi board and they lost..

anyway.. one of the best things for driving in winter is the Driver Mod.. hit an open parking lot on a snow day and learn how the truck reacts and behaves during slippery conditions

make sure the weight your put in doesn't slide easily, a heavy weight in skidding truck can make it worse.

I've driven most of my 4X4 vehicles in 2' of snow with A/T tires without any problems. I have even driven a Subaru Outback with OEM all season tires in a farm field in 2' of snow with drifts and had no problem starting and stopping.

Do you need dedicated winter tires? No. If it makes you feel better, buy some. My suggestion would be to drive on the current tires for a while in severe snow conditions and see if you think you really need them. My bet is with 4X4 activated you will not feel the need.

Need vs. Want. Good vs. Better. You have a new 4x4 truck (meaning, new tires), chances are, you'll be fine for a few years. As others mentioned, figure out your vehicle first, how it reacts in different conditions.

Are winter tires better in winter than all season tires? Of course. That doesn't necessarily mean you *need* them. Only you can figure that out.