Cord

Never debated the use of snow tires on a truck before. Never had a need for 'em. I currently have 43,000 miles on the 275/55r20 Scorpions and they are just frightful in the snow. I've got maybe 30,000 miles of life left in them, but they are not drive able in the snow. The other day I was hydroplaning in slush at 45mph! That's dangerous!

Ok, so the stock tire is 32" in diameter. I'd like to step up to some all terrains, not a mud tire as I do too much road driving. I'm not interested in leveling the truck at this time. It would appear that a 305/55R20 will fit, but my speedo will be off. I'd like to get a tuner, but the timing isn't right. I've run the General AT2's in the past and liked them, but I was also considering the GoodYear DuraTrac's. Do commercial tires last longer?

Now, the OE tires do have a lot of life left in them, so maybe I should get a set of dedicated winter tires? I think part of the problem is the wide width of the tires that are coming on these trucks. I've searched around and if I went with a 17" wheel, I could get a 235/80R17 which would match the diameter of the original tires. They would be super skinny for great snow traction. If they were winter only, I'd be tempted to go studded too.

But this gets me back to the original statement: I've never needed winter tires before. I do go up to the UP (northern Michigan) several times a year and a dedicated snow tire would be nice for those trips. I know that the studs won't do much in the snow, but here in SE Wisconsin, we get a lot of ice.

So here's the question: should I get a slightly oversized all terrain tire and ditch the factory ones or run a dedicated winter tire and get another year out of the Scorpions?

StevePLD

I used to have the BFG All Terrains on my Jeep and they were a fantastic all-around tire. Got a lot of winter madness miles out of them and never had any issues.

If you want to switch tires back and forth having 2 sets will always be the best option. Make sure to change out the spare too

MZEMS2

Funny how the weather has changed so much here in southern WI. I remember as a kid, Dad would always take the truck in to have the "snow tires" put on for the winter. Nowadays it's hard to justify 2 sets of tires. If your current tires are due to be replaced, I would just buy a good set of all season tires, maybe something that's a bit more on the aggressive side. Seems silly these days to swap back and forth, unless of course you want a set of very "meaty, aggressive snow tires" for the winter, and some all-season tires for the rest of the year.

Cord

That's exactly my debate: certainly have no use for dedicated snows down here. I just wonder how much these super wide tires are hurting the winter traction?

Pity7700

go with an A/T tire. i cant believe you got that many miles out of them tires. them things are horrible.

Roughneck12

If you have to ask, then yes, you should get snow tires. An investment that will save you or your familys life.

D Nuts

its the ice that concerns me. I believe some tires maybe better on ice than others, but havent researched yet. Just trying to sort out size options..

mrgooden

The only good thing on ice are skates.

Scrappy Doo

iTrader: (1)

+1,000. That has to be a world record for a set of Pirelli Scorpions....


You don't need dedicated snow tires. I live in Southern/Central MN and do just fine without them. But that said, if you don't feel comfortable without them, then go get a set

THIS. LOL.

My terras did fantatsic in that foot of snow we just got. (I was in the twin cities)

MZEMS2

Wide tires are gonna be horrible in slop, slush, snow. I would suggest getting snow tires, if you don't wanna make the switch to all season tires. if you're attached to having big wide tires, take em off in the winter. It's up to you what you replace them with. You might be able to find a set of used "snow tires"...check Craigslist...there's always tires on there.