rocsteady

Trying to give myself a practical reason to upgrade to something like the Nitto Ridge Grappler from the stock Hankook Dynapro ATM, other than just the more aggressive looks. Does anyone have any experience to know if the ridge Grapplers or the BFGoodrich ko2 are significantly better in the snow then the Hankook?
Thanks

johnday in BFE

iTrader: (1)

I've got the Handycacas as well, the only tire I've ever had as bad in the snow is an HT type. Never had the Grapplers, so won't comment on them, but have had the KO2s. IMO, the KO2s should be left in the Baja, where even on the sidewall it says "Baja Champions", don't recall if it snows there. They are better than the ATMs for winter, but still leave something to be desired to me. Without going to a fullfledged winter tire, I'd recommend DuraTracs. My little Ranger, RWD with an LSD, can go where both my last 150's couldn't, unless in 4X4. I don't normally drive the 150 in snow/salt/ice, so the Handycacas are staying on until worn out, they are decent on dry and wet roads, and do ride decent.
Sure I'll get flamed for my opinion of the KO2s.

rocsteady

Interesting, I would have thought both the ATM and the KO2 would have been better. Thanks.

leckbandg

Bought my second set of hankook, live in anchorage Alaska and find no fault with the tire .with that being said when the first set had worn down 48000 miles rain and snow did make a noticeable difference in the tires performance

johnday in BFE

iTrader: (1)

Which ones did you buy? I've been led to believe than Hankook does have winter rated tires, but the ATMs aren't them.

leckbandg

Have the atm but Pike is their true winter tire
I should mention that the only time I'm off road is during berry picking season

SteveLord

Hankook iPikes are awesome and priced well.

Tom_with_a_Truck

I think that some sizes of the Hankook ATM are "3 peaks" snow-rated, but the size that we have on our F-150s does not, at least not the 275/55 R-20s. Check out Tirerack.com to see. The 275/60 20 inch tires apparently do. So, if you're OK with 1 inch greater diameter, you could get a snow-rated tire. I'd double-check on that though before making a decision, if winter driving is a priority.

Truckin

iTrader: (4)

I've got stock hankook on my 18, no snow yet but they suck period any driving condition. I ran KO2s on my 16, great summer tire. Colder rain or snow, leave it parked, they suck. I ran Michelin defenders for the winter. They hug road like glue, best snow ice tire I've ever had.
gonna get those but would like more agressive look.
I've had people challenge me with ko2s and when asked if they ever rode another tire it was not responded to or no. Firestone destinations are better but I'll never buy anything Firestone again, they scam anyone they can

nubbins_

Never been a fan of KO2s; they're by far the most overpriced tire where I live, and Duratracs kick their azz any day, any condition (save for the Baja, I guess lol). I'd give the KO2s the win for road noise, except Duras aren't that loud and KO2s aren't even that quiet. And I'm pretty sure BFGoodrich intentionally nerfed the KO2's treadwear and tread depth a la planned obsolescence because the KO lasted too long, all adding up to a tire that isn't worth anywhere near $310. And the weight too.......

Our work trucks have Dynapro ATM on the rear and while I wouldn't trust them in the winter I find they do pretty well when it's not snowing. In my experience, Duratracs struggle with wet traction in certain situations, mostly taking off on a wet incline, compared to all-seasons, but handle hydroplaning confidently due to the heavy siping and unreal 18/32nd tread depth.

I'm actually interested in the Cooper ATW. Apparently it supersedes the AT3, so it's a mild all-terrain, but from the reviews the winter performance is pretty damn legendary for a tire you can keep all-year. I guess it won't work for you if you want an aggressive look, but I believe Falken AT3w is also worth a look - it's just not available for me.