Who runs "Actual" Winter Tires, ideally in a 34" to 35" size?

[Wapitispokes]

Nokian LT3 un-studded and studded

Any recommendations on "winter tires" in the PNW (I suspect CCW and DDD are a couple of locals that may have some good insights).

I am hearing that the Tremors are being delivered with a non-3PMS Duratrac tire. My new diesel Tremor should be delivered in about 30 days. Traditionally I've always run "real" winter tires on my other vehicles and I am reluctant to run my new SD Tremor in then PNW mountains without condition appropriate tires.

Note: I do plan to throw 500+ lbs of sand bags in the bed for winter.. and I plan to eventually build it out in a way that will add weight to the back.

Stop right here if you wish...but more perspective below.

I see lots of discussion about 3PMS tires, including generally positive comments about the Falken Wildpeak. What I am not seeing is much (any?) comment about actual un-studded "Winter" tires in a size comparable to OEM on a SD Tremor (ideally 34'-35").

There are some great discussions about year-round tires with a 3PMS rating (again, like the Falken Wildpeaks). There are also some great discussions and comments from folks that run studded tires - folks that are typically in places like Alberta, or Montana, or working in the oilfield - places with constant snow, ice or dirt roads. I think those tend to be tires with "year round rubber compound" with studs.

I'd prefer a full-on "Winter" tire, and I would probably prefer un-studded due to the amount wet highway driving where I live.

I'm beginning to think that a large, un-studded "winter" tire is nearly a unicorn.

My use case: I live in the suburban Seattle, WA area and have other vehicles I can drive "in the city". I do not commit anymore. The Tremor is intended to be more of a "fun" / recreation / hunting / camping / vacation vehicle. For those reasons, and because it is a diesel, it shouldn't need to be driven around town much for daily tasks.

While I am looking for a good un-studded winter tire for my SD Tremor, due to the difficulty of finding such a beast, I am beginning to think about going with a studded winter tire and then just reserving the Tremor for situations where those tires might be needed, such as long winter road trips in the PNW or trips to places like Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier, or over "The Pass" this winter. I suppose the other option is to get a good 3PMS tire known for good performance on wet roads and in rain - like the Falken Wildpeak, but that tire appears to be only marginally different from the stock Duratracs, and frankly I don't know how good or bad the current Duratracs will be.

I think the Falken's might be a decent option for year-round use once the Duratracs wear out. So, I'm a bit reluctant to proactively buy a year-round tire with 3PMS rating as a seasonal replacement for the brand new OEM Duratracs - which maybe are actually identical to the 3PMS Duratracs in construction; but maybe they just came up a few percent shy of other sizes in mandatory performance testing.

Or go with something like the "small" 33.2" Nokian LT3 - see link.

One of the few true winter tires I've found that "might" work would be the Nokian LT3. The LT3 uses a winter rubber compound and is not intended for use in temps above 45 degrees. However, the Nokian plant in Russia is shut down due to the Ukraine war, and as a result they are very short on inventory and have zero un-studded LT3's. They do have a very few studded LT3's but the largest for an 18 inch wheel is a 275/70/18 with a diameter of 33.2 inches. Which is a bit smaller than I'd like - but I might consider going that route partly because I don't see a lot of need for a large diameter tire on this vehicle in the winter in the PNW. But it might look a little silly in the wheel wells...

I could also just put winter tires on my 4Runner but I retired my last set of winter tires for that vehicle, so would need to buy a new set. I'd rather buy a set of winter tires for the Tremor than the 4Runner....

That might be a bit much to "unpack" but I appreciate everyone's input.

Thanks in advance.

Jim

 

[HeavyAssault]

While not always experiencing the same "winters" as other I can say the 3PMS tires I've tried were horrible in wet weather conditions. Nitto EXO and Toyo ATIII gave me the same experiences...tire slip while on wet roads with a bit more than "normal" pedal input. In those experiences I was trying to prepare myself for winter's white wonder with the Nittos/Toyos leading me to no snow (of course) and horrible driving in the wet. I got some Toyo RT Trail now so I'd bet the white stuff drops plenty this year. LOL

 

[Wapitispokes]

Thanks for the input "HeavyAssault". That sounds consistent with what I've been picking up from others. Having said that, based on my research folks seem to think the Falken's are better in wet conditions than many of the other 3PMS.

 

[Turnem]

Nokian LT3 un-studded and studded

Any recommendations on "winter tires" in the PNW (I suspect CCW and DDD are a couple of locals that may have some good insights).

I am hearing that the Tremors are being delivered with a non-3PMS Duratrac tire. My new diesel Tremor should be delivered in about 30 days. Traditionally I've always run "real" winter tires on my other vehicles and I am reluctant to run my new SD Tremor in then PNW mountains without condition appropriate tires.

Note: I do plan to throw 500+ lbs of sand bags in the bed for winter.. and I plan to eventually build it out in a way that will add weight to the back.

Stop right here if you wish...but more perspective below.

I see lots of discussion about 3PMS tires, including generally positive comments about the Falken Wildpeak. What I am not seeing is much (any?) comment about actual un-studded "Winter" tires in a size comparable to OEM on a SD Tremor (ideally 34'-35").

There are some great discussions about year-round tires with a 3PMS rating (again, like the Falken Wildpeaks). There are also some great discussions and comments from folks that run studded tires - folks that are typically in places like Alberta, or Montana, or working in the oilfield - places with constant snow, ice or dirt roads. I think those tend to be tires with "year round rubber compound" with studs.

I'd prefer a full-on "Winter" tire, and I would probably prefer un-studded due to the amount wet highway driving where I live.

I'm beginning to think that a large, un-studded "winter" tire is nearly a unicorn.

My use case: I live in the suburban Seattle, WA area and have other vehicles I can drive "in the city". I do not commit anymore. The Tremor is intended to be more of a "fun" / recreation / hunting / camping / vacation vehicle. For those reasons, and because it is a diesel, it shouldn't need to be driven around town much for daily tasks.

While I am looking for a good un-studded winter tire for my SD Tremor, due to the difficulty of finding such a beast, I am beginning to think about going with a studded winter tire and then just reserving the Tremor for situations where those tires might be needed, such as long winter road trips in the PNW or trips to places like Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier, or over "The Pass" this winter. I suppose the other option is to get a good 3PMS tire known for good performance on wet roads and in rain - like the Falken Wildpeak, but that tire appears to be only marginally different from the stock Duratracs, and frankly I don't know how good or bad the current Duratracs will be.

I think the Falken's might be a decent option for year-round use once the Duratracs wear out. So, I'm a bit reluctant to proactively buy a year-round tire with 3PMS rating as a seasonal replacement for the brand new OEM Duratracs - which maybe are actually identical to the 3PMS Duratracs in construction; but maybe they just came up a few percent shy of other sizes in mandatory performance testing.

Or go with something like the "small" 33.2" Nokian LT3 - see link.

One of the few true winter tires I've found that "might" work would be the Nokian LT3. The LT3 uses a winter rubber compound and is not intended for use in temps above 45 degrees. However, the Nokian plant in Russia is shut down due to the Ukraine war, and as a result they are very short on inventory and have zero un-studded LT3's. They do have a very few studded LT3's but the largest for an 18 inch wheel is a 275/70/18 with a diameter of 33.2 inches. Which is a bit smaller than I'd like - but I might consider going that route partly because I don't see a lot of need for a large diameter tire on this vehicle in the winter in the PNW. But it might look a little silly in the wheel wells...

I could also just put winter tires on my 4Runner but I retired my last set of winter tires for that vehicle, so would need to buy a new set. I'd rather buy a set of winter tires for the Tremor than the 4Runner....

That might be a bit much to "unpack" but I appreciate everyone's input.

Thanks in advance.

Jim

I also live in the PNW and use my Tremor in the same manner that you suggest you will be. I’ve run the stock Duratracs in many snow and icy conditions with no issues. Mine have the 3 peaks, but as you pointed out it’s unlikely there’s much difference with the new Duratracs. I run Blizzaks on my Range Rover which have the soft rubber compound you mention the Nokians also have. In my opinion the Tremor would wear through the soft rubber compound in less than one season. Try the stock Duratracs and throw sandbags or canopy on the back.

 

[Wapitispokes]

I also live in the PNW and use my Tremor in the same manner that you suggest you will be. I’ve run the stock Duratracs in many snow and icy conditions with no issues. Mine have the 3 peaks, but as you pointed out it’s unlikely there’s much difference with the new Duratracs. I run Blizzaks on my Range Rover which have the soft rubber compound you mention the Nokians also have. In my opinion the Tremor would wear through the soft rubber compound in less than one season. Try the stock Duratracs and throw sandbags or canopy on the back.

Thanks for the feedback - and you live in Winthrop where winter tires are even more important! I'm jealous. I love backpacking & horse packing into the Pasayten!

 

[AKTremor33]

I'm running 275/65/20 Blizzaks here in AK.

I use these exclusively in the winter though.

I had similar on my 2013 f250 that I had 3 seasons on them before I sold them and they were still going strong.

 

[Alpoba]

He runs actual winter tires:

Aftermarket Wheels & Tire size/offset photos

Upgraded wheels & Tires for the beast 18x12 Fuel Hostage - 35/12.50 Toyo MT’s What is the offset on your Fuel Hostages?

www.fordtremor.com

 

[Modman]

Interesting new designation for winter tires:

Winter Tires Now Eligible for New Ice Rating Certification

We noticed the new ice grip symbol first on Nokian Tyre's Hakkapeliitta R5 studless snow tires.

www.caranddriver.com

I like it - it helps to round out the acceleration test for the 3PMSF certification with a braking test/certification, albeit on ice.

 

[Wapitispokes]

He runs actual winter tires:

Aftermarket Wheels & Tire size/offset photos

Upgraded wheels & Tires for the beast 18x12 Fuel Hostage - 35/12.50 Toyo MT’s What is the offset on your Fuel Hostages?

www.fordtremor.com

Thanks for the link!

He runs actual winter tires:

Aftermarket Wheels & Tire size/offset photos

Upgraded wheels & Tires for the beast 18x12 Fuel Hostage - 35/12.50 Toyo MT’s What is the offset on your Fuel Hostages?

www.fordtremor.com

Thanks for the link. He seems to know what he's up to - living in Edmonton and all!

 

[Wapitispokes]

I'm running 275/65/20 Blizzaks here in AK.

I use these exclusively in the winter though.

I had similar on my 2013 f250 that I had 3 seasons on them before I sold them and they were still going strong.

Thanks! I've run Blizzak's on other vehicles - worked great and melt fast if they aren't taken off quickly in the spring. 3 seasons with remaining tread is great. Most recently on my 4R I ran the Toyo equivalent to Blizzaks. They worked well and lasted a long time - mounted on separate wheels and used only briefly in the winter.

 

[ccw]

Interesting new designation for winter tires:

Winter Tires Now Eligible for New Ice Rating Certification

We noticed the new ice grip symbol first on Nokian Tyre's Hakkapeliitta R5 studless snow tires.

www.caranddriver.com

I like it - it helps to round out the acceleration test for the 3PMSF certification with a braking test/certification, albeit on ice.

Ohhh I hope there’s some options with this designation when it comes time for me to get new tires!

He runs actual winter tires:

Aftermarket Wheels & Tire size/offset photos

Upgraded wheels & Tires for the beast 18x12 Fuel Hostage - 35/12.50 Toyo MT’s What is the offset on your Fuel Hostages?

www.fordtremor.com

This is exactly the truck I was thinking of, @Wapitispokes.

For myself, I’ve been running 3PMS all terrain tires since I moved to the Seattle area 9 years ago. Regularly go skiing. Do at minimum one trip to Canada on winter highways, usually on the infamous Coquihalla Highway up in BC. I’m also in SAR (last 2 years) and as a result spend time up Snoqualmie Pass somewhat regularly in the winter on missions.

Of note: I’m only minimally “off-road” in winter (on a forest road).

On my old truck I ran 3PMS Duratracs year-round and loved them. Not a true winter, but they got me everywhere I needed to go. As they wore down the wet road performance did deteriorate, but it just made driving have a bit more fishtailing.

Additionally, all of our SAR unit vehicles run Duratracs in winter, only one of them studded, as does the SAR coordinator from the Sheriff’s office (deputy). And he puts some serious mileage on his truck.

I’m currently running Toyo AT3’s and have a season on them. They’re OK but my current plan is to try the Wildpeaks next time, barring new tires entering the market.

So it’s quite feasible to run 3PMS all terrain tires only in this area.

Then again, I get the desire for dedicated winter tires and won’t fault anyone for that. As noted above, @rsumedia’s setup is the one that immediately came to mind. The tough parts are two-fold:

17” rims required.

Unclear if the wider tires will allow for tire chains, if you need that option.

(I carry heavy duty chains now purely for SAR. To be legal in the passes I carried a pair of cheap chains for my old truck, but I never once used them.)

If you can make both of those things work, I think their setup is the best winter tire setup out there for these trucks.

 

[Wapitispokes]

Ohhh I hope there’s some options with this designation when it comes time for me to get new tires!


This is exactly the truck I was thinking of, @Wapitispokes.

For myself, I’ve been running 3PMS all terrain tires since I moved to the Seattle area 9 years ago. Regularly go skiing. Do at minimum one trip to Canada on winter highways, usually on the infamous Coquihalla Highway up in BC. I’m also in SAR (last 2 years) and as a result spend time up Snoqualmie Pass somewhat regularly in the winter on missions.

Of note: I’m only minimally “off-road” in winter (on a forest road).

On my old truck I ran 3PMS Duratracs year-round and loved them. Not a true winter, but they got me everywhere I needed to go. As they wore down the wet road performance did deteriorate, but it just made driving have a bit more fishtailing.

Additionally, all of our SAR unit vehicles run Duratracs in winter, only one of them studded, as does the SAR coordinator from the Sheriff’s office (deputy). And he puts some serious mileage on his truck.

I’m currently running Toyo AT3’s and have a season on them. They’re OK but my current plan is to try the Wildpeaks next time, barring new tires entering the market.

So it’s quite feasible to run 3PMS all terrain tires only in this area.

Then again, I get the desire for dedicated winter tires and won’t fault anyone for that. As noted above, @rsumedia’s setup is the one that immediately came to mind. The tough parts are two-fold:

17” rims required.

Unclear if the wider tires will allow for tire chains, if you need that option.

(I carry heavy duty chains now purely for SAR. To be legal in the passes I carried a pair of cheap chains for my old truck, but I never once used them.)

If you can make both of those things work, I think their setup is the best winter tire setup out there for these trucks.

That is great info.! Thanks !!

 

[Dr. T]

I live in Chelan Wa. and really enjoy snow driving. Last year was a great snow year. From Nov 7th through mid-march the vehicles barely saw pavement. We downhill and nordic ski and spend weeks up in central BC. All our vehicles (that are used in the winter) have snow tires except the F-350 which always has a set of 3PMS A/T tires. Last year it was on General Grabber A/TX which did very well. About 10 years ago I had a set of Duratracs on another SD and I wasn't impressed. Our 2 door jeep also had a set of Duratracs and absolutely sucked in snow/ice. It's now on blizzaks and is a joy to drive in the winter. This year I ordered a new truck (Tremor) and decided to pickup another set of wheels and the Nokian Hakkapellita LT3s. I don't know when the new truck will be built so I put the new winter shoes on the '15 F-350. So far I've only spent 1 day driving on the snow but was impressed and am looking forward to the season. Starting uphill in snow in 2wd is always a challenge for the truck (not much weight in the back, just a canopy and some tools) and usually with the 3PMS A/T tires I would have to shift into 4wd. Not so with the Nokians, they hooked up and moved the truck right up the hill. Of course I couldn't do a side by side comparison so......time will tell. The Nokians are a bit smaller so if looks are real important you might not care for them.......I put performance over appearance and really don't think they look bad at all. The difference between any 3PMS A/T tire and a dedicated winter/snow tire is amazing. The design and winter compounds really make a huge improvement. If most of your driving is on dry/wet pavement with occasional snow or weekend trips to the ski hill the 3PMS A/T will serve you well. If you spend more time on snow/ice than dry/wet then get the winter tires.

 

[Modman]

It's now on blizzaks and is a joy to drive in the winter.

Nice to hear! I have an extra set of rims for my Wrangler and will be adding Blizzaks to it for Winter at some point - maybe not until next year, though.

If most of your driving is on dry/wet pavement with occasional snow or weekend trips to the ski hill the 3PMS A/T will serve you well. If you spend more time on snow/ice than dry/wet then get the winter tires.

Agree with your summary and would just add temperature to the list of considerations too. My experience with other winter compound tires was that they had an advantage on dry pavement in extremely cold temps over an AT or All-Season.

 

[PlumasTremor]

I've tried almost every recognized (none studded or dedicated winter tire), and have found the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT to do a great job all around. I live in the California Sierra where you get every type of snow and ice challenge.

 

[Dr. T]

I've tried almost every recognized (none studded or dedicated winter tire), and have found the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT to do a great job all around. I live in the California Sierra where you get every type of snow and ice challenge.

If I don't like the Duratracs on the new Tremor for summer use I'll be replacing them with the MT Baja Boss AT. I've heard nothing but good things about that tire. I also plan on trying them on the jeep for the summers.

 

[TRAMPER]

Sold my stock Duratracks with a couple hundred miles on them in favor is there Toyo AT’s. The 3-peak snow flake was a big consideration when I chose them. Also considered the Falken tires but in the size I bought 37 12.50’s they are “approved” for the stick width rim while these Toyos are. Haven’t had them in snow but they seem like a solid tire so far.

 

[Wapitispokes]

I live in Chelan Wa. and really enjoy snow driving. Last year was a great snow year. From Nov 7th through mid-march the vehicles barely saw pavement. We downhill and nordic ski and spend weeks up in central BC. All our vehicles (that are used in the winter) have snow tires except the F-350 which always has a set of 3PMS A/T tires. Last year it was on General Grabber A/TX which did very well. About 10 years ago I had a set of Duratracs on another SD and I wasn't impressed. Our 2 door jeep also had a set of Duratracs and absolutely sucked in snow/ice. It's now on blizzaks and is a joy to drive in the winter. This year I ordered a new truck (Tremor) and decided to pickup another set of wheels and the Nokian Hakkapellita LT3s. I don't know when the new truck will be built so I put the new winter shoes on the '15 F-350. So far I've only spent 1 day driving on the snow but was impressed and am looking forward to the season. Starting uphill in snow in 2wd is always a challenge for the truck (not much weight in the back, just a canopy and some tools) and usually with the 3PMS A/T tires I would have to shift into 4wd. Not so with the Nokians, they hooked up and moved the truck right up the hill. Of course I couldn't do a side by side comparison so......time will tell. The Nokians are a bit smaller so if looks are real important you might not care for them.......I put performance over appearance and really don't think they look bad at all. The difference between any 3PMS A/T tire and a dedicated winter/snow tire is amazing. The design and winter compounds really make a huge improvement. If most of your driving is on dry/wet pavement with occasional snow or weekend trips to the ski hill the 3PMS A/T will serve you well. If you spend more time on snow/ice than dry/wet then get the winter tires.

Thanks for the helpful input, Dr. T.

Good for you ordering the LT3's early. I've heard that early ordering is often necessary with Nokian winter tires.

Are you running the studded or studless Nokian LT3?

Nokian doesn't offer many large diameter winter tire options for heavy vehicles (see link).

Nokian LT3 Tire Range

Based on your comment on size, I'm guessing you went with one of the 18 inch LT3's, probably the 275/70 that has a diameter of 33.2 (largest 18 available), and probably studless?

IF I decide to purchase set of winter tires for the Tremor I'd probably try the LT3 studless version - but they are OOS for this season, so that purchase would have to wait until next year. Which is probably fine as it would give me some time to see how good / bad the SD Tremor OEM wheels are in snow and ice.

At this point, I'm out of winter tires for all of my vehicles because I "retired" my ten year old set for the 4Runner due to age...and the other vehicles are not exposed to enough snow & ice to need them.

I hate being without "winter shoes" on any vehicle. I may just "punt" and get some winter tires for the 4Runner's extra set of wheels to bridge me to next winter while I assess the Tremor's winter traction once it arrives in a few weeks.

 

[RS90]

You're way over thinking this man. A 4x4 truck with basically any A/T or M/T will have 0 issues on any kind of snow or ice.

The tires you are looking for don't exist because there is no market for them. If there was the big manufacturers would be all over it.

Modern 3PMS tires have a soft enough compound to grip on ice while also having an open enough tread to eject packed snow.

I've had great luck with Toyo M/Ts. Drove right through 2 ft of snow dragging the diffs. Only had to stop and get a running start when the bumper started plowing up a berm in front. Break through that then keep moving.

 

[ccw]

Modern 3PMS tires have a soft enough compound to grip on ice while also having an open enough tread to eject packed snow.

Eh I don’t know if I agree with this as a blanket statement. For many folks, yes, but for many folks no. Different expectations and needs. It’s a big gray area, not a sharp line.

Big difference between “I can make it” vs “I can make it with confidence”.

On unmaintained roads with deep snow a M/T will work wonders with its big paddles. If I were regularly in the deep stuff, I would want something like that.

But ejecting packed snow isn’t always a good thing. On maintained roads (I.e. compact snow and ice) snow-on-snow grip is better than rubber-on-snow. Dedicated winter tires (and good 3PMS all terrains to some extent) strategically pack snow to improve grip.

My read of OP’s situation is primarily maintained roads. Maybe I’m wrong?

To be clear, I’m the guy who’s run 3PMS all terrains for the last 9 years. They can and do work. But I strongly believe dedicated winters offer a notable performance improvement for maintained road scenarios.

I've had great luck with Toyo M/Ts. Drove right through 2 ft of snow dragging the diffs. Only had to stop and get a running start when the bumper started plowing up a berm in front. Break through that then keep moving.

Speaking for myself here, not OP, but on highways and other public roads my primary concern isn’t going. It’s stopping. I have full control of when I accelerate and how quickly. I don’t always have control over when I stop or how quickly.

Would be interested if you or anyone else have experience comparing an M/T and/or 3PMS A/T tire against a dedicated winter tire when stopping on compact snow and ice with these heavy trucks.