Winter tire options

[LeviGarrett]

Hey LeviGarrett,

Nokian makes the Hakkapeliitta LT3 in LT315/70R17 (121/118Q, Studded, max load 3200 lb, speed rating up to 100 mph). This is approximately 34.4 x 12.4 inches on a 17-inch wheel. That should work on a Tremor. See: Nokian Hakka LT3.

If you are shopping for Duratracs, it sounds like you are already aware that some models of the Duratrac are rated "three-peak mountain snowflake" (3PMSF), and some are not. You'd think that 3PMSF would be consistent across different sizes or load ratings of the same model tire, but that's not the case. Maybe they sacrifice the softer/stickier rubber compound in the 3PMSF tires to increase load rating or tire-longevity (just a guess - I don't know why the snow-rating varies). Here is a short excerpt from the Tire Rack:

"Most Wrangler DuraTrac light truck tires are branded with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol to identify they meet the industry's severe snow service standards and if so, will be noted in the tire's Details & Pricing section. The absence of the "Severe Snow Service Rated" text indicates that size is not 3PMSF-branded." (Source: Duratrac page on the Tire Rack)

However, according to the Tire Rack, all BFG KO2s get the 3PMSF rating (but I'd still check before buying):

"Note: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires meet the industry's severe snow service requirements and are branded with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol." (Source: BFG KO2 page on the Tire Rack)

I think I want to avoid studded because I do a fair bit of highway driving. All signs point to KO2. From everything I’ve seen, they appear to be great tires. I was at the dealership today and the folks in the service department were quite surprised to learn that the OEM tires were without the 3peak rating. They all recommended the KO2.

Next question. 4 KO2’s or 5? I beloved we have a full size OEM spare. For uniformity if I need to change a tire would I want to order 5 and would the slightly wider KO2 even fit?

 

[UtahPowder]

I think I want to avoid studded because I do a fair bit of highway driving. All signs point to KO2. From everything I’ve seen, they appear to be great tires. I was at the dealership today and the folks in the service department were quite surprised to learn that the OEM tires were without the 3peak rating. They all recommended the KO2.

Let us know how they end up working out. I liked the feel of them on my 150 in the snow. We didn't get much snow last year to try the Duratracks with 3PMS. They were ok but I didn't feel very confident in them the way i did in the 150. Also lowered pressure to 60 but no sway bar added.

 

[ccw]

I think I want to avoid studded because I do a fair bit of highway driving. All signs point to KO2. From everything I’ve seen, they appear to be great tires. I was at the dealership today and the folks in the service department were quite surprised to learn that the OEM tires were without the 3peak rating. They all recommended the KO2.

Everything I’ve read says that it’s a toss-up between the DuraTrac (with 3PMS) and the KO2 for winter performance.

Neither are as good as a dedicated winter. Both are about as good as you can get without going to a dedicated winter.

Worth noting that you can get the OEM size with the mountain snowflake, just not from Ford. But you won’t be going wrong with the KO2 either.

 

[Cux211]

Falken wildpeak at3w’s are a hell of a tire ran them for the first time on my 19 ram 2500 Cummins and love them. Will be using them from now on

 

[stickshifter]

I think I want to avoid studded because I do a fair bit of highway driving. All signs point to KO2. From everything I’ve seen, they appear to be great tires. I was at the dealership today and the folks in the service department were quite surprised to learn that the OEM tires were without the 3peak rating. They all recommended the KO2.

My summer tires are KO2s, and they are a good all-around tire. They are excellent on gravel, are pretty good in the rocks, have a high (on-road) speed rating compared to other similar style tires, are not a super-heavy tire, and are 3peak rated. The only thing they are not good at is mud - but nothing is good in the mud except a mud tire. I like running them because of the 3peak - even though I have snow tires. Its easy to get caught in the high country by early or late snow - i.e. before I put on the snow tires, or after I take them off. I've been happy with the KO2 in the limited amount of snow I've driven them in. Good luck, safe driving, and enjoy the powder!

 

[ShiverMeTimbers]

I think I want to avoid studded because I do a fair bit of highway driving. All signs point to KO2. From everything I’ve seen, they appear to be great tires. I was at the dealership today and the folks in the service department were quite surprised to learn that the OEM tires were without the 3peak rating. They all recommended the KO2.

KO2 is nice for the first 10k then they get loud. Grip is decent but the Falkens are a better snow tire in my experience.

 

[stickshifter]

KO2 is nice for the first 10k then they get loud. Grip is decent but the Falkens are a better snow tire in my experience.

I've been eying the Falkens... good to hear your report!

 

[TJ Carr]

I think I want to avoid studded because I do a fair bit of highway driving. All signs point to KO2. From everything I’ve seen, they appear to be great tires. I was at the dealership today and the folks in the service department were quite surprised to learn that the OEM tires were without the 3peak rating. They all recommended the KO2.

I have talked to several people from Northern Wyoming, Montana, Black Hills of SD and Colorado who swore by BFG K02’s and in the last couple years have been seriously disappointed in them on icy roads, Ivey snow covered roads and deep snow. They all say less than good things and most of them are going different directions with tires. Nobody that experienced deep snow has anything good to say about the K02

SeverL people went with Duratracks, a couple guys got a new all terrain winter 3 snowflake rated tire from Mickey Thompson and the rest are trying different brands some of what have been mentioned here.

The x wife said she has had snow a couple times so far and her aftermarket Duratrac tires purchased from USAA and a local tire installer installed are working great on her dodge 1500

 

[snowpatrol]

just so you guys know, the falken at3w comes in two different compounds. they have a softer more grippy compound in their less heavy duty tires, like on a f150. i'm running them on my f150 and i think they are awesome. it's just my daily driver. no loads and no towing. i seem to be getting good wear out of them also.

now their heavier load rated LT tires come in a harder compound, but are still 3 peak rated. i plan to run them on the new truck when i get it.

 

[abqbw]

I believe the Toyo Open Country AT3 is snowflake rated as well. I am considering these or the falken tires when I replace the duratracs. BFG seem good and popular but the last set I had I could never get balanced right.

That’s what I ordered today. I’ve seen good comments about them. I need a decent off terrain that is not scary in snow. I think the toyo OC AT3 should fit the bill. People seem to like them. They are rated well for all terrain truck tires for wet braking and snow traction by consumer reports who actually tests these factors.

 

[EverythingZen]

Everything I've read is pointing me towards the Falken at3w as being the most cost effective compromise and keeping stock size. Dedicated winters would be nice but new rims plus a full set of nokians is roughly 2-3k where I can sell the duras and buy the falkens for a few hundred.

 

[TxTremor]

That’s what I ordered today. I’ve seen good comments about them. I need a decent off terrain that is not scary in snow. I think the toyo OC AT3 should fit the bill. People seem to like them. They are rated well for all terrain truck tires for wet braking and snow traction by consumer reports who actually tests these factors.

Let us know how you like them once you get them. I have heard good things about Toyo and that they are pretty easy to balance. Definitely at the top of my list when I need to replace.