Snow Wheels/tires recommendation for '24 King Ranch

[gemini]

My '24 KR with 157" wheelbase was equipped with the 20" Chrome-Like PVD wheels and Pirelli Scorpion ATR 275/60R20 tires from factory.

I live in the Pacific NW and regularly go over mountain passes during winter. I don't believe these wheels/tires would be sufficient for my purpose during winter here.

I was thinking of moving to 18" wheels/tires for winter months and was wondering if there would be any issues clearing the rotors with 18" wheels?

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[SumGuy]

18” should work just fine as that’s what I run on my 21. As for winter tires, really hard to beat Blizzaks. That’s what I have been running on all my vehicles over the years and they are fantastic.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

18” would be just fine….as SumGuy stated

 

[SonarChief]

Here’s what I just bought for my winter season tires, based somewhat on this video. The Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus are almost the same weight as the stick Pirelli Scorpion ATR’s as well.

 

[Jmitchelltfo]

Unless you live in frigid area with tons of snowfall, I would recommend looking at good A/T tires that handle snow and wet conditions well.

The Hankook Dynapro A/T and Falken AT3W (replaced by the AT4W) treated me well on several different vehicles in every weather condition I put them through. The great thing about them is that they are better during the rest of the year than a dedicated winter tire. The Hankooks were run on a fleet of work trucks when I worked in North Dakota and the winters up there can get brutal. Those tires never missed a beat in 1/2 and 3/4 ton pickups. There are other great options in this catagory.....the Falkens and Hankooks are just a couple of examples that I've had great experiences with.

 

[SALEEN961]

I run Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 snow tires on both my vehicles and I'm very happy with them. They handle steep inclines very well and make it easy to drive up or down icy roads with confidence. Even when I can see that several other people have gotten stuck or slid off the road, I'm able to weave between disabled vehicles on steep narrow roads without worrying about sliding into them.

When I ran 3PMSF rated all-terrain tires on the same roads, I didn't have great control of my vehicle. If I dropped down a few gears or rode the brakes to maintain my speed on steep hills, I would start to slide and have trouble steering. The 3PMSF rated all-terrains would climb hills without issue, but going downhill they were an accident waiting to happen, especially on narrow winding roads.

 

[Jmitchelltfo]

I run Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 snow tires on both my vehicles and I'm very happy with them. They handle steep inclines very well and make it easy to drive up or down icy roads with confidence. Even when I can see that several other people have gotten stuck or slid off the road, I'm able to weave between disabled vehicles on steep narrow roads without worrying about sliding into them.

When I ran 3PMSF rated all-terrain tires on the same roads, I didn't have great control of my vehicle. If I dropped down a few gears or rode the brakes to maintain my speed on steep hills, I would start to slide and have trouble steering. The 3PMSF rated all-terrains would climb hills without issue, but going downhill they were an accident waiting to happen, especially on narrow winding roads.

Which A/T tires are you referring to? I think some of the 3PMSF is sort of BS and has some "pay to play" feel to it now.


I wouldn't say that the Dynapro A/T will keep up with a dedicated snow tire, but they always got me to and from the oil rigs without drama. The rolling hills of ND aren't anything compared to the mountainous terrain you wrote about, so I will let your experience carry the weight for this argument since it seems to line up perfectly with what the OP asked for.

 

[SALEEN961]

Which A/T tires are you referring to? I think some of the 3PMSF is sort of BS and has some "pay to play" feel to it now.


I wouldn't say that the Dynapro A/T will keep up with a dedicated snow tire, but they always got me to and from the oil rigs without drama. The rolling hills of ND aren't anything compared to the mountainous terrain you wrote about, so I will let your experience carry the weight for this argument since it seems to line up perfectly with what the OP asked for.

The two tires that I had issues with after moving to my new neighborhood were the Toyo Open Country A/T III and Falken Wildpeak A/T3W. Neither tire offered grip even remotely close to the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 snow tires I run now.

 

[PB2021]

I bought a second set of aluminum 20” wheels and installed DMV2 Blizzaks on them when we bought our ‘21. Great winter tires. 3 yrs in they are like new here in Manitoba.

 

[gemini]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I have used Blizzaks on my previous SUVs, so I think I will go with them for the truck as well.

Now the question is: Should I stay with the 20" wheels, or should I downsize to 18" wheels for winter tires?

 

[Shane150]

I live in Canada and last winter twice I had a scary moment with my Open Country ATIIIs. I have Continental Viking Contact 7s on two of my vehicles and they make you feel very confident driving in the Canadian winters!

 

[SumGuy]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I have used Blizzaks on my previous SUVs, so I think I will go with them for the truck as well.

Now the question is: Should I stay with the 20" wheels, or should I downsize to 18" wheels for winter tires?

Good choice. IMO, having a larger sidewall is advantageous in winter driving (I live in Idaho fwiw), as that sidewall give extra comfort and is less likely to damage a wheel for when you hit something in the snow like a curb hidden under the snow.

 

[CND Supercrew]

If you don't want to run a dedicated winter tire I would suggest the Michelin Defender LTX M/S for the simple fact they have a lot of siping that help in snow conditions.
For a dedicated winter tire I use the TOYO Observe GSi-6

Also try www.tiresize.com/comparison/

 

[SALEEN961]

Now the question is: Should I stay with the 20" wheels, or should I downsize to 18" wheels for winter tires?

I'm running 275/60R20 Blizzak DM-V2 snow tires. I considered going with 18" wheels, but the 20" Blizzaks had much better availability in my area, 33" tall snow tires for 18" wheels can be hard to find at times.

 

[jakearb]

I live where we get 100+ inches of snow a year. No complaints with the Falken AT3Ws. Obviously doesn't substitute for a real winter/snow tire, but these are pretty damn good in the snow. Wayyy better than the crap OEM hankook tires that came on mine originally.

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