Wet traction

[GIjoe]

When it’s wet and raining out- a slight downhill grade I can hear my rear tires skidding when braking and when going uphill I’m losing traction and can fish tail with just a moderate amount of throttle. Front tires are fine in both scenarios. I had a 2009 f150 and a 2013 f250 and never had this problem. I know this new truck is lighter than both but is this just a characteristic of having a lightweight f150 or an issue my new tires (295/60/20 Toyo at3)? Just curious before I waste time another set of tires.

Sponsored

 

[Je1279]

I cannot say for certain, but the factory tires usually go to the lowest bidder and are built to achieve a price point rather than a level of performance. I have never been disappointed after replacing the factory tires.

 

[GEN14OWNER]

When it’s wet and raining out- a slight downhill grade I can hear my rear tires skidding when braking and when going uphill I’m losing traction and can fish tail with just a moderate amount of throttle. Front tires are fine in both scenarios. I had a 2009 f150 and a 2013 f250 and never had this problem. I know this new truck is lighter than both but is this just a characteristic of having a lightweight f150 or an issue my new tires (295/60/20 Toyo at3)? Just curious before I waste time another set of tires.

We’ve been getting some pretty heavy rains here in Nor-Cal and I’ve used “Slippery” mode, which engages 4x4. I expected my fuel economy to take a major hit but it didn’t. You can really feel the drag when the 4x4 kicks in but the 5.0 seems to handle it well.
I'm running the stock Pirelli Scorpions right now....

 

[FORDTEXAS]

what vehicle do you have now?

 

[GIjoe]

Sorry should’ve mentioned I have a 22 crew cab short bed xlt

 

[FORDTEXAS]

my only suggestions are to change the drive mode to be more gentle during wet conditions or just throw that sucker into 4X4.

 

[bgalakazam]

Slight rain and 4A is on for me. Since you have XLT, you don’t have access to that mode. Either try slippery/rain mode or perhaps Eco or be easy on throttle. New tires are new tires. Also, all season and all terrain will never be better on rain than summer, pavement focused tires.

I know what rain does to rwd so I opted for Lariat to get access to 4A.

 

[GIjoe]

Would’ve really liked to get 4a but my first two trucks were xl’s so this xlt 302a was a step up and the price really floored me! My biggest concern right now is the braking because I live in a hilly area and in the snow belt. I’m inside the return window right now but if I wait til the snow starts coming it may be too late. I had coopers, bfg’s and goodyear kevlars on my old trucks and didn’t have this issue. That’s why I’m not sure if it’s tire related or not. What are the chances that a tire can have poor wet traction but still have good snow traction?

 

[slow3v]

We’ve been getting some pretty heavy rains here in Nor-Cal and I’ve used “Slippery” mode, which engages 4x4. I expected my fuel economy to take a major hit but it didn’t. You can really feel the drag when the 4x4 kicks in but the 5.0 seems to handle it well.
I'm running the stock Pirelli Scorpions right now....

FYI that is not recommended unless you have the 4A transfer case (Lariat and up). 4x4 is meant for LOOSE surfaces only (gravel, snow, dirt).

 

[Je1279]

What are the chances that a tire can have poor wet traction but still have good snow traction?

I'm assuming its possible if the tire has a harder compound but decent siping.

 

[hotrodmex]

my new tires

How new? Brand new tires can not have good rain traction for a while.

 

[Blueshound]

I'm assuming its possible if the tire has a harder compound but decent siping.

Softer, definitely. The Blizzak is great in snow, terrible wet braking.

 

[tony72cutlass's']

I’ve got Firestone winter force and they are awesome in both wet and snow

best part is I got 4 tires on rims of a guy for 175 bucks because he sold his truck during Covid

 

[nrmedic]

Wider tire means less pounds per square inch, plus less tread on the road. Its the tires.

 

[Je1279]

Softer, definitely. The Blizzak is great in snow, terrible wet braking.

I had a set of factory Goodyears on my '15 Silverado that were ok (definitely not great) in snow but after a couple years and only ~20k miles, their rain traction was quite poor.

Sponsored