What size wheels and tires for snow?

[The_Auto_Tech]

RCSB XL truck - assuming it's best to just try and run a set of 17's since they are the smallest wheels that clear stock brakes? Stock size is 245/70/17. Pretty narrow and tall. Thinking of going with Blizzak DMV2's since I have no need for an LT tire.

Sponsored

 

[MJG44]

Stock replacement size in a dedicated winter tire is fine. I do the same thing on our 22" Expedition winter set-up.

 

[Beagleman]

Same here. I've been running stock size winter tires on my F-150's since my 2000. Have also only used Bridgestone's; WS series on our cars and the DMV series since those came out. Great winter tires.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

I just assumed it might be better to run the smallest diameter wheel possible to get the tallest and most flexible tire possible.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

Decided to go with a 245/70/17 Blizzak DMV2 on the stock 17" wheels. They will be narrow and tall which means they should do awesome in the snow, plus I already had the wheels, hubcaps, and lug nuts in nearly perfect shape. After doing a ton of research the general consensus was use the smallest wheel diameter that would clear the brakes as it would give you more sidewall and tire flexibility. 17" is the smallest wheel that fits our trucks. Also, the snow tires are far cheaper in 17" than they are in 18" or 20".

 

[drchops24]

Decided to go with a 245/70/17 Blizzak DMV2 on the stock 17" wheels. They will be narrow and tall which means they should do awesome in the snow, plus I already had the wheels, hubcaps, and lug nuts in nearly perfect shape. After doing a ton of research the general consensus was use the smallest wheel diameter that would clear the brakes as it would give you more sidewall and tire flexibility. 17" is the smallest wheel that fits our trucks. Also, the snow tires are far cheaper in 17" than they are in 18" or 20".

Reviving an old thread here, but how did you like them? I have the same debate right now: stock blizzak's on 20 inch wheels or buy some 17's, since the 18 inch only have the LT blizzaks.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

Reviving an old thread here, but how did you like them? I have the same debate right now: stock blizzak's on 20 inch wheels or buy some 17's, since the 18 inch only have the LT blizzaks.

Looks aside, they did amazing. Not a single issue all winter with a lowered 2WD truck. It's a little harder to go between summer and winter setups since my summer setup is a set of 22" wheels. Haha

 

[Jerome10]

I’m curious did you check max load on those 245? Are they acceptable handling-wise

I’m considering winter wheels for next season and looking at 17s as well. Though the other factory size in 17 is 265/70R17. My factory wheel is 275/65R18. Leaning the 17s for slightly thinner tire and 17s cheaper than 18” tires.

I saw 245s were also factory but I’m wondering if that is 2WD models or XL trim or has a lower load rating or something?

Also I think DMV2 are available in 18” but in P-Metric sizing. The 17s are euro/iso metric I think. I don’t think you have to get LT in 18s

 

[SonarChief]

I used to run Blizzaks on my 2010 sport trac, unstoppable in snow! BUT, the expense for the tire vs its single minded abilities for one season in Connecticut made me want to get a tire that was very good in snow, but also worked as a very good A/T tire. So for my 2024 KR with 20 inch wheels, I went with Pirelli Scorpion A/T plus using stock sizes. These didn’t weigh much more than the stock Scorpion A/T’s. We had about 5 inches of snow the other day, so went out at 4Am to test the truck for its first real snow. Used Slippery Mode on the main roads, which were only partially plowed at the time. This puts the truck in 4A, and reduces rear brake regen and its reported rear end “ squirrely” issues. Did several light and heavy braking stops, saw zero issues on both flats and down hills with control, always straight ABS stops. Btw I have no added weight in the rear. Then I went to a back trail that was completely unplowed with 5-6 inches of snow, with both up and down grades. Put the truck in off-road, 4H with locking rear, and the truck was unstoppable!! Never spun any tires that I could feel, was very pleased!

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

I just assumed it might be better to run the smallest diameter wheel possible to get the tallest and most flexible tire possible.

I don’t believe early pertains to you, but just to put this information out there, 17 inch wheel will not clear the brakes if you have a max tow rear axle

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

I’m curious did you check max load on those 245? Are they acceptable handling-wise

I’m considering winter wheels for next season and looking at 17s as well. Though the other factory size in 17 is 265/70R17. My factory wheel is 275/65R18. Leaning the 17s for slightly thinner tire and 17s cheaper than 18” tires.

I saw 245s were also factory but I’m wondering if that is 2WD models or XL trim or has a lower load rating or something?

Also I think DMV2 are available in 18” but in P-Metric sizing. The 17s are euro/iso metric I think. I don’t think you have to get LT in 18s

I'm no longer running them, but they worked just fine.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

I don’t believe early pertains to you, but just to put this information out there, 17 inch wheel will not clear the brakes if you have a max tow rear axle

I'm running 22's at this point to clear the bumpsteer kit in the front now.

Sponsored