Best SNOW tires?

[garrymacd]

My problem is not choosing a winter tire but finding ones to fit my truck. Does anyone know of a manufacture that makes a winter tire, preferably studdable, to fit the '07 Tundra TRD's with 18" wheels? It sounds like an easy question but I am having a hard time finding them.

[jamesjr4750]

Originally Posted by garrymacd

My problem is not choosing a winter tire but finding ones to fit my truck. Does anyone know of a manufacture that makes a winter tire, preferably studdable, to fit the '07 Tundra TRD's with 18" wheels? It sounds like an easy question but I am having a hard time finding them.

Try Nokian Tire, I usually bought mine from Tires by Web or University Wholesalers. They have 18" sizes in the Hakapaliitta series SUV, 5 series.
Studded and studless apps,

I'd get the Hakapaliitta 5 Tire as it is the best in tech. Square studs, square carbide tip, rubber compoud stays flexible under extreme cold, self cleans, etc.

I ran the Nokian SUV tire in snow up to 2 feet , but it depends on the variations of snow conditions. Great on ice.
Tires Lasted 4 seasons
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5
Nokian Tyres: Product page

Or there is the Bridgestone: DM-Z3 Studless Winter Tire that comes in 18" for up to 32.6" tall
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-Z3 with UNI-T

http://www.bridgestonetire.com/images/media/tires/highres/BS_Blizzak_DM-Z3_b60.tif

[Mr. Creosote]

I bought the Nokian Hakkapellitas in the stock size (245/70R-16) last October. They are studded. IMO they are one of the poorest winter tires I have had and I would not buy them again. They lose traction instantly with the slightest touch of the throttle....on snow and ice about the same grip as an average all season tire. I will be looking at Blizzaks next time.

[SOSHeloPilot]

.
When I lived in Quebec .. I had a Subaru Wagon with studded (Michelins ?) mud/snow tires and that thing would go anywhere. ..

I liked it much better than the Jeep CJ-7 (especially on the highway). ..

I loved that little Subaru ... until it was hit and died on the Trans-Canada outside of Drummondville, PQ. ..

SOS
.

[Only Toyota for me]

BFG K/O's are the best snow tire i've ever had. But i don't think they are studdable.

[jamesjr4750]

Originally Posted by Burger Steak & Eggs

I bought the Nokian Hakkapellitas in the stock size (245/70R-16) last October. They are studded. IMO they are one of the poorest winter tires I have had and I would not buy them again. They lose traction instantly with the slightest touch of the throttle....on snow and ice about the same grip as an average all season tire. I will be looking at Blizzaks next time.

I take it they weren't studded, becuase, I would climb easily over slick ice covered rocks on inclines in the mountains. Not losing any traction. I never slid. I did lose (Break) traction too (when I wanted too) but ground the ice and snow away to bare asphalt if that's what you're talking about.
Also any 245/70/16s will break loose with 3.91 stock gears. Be easy on the skinny pedal.

Honestly I'll have a hard time getting anything else again after my good experiences in the mountains with the 245/70/16 Hakapaliitta SUV Nokians. Many people couldn't believe the places we went and never got stuck or slid off the road over 100-200ft embankments. Never got close to it either. You just have to know how to drive in the snow I guess. Your wheels aint straight when you go into corners. Its more like 1 1/2 turns on the wheel and drifting while throwing snow in the deep stuff. It takes practice to keep in constant control.

Blizaak's get good reviews for a studless tire. I'm Trying those next since I've stepped up to 33's .

[jmo]

I'm also looking to put snow tires on my OEM rims given I run 20"s during Spring/Summer/Fall. Might want to check out the Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snow as they have scored pretty high marks on tirerack, The Michelin latitude X-Ice is getting good feedback as well on TR, both are designed specifically for the SUV/Truck demographic - granted they are not studded, but are pretty aggresive to getting as much traction as possible without studs, the pirelli has several 18" sizes.