Recommendation On Snow Capable Tires

[Genoa Dave]

We currently have 24K on the clock of our 2020 Mojave and I'm looking to change the tires. We have been running BFG's KO and they have been fairly good in the snow. However, our home in the Tahoe area has a steep 200 yard long paved driveway and getting up that driveway in the winter is a challenge. That said, I would greatly appreciate any suggestions/recommendations based on experience.

Thanks in advance...

Dave

Sponsored

 

[aFatBird]

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss are 3 peak rated just like the KO2s. Most all terrains from the major manufacturers are also 3 peak rated if you wanted to go a different route.

 

[Labswine]

Hankook ATMs. I had them on my '08 Grand Cherokee Overland (Hemi) slightly lifted.

I was living in north western NJ at the time, early 2017, and we got like a foot and a half of snow with another inch or so of sleet/frozen rain on top of that.

I had these tires on it and went to play in the yard. It was like there was no snow at all. Went through it like I was just driving on grass.

In addition, the road manners in heavy snow on the road were also excellent. On top of that, when there was no snow, they were extremely quiet on the highway.

When the factory tires on my JTO finally need to meet their makers (I only have 28K on it, built 6/19, delivered 7/19) those are what I'm getting. Factory 255's will be replaced with 265's for a little extra (not really needed but will be nice) stability whilst towing my travel trailer (27', 5,100 lbs with all we want or need).

 

[chr15m]

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss are 3 peak rated just like the KO2s. Most all terrains from the major manufacturers are also 3 peak rated if you wanted to go a different route.

x2

Baja Boss have treated me very well, many trips to the mountains w/o drama.

 

[Free2roam]

Right around the corner from me! Hailing from South Reno. I've got the Wildpeak Rubicon take off tires. Can't say enough about them. IMO pretty bulletproof in the snow and wet Sierra cement.

 

[48to49]

I've been happy with the Falken Wildpeak AT's that came on my Rubicon. Big improvement over the BFG All Terrains KO2's that were on my F-150, but honestly can't say if the difference is the tire or the vehicle.

 

[JeepCode4]

Wildpeak AT3W or my new favorite the Wildpeak RT01’s. Have had both, have the RTs now. Excellent tire.

 

[bd100]

Any 3-peak all-terrain pattern and a "high silica tread compound".

 

[Maximus Gladius]

I’ve been running KO2’s since 2017 and I’ll push through this winter with them before getting a new set in the spring. I’ve got just over 80k kms (50k miles) rotated every 5-7k kms.

I live in Calgary and see dumps of snow at times but will see the temps drop here past -30c several times. We have lots of black ice and if I air down to 30 psi from 36 and toss in 150 lbs in the back, that will bring the extra weight to 300 lbs with the mods and tools, I can’t get stuck.

Jury is out if I’ll go with the KO3’s in the spring or not.

 

[OffAxis2021]

Of all the bought new 4x4 trucks I have owned and growing up here in Michigan, the 255/85R17 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/Ts on mine have been the absolute best winter driving vehicle setup I have ever had the utmost pleasure of driving.
Hands down.

There is no other choice for me.
Period.

Currently running 32 psi, as I do not recall exactly what I ran last year. I believe I started at 35 psi and played with a couple/few less for ride quality. I may bump them up to 35 today, but Michigan weather is pretty up and down right now and still.

I will say that in my opinion… 285s are just a tad too wide for the weight of these particular vehicles. Gladiators in general.
In the video below, there is a quick mention of not having 12.5” wide tires on his daily. The video was the final nail in the coffin for my decision to go with a narrow “Pizza Cutter” width tire.

Obviously, a truly specific and dedicated winter/snow cannot be beat. There is a reason why they have a F-ton of siping and their compound is far more suitable.

 

[High Alextude]

Any 3 peak snow rated will do just fine. What’s more important is that you have recovery/rescue gear. My Maxtrax boards have helped many times and have held up nicely. I haven’t needed to use chains, but I have them. First aid kit? Yes, always. Food, water, blanket, etc. You get it.

Lastly of course, don’t drive like an idiot and you’ll be fine.

 

[TheRealStreetcommander]

An actual dedicated snow tire will blow your mind. Blizzak, Winterforce, Hakkapelliita, etc. I'd put them on a cheap take-off wheel set.

 

[Ragatazz]

I've been happy with the Falken Wildpeak AT's that came on my Rubicon. Big improvement over the BFG All Terrains KO2's that were on my F-150, but honestly can't say if the difference is the tire or the vehicle.

I prefer the Falkens over the K2’s as well.

 

[m-l_johnny]

An actual dedicated snow tire will blow your mind. Blizzak, Winterforce, Hakkapelliita, etc. I'd put them on a cheap take-off wheel set.

This. ^
Are you able to legally run studded tires during the winter?

 

[BearFootSam]

Any 3 peak snow rated will do just fine. What’s more important is that you have recovery/rescue gear. My Maxtrax boards have helped many times and have held up nicely. I haven’t needed to use chains, but I have them. First aid kit? Yes, always. Food, water, blanket, etc. You get it.

Lastly of course, don’t drive like an idiot and you’ll be fine.

The JT can take 'real' tire chains. The trick is to make sure you try to put them on a few times at home when you aren't under the duress of being on the side of the road in a storm. The chains I have a quite tight and I had to make a pry bar sort of tool to get the leverage needed to close the link that secures the chain. Give yourself a hand and throw in a pair of insulated grippy gloves and a carpet square to kneel on while you wrestle with the damn things. It'll save your pants crawling around in the salt and grit mush on the roadside/undercarriage. Put your wheel heater on while you work so that you can thaw your claws when you get back in.

Also, a good headlamp or small work light will make your life much easier.

Sponsored