255/85r16 tires for midwestern winter ....

I posted this in wheels and tires, and did not get a single response. I'm going to try here ...

I have scoured not only these forums, but any place that I can come up with reviews and user experiences of this sized tire. I'm losing my friggin' mind. Not only are many of the older models out of production, but others are simply sold out.

I do a significant amount of backroad, forest road, and early AM driving with fresh snowfall. We don't get much lake effect snow (very light and powdery) near my home, but we do get a lot at our cabin (visit twice a month). This means I need ground clearance. At home, we tend to get heavy, wet snow, but not usually more than 2-3 inches at a time. I want a tall, skinny tire, which will reach down through the snow and slush for traction, as well as clear it from the treads easily. That is why I want to run 255/85r16.

It seems like my best options right now are the Cooper Discoverer ST (which only has an N speed rating, weighing 48#), Toyo Open Country M/T (which would probably have to be siped, and weigh 60# each), BFG MT KM2 (which are not good in snow and would definitely need to be heavily siped), Toyo M-55 Commercial (expensive), and I think there was another one but can't think of it.

Can anyone give me some real world recommendations or other options for this sized tire? I'm begging here.

TIA

 

This thread has a lot of info:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/14555-Toyo-MT-255-85R16-(and-comparison-pics)

 

Cooper st maxx is the only tire suitable for snow in this size

 

First hand experience? If so, would you elaborate?

 

I'll have first hand snow experience with them for the first time once we get some. But check out https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/show-off-your-cooper-st-maxx.346956/

 

I know this is an old thread, but I am also looking for a 255/85r16 that is good in snow (as well as dirt). Did you find your dream tires?

 

There's a massive thread on skinny tires and another one specifically for 255/85/16s. Search and ye shall find.

 

I know the one you speak of and I am sifting through it, but this was the first hit on a google search on "tacomaworld 255/85r16 snow". My research so far suggests that most of the tires in that size are LT M/T tires with questionable snow performance. I also found the Toyo M-55, but I agree it is expensive.

 

You will get all kinds of answers concerning snow. Some will associate "floating" with a wider aired down tire being better. Then some will claim the "cutting" of the skinnier tire will gain more traction. Just go with a reputable brand, snowflake rated if you wish, an AT/MT tire and you will be fine with snow and dirt.

 

Good advice, but the challenge is that there are very few, as far as I can tell, 285/55r16 tires that advertise good snow performance.

I want the size because it is, according to my research, the tallest tire I can fit without trimming. I want snow performance because I live in a state where snow is a distinct possibility 6 months of the year.

 

@robie_0n3 has 255/85 stt maxx in the Midwest

 

The Midwest is pretty big and what Nebraska thinks is winter ain't shit compared to Minnesota.

 

Research all you want. You won't really know until they are on your truck and you are using them.

 

This has been my first winter on the ST Maxx in 255/85 16. Hasn't been the snowiest winter yet but have had snow and ice on the roads pretty regularly. They have done pretty well! Also drove on some trails where the snow was probably 6-10in deep and they performed nicely there also. They are a heavy tire however so you definitely feel that while braking and accelerating. Overall very happy with both the summer and winter performance on and off road with this tire as well as the look. The price is a bit heafty though but there aren't a whole lot of options in this size. Not sure how they'd handle that real slick midwest ice however but my guess is it'd be alright.

Edit: You can only get this tire in that size E rated so the ride does become significantly stiffer and transfers energy into the cab a fair bit. If that's of concern to you.

 

I have looked at that tire, but it is a M/T tire advertising a M&S rating, which doesn't scream "i'm great in snow" to me. Also, it doesn't appear to have much siping at all.

 

What about the master craft cxt?

 

Holly Shit! at $229 each they better be damn good. I'm too cheap for that - sticking to my 245/75/16 cheap Wildpeaks. Affordable on my fixed income. Work is over rated.

 

They advertise them to be a M/T tire, which doesn't sound like a good snow tire to me. Can you vouch for their performance in snow?

 

@gudujarlson You cant really have it both ways when it comes to tires, if you want really good ice and snow traction I'd buy a dedicated snow tire and even stud it if you like. If you want a bad ass A/T tire that does pretty well in the snow I'd get one of the tires mentioned above. If you can afford it, buy both and switch them seasonally.

 

No, but with there awesome siping and skinny track pattern I’ll bet they would work great. With that said...the cheap Falkens do perform well in the snow. Are you looking for snow or ice tires? They are different