Snow Tire Recommendations???

For the most part I have given the use of our Gen3 to our son. We live in Michigan and he commutes from our home on the east side of the state to college on the west side of the state. Winter is vastly different on the west wise of the state and I am considering the purchase of something better than the Cooper 4S that I purchased last fall for this purpose as he still had some issues. Yes, he's a little inexperienced and I purchased the 4S in view of how it is supposed to handle snow but this situation leaves me thinking a dedicated snow tire may still offer a significant improvement in traction during the winter.

Any ideas? Even if we stick with the 4S? Are sand bags over the rear axle really beneficial?

Thanks!

 

Sand from the bags can be used to maybe gain traction on ice. Until you need the sand, it is just bags of extra weight over the only wheels working when in 2WD. I would do that much at least.

 

If you want the best winters (In my opinion)

For Studded, I'd get Nokians.

For non-studded, I'd get the P-rated Blizzaks

And for a good mix I'd recommend the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claws with studs.

As for sand bags, thats personal preference. I personally don't "believe" in sand bags. Not because they don't help but because I find that once you get sliding, it's harder to save as you'll have that extra momentum behind you.

I'd also recommend taking your boy drifting a bit to get better with winter driving... Everyone I know that was a drifter in the winter is now very good with winter driving since we've matured and calmed down but still know how to handle the vehicle being "out of control". If you can't do that then atleast train him to look where he wants to go and not slam on the brakes if things get hairy... that almost always makes things worse

 

Thanks for the responses. Sand bags were recommended by my wife's father...but I digress.

I know Nokian tires well because I owned a Saab and it came equipped with these. Unfortunately, MI does not allow studs. This seems silly to me given our climate so maybe I'll call our local State Police post to see if laws have changed. Studs are even plastic...

The transfer case is 'full time' 4WD correct? Not part time like the NP242 in my Cherokee, right?

 

They call it "part-time" because in 2 WD there is no power to front wheels, but to all four with no "intelligent split" between front and read in 4WD. This might be interesting reading ...
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/4x4-best-practices-for-snow-covered-roads.753009/

 

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 are great winter tires without studs.
Takoma 4wd should only be used on wet, snowy, dirt, sand etc.
Don't use it on a dry road.
Don't know about Jeep.

 

Those coopers are awesome in the snow. I had them here in Michigan and loved them for winter driving. I think highway driving in rear wheel 2wd would be challenging for a newer driver though no matter what tires you choose (assuming he’s not engaging 4x4 at highway speeds). But going with dedicated snow tires might give more confidence until he gets more experience.

 

Are you referring to the Snow Claw tires or my pseudo winter 4S Cooper's?

 

Goodyear duratrac rt

 

That thread about snow driving has a diagram in post 59. It shows how turning on dry pavement puts stress on the differentials as the "inside" tire move slower than the "outside" tire. In rain/snow/sand either tire can slip at any time so the stress on the differential is much less.

In 2WD only the rear tires have power but also do not have turning stress like the front tires.

 

Dedicated winters are the way to go. Extra weight with sand bags is also helpful,these trucks are ass end light. The VSC in these trucks is helpful in the snow as well.

 

The 4S. My only complaint was they wear really really fast.

 

I'm uncertain of our SR5 DCLB has VSC but will check. This TW post will help address issues with the VSC indicator light:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ibrate-your-vsc-computer-the-easy-way.467485/

Great forum!

 

Okay. Thanks for the confirmation. Yes, a softer tire compound will wear faster but I'm still going to inquire about dedicated snow tires. More information gives better results!

 

more of an all terrain option and my personal choice is general grabber atx studded. available in larger sizes than most snow tires.

also if 4x4 i really dont like running extra weight in the back. not worried about traction with 4x4 engaged but with weight in the back your much more likely to get understeer

 

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 are great winter tires without studs.
Takoma 4wd should only be used on wet, snowy, dirt, sand etc.
Don't use it on a dry road.
Don't know about Jeep

OP said he can't use studded
Most pick ups including Tacos benefit from weight in bed during winter. Balances it out and NO understeer.
You should know that Newfie.

 

Nokian Hakka LT3 no studs have been great for winters in Canada.

 

didnt see his other post about the studs. would never think Michigan would have such a silly law.

spend a large majority of the winter with extra weight in the bed. especially with snowmobiles and il have to disagree with the understeer statement.

i run the hakkapaleliita on my work trucks in alberta which are good as a stock size replacement.

 

I've been running Nokian Hakkapeliita on my Tacomas since 2012. Just put a new set of R5s on my new Gen4. IMO they're the best non-studded winter tire you can buy. Personally I use 4/5 sands bags in the bed.

 

There’s a big difference between 200lbs of sandbag directly over the axle and 600lbs of sled hanging 5’ off the back of the truck.