Best snow tires for a 3500 4x4

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Tomorrow being August 1st already, I need to start thinking about new tires for the winter. The dealer threw a set of General's (not my favorite) on when I bought my truck last fall. The snowfall around my neck of the woods tends to be wet, kind of like driving in "snot". Realizing that duallies are not too good in snow, I would like to see if I could improve it some. I can only describe the present ride as adventurous. After reading the posts about truck weights, I can see that my truck at 7600lbs is not heavy at all. I do throw on about 500-600lbs of weight when bad roads are in the forecast.

I have been thinking about the Rickson's also. I would like to hear from other member's with the 3500 and what works for them.

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97'3500 SLT CC,4x4,5 spd,4. 10,83K,EBY aluminum flatbed,Dee Zee running boards,Dee Zee Platinum drop boxes,Mag-Hytec,BD Brake,Pyscotty,Jardine 4",Geno's monster tip,TST plate,Bilstein,Isspro,KN,PIAA Superwhites,Tekonsha Sentinel,25' 14k beavertail gooseneck,Hale 2 horse BP

 

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I've used studded walnut shell retreads for eight winters now on several vehicles. Never had a problem, and I love em'. Did notice, however, the dually is hard on them. Two seasons is going to be about it as opposed to three-plus on other vehicles.
BTW, my tire guys swap rims and tires for free each season change (they charge for mount and dismount), so I bought an extra set of rims and save money over the long haul.
Hint... . what an excuse to get some Rickson's. Heheheheh #ad
Joe

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White 1999, 3500 QuadCab, 6x6, Stock ISB, Automatic, Diamond Plate Running Boards and Flaps, Pac Brake, Missing Muffler, Wants to be BOMBed.
"SHAKE, RATTLE, AND ROLL"

 

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Papa Joe,

Not sure what you mean by walnut shell retreads. I tried studs on a one ton 72' corn binder one winter. Not thinking, I tried easing down an iced over hill in low gear until the compression took over and I went sley riding. Good thing is was a back road!

Your right about the tire wear. My General's have 22k miles on and don't look like they will be too good if I don't replace them.

The Rickson group purchase post prompted me to ask around. I read all the posts on 19. 5's but have not seen anything specific to the dually in snow.

Thanks for the reply

 

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In the Northwest we have a huge dealer called Les Schwab Tires (dealt with them for years).
They take carcasses and re-tread them with spaced holes to receive studs (like regular studded tires)and the rubber has pieces of walnut shells mixed in it. You can see the chips - brown color and the size of coarse sand.
As the tire wears down pieces of shell become exposed and immediately shatter and fall out of their cavity. So..... looking at the surface of the tire at any time there are hundreds of tiny holes (suction cups?) and the tires have excellent traction on ice or in snow.
Quality siped tires are good also, but cost a little more and don't perform quite as well IMHO. Joe

 

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only problem is ya have to knock the squirrels off the tires before ya head out each day hehehe

[This message has been edited by willyslover (edited 08-02-2000). ]

 

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Alright Willslover,
Who told you about the squirrels? That's our secret on how we eat in the winter time. Just use our squirrel traps (walnut shell snow tires) and shoot out dinner right off the top! And who said that Idahodians are backwoods? #ad
#ad
#ad
An Idahodian is the only one that could design a squirrel trap like that! #ad


Did you know that Papa Joe is an engineer? I bet he probably designed that trap!
HeHeHeHeHe #ad
#ad
Big Bob

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99 Quad Cab, White, SLT, 4x4, 5-sp, 3:54's, LSD, Loaded except cab lights and leather, Raven cap (cab high), Rhino liner, Stainless Nerf Bars, Stainless Rocker Panels, Tow package, Pro-flap mud flaps with Stainless Cummins "C" add to rear flaps, Power Edge (my first BOMB), Valentine One, Amsoil throughout, Uniden PC78LTW CB Radio with Mike Brolin's CB mounting bracket for STICKS.

Things to come;

Hadley Bully Air Horns, 285/75R16 Cooper A/T's, SPA Pyro and Boost gauge, 4" exhaust system, DDIII's, Psychotty Air Filter.

NRA Life Member! (Need to protect our rights and FREEDOM!!)

 

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I have had both great winter traction and long tread life with Toyo M55.
http://www.toyo.com/tires/tire_lines/lt_truck/m55.html

I have then siped which really makes a difference to any tire in snow and ice.

I could only get 30 - 35K out of the first two sets tires. Went 60K on the first set of M55 Toyos and have 40K on the second already with lots of rubber to spare.

BTW, On compacted snow or ice (no salt or sand) I can start in 2WD from a dead stop on some pretty steep inclines. Mainly do to the siped tires and LSD rear end.

Siping should only cost $8 - 10 per tire.

jjw
ND

 

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Thanks for the help Big Bob, but I'd better explain it to Gary. Especially since you drive a 2500.

Gary, we found it better to lure the squirrels from the tree rather than... well anyway.
The walnut shell chips in the roadway (from other vehicles) lure the squirrels out into the open. You dodge them (get it?, Dodge them) with the right front tire at about 25 mph and swerve back so they get lodged between the rear duals. You try to get two or three this way (enough for dinner). You speed up to around 45 and centrifugal force wings 'em up onto the exhaust (hence, the right side). You guessed it... ... . when you get home you peel 'em off the tail pipe - medium rare, just the way I like 'em.

If Doc reads this, we're all in trouble. #ad
#ad
Joe

 

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Always wondered what those Idaho pancakes(the kind with the tail)were made from. Now I know,oh the wealth of knowledge here on the TDR. I'll never use studs again there too dangerous when you get on dry pavement,besides here in Washington we have a stud tax,I think it's about 20 bucks per tire,to help pay for the damage they cause to the road. Good all season tires siped and carry chains will get me where I need to go. Walnuts are great except for the hassle of changing tires and of course the squirrel problem.

 

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I think Doc Tinker might use this for a TDR get together dinner idea... or when Porky gets to the show me state that is a sunday supper with family hehehe

 

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Still not sure about those walnut shell retreads, think I've been had. . hmmm

 

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You might want to check out the tires manufactured by the Finnish company Nokian. They produce a model called a Hakkapeliitta that can be studded. These are awsome tires, way better than any ice radial that I have seen. The Fins maybe the only ones who know snow better than us, eh!
I don't understand your concerns or problems with studs and compression braking. I have never experienced any problems even on front wheel drive cars with four studded tires; and having winters all the way around is the only way to go!
Doug


[This message has been edited by Doug (edited 08-02-2000). ]

 

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Doug,studs are great if you are always on snow and ice,but how often does that happen?Think about it,steel on asphalt,not much traction there,even worse when the road is wet. I've had more spin outs with studs on bare roads than with regular tires on ice. Siping is the way to go,it also makes your tires run cooler and last longer definatly worth the extra $10 per tire. My . 02

 

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Good point on how long you're in the muck each year. I think we get a lot more snow than in Chelan.
I wait until it snows to put the studs on and I get them off as soon as possible. They put horrible wear-grooves in the pavement which is a nuisance to all drivers and costly to repair.
In moderate snow climates I'd probably go siped year round. Choices, choices... . #ad

 

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illflem, while conventional studded tires may have the drawbacks that you mention, the Nokians have what is called a Euro-stud. This technology makes use of a dual rubber compound under the stud mounting area that allows the studs to "retract" in warmer weather, and stay "out" in colder weather. Also, ice radials tend to be a very soft compound which wears out much faster than do the studs.
Tests in Canada and Europe show that studded tire braking distances are about 20% shorter than ice radials on ice, and up to 40% shorter compared to other winter radials.
I drive alot in the Rockies in winter, and am willing to put up with a few of the drawbacks of driving on clear winter roads for the added safety and traction. Yes, I agree that removing the tires when the snow is gone saves both on roads and tire wear (for any winter radial). The bottom line is that any "true winter" radial is better than one of those M&S "all season" radials #ad

Doug

[This message has been edited by Doug (edited 08-04-2000). ]

 

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Doug... any e-site address to your knowledge ?? looked but come up with zip. .
Gary

 

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Gary,
Check out:
www.nokian.com/english
As this is a Finnish site, there are a few peculiarities! The truck tires are listed under delivery van tyres.
Doug

[This message has been edited by Doug (edited 08-04-2000). ]

 

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Doug,now those are some tires that really make sense. Are you running them,if so what is the cost,delivery time,etc. . Even though those tires may be pricey the amount of damages or injuries they may prevent makes them priceless. Thanks so much for shareing this info. By the way they are siped!

 

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illflem,
The Nokian Hakka 1 tires that I bought last year cost a bit less than Bridgestone Blizzaks or Yokohama Guardex. They are the best winter tire I have ever used (Pirelli, Goodyear-both North American and European made, Yokohama).
The availability depends on size that you are looking for-last winter it was 1 week for the tires for our Honda, but the winter before the wait would have been 6-8 weeks for my parent's Outback.
Contact me off line if you want more info.
Doug

 

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Doug,

Thanks for the info. The Hakka... 10LT looks good although I am still interested in 19. 5's. I am going to call the Tennessee number monday for more info. Anyone checking the Nokian site out, be sure to take the test drive. Be patient, it loaded slow for me.