Route from SF to Rapid City? Tire choice?

[tpuig]

Heading to the NE corner of Wyoming this November. Any particular routes I should take or avoid? On my last trip I did I-90 west to Buffalo, then went through Casper/Rawlins and I-80 to SF. But that was summer...



Also, I use Toyo A/T Open Country tires on oem wheels for daily driving. They're nearly new. I have a set of slightly larger Toyo M/T for the off road. Wonder which would be better in the snow?

 

[GAmes]

The interstates would be the fastest route. There is a slight shortcut (66 miles) from Rawlins to Casper, 287 & 220, then to south on I25 to Ammon and hwy 18 to hwy 79 north to Rapid City. I wouldn't worry too much about the snow, but if snow is happening the interstates would be the best route. I can't comment on the tires, I run Michelin M/S year around and have only got stuck in the snow once. Then again, I do my best to avoid snow.

 

[SRath]

Stricly speaking, in deep snow the mud terrains would be best. On icy hard-pack the all-terrains probably have more siping for slightly better grip. I have always chosen mud terrains for all around winter traction, but I plow snow and go off road. And I'm not the least bit bashful or lazy about putting my Ruud chains on, either. I hate being stuck and this dodge with it's PowrLock "limited slip" rearend needs all the help it can get when compared to a real locker.



What difference do you find in fuel mileage between the two types of tires? That would weigh heavily on a long trip. Speaking of "weighing heavily", either set of tires will perform better in any type of snow if you put one or two thousand pounds in the back.



Take your most direct interstate route. The difference in weather between I-80 and I-90 in November can be substantial. But you will not be getting into mountainous terrain, unless you count the smoothly rolling Black Hills for a brief period. If the roads get bad, just pull over and find a cozy place to wait it out.



You'll find less ice and more snow in that region if it does anything at all. They have excellent snow removal equipment and crews and the people know how to drive in it. Be prepared but don't buy trouble. Get a CB radio with weather channels. If they issue a snow or weather advisory, pay attention to it. It's not like down south where a little skiff of snow is a major panic and wreaks havoc. When they say "don't travel" up there, you can bet there's justification. If you are the last vehicle up the on-ramp before they close the gates, you can rest assured you'll be having an adventure.

 

[tpuig]

Cool, thanks guys. My dilemma is that I have no idea of what the terrain will be like. The AT's will be fine unless I head off the path on the ranch. (Deer hunt). So I'll probably just keep those on and maybe get them siped before the trip. I guessing that it will be about 95% highway and plowed. If we need to head off the pavement, we can probably just take a ranch rig.



Last time through I absolutely loved that area. Hopefully I'll have a bit of time to explore on this trip.