2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission snow tires for dualie, 6 or 4?

[SBall]

Recognizing that most manufacturers of dedicated snow tires recommend that they be used on "all-4 wheels", (for passenger cars of course), does anyone know what the official word is for dual rear wheel pickups? I can tell you that my RWD truck is already a white-knuckle affair on snow-covered roads and any handling issues as a result of putting snow tires on the rear wheels only, might be rather insignificant. With winter approaching, I'm evaluating all my options for my RWD CTD truck, and any alternatives to the assortment of tire chains I've depended on in the past.

 

[RDHamill]

While it's only my opinion, I think you should have snow tires on all wheels, be it a front, rear or 4wd.

Stopping and steering can't be considered less important than going. Depending on the severity of your winters and terrain you travel of course.

I'm up on the east coast of Canada where winter snow fall is typically as sever as anywhere, I put snow tires on each corner of each vehicle. I always have snows mounted on "winter rims" and summer tires on "summer rims". If you consider the cost of switching twice a year, it's really not any more costly over the life of the vehicle, and is much more convient.

Good luck

 

[TORQUE THIS]

I am running 6 all terain tires on mine. Having the 4. 10 with the limited slip is great in the snow...

 

[SEmerson]

You want good tires up front. That way when you slip you steer and give it power. The front tires will pull the front end over. You have to drive it like it is a front wheel drive power into slides. So good front snow tires is a must.

 

[SBall]

Thanks for all the replies

Hey guys,

I wanted to thank you for the advice received already. Please allow me to emphasize that my truck is only a Real Wheel Drive, and not a 4x4. Steve

 

[TORQUE THIS]

What I posted is on a 2001 4x2 3500.



Good Luck!

 

[SEmerson]

opps



snow tires still important... ... . But don't power out of slides

 

[Sageair]

Put some weight in the bed for snow travel, it will make a hugh difference.

 

[JGK]

Put some weight in the bed for snow travel, it will make a hugh difference.

That's what I was thinking. Put 1000 lbs or more over the axle and fasten it down.



-Jay

 

[y-knot]

For snow tires it should be most definitely all 6. Unless you only want them on the rear duals, then buy 4 rear tires, but never put two different type tires on the same axle. Me personally, I love the snow/mud tires all the way around. The traction is awesome, and in winters snowy months, why not arm yourself with the upper hand in terms of traction.

I have run both Trxus and BFG's mud tires the M/T's. Both are very good with the upper hand going to Trxus for best mud/snow traction, and BFG for longest wear.

 

[SBall]

Good stuff, Thanks!

Great advice from everyone. Torque This, it seems you have a rig most similar to mine, 4x2 3500, except that mine is the 3. 54:1. Your advice for 6 aggressive tires is well taken. Y-knot, I agree with you not to mix tires of different manufacturers on the same axle. My approach to date has been to load 600lbs of sand over the real axle and chain up the outside rears when the going gets tough. Even with the Pewag chain's tough steel composition, the additional weight accelerates chain wear. Based on everyone's great feedback, I'll increase the weight to 1000lbs or so, safely lock the weight down in the bed, and consider swapping my existing BFG Commercial All Season tires with 6 snow tires or AT tires. (Maybe even sipe them). Perhaps then the use of chains will be reduced or eliminated.

Steve

 

[willyslover]

most tire companies advise not to mix tread design front to rear ... the more aggressive rears will try to swap ends with the less aggressive fronts ... most pronounced in winter with bad roads

 

[Duluth Diesel]

Even though my current Dodge is a 4x4 non-dually, my family has had two 4x2 dually Fords and 1 4x2 dually chev. We always put good tires on all 6. Going forward doesn't mean jack if you can't stop and turn.



Go for all 6, put some weight in the bed, and you can get just about anywhere you want to with a 4x2.