View Full Version : PSA: You are going to want snow tires this year
tmleadr03
09-23-2013, 06:28
I have made it through the last four years with all season or summer tires. Not even going to think about it this year. Raining again this morning. When the temps start dropping we are going to get hammered.
It is going to be fun.
Side note any recommendations on a snow blower for the house? Corner lot means lots of sidewalk and I just have desire to shovel that much.
*runs out to buy studded bicycle tires*
Love my husqvarna. The torors are good too. Dont buy a small one or youll be out there every hour or 2 if we get dumped on. Mine throughs waret snow ice and newspapers as needed. Hit a sunday paper burried under 3ft of snow andit was like there was a parade....I
tmleadr03
09-23-2013, 07:20
*runs out to buy studded bicycle tires*
http://api.24mx.se//File/Image.ashx?oid=32435&type=p
Looks like I'll be studding up a set of tires for the dual sport bike...
If is gets too deep for that, there's always the F250 and 4 wheel chains...
Side note any recommendations on a snow blower for the house? Corner lot means lots of sidewalk and I just have desire to shovel that much.
Also looking to upgrade. I've been using a small single stage just fine, it do have to be outside more often but i don't mind getting out of the house. Its also easier to store than a large snow blower, but for me... its time to upgrade!
Great-Kazoo
09-23-2013, 08:05
Ariens 24" pull/ electric start , 6spd w/ reverse, 'red craftsman riding 42"(mower) converts to 36" blade plow, (winter) .
ZERO THEORY
09-23-2013, 08:17
Winter is coming.
http://www.miscupload.com/upload/231442388235673465498129.jpg
Jeffrey Lebowski
09-23-2013, 08:22
http://api.24mx.se//File/Image.ashx?oid=32435&type=p
Or: http://goldenbikeshop.com/fat-bikes/
Winter is coming.
http://www.miscupload.com/upload/231442388235673465498129.jpg
Is that from yesterday? I noticed a little whiteness on the peaks in the evening, but it was hard to tell for sure. I bet it's snowing up there this morning too!
Get a 24" wide dual stage. I have a 20" dual stage and it works well but those extra 4" would make a big difference. Plan to buy cans of PAM in bulk at Costco, you have to spray the inside of the blower with PAM quite a bit to keep the snow from sticking and clogging everything up.
hurley842002
09-23-2013, 09:18
Just slapped on 4 of these for the Taco recently....
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/09/23/7aqy6enu.jpg
I can't afford a "snow" tire AND an a/t tire, the duratrac in my experience is the absolute best snow tire, while being a serious off road contender, nice tread pattern and lots of siping .
Now to pic up a set of chains..
Edit, should have said siping not sizing.
Is that from yesterday?
December 12, 2012, -according to the imbedded data in the photo.
ZERO THEORY
09-23-2013, 09:30
Is that from yesterday? I noticed a little whiteness on the peaks in the evening, but it was hard to tell for sure. I bet it's snowing up there this morning too!
See below:
December 12, 2012, -according to the imbedded data in the photo.
Just slapped on 4 of these for the Taco recently....
I can't afford a "snow" tire AND an a/t tire, the duratrac in my experience is the absolute best snow tire, while being a serious off road contender, nice tread pattern and lots of sizing.
Loved my Duratracs. I'll get another set once my current rubber goes.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8251/8510544410_63182d19e6_z.jpg
not worried about snow this year we had drifts over 5' and i just beat it down
heres me towing out the plow truck
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8087/8550703790_547fb9ba62_z.jpg
Go buy a length of VBAR chain, cut it up into 6" sections, go buy some tension type straps online and long needlenose pliers. Assemble 6" sections of VBAR with comparative sections of straps. When you need them, wrap about 6 on each tire and wrap the strap around the needlenose and roll it/tighten it and you're set to go up until the point where you get high-centered.
This is what a lot of the guys who cross that pass in february do. I keep a couple bags with me in wintertime - one for my front, one for my rear. You literally can take up to about a foot of snow with that shit.
Studs suck royally in comparison, and the second you hit pavement with them its no time at all before they are a determent.
I've got a 09 KLR 650 and VBARs will clear everything depending on tires.
I've done the Elephant Ride on Guanella every year since 1996, with the exception of last year. Chains work well in the soft stuff and snowpack, ice screws work better on ice but absolutely suck on pavement, along with the wear issues on anything not snow or ice. The studs I use are the "rally" type with the carbide tips, and they work almost as well as screws on ice, without the wear issues. Chains still work better in deep stuff, but for bopping around on city streets in the snow, the studs work great.
Rally stud:
http://www.brunowessel.com/catalog/images/9x17_Rally_Large.jpg
Ice screws:
http://static1.mfgsupply.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/400x400/602f0fa2c1f0d1ba5e241f914e856ff9/p/r/progold_1.jpg
Here in the mountains of Boulder County we're thankful the rain didn't turn to snow. Would have made the flood cleanup really miserable.
I'm ready for the snow now. The SR5 plow truck wears studded snow tires and has chains for all four in case the snow is deep and wet.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g292/COHummer/Peaceful%20Valley/85ToyPlow.jpg (http://s59.photobucket.com/user/COHummer/media/Peaceful%20Valley/85ToyPlow.jpg.html)
The Tundra wears Michelin LTX M/S 2 tires year round. They are excellent on snowy roads. In winter it carries a bucket with 4 wheel chains which I've only used a few times during elk season. With chains the Tundra moves like a Cat dozer in 2 feet of snow.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g292/COHummer/Peaceful%20Valley/TwoToyotas.jpg (http://s59.photobucket.com/user/COHummer/media/Peaceful%20Valley/TwoToyotas.jpg.html)
With luck, winter weather will hold off a while, I have a lot of outside work to do in the next month. Let it snow on opening day of second season.
hurley842002
09-23-2013, 10:28
Here in the mountains of Boulder County we're thankful the rain didn't turn to snow. Would have made the flood cleanup really miserable.
I'm ready for the snow now. The SR5 plow truck wears studded snow tires and has chains for all four in case the snow is deep and wet.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g292/COHummer/Peaceful%20Valley/85ToyPlow.jpg (http://s59.photobucket.com/user/COHummer/media/Peaceful%20Valley/85ToyPlow.jpg.html)
The Tundra wears Michelin LTX M/S 2 tires year round. They are excellent on snowy roads. In winter it carries a bucket with 4 wheel chains which I've only used a few times during elk season. With chains the Tundra moves like a Cat dozer in 2 feet of snow.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g292/COHummer/Peaceful%20Valley/TwoToyotas.jpg (http://s59.photobucket.com/user/COHummer/media/Peaceful%20Valley/TwoToyotas.jpg.html)
With luck, winter weather will hold off a while, I have a lot of outside work to do in the next month. Let it snow on opening day of second season.
Nice plow truck, what year is it?
JohnTRourke
09-23-2013, 10:38
honda single stage snow blower
it's a honda, so it always starts
light enough to move around and useful all the time
will handle up to about 12" or so over that you're fucked
2 stage blowers are great, but they are heavy, expensive and below 2 or 3 inches of snow they don't work (not enough snow to make them run)
http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/202026861?productId=202026861&storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&PID=1319015&cm_mmc=CJ-_-1319015-_-10368321&cpncode=31-233021807-2&AID=10368321&cj=true&srccode=cii_45538312
Nice plow truck, what year is it?
It's a 1985, the last year the SR5 was made with the solid front axle and leaf springs. I added an extra leaf all around to better handle the 400# weight of the plow. I bought the truck a few years ago for $750, and moved the plow from a worn out 1980 Toyota. I had bought the Meyers Two-Meter plow new back in '85, put it on the '80 Toy pickup and used it for commercial snow plowing for 10 years.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g292/COHummer/Peaceful%20Valley/1985toyplow.jpg (http://s59.photobucket.com/user/COHummer/media/Peaceful%20Valley/1985toyplow.jpg.html)
As long as it's snow only my Jeep does fine. Ice and slush is a different story. I can't wait for some deep stuff!
hurley842002
09-23-2013, 10:49
It's a 1985, the last year the SR5 was made with the solid front axle and leaf springs. I added an extra leaf all around to better handle the 400# weight of the plow. I bought the truck a few years ago for $750, and moved the plow from a worn out 1980 Toyota. I had bought the Meyers Two-Meter plow new back in '85, put it on the '80 Toy pickup and used it for commercial snow plowing for 10 years.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g292/COHummer/Peaceful%20Valley/1985toyplow.jpg (http://s59.photobucket.com/user/COHummer/media/Peaceful%20Valley/1985toyplow.jpg.html)
Very nice!
Yeah the solid axle is why I was wondering. 84 and 85 the only years for the solid axle in that body style, and the 85's got optional EFI, awesome trucks! I'd love to own one someday.
Very nice!
Yeah the solid axle is why I was wondering. 84 and 85 the only years for the solid axle in that body style, and the 85's got optional EFI, awesome trucks! I'd love to own one someday.
Got lucky, especially at $750. The previous owner had problems keeping it running after he put on a non vented gas cap, it would vapor lock after warming up. I changed the gas cap and it's run perfectly ever since, now at 270K miles on the original engine, only the clutch was replaced. This truck was loaded with the EFI (first year for EFI in the SR5), power windows, openable skylite, and air conditioning. The AC still works even though I've never used it except to run it once a year. The AC in the 4 cyl. 22R engines were a little underpowered for hot weather.
The old Toyotas make outstanding plow trucks, quicker and more maneuverable than larger rigs.
If conditions are such that I need chains or snow tires, I'll find something better to do with my time than drive around in it.
hurley842002
09-23-2013, 13:55
If conditions are such that I need chains or snow tires, I'll find something better to do with my time than drive around in it.
Wish I had that luxury, however my job requires I be there rather it's 3 inches or 3 feet.
Likewise if it dumps while I'm working, I'd like to be able to get home to the wife and baby.
Just set Betty and all the cars up 2 weeks ago. Btw I like getting new tires, I just hate putting rubber on 3 vehicles at one time. Just under 2k which isn't terrible but damn it that was optics!!!
hurley842002
09-23-2013, 14:07
Just set Betty and all the cars up 2 weeks ago. Btw I like getting new tires, I just hate putting rubber on 3 vehicles at one time. Just under 2k which isn't terrible but damn it that was optics!!!
Same here, tires are one of my favorite purchases. Mine just set me back a G, and I'll be putting new fronts on the wife's car before winter hits.
jerrymrc
09-23-2013, 16:22
I've done the Elephant Ride on Guanella every year since 1996, with the exception of last year. Chains work well in the soft stuff and snowpack, ice screws work better on ice but absolutely suck on pavement, along with the wear issues on anything not snow or ice. The studs I use are the "rally" type with the carbide tips, and they work almost as well as screws on ice, without the wear issues. Chains still work better in deep stuff, but for bopping around on city streets in the snow, the studs work great.
Rally stud:
Ice screws:
http://static1.mfgsupply.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/400x400/602f0fa2c1f0d1ba5e241f914e856ff9/p/r/progold_1.jpg
I have a set of Cold cutters on one pare of hiking boots just for the ice at Rainbow Falls. You should see what they do to tile floors.
Going to be my last season for the studded snow tires for my car but I picked up a set of almost new ones for the wife's car this spring. http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/jerrymrc/Picture063Small.jpg (http://s884.photobucket.com/user/jerrymrc/media/Picture063Small.jpg.html)
I think I'll just stick with the Michelin LTX M/S tires on the 'hoe for getting around town.
I need to get after the wife to get new tires on her Suby.
I expect there may be several occasions to require chain up on the truck this winter.
I think I'll just stick with the Michelin LTX M/S tires on the 'hoe for getting around town.
Those are what I've had on both of our Cherokee's for the past ten years and have never been unable to get around, be it in town or up in the mountains.
I really should get some dedicated snows. But I have had good results with my Audi A4 and my Goodyear triple treads.
I really should get some dedicated snows. But I have had good results with my Audi A4 and my Goodyear triple treads.
I run winter/summer on the A6. Huge difference.
Yeah I had winters years ago and wore them out. I need to pick up another set. Esp since I dumped a lot of money into the A4 to keep it going for a a long time into the future.
What are snow tires? Are they those doodads for people that can't drive in the snow that are suppose to make them feel better? [Coffee]
41 years old, Colorado native, and I have never owned snow tires. We just run real tires all year long. (like the ones Hurley pictured) Nice way for a tire shop to make money off of you all though.
My front wheel drive car, with an open diff, and snow tires, is more impressive (traction wise) in the snow than my 4x4 SUV with tires like Hurley's (BFG A/T tread pattern). I wouldn't trade my A/T's for snows because they are more versatile all year and I can get around with 4x4 just fine. However, real snow tires are worth their price for winter driving.
to be honest, I have never owned a car. maybe people who own trucks dont use snow tires?
Nah, I hear snow tires driving around Boulder on Range Rovers in 100* July weather...
to be honest, I have never owned a car. maybe people who own trucks dont use snow tires?
I know you haven't. You can get away with a lot less tire with a 4x4. Last year was the first year I ever had snow tires on a car. I always just ran all seasons and did fine. After having snow tires though, I don't want to go back. Another thing of note is that I've been driving on those same snows all year and they are ready to be rotated now. I have an easy two more winters on them.
I know you haven't. You can get away with a lot less tire with a 4x4. Last year was the first year I ever had snow tires on a car. I always just ran all seasons and did fine. After having snow tires though, I don't want to go back. Another thing of note is that I've been driving on those same snows all year and they are ready to be rotated now. I have an easy two more winters on them.
For go, not for slow.
Just saying.
buckshotbarlow
09-23-2013, 19:45
get a 800CC quad with a 60" or greater plow...then after u get the driveway clean, you can pull the kids around the hood on sleds...
get a 800CC quad with a 60" or greater plow...then after u get the driveway clean, you can pull the kids around the hood on sleds...
Great if you stay on top of a big one.
I can't tell you how many times I've pulled out or unburied my neighbor's ATV plow when he comes home and tries to plow after a big storm.
I usually blow out half his drive/apron for him and his and the neighbor's sidewalks that don't have blowers.
Stevensje
09-23-2013, 20:21
I run ALL terrains on my ecoboost f150 and it works well in all seasons and terrain. However, when we go up and down the mountains in the winter we always take the Wife's ride with winter tires. It has much better feedback and with the soft rubber it sticks at higher speeds no matter the temp. Winter tires grip and I feel they are safer on-road with the sipes and soft rubber.
jerrymrc
09-23-2013, 20:51
I know you haven't. You can get away with a lot less tire with a 4x4. Last year was the first year I ever had snow tires on a car. I always just ran all seasons and did fine. After having snow tires though, I don't want to go back. Another thing of note is that I've been driving on those same snows all year and they are ready to be rotated now. I have an easy two more winters on them.
Yep. I grew up on RWD and sometimes running snows on the rear. Always wondered why all those 4WD's were in the ditch. My truck is good in the snow with the LS in the rear and if need be the ARB in the front but I will say that unless it is 2' deep I will take my GP with the studded snows every time. With traction control and individual ABS it is down right boring to drive in the snow and ice.
Yes I know all the real men drive with bald tires in the winter but sometimes the modern stuff has something going for it.[Flower]
Daniel_187
09-23-2013, 21:05
please don't talk to me about tires right now, am buying a house right now and getting married in November, and have no money and need tires soon.
please don't talk to me about tires right now, am buying a house right now and getting married in November, and have no money and need tires soon.
I'm calling it for the late November "I spun out and got stuck in a ditch and missed my own wedding and the closing on my house and my fiance ran off with my rich cousin" thread now.
gnihcraes
09-23-2013, 21:27
Don't forget to put the top on too...
34313
Nah, I hear snow tires driving around Boulder on Range Rovers in 100* July weather...
it is kind of amazing how many people in that town will spend a grand on studded snow tires, then run them all year.[facepalm]
it is kind of amazing how many people in that town will spend a grand on studded snow tires, then run them all year.[facepalm]
My neighbor does that shit often. Irritating.
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