What Tire Pressure on Snowy Highways
12-15-2009, 08:16 AM
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What Tire Pressure on Snowy Highways
I run Michelin AT2s 265/70/17E (63 psi front – 50 psi rear) in winter and not all that impressed with traction on snow and ice. Do I need to lower the pressure more? What pressure are you guys running? What should I be at? Appreciate any helpful feedback.
12-15-2009, 11:00 AM
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I run 45-50 psi front and 40-45 psi rear. This is with a empty bed/tow, when loaded I adjust the air pressure accordingly to the load or door jab sticker. Which I believe is 80 psi front and 60 rear. Although, I still run them closer together at 65 psi and 55 psi.
I will agree that any All Terrains Tire is not a good winter tire, but will provide some traction. This is also depended on the tire compound and heat rating. I still have to put it in 4wd to back out of my driveway when we have frozen snow and ice pack on my driveway here in N.E. Wyoming. Otherwise, it is in 2wd the rest of the time.
Shawn
I will agree that any All Terrains Tire is not a good winter tire, but will provide some traction. This is also depended on the tire compound and heat rating. I still have to put it in 4wd to back out of my driveway when we have frozen snow and ice pack on my driveway here in N.E. Wyoming. Otherwise, it is in 2wd the rest of the time.
Shawn
12-15-2009, 12:15 PM
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I switch back to the stock tire/wheels in the winter which have the bfg rugged trail tires.
I'm not impressed at all with the snow handleing either. I've got them up to 60psi all the way around, I guess I could let some air out and try them.
I'm not impressed at all with the snow handleing either. I've got them up to 60psi all the way around, I guess I could let some air out and try them.
12-15-2009, 06:52 PM
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Tire Rack shows the AT2s rated much better on snow and ice than the stock BFGs - as good as the X-Ice snow tires I use on my car. I put AT2s on my truck last fall based on those ratings, but not far enough into the 1st winter with them to see yet if the ratings are accurate.
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12-15-2009, 11:36 PM
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Unloaded in the snow on highways I'm running about 35 in the front and 30 in the rear. It really makes a big difference to air down and let the tires flex.
The 75 series Toyos are so stiff that they have to be that low, or even lower, to flex much. I guess that smaller tires or D rated BFGs might not need to go that low.
The 75 series Toyos are so stiff that they have to be that low, or even lower, to flex much. I guess that smaller tires or D rated BFGs might not need to go that low.
12-16-2009, 01:44 AM
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Normally, I would run them hard on ICE too. However, I have a van that has Terra Trac's that can not even get out of the way when on Ice or Snow/Slush when air up. Just remember, AT tires get harder as the temps go down compared to a dedicated Snow Tire that remains pliable. This also changes your tires footprint and how the vehicle handles.
Yes, we have snow already. In fact around here we had our first heavy snow in late September Early October. Which brought down a lot of trees and branches that were still green from a late fall. Lately we have had steady snowfall with sub zero temps that reached at low as -35 in the valleys and gulley's before the windchill kicked in. Daily highs were in the single digits and below zero for most of last week.
Shawn
Yes, we have snow already. In fact around here we had our first heavy snow in late September Early October. Which brought down a lot of trees and branches that were still green from a late fall. Lately we have had steady snowfall with sub zero temps that reached at low as -35 in the valleys and gulley's before the windchill kicked in. Daily highs were in the single digits and below zero for most of last week.
Shawn
12-18-2009, 01:05 AM
#13
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45-50 in front, 35-40 in back with 285s. Off road when it get's a little hairy getting the sled trailer up a hill or something, I'll go as low as 30-35 front and 25-30 rear. Still enough air to get you home on the road without being too squishy.