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Old 11-26-2017, 06:38 AM   #1
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Snow Tires and/or chain reccos??

Looking to get the best snow tires available for our upcoming "skibattical"

We will be driving from Vermont to Colorado, then chase snow and skiing all over British Columbia and the Western US.

1997 extended body v-10 quigley/Agile RIP sportsmobile - winch & LSD rear axle

currently running load range E 285/75R16 - would prefer not to get new rims

Living on a dirt road in VT and commuting to a ski resort an hour from home has made me a big fan of studded snow tires but I'm not sure if there are restrictions on their use their use?

Will be looking into getting chains as well...

Any advice, tips, random comments are welcome.....

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Old 11-26-2017, 07:48 AM   #2
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Be careful with LSD, it can get squirrely is slick conditions. Especially with a van being top heavy.
LSD is great for straight line traction, but if the ass brakes loose, it will come around very fast.

Skinny diggers in snow and mud, fat and flat in sand and rock, nothing matters on ice, its slick no matter what, unless you have chains.

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Old 11-26-2017, 09:28 AM   #3
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Yeah I've never had a vehicle with LSD (I've had FWD, AWD, 4WD, lockers but this van is my first experience with LSD)....and will be scoping it out on some snowy/icy parking lots to get a flavor....I too like a narrower pizza cutter tire for snow....Thanks for the input!
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Old 11-26-2017, 09:37 AM   #4
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Since you will be putting a lot of dry highway miles on you might not want studs. You probably already know that dedicated winter tires serve best and have the sipes for better ice traction etc. I would for sure get chains for icy conditions. It happens quick as many coastal storms come in warm and then get really cold so the roads get iced.

But you're from Vermont, so you know all about driving on ice roads.

Even good AT tires with the 4x4 will get you by pretty well for 90% of the conditions you'll face in the West.
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Old 11-26-2017, 11:19 AM   #5
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Agree with Flux above that studs are not really practical for the mileage you will be doing.
Trouble with your particular situation is the fact of the amount of miles you will probably be doing and the fact that a good snow tire is made of a softer rubber which will wear quicker.
I would go with a AT tire and a set of chains if needed.
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Old 11-26-2017, 12:20 PM   #6
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I use my van for exactly what you are planning, traveling the West for skiing. I have been using the BFG K02s with great results. Any of the severe snow rated all terrains will work well for your needs. If you want something more aggressive the GY duratracs would be good. If you want something with better hwy manners there is a long list of good severe snow rated AT tires.
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Old 11-26-2017, 07:08 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stayalert View Post
Looking to get the best snow tires available for our upcoming "skibattical"

We will be driving from Vermont to Colorado, then chase snow and skiing all over British Columbia and the Western US.

1997 extended body v-10 quigley/Agile RIP sportsmobile - winch & LSD rear axle

currently running load range E 285/75R16 - would prefer not to get new rims

Living on a dirt road in VT and commuting to a ski resort an hour from home has made me a big fan of studded snow tires but I'm not sure if there are restrictions on their use their use?

Will be looking into getting chains as well...

Any advice, tips, random comments are welcome.....
Duratracs. Hands down. I've crossed the US numerous times in my Jeep in the winter...from CA to Maine several times ...and hit the national parks along the way. While they are no Nokian dedicated snow, they are the next best thing.

Duratracs are on the police SUVs all over the west and are the preferred option for many 4x4 utility trucks. They are going my Spinter van in a couple of weeks...
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Old 11-27-2017, 11:23 PM   #8
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I have a love hate relationship with Duratracs. Great traction in snow, mud, and in the rocks, but weak sidewalls don't hold up well off road where other more stout sidewalls last much better. I've slashed two so far, but there still a great tire.
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Old 11-27-2017, 11:37 PM   #9
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And my old rule of thumb in crappy winter driving conditions:

Never drive faster than you are willing to crash.

I wish 1der would chime in a bit here. He's put a lot of winter miles on and he could relate some of his experiences out west doing the ski tour thing.
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Old 11-28-2017, 09:43 AM   #10
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I wish 1der would chime in a bit here. He's put a lot of winter miles on and he could relate some of his experiences out west doing the ski tour thing.

He and REF may still be in Baja, but should be back soon.
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