Tires for Pacific Northwest snow?

[Stocker]

Also posted this in the 4x4 forum...

I've lived most of my life in the great Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, northern California) and much of our snow is wet, heavy, sloppy, and very slick. Add hills and corners, and it can be quite treacherous, and IMO much worse than the dry powdery stuff found in the midwest (lived there 5 years), and the Rockies (yup, been there too).

Anyway, there are lots of new tires out there and I wonder what people like and don't like for wet snow. I'll be putting new tires on my K20 (for year-round use, not many miles driven) and on my wife's Grand Cherokee (might buy extra wheels for winter only) this year. I'm considering BFG All-Terrain T/A KOs for both rigs, but just had two tire guys tell me they aren't great in snow (sure look great, though). Recommended tires are Bridgestone Winter Dueler and Michelin LTX M/S, which looks just like a highway tire!?!

I appreciate all thoughts and opinions - the more the better! Thanks, guys.
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[mindhive]

I'm in Klamath Falls OR and use Les Schwab Wildcat EXT LT235/85-16s on my 72 3/4 4x4. I got them studded for the icy mornings and they have a nice deep open lug for the snow. Where are you at? I see Jefferson State as your location so you can' be far?

[miket]

For what it's worth Stocker:

I grew up in Alaska and we did have alot of wet slushy type snow...typically going into winter and during break up (no...not when me and my ex parted ways) when the snow actually melts...

For a good part of the time I had a 72 3/4 ton two wheel drive and a 396 up front...it got around great...I had trail t/a's on it...I believe I bought new Eagle alloy wheels which were 9.75X16.5...I think...and I used 30X9.50/16.5's....the tires were great! I got great traction and never got stuck.

[Stocker]

Originally posted by mindhive
Where are you at? I see Jefferson State as your location so you can' be far?

Ah, right you are sir! Weaverville, CA to be exact. Hills, corners, 2000 ft up to 3500 ft elevation, with peaks from 7000 to 9000 ft.

A side note: when you end up a full 90 degrees sideways going up the hill to your house, in a Jeep with Michelin LTX A/Ts, in 5 or 6 inches of fresh grease, it's time for better tires!

[FRENCHBLUE72]

I also run the wildcat's on my blazer...

[mindhive]

Ya, I pulled one of those in my "off brand" v8 sports car last may when it was supposed to be spring. Had to walk home get my CHEVY and my wife to pull it out of the ditch.

[Dwaynes56&68]

after running the wild country tires from Les shwawbs I would never consider anything else but BFG all terrains. I just put on a pair of 31's for my jeep and the overall handling has doubled and smooth as silk. I am on my 4 pair on my 67 4x4. I have never had a flat yet and I drive all over the mountains in the snow, over rocks, clear cuts etc. Personaly, I think the All Terrain is better for snow then the Mud Ta, but they both worked great and wore even better on my truck.

[Stocker]

Thanks for the great input - anyone else have opinions or experiences? Toss 'em in, it's much appreciated!