My new PW should arrive in a couple of weeks. I’m pretty excited! I posted a few of my noob questions under another thread but will add my specific 35’s/37’s/winter tire related queries here as tires are something I want to sort out immediately, in time for delivery. My criteria /constraints are: a) will definitely go to 35’s or 37’s and will do a moderate level of local off-roading and an annual Moab or similar road trip, b) I live in a smaller town in the Canadian Rockies and see some serious snow and ice/hard pack conditions in the main hwy passes and in driving access roads to trailheads. Honestly 80% of our winter daily driving is dry/wet roads but some of the 20%, and which part is usually unavoidable, can get very sketch.
My current Yukon runs dedicated winter Blizzaks 6+ months of the year, and summer A/T’s in the remainder. But before I look at the two sets of wheels options for the PW, is there any forum experience on if there is a particular 35” 3PMSF A/T or R/T tire that is a clear standout in winter conditions and is still decent for summer 4x4’ing, generally on rocky, loose trails, but little mud? My research shows generally good winter reviews on Wildpeaks and Duratracs but nothing clearly differentiating. This unicorn would be my least expensive and lowest hassle option.
Otherwise if I go to dedicated winter and summer sets, I see my options as:
- Sell the OEM 33” Duratracs, put 35” Hakkapellitta’s (maybe studded) on the OEM 17x8’s, put 37” A/T’s or R/T’s on some new +18 offset rims. This options gives the most targeted outcomes, but is the most expensive route.
- Close my eyes and just fire studs into the OEM 33” Duratracs. Again, get another set of rims & tires for summer use. Less expensive off the bat than #1 but I think adding studs vs having a winter tire designed around factory studs might result a lot more road noise in the dry.
All views and other options welcome… thanks in advance. The knowledge is awesome on this forum and helped me a ton in making the truck choice.