New tires are new tires and of course they are going to be better than the worn out ones that you replace, but I've only had all-terrains on my Durango since we owned it. First there were a set of Goodyear RT-S and then I bought a set of Pathfinder All-Terrains.
I opted for Discount Tire's Prodigy brand (Yokohama) for my new set. They are just truck/SUV all season tires.
Man what a difference
The All-Terrains would never grab traction on snow and sometimes wet surfaces to the point that I would have to turn 4WD on just to get moving from day one. I haven't had to do that yet with the new tires. I think that's mainly due to the fact that All-Terrain tires are good for digging down into whatever surface it's on, not for displacing slush and water. The new tires have those channels and I think it's making a huge difference.
I definitely have no need for All-Terrains and I will not make that mistake again.
Sand/mud tires are NOT snow tires, as you now know.
You have learned well, Grasshopper.
As Interco Super Swamper's biggest fan, I have to agree with a sentiment I believe you are making: (new) tires designed for the purpose you are using them for makes a world of difference. I've always told whoever will listen "please don't go buy the cheapest tire, spend money on the RIGHT tire".
Not all ATs are crap in snow, you want one with a severe snow mountain/snowflake stamp, even the Multi-Mile tires aren't bad if you seek that out.
In reply to Kenny_McCormic:
I don't doubt that, but I've had two sets of two different brands, and on slippery pavement, they suck.
My buddy has a 4x4 Ranger that came from the factory with RT-Ss, he got sick of them not having traction on slippery surfaces and got a set of Kumho All-Terrains, and it's miles better. However, he has an LSD out back and I don't, so that also makes a difference.
Our 4Runner came with the Dunlop AT20, supposedly a "highway all-terrain" tire. It was pathetic in every respect, and I actually got a 4WD vehicle stuck on s slight hill in my side yard with those POS tires. They were dreadful in the snow as well.
After 10k miles of that garbage, I took them off and put some Bridgestone Dueller Revo2's on the 4Runner. They are "snowflake" rated, handle sand/mud great, and are quieter and handle better than the AT20s were, surprisingly. They also ride better. Night and Day.
It always blows my mind how car companies can really reduce a new car's "goodness" with lousy tires. How many cars came with RE92's for years? How much better would the reviews (handling, ride, braking, etc) of these cars been if they had come with actual good tires?
bean-counters make the rules
I run 10ply treadwrights with kedge grip. Cheap and Awesome.
I used to only run Toyo Open Country MTs $340 a tire. Or mastercraft Courser MT 10 ply. Never again.
I only run MTs on any truck unless it needs slicks, haha M&S is preferred on my cars.
irish44j wrote:
Our 4Runner came with the Dunlop AT20, supposedly a "highway all-terrain" tire. It was pathetic in every respect, and I actually got a 4WD vehicle stuck on s slight hill in my side yard with those POS tires. They were dreadful in the snow as well.
After 10k miles of that garbage, I took them off and put some Bridgestone Dueller Revo2's on the 4Runner. They are "snowflake" rated, handle sand/mud great, and are quieter and handle better than the AT20s were, surprisingly. They also ride better. Night and Day.
It always blows my mind how car companies can really reduce a new car's "goodness" with lousy tires. How many cars came with RE92's for years? How much better would the reviews (handling, ride, braking, etc) of these cars been if they had come with actual good tires?
RE92's!!!!!
Worst tires EVER, and they were super expensive.
The stock Yokohamas that came on my 3 are pretty terrible too. They must have like 15,000 miles on them (I switch from summer to winter tires) and they are almost smoked.
SilverFleet wrote:
The stock Yokohamas that came on my 3 are pretty terrible too. They must have like 15,000 miles on them (I switch from summer to winter tires) and they are almost smoked.
Hey, I didn't see you in this boat that I am also in.
Welcome aboard.
