Topic: Narrow or Wide Tires for Snow/Ice/Mud?

[Snowman]

Deep snow (and mud)  are polar opposite than ice. Really depends on the depth of snow. At the ski area I used to patrol at I learned this the hard way. After the Groomer had left some nice tilled snow carpet a few of us decided to try a little experiment.t. My Toyota 4*4 truck with 31*10.5 LT's quickly sank to the axles and was stuck. Meanwhile the other truck was running some sort of Ag tire but I would estimate a 31*14.5". That truck (same model as mine, ski hill truck))drove around with no issues.


Bottomless sand and snow needs W - I - D - T - H.

  In the winter it was frowned upon to take our 4x4’s to the ski hill. We went off-roading in the bush. This necessitated N - A - R - R - O - W gauge tires. Just go to any northern logging operation during the winter and have a look at the tires on the service and utility pick-up trucks.

[ktm525]

At the ski hill we were using the trucks at off hours as a poor employee cat ski operation.

We are obviously talking different environments. When the ground is soft and relatively bottomless then floatation is the key. There is no sense in digging down through the gunk if there is nothing to dig down too. Many vehicles can be "floated" on mere tires.

For example:

Tractors with multiple sets of tires front/rear so they spread their weight more and don't sink in soft fields.
Quads: If width was bad then quads would be running bicycle tire widths. Quads are much better than motorcycles in truly muddy/bog situations.
The big Iceland trucks which traverse the soft glacier snow.

Now on frozen ground with a foot or two of snow/mud/slush (probably your typical northern lolgging road) then yes a nawwor aggressive tire (preferably with chains) will claw down to the hard surface better than a wide tire.

[articsteve]

When ya all get tired of grasping at straws please visit www.onlyarticsteveknowsitall.com 

Thinner is better in mud and snow but quality tread is primary factor. 

[Craig]

Whatever you do, don't rustproof your tires.  They'll melt.

[morty]

225/80R16 will be a size you wont find much in. The alternate to a 245/75R16 is a 235/85R16 and you will find a good selection in this size. Very common...

If you want to cut through, go narrow....if you want to float, go wide. In winter and wet conditions generally want narrower cuts through standing water, slush and snow.

[Snowman]

At the ski hill we were using the trucks at off hours as a poor employee cat ski operation.

We are obviously talking different environments. When the ground is soft and relatively bottomless then floatation is the key. There is no sense in digging down through the gunk if there is nothing to dig down too. Many vehicles can be "floated" on mere tires.

For example:

Tractors with multiple sets of tires front/rear so they spread their weight more and don't sink in soft fields.
Quads: If width was bad then quads would be running bicycle tire widths. Quads are much better than motorcycles in truly muddy/bog situations.
The big Iceland trucks which traverse the soft glacier snow.

Now on frozen ground with a foot or two of snow/mud/slush (probably your typical northern lolgging road) then yes a nawwor aggressive tire (preferably with chains) will claw down to the hard surface better than a wide tire.

I understand the concept of big and wide tires to “float” heavy equipment in the forestry and mining industry. I have lived in it for 40 years. Perhaps I misunderstood this to be a thread about automobiles, SUV’s and light trucks.

[Trainman]

Thanks for all the feedback.  It is much appreciated!

[Trainman]

So got a quick quote on the Dueler D693 (that is what the tire shop recommended  ), 8 ply in LT225/75R16.  These are an inch narrower than what I have now.  Cost installed if bought now would be $1,100, taxes in.  Includes a road hazard warranty.

No 85 series is available in this tire.  Will also look at the Revo as I think they have an 85 series (215/85) that may work.