Topic: Studdable winter tires for 2010 Ford Ranger 4x4 Supercab

[davidy]

I have been looking at several different makes of studdable winter tires for my 2010 Ford Ranger 4x4 Supercab (with FX4 off road package). Stock tires are Goodyear Wranger RT/S 255/70-16....definitely not one of my favourites.

Studdable winter tires in this size (or an alternate size of 245/75-16...1.4% larger than stock) include:

- General Altimax Arctic
- Hankook I*Pike RW07
- Firestone Winterforce UV
- Cooper Arctic Claw XSI
- Dean Wintercat SST

Since winter is expected to last until the end of April 2010 and due to a limited selection of studdable winter tires remaining at local tire dealers, I am thinking about either sticking with the stock RT/S until next winter or get a set of four winter tires like the Firestone Winterforce UV...seems to be available locally at $883 including studding, balancing, mounting and 12% taxes (OK Tire; 1 week order). Cooper Arctic Claw XSI are also available locally at Big O for $984 (same terms as OK Tire). Four 16 inch steel rims are extra....price varies $80 to $100 per wheel.

Online Canadian dealers may be an option. The best deal that I have found is four General Altimax Arctic 245/75-16 for $664 shipped to my door (tires only; subject to availability).

Have had experience with Cooper Arctic Claw TXI (slightly different tread pattern)....studded. They have been okay on my 4x2 Mazda (bought last winter). Better than BFG All Terrain T/A KO (severe snow rated). Had to use cable chains a few times when the snow was deeper than 18 inches or glare ice.

Any recommendations would be welcome.

David

[DKaz]

Out of all those tires, I would rank the General Altimax Arctics on the top of the list for snow and ice performance. The fact it's also the best deal is a no brainer.

[davidy]

Out of all those tires, I would rank the General Altimax Arctics on the top of the list for snow and ice performance. The fact it's also the best deal is a no brainer.

FWIW, the Dean Wintercat SST were $5/tire cheaper from the same online dealer.

Additional information: 235 cm average annual snowfall (about the same as Ottawa, slightly more than Montreal). Also, each January or February, temps rise resulting in glare ice conditions. Coldest temp so far this winter was minus 37 deg Celsius.

[Trainman]

How heavy duty do they need to be?

I used Traction Kings on my Pathfinder with lots of success.  A good, studdable and tough tire but in LT size rather than P rated.  A good price too, I got mine for around $800 or so if I recall right.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,48774.0.html

http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,50916.0.html

[davidy]

How heavy duty do they need to be?

I used Traction Kings on my Pathfinder with lots of success.  A good, studdable and tough tire but in LT size rather than P rated.  A good price too, I got mine for around $800 or so if I recall right.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,48774.0.html

http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,50916.0.html

All the prices that I have received to date are for P-rated tires. Except for the 27x8.5x14 BFG All Terrain T/A KO on my Mazda (excludes winter), all my experience is with P-rated tires.

[sailor723]

I'd have to second the vote for the Generals. From what I know (and have read) they are ranked head and shoulders above at least 3 of the other 4.