I just bought my first Jeep - 2008 JK Unlimited. It will be for daily use, with some light trails (gravel and dirt roads, logging trails, abandoned bush roads, etc.). There are p25570R18 Dueler A/Ts on it, but they are fairly worn, so I will need to buy new tires soon.

Since it's almost winter, I started looking for snow tires, but there doesn't seem to be much out there. I don't expect to go on trails in the winter. So my questions for the experienced members are:
- What type of winter tires do you suggest?
- I am thinking of putting the snows on these rims and getting smaller wheels for summer/trailing next spring. Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

Here's a site that may help gives a good description and reviews on many types/brands of tires
http://offroaders.com/tech/AT-MT-Tires/
Remember no tire is great on hard packed snow, but you can find some that aren't too bad. A friend had some Truxs m/t which he ran for years in all kinds of bad weather, but yu'r after a winter tire, try Goodyear/BFG/etc

 

I went to the local tire store this afternoon, and they suggested I drop to 16" steel rims, then go for a 225/75R16. I was told these would be about the same height as my current tires, but with the narrower dimensions will dig better into snow, as well as more tire varieties to choose from and cheaper. Steel wheels are less prone to salt corrosion, apparently.

I do have to head to the hills in the early morning, in whatever conditions, whether the plow has been by or not, so a good grip will make a huge difference.

 

GY Duratracs you can get anywhere or GY Territories which are only available at Canadian Tire are winter rated and can be studded. Duratracs go up to 35".. I ran them last winter and they are awesome on hardpack or icey roads. Get them studded and there is no match..

 

I had the duratracs last year, they are an awesome winter/ year round tire. Work awesome in the mud, and theres not match for them in the snow/ ice and they look aggressive, which I liked. The territories are like the cheaper version of the duratrac made just for crappy tire.

 

So are the Dura tracs the best bet for snow and ice??? Thinking about changing to a winter tire soon, as snow is in my distant future.

 

The Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs got pretty awesome reviews on all the websites I checked (lots of them!). There are two types of duratracs: C and E. The C has a softer sidewall so it's easier to deflate to do offroading, but it sounds like it can be squishy for heavy trucks or loads. For a Jeep Wrangler, which is a very light vehicle, they work great, but apparently not so good for Ford 250/350. Apparently the tire inflation makes a big difference for gas mileage and ride. I've been told to rotate them often to make them last. I have noticed that I can't go as fast with them on, and my gas mileage is down - I also almost went through the windshield the first time I used my brakes, so they are pretty good grippers! All in all, they seem like good winter tires even though I've only had mine for five days. Now the bad news...
Duratracs are extremely popular, and my dealer had to hunt to find the last four in Ontario - I compromised and took a different size than what I wanted because they are backordered already and the next production run isn't until the end of November. I'm not sure you can even find any for this year. :(

 

For a Jeep Wrangler, use the C sidewall.

 

Have had mine since last November and love them in the snow and ice..

 

Put a set of set of Goodyear territories on mine 3 weeks ago and no complaints.Been moose hunting in muddy bush roads and havent got stuck yet lol