Who on here uses winter tires?

If so, did you get a set of steel rims? I'm looking to get some winter tires but don't want to use my stockers for the winter tire. Any suggestions?

 

I'm cheap so I run XLT 17" stock aluminum rims for my 10 ply Michelin's for most of the year. I picked up a set of aluminum wheels off CL for $100 to mount my snow tires on. I opted to run the General Altimax studded tires in a 265/70-17 10 ply. I tow a 6000# trailer in the winter so the studs and dedicated snow tires make it pretty nice. I like having the separate rims so I can mount up the tires when I need them and take them off when I don't.

 

Bridgestone Blizzaks. Buy them, love them. They are the best winter tire in my opinion. I have also heard very good things about the green diamond tire. As far as rim, I would just look into getting a set of oem takeoffs from another stx. You would be amazed how many people just dump their oem rims for close to nothing once they get aftermarket rims. Craigslist, ebay, etc etc.

 

I just picked up a set of stock 20's for my dad's Lariat. $380 for snow rims.

 

My '09 still has the 6 bolt pattern, so I picked up a set of Lariat 18" wheels from an '04 for $200 - my stock 20's have never seen snow/salt.

While not a winter tire, I had a set of Cooper LTZ's left from when I traded my '08 and use them as my winter tires. I will agree with Gerard155 though - Blizzaks are fantastic as we use them on our cars. Once my Coopers wear out I'll be using Blizzaks on the truck also.

 

For all of you. Don't forget the TPMS sensors. Either that or live with the light and or bells. Best bet is to get a second set and retrain the system to the new sensors and back in the spring.

 

Good reminder kingfish - I did get a nice set of sensors/stems on ebay and the training remote - just had to fish through my junk drawer to find my remote!

Edit to add: I must have jinked myself - I just installed my winter setup today and one of my TPMS sensors won't take to the computer - had to order one from Tasca.......

 

I keep an eye on my tires daily. I run the older rims and haven't had TPMS sensors in the rims for 3 years. I simply press the "Reset" button when I fire it up. Last I checked, the sensors for my '08 were $500. I can poke the button for that. The stock 18's with the sensors will go back on at trade-in time.

 

Reminder here..... 04 - 08 FX4 OEM wheels will not fit the new generation trucks. All other wheels will fit over the calipers, and bolt on no problem. Even older 17's fit. Only the old style FX4 18's do not. Also, the tpms changed in 2009, so the 08 and older wheels will require new style tpms sensors for your 09 and up trucks.

I run 2010 XLT 17's on my '10 FX4 for the winter with 285/70/17 Bridgestone Blizzak DMV1

 

If you are paying $500 for sensors, you are going to the wrong place to get them. You can get sensors for around $150 for all 4.

 

Yea I definitely can't go the winter without having TPMS. But I've never heard of the training remote to do it yourself. What is that? Can you post a link?

 

I was quoted $125/each for the sensors. Maybe that is for the 2008 model only, but I don't know as I don't worry about them.

 

There are aftermarket sensors that are the type that are stem mounted that can be used on the 07/08. The stem mounted for the 09 are what I bought from Tasca, which included the valve stems for under $150.

 

JM, your 2010 does not requite any tools to train the truck for new winter wheels with their own sensors. Read your owners manual, or watch this.....

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMkSfgyCCDI

 

I recently purchased a used 2007 F150 King Ranch. The previous owner replaced the factory 20 inch rims (275/55/20) with factory 18 rims (275/65/18). I just ordered in a set of Cooper Discoverer M&S Winter rated tires with the Snowflake/ mountain symbol from my local small town mechanic for $222.00 / tire installed & balanced + taxes & Eco fees. I have never installed winter tires before, but since I have both sets of rims I am planning on using the 20's in the summer, if I can find some decent prices for 20 inch rubber. It is alarming to find that some online tire sites (US) are listing 20 inch rubber for this truck for under $100.00, & 20 inch rubber is cheaper than the 18's.