As I stated above, I've got an '08 Screw Lariat w/ 20" Pirelli Scorpions that just aren't cutting it in the snow up here in Ottawa, Canada. My preferred garage is recommending a 17" steel rim/tire combination. I am way out of my league when considering rim/tire, minus sizes, plus sizes, etc, etc....
I am on the road every day, no matter the weather, for work. Basically, I am looking for advice re: rim/snow tire combinations vs. snow tire only on my 20 inchers.
Thanks in advance for your time,
Hutch

 

I would look into an 18" wheel with some BFG All Terrain tires.

 

rim size don't really mean that much, yes there are heavier and personally i think you can break loose a 20 easier than a 15 inch rim, but i think that's all in my head. i would just keep your 20's and get a nice tire for it. bfgoodrich makes the 285/55/20 awesome tire, pricey but you'll get 50k outta it, also bridgestone makes a 275/55/20 now too. i've had the stock pirellis on in the winter, and i was scared to drive my truck.

 

If you not looking to purchase an entire new set of wheels and tires, I would recommend putting some good all terrain tires on your current wheels.

 

The most impact you can make with a truck is to put some weight in the box. Two 70# bags of tube sand and they are no longer scary to drive on. Try that first, it is a lot cheaper experiment than new tires and rims.

The second most impact will be a good tire at any size. If you want to stick with a P tire go with the Fortera or the Cross Terrain. If you want a LT then there is the BFG AT.

Third is to go with a narrow tire. You just don't gain much with an 18" rim, better to go with the 17" because of the tires and sizes available at less cost.

I have the 20" Pirellis and they do OK once I got some sand back there. There are two things important in evaluating a tire in slush and snow. First is the tire's ability to keep traction and not break loose, and the second is it's ability to recover and regain traction.

Though the Pirellis may be average in their ability to maintain traction, they are above average in their ability to regain traction, and they get even better with more weight on them.

 

I got a set of 20" take offs w/ Perrelli OEM's from ebay. Added 900 lbs to the bed and I'm going to get either the back two or all four studded for $25 each tire.

 

Did you intend to say 900 lbs? What is your choice of weights?

 

Yep 900 lbs when needed. I have 5.25" round steel billets 8" long, each weighs 50 lbs, total of 18. There not to bad to handle, I just have to wear gloves. I have a weight box that holds the billets stacked two high. The weight box is closest to the cab.