Topic: Winter Tire Alternatives for 225/70R14

[davidy]

Stock is 225/70R14.....due to very limited selection in winter tires, I have been using a different winter tire size.

Due to sidewall bulging in all four of my 215/70R14 Nordic Wintertrac tires (treadwear is fine), I am looking to get a new set of winter studded tires. Any problems using an alternate size, 205/75R14....narrower and a bit cheaper price? The approved rim width is like 5.5 inches and 6.5 inches, respectively for 205's and 215's...is this a problem with my second set of wheels? I think that they were from a Ford Ranger....pretty rusty looking.

Thinking about the Kumho KW11 for around $80-$86 per tire from a local tire dealer.

Dave

[smainville]

The 205-75-14 has the same diameter give or take, therefore you should be ok.  I will be doing the same thing, going from 215-65-16 to 215-70-15.

[davidy]

The 205-75-14 has the same diameter give or take, therefore you should be ok.  I will be doing the same thing, going from 215-65-16 to 215-70-15.

I know that both sizes are within the 3% range of stock. Since I think that the wheel width is 6 inches, I am wondering if this poses a problem for the narrower 205 tire?

Dave

[morty]

215/70/14 or 205/75/14 should be fine, just watch the load index to be sure the tires can carry enough weight. You dont really have any choice. I dont think there is anyone making a 225/70/14 winter any longer. Better to go one size smaller than crash...

[davidy]

Thanks for the replies.

Just wondering how a set of four new Kumho KW11's (studded) compares with a set of new BFG All Terrain KO's (not studdable)  in winter driving conditions especially during ice braking? Both are severe snow rated.

My Goodyears Wrangler AT/S (all terrains) will be six years old in Dec 2005....treadwear has been okay after ~45,000-50,000km. Noticed that the tires slip more than ever. I haven't been driving a lot in the past several years....only 10,000km in 2004. Last year, I was using a set of three year old Nordic Wintertracs...but they need replacement this winter since they all have bulging sidewalls. I had found the Wintertracs a decent winter tire (severe snow rated), but quite poor in ice braking conditions (not studded)....my RWD truck is always loaded with 7-8 sandbags each winter.

I expect that the studded KW11's should outperform the unstudded KO's during wintery conditions especially in ice braking conditions. Is the difference significant enough that I should only consider the KW11's...there is a moderately steep 2 lane paved road that I will be driving down/up each day on my way to/from work which has been me worried....I live in a snow belt with icy conditions lasting at least several weeks each winter? The KO's would allow me to use one tire all year....just add sandbags in the winter. I am hoping that the KO's should be much better than the AT/S in wintery conditions....AT/S are poor winter performers IMO...but their useful life nearing the end.

If I buy the KW11's, I will have to replace my AT/S within the next year or two.....very pricey option at around $1000-$1200 or so....quite a bit for a soon to be 10 year old truck. Or get two birds with one stone (KO's replaces the Wintertracs and AT/S) for like $700-$800? I will be buying a house very soon....so $$$ will be tight....but safety rules.

Comments?

Dave

[morty]

Unless you are driving in compact ice and snow conditions through the whole winter, dont recommend running them. The KW11's are exceptional tires without and you will spend a good portion of the winter driving on bare or wet pavement (assumption). Studs actually decrease braking capability in dry and wet conditions. So, seriously reconsider the stud option. Oh, it is also hard on the roads.

The KO is rated for winter conditions. However, still do not find them to be as good as a true winter tire. KW11 will run circles in ice and snow conditions. If you are looking to run only one set and are willing to sacrifice some winter capability then the KO would be a good compromise. Otherwise the KW11 and its ice compound are a proven winter performer.

[davidy]

Thanks for the reply, Mort. Your reply confirms what I had suspected for the performance between the KO and KW11.

Dave

[davidy]

Ordered a set of four BFG AT KO's at Costco. A $40 off coupon for BFG tires was a nice bonus. Free lifetime rotation was nice too. My six year old Goodyear Wrangler AT/S were getting a bit too old for my liking. If the KO's winter performance isn't up to my expectations, I will then definately consider a set of true winter tires....got a set of wheels already waiting to be used.

Dave