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