Need opinion: Trading-in Dunlop GrandTreks for either hwy / dedicated winter / AT set

I'm trading in my stock Dunlops at Discount Tire and looking at these options:

1) Blizzaks for this winter, and get Duratracs in the spring

2) Get hwy tires this winter (Michelin Defender LTX M/S) and get Duratracs in the spring

3) Goodyear Duratracs and get the Blizzaks / hwy tires in a year or 2

Can you please let me know your experience with Blizzaks or Duratracs? Is there another set that you would recommend?

Additional info:
- We get snow 5 months/yr
- A bit concerned about using A/T tires for mostly hwy driving
- Aside from playing in the snow, the 4R gets offroad when camping and shooting clay
- I have an extra set of Trail rims
- I'm open to other A/T tire options

 

I've had good experience with Blizzaks on cars, I've never run them on anything larger though. I know they don't like warmer temps, we usually pull them off if its gonna be 45* or higher for a while, they are a really soft tire. I think the best option for a studless winter tire, but usually expensive.

 

We have Duratracs on a 4R Trail and have had no problems with snow, quite deep at times, and travel on the 4 lanes at 60-70 mph in snow deep enough to need 4x4. Great tires as far as I'm concerned, and I'm ordering a 5th one for our spare next spring. - Ted

 

I think the Falken Wildpeake AT3W's are less expensive and superior to the Duratracs, I've run both. No experience with the Blizzacks.

 

Yeah, not very cost-effective. I've read they only last about 12-15K miles and are $141/tire.

 

Wow, that's good hwy manners. I need that. I'm just worried after reading a number of posts saying Duratracs are quiet when new but get really noisy overtime.

 

I can go this route too for an AT tire. I'm updating my post to include a 3rd option...get the top-rated hwy tire this winter, Michelin Defender LTX M/S, then get a set of A/T sometime next year

 

Decided to get the highest rated hwy tires for winter driving, and will be comparing A/T tires like Falken Wildpeak A/T3W and Goodyear Duratrac in the Spring.

 

ON my GM truck I had firestone A/T tires . vehicle came with them new then 90K miles later I got the same tires 11yrs 70K miles. replaced because of age.

I then installed the mich M/S tires. what I found was a better ride and good traction in the snow. an example ... driveway has a slight uphill grade with the A/T firestones in 2wd they would slip. the mich LTX M/S tires no slip. we shall see how long they last or I may mean how long this GM truck lasts going on 17 yrs old now.

my 2016 T4R has the dunlop A/T tires ride is a bit soft , traction appears good but my guess the MICH LTX tires would get better MPG / less rolling resistance..

 

Yeah, I'm still getting used to the Michelins but I think they are more sure-footed. I think I need to upgrade to atleast Bilstein 5100s next.

 

on my other GM vehicles all have the bilsteins. long lasting and good ride/control. also I have the lifetime warranty which I did use after about 10 yrs of use and they still had some shock power but not as much as the new shocks . probably this caused the tires to last as long as they did.

I also may change out the toyota shocks for the 5100's... good that they are adjustable . A 1 inch lift with the front springs settling down is a nice feature...