Best Pizza cutter set up

I need the best snow tires possible. Skinny is good. I'm currently running 285/70R17 on my 2019 4Runner TRD Pro, but need a skinny tire for this damn snow and ice I have to deal with every day on steep, mountainous terrain.

 

https://www.discounttire.com/fitmentresult/tires/size/255-80-17
I believe some posters here run 255/80/17s and like them. 33” diameter, but narrower.

 

I think you need to look at a dedicated snow tire- regardless of width. Quick google search turned up most of the usuals. Michelin X-Ice, Bridgestone Blizzaks and Nokian Hakkapeliitta.

 

I always ran Bridgestone Blizzaks in a 245/60/R20 on my 2011 Limited when we lived in Colorado. I absolutely swear by them. In fact, I've never run anything other than Blizzaks. I also bought a dedicated set of steel wheels so I could change them out at will. Dry pavement will eat them up quickly. I'd usually do the swap starting on Halloween or first couple weeks in November, then they would be off by at the latest first week of May. I could usually get at a minimum 3 winters out of them. Currently $165/ea. for 245/70/R17 at Discount Tire. Not bad.

 

I have studded Nokian Hahhapeliitta 10's on the 4Runner and it's a beast on all winter roads. My third set of studded Hakka's, they perform very well on snow/ice but they're loud on dry pavement.
Stock tire size (265/70R17) which is kinda pizza-cutter I guess

 

255/75/17. Currently on DuraTrac's which do very well in snow even though they are not dedicated snow tires and the impact on MPG is minimal. They do get noisier as they age however.

 

Not quite pizza cutters, but stock size 265/70/17 Blizzak DM-V2 are what I'm using as my winter set, and although the 265 section width of the tire overall measures out to 10.7”, the tread width is only 8.5” which I feel is plenty narrow given the weight of the 4Runner.

They’re also relatively affordable at $200 per tire right now at both TireRack and Costco (install included at Costco which makes for a great deal).

 

You can't go wrong with Hakkapeliittas or Blizzaks. The Michelin X-ice seems to be a top contender, as well. I might just compare pricing between these 3 and go for the best price.

I've never used winter tires on a 4Runner. But, I have used Hakkapeliittas on a Scion TC, and it was a beast with those tires. They'll probably always be my first choice, if price isn't a factor.

 

Very true. Duratrac LT tires are also studdeble if serious traction on ice needed. I haven't tried studs though. Here in Denver CO temperatures fluctuate alot in winter so I don't like to have dedicated winter tires.
On a side note, in winter trail runs I don't remember anyone using skinny tires. Every one seems to be using wider tires. (Just an observation, not advise)

 

Here is a tire size comparison chart. It might help you to decide which size best suits you, and get you the closest so you can minimize speedometer error. . Good luck and safe driving in the snow and ice.

 

I too believe in narrow, dedicated winter tires. I run 255/70-17 Blizzak DM-V2's on my T4R. Just a bit narrower than stock, but I find them to be a great compromise.

 

Just a reminder, that chart is only a guide. Pay attention to specs for each make and model.

 

Isn't that quite a small tire for the 4Runner? I bet you must be keeping higher speed per speedo to compensate it on highway.

 

Yes. And on dedicated wheels. I've seen too many beads ripped from mounting and dismounting numerous times. And it's really nice to be able to change them out at will.

 

The 255/70 is a bit narrower BUT a little bit TALLER than the stock tires.

 

Remember, these are a very soft rubber compound, and they are only on the vehicle for a limited amount of time. If you find you're running on freeways at high speed, it's time to reconsider your choice in winter tires. I believe the size difference and the speedometer error is an easy compromise when I consider the traction and safety of a proper winter tire.

 

They're within spitting distance of each other. You really need to look up the exact specs of each tire too. A given tire size from different manufacturers will not always have the same dimensions. Tire Rack is a pretty good resource for looking this stuff up.

 

Stock tires are 265/70/17. A 255/70/17 will be 1.4 CM shorter, if you go by the numbers. Actual sizes will vary slightly.

 

After driving for forty-five years in Colorado a narrower tire will definitely help with winter driving on snow and ice. A 245/75-17 is almost exactly the same diameter but almost 1" narrower than the stock 265/70-17 and you can get this size in a Bridgestone Blizzak LT Tire Search Results (tirerack.com)

 

Nice. Got lots of friends in Durango. Did all my winter driving growing up and living in Steamboat Springs until 2014. Did lots of laps on Bridgestone's ice driving course over the years and saw firsthand the amazing handling characteristics of Blizzaks on ice and hard-packed snow. Those were some fun days!

 

Yes, I commuted to Dolores and back everyday in rear wheel drive 1970s BMW 2002s with four studded snow tires for years and the only thing that would stop me was when the snow got too deep I even commuted from Durango to Montrose over Red Mountain Pass every week one winter with a 1973 BMW 2002 tii with four studded snow tires and always made it there and back without getting stuck or any accidents - a couple of close calls though

When my twin brother, who also had a BMW 2002, lived at Copper Mountain back in the 1980s we used to go do the winter driving gymkhana on frozen Georgetown Lake - helped a lot to have a 50# toolbox in the trunk too Good times!

 

Always wanted to do that.

 

According to Tire Rack, the stock Dunlops are 31.7" in diameter. My Blizzaks are 31.1" in diameter. So yes, a negligible difference.

 

so, a difference of approximately 14mm?
Actually closer to 15mm, but close enough.

Yeah, definitely nothing worth worrying about.

I was responding to someone who said that a 255/70/17 would be taller than stock, which is incorrect.

 

I don't run the Blizzaks for long. Generally speaking, just late December through early March. Because of that, I'm a bit "different" on what tires I run and when. I actually have three complete sets of wheels and tires for each of my vehicles and my son's car. Blizzaks for the snow. Nice, fat 20's for the summer and OE all seasons for in between. Yea, my basement looks like a tire store.

 

I'm jealous! 3 sets would be my ideal. A set of winters, a set of mild mannered AT's, and a set of MT's just for off-roading trips.