18’’ or 20’’ for winter?

[crazycruizer]

I decided to buy a set of winter tires given that I’ll be driving all winter on icy/snowy roads, and wanted to get some peace of mind. I own a LCLC which comes with 20in wheels, and am considering Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw vs Bridgestone Blizzak plus few others, though options are limited in that rim size, so I’m exploring the 18in too. Since this is my first truck, would you recommend 18in or 20in for winter? Any other suggestions for other winter tires? Thanks for your advice!

 

[AreJay]

I'm in the same boat with 20" wheels. I just ordered Michelin X-ice 255/70R18XL with 18" Toyota OEM steel wheels, I think they are from the Tundra. May not be the best look, but will do fine to get me through the winter.

 

[NoMe cruiser]

18” vs 20” isn’t going to make any difference on winter roads imho. What I did was purchase a set of 18” rims from an FE because I like the style and I’m gonna fit those with dedicated winter tires, solely because the 20’s have all seasons from the factory. This way with 2 sets of rims and tires I don’t need to peel them off and put others on at the end of winter. Dedicated winter tires are made of a softer compound and wear quickly in warm weather. In the spring I don’t have to make an appointment and get charged $100 to swap out. Same again next winter. The two tires you mentioned are great winter tires. I go with blizzaks DM-V2, but the other one I would be interested in would be Michelin ice-x. Also I try to get the narrowest tires (255) available. Narrow tires are superior to wide in 90% of situations especially snow.

 

[crazycruizer]

18” vs 20” isn’t going to make any difference on winter roads imho. What I did was purchase a set of 18” rims from an FE because I like the style and I’m gonna fit those with dedicated winter tires, solely because the 20’s have all seasons from the factory. This way with 2 sets of rims and tires I don’t need to peel them off and put others on at the end of winter. Dedicated winter tires are made of a softer compound and wear quickly in warm weather. In the spring I don’t have to make an appointment and get charged $100 to swap out. Same again next winter. The two tires you mentioned are great winter tires. I go with blizzaks DM-V2, but the other one I would be interested in would be Michelin ice-x. Also I try to get the narrowest tires (255) available. Narrow tires are superior to wide in 90% of situations especially snow.

Good point about the narrower tire. So you’re actually planning to swap the tires yourself? I was thinking about it but not sure if alignment or other work is needed - I’m not a tire expert

 

[rjmh]

I am putting blizzaks DM-V2 on mine of red winter as well. Somewhat ironically X-ice on another car. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the top tier brands. I have also been very happy with continentals on a number of cars and have nokian studs on our van. I went with studs on the van because its heavy and sees a lot of compacted snow and ice and not a lot of bare highway.

If it was me in northern New York with mixed driving, Blizzaks on 18"s would be my choice - lots of sipes for the ice.

 

[NoMe cruiser]

Good point about the narrower tire. So you’re actually planning to swap the tires yourself? I was thinking about it but not sure if alignment or other work is needed - I’m not a tire expert

Tire shop mounts them on the rims and balances them. It doesn’t affect alignment. If I hurry up I can swap in under an hour. I make sure I double check lug nuts. Been doing it for 20+ years.

 

[crazycruizer]

Tire shop mounts them on the rims and balances them. It doesn’t affect alignment. If I hurry up I can swap in under an hour. I make sure I double check lug nuts. Been doing it for 20+ years.

Thanks. Yeah I replaced flat tires countless times but not very familiar with checking lug nuts etc. If you have any resources / how tos etc for newbies, would be much appreciated. This LC will stay with me for a while so I’d better learn lol. With great power comes great responsibility right

 

[Don]

If buying wheels do 17". Less than 20" is better for pot holes.

The only reason Toyota is putting 20" wheels is for look some people like. Smaller rims use tires that air down better. Until brakes got bigger a LC type vehicle had 15" wheels.

 

[crazycruizer]

If buying wheels do 17". Less than 20" is better for pot holes.

The only reason Toyota is putting 20" wheels is for look some people like. Smaller rims use tires that air down better. Until brakes got bigger a LC type vehicle had 15" wheels.

Agree, 20in these days seem to be the default for this trim. Definitely going to go smaller

 

[APIOQM]

I'm in the same boat with 20" wheels. I just ordered Michelin X-ice 255/70R18XL with 18" Toyota OEM steel wheels, I think they are from the Tundra. May not be the best look, but will do fine to get me through the winter.

Do you have a part number for the rims you ordered?

 

[toyotadude]

On my Landcruiser w Premium package w 20’s I just picked up 4 alloy 18’s wheels off a 1958 on EBay. Mounting Nokian R5 SUV snow and ice tires 255/70 18 XL’s. They get exceptional reviews, definitely another great option