Road trip through varying climates on 255/70R 18 113T M+S tire question

[grandpaq]

Hello
New subscriber question:

I am driving from Florida to Colorado next week for a month's stay. I have a 2021 Jeep Sahara Unlimited which has the above tires. My question is if I need to add snow chains while I am there.

Thoughts? I appreciate your replies.

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[aldo98229]

Welcome to the forum!

Not long ago there was a similar thread from a fellow Floridian looking to travel the states in winter and wondering about tires as well.

You will get a zillion different replies.

Like you, I own a Sahara as well: the Bridgestone Duelers that come from the factory are surprisingly capable All-Terrain (AT) tires.

However, if you want an added margin of safety, look for an AT tire with the peaks embossed on the tire wall. Most popular such ATs are BFG KO2, Goodyear Duratrac and General Grabber ATX. All of these are extremely comfortable, quiet, and capable in snow and dirt trails.

I swapped the OE Bridgestones on my Sahara with a set of 275/70R18 KO2s and venture into snow covered trails with little issue. I had good experience with General Grabber ATX as well.

Good luck.

Here’s some evidence:

 

[aldo98229]

This is the symbol you are looking for:

 

[grandpaq]

This is the symbol you are looking for:

Thanks for the thorough answer! Though I live in Miami, snow tires would be a large investment that will gather dust in the garage........

 

[timn1984]

Welcome to the forum!

Not long ago there was a similar thread from a fellow Floridian looking to travel the states in winter and wondering about tires as well.

You will get a zillion different replies.

Like you, I own a Sahara as well: the Bridgestone Duelers that come from the factory are surprisingly capable All-Terrain (AT) tires.

However, if you want an added margin of safety, look for an AT tire with the peaks embossed on the tire wall. Most popular such ATs are BFG KO2, Goodyear Duratrac and General Grabber ATX. All of these are extremely comfortable, quiet, and capable in snow and dirt trails.

I swapped the OE Bridgestones on my Sahara with a set of 275/70R18 KO2s and venture into snow covered trails with little issue. I had good experience with General Grabber ATX as well.

Good luck.

Here’s some evidence:

I second this, I also have the BFG 275/70/18 and love them.

 

[grandpaq]

I second this, I also have the BFG 275/70/18 and love them.

Thank you as well.

 

[aldo98229]

Thanks for the thorough answer! Though I live in Miami, snow tires would be a large investment that will gather dust in the garage........

These are not snow tires; they are all-terrain tires with winter capability.

You can drive these year round on all types of weather, surfaces and conditions.

KO2 and ATX are rated for 50,000 miles.

 

[grandpaq]

These are not snow tires; they are all-terrain tires with winter capability.

You can drive these year round on all types of weather, surfaces and conditions.

KO2 and ATX are rated for 50,000 miles.

I stand corrected. Thank you.

 

[Bob Burd]

I think the op just wanted to know if he should bring tire chains. The answer is no. The owner's manual p.484 says your tires (255/70R18) are NOT chainable.

 

[aldo98229]

PS - snow chain laws vary by state. For instance, vehicles are required to carry them on all three west coast states. However, they are illegal in other states. You have to check locally.

As the previous post indicates, you don’t want chains; you want cables. Chains will void your warranty.

Personally, I carry tire cables for compliance but I don’t really want to have to use them. They are a PITA to mount.

Around here, when it snows the police will let you go with (1) traction tires (which the peaks symbol denote), and (2) carrying chains —i.e., cables— inside the vehicle.

See smaller sign below. These are effective Nov. through May.

 

[Drytellsr]

I still have a set of Rubicon take-offs available

 

[grandpaq]

Know anyone who would trade my 900 mile tires for the KO2's?

 

[grandpaq]

I still have a set of Rubicon take-offs available

Take-offs?

 

[Drytellsr]

Take-offs?

Yes, Take offs are referred to perfectly good items that are taken off a jeep and replaced with something else. I had taken off the 285 KO2's all terrain tires and Rubicon Rims and replaced them with 315 KO2's and Fuel Rims when I put on a lift.

 

[aldo98229]

Know anyone who would trade my 900 mile tires for the KO2's?

You should be able to resell your Sahara tires on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

You should be able to get $50-$75 per tire relatively easily.

I traded mine in when I got a set of KO2s at Discount Tire. They gave me $50 per tire.

This is what 275/70R18 KO2s look like.

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