Should I wait until after winter to go from 33's to 35's?

Currently I'm running Falken AT3W 275/70R18 tires on my stock steelies.

Over the course of the next week or two she's getting an ARB bumper and a 2.5" lift thanks to OME 613's and Toytec shackles. I was really hoping to upgrade to 17" wheels (undecided which ones) and 35" Falkens soon after.

Now I'm starting to realize that winter is coming, and I've heard that narrow tires are better for snow and ice, since they dig in better.

So I'm curious, have you guys noticed any difference in traction between 33's and 35's of the same tire in winter?

I'm really itching to get these on my truck, but the last thing I want to do is slam new tires and Evo Corse wheels into a curb thanks to some ice, 2 months after putting them on.

 

Depends on the snow type / quantity.

all of the Falken’s will have the 3 peak snowflake symbol which will be pretty solid for you. 33x11.5 (I’m assuming) to a 35x12.5 (I’m assuming) won’t be that much of a difference in the snow for you.

If you’re running 40s at 14-15” wide you’re gonna feel some float. That’s a lot of rubber.

 

Why even go 35s if your afraid of getting your wheels scratched up. That’s what is going to happen if you go off roading

 

haha, true that. It's hard to say here in NW Montana. Some years we get 6+ feet of snow, some years (like last winter) we get less than a foot and a ton of rain.

I just know it's going to drive my OCD nuts having a winch bumper, armor all around, and a 3 inch lift... with stock steel wheels. But we'll see. Maybe it will look fine!

 

I'm not afraid of scratching my wheels I'm afraid of hitting a curb on the highway going 60, trying to keep up with everyone else going 75 on a layer of ice

 

Just drive the way you’re supposed to and you’ll be alright. And don’t drive when you shouldn’t.

If anything, the 35’s and lift should give you a little more clearance from getting anything plowed up under there in the thick stuff.

 

Always. Been driving for 18-ish years with no accidents. However I've only been driving full size trucks and big tires for the last few years.

I think your first point was correct, going from 33-35 isn't really going to make much difference. Especially with an extra 200+ lbs in the front due to the winch bumper. It will probably dig in more than I'm used to, which could be a good or bad thing depending on the situation.

And the Falkens the last two winters have been incredible. I had BFG KO1's before and these were much better in the snow. I am curious how the KO2's would do. So at the moment I'm torn between Falkens and BFG's. Although the BFG's appear to be out of stock everywhere at the moment!

 

They’re equal for snow performance. My wife has the falkens on her 4R and I’ve got the KO2s on my tundra. Falkens are heavier by a couple of lbs per tire than every other AT in the size group but they’ve been great in the snow. More noticeable on the 4R with the v6. The 5.7 probably won’t feel it as bad. Either way both are good snow tires.

Disclaimer: I haven’t had the notorious balancing issue with my KO2s that some have reported. Ymmv

 

Yeah when I got my 33's the lady at Walmart almost threw her back out because she wasn't expecting them to be so heavy lol.

I just noticed your user name, how appropriate! My family used to vacation in Northern NY and I love that area. If I ever need to move back East to be closer to family, it would likely be there. In the meantime, I'm staying as far away from the East coast as possible!

 

I live in CO. I see more snow that most. I have had multiple sets of BFGs and I can tell you they are average at best in the snow and they hydroplane quite easily.
I am thoroughly convinced they are the most overrated AT tire out there.
They do wear and last quite a while if rotated, however.

I’ll be buying the Toyo AT3 in the next month or so and I hope they perform better.

 

Noted. What have you found to be best?

 

I have NO idea! I keep foolishly buying the BFGs. But, I’m wising up. The amount of weight it takes to balance, the constant vibrations, the mediocre snow performance and the wet traction is consistent amongst all the sets I’ve had.
Again, they wear well and they are durable. I’ve never had a flat with them.

After hours and hours of research I am going Toyo AT3. I looked at Coopers, Nitto and Falken and I believe the Toyo is the best fit for me.

Whatever you do, good luck and I hope you have a good experience and of course this is only my experience. Others love their BFG.