Looking for Winter Tire Suggestions...
12-22-2007, 09:22 AM
#51
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I gotta get some pics on the week-end, but wanted to post my opinion of the Toyo M-55s sooner rather than later...
First off, these are the US model (made in Japan) Toyo M-55s in an LT285/75R16 size, mounted on American Racing Mojave Teflon 16x8 wheels. The tires are pined for studs - the Canadian M-55s are not. I bought a heated knife on eBay and cut 6 sipes per inner lug.
Coming out of a side road, I had to punch the gas a bit to cross the main road quickly -- the ground was wet and slushy. The M-55s cut through like there was nothing there and the tires squawked as they grabbed pavement. I also did some country roads that were caked with snow. The M-55s cleaned out really well and traction was excellent. On dry roads and highway, the M-55s also handle better than the Toyo M/Ts. Coming to a stop, you don't get the sound/feel of the lugs like the M/Ts. I also had the tires studded with #15 studs. From inside the Jeep, you can't hear 'em. A pedestrian might notice a click-click sound when coming to a stop, but you can't hear it from inside.
The _only_ drawback I can find is the highway noise. They're noisier than the Toyo M/Ts. It's kinda like the tire whine from an 18 wheeler. It's not unpleasant, and in fact, I kinda liked it after a while. It makes you feel like you're a freight train going down the highway or something. :-) Although after a while you get used to it, and don't notice it anymore.
The reasons for picking this tire were all about handling, and less about noise and price. The M-55s certainly met and exceeded my expectations. If you're looking for a tough 10-ply off-road tire for winter, I definately recommend the Toyo M-55s (the US model, not the Canadian one).
First off, these are the US model (made in Japan) Toyo M-55s in an LT285/75R16 size, mounted on American Racing Mojave Teflon 16x8 wheels. The tires are pined for studs - the Canadian M-55s are not. I bought a heated knife on eBay and cut 6 sipes per inner lug.
Coming out of a side road, I had to punch the gas a bit to cross the main road quickly -- the ground was wet and slushy. The M-55s cut through like there was nothing there and the tires squawked as they grabbed pavement. I also did some country roads that were caked with snow. The M-55s cleaned out really well and traction was excellent. On dry roads and highway, the M-55s also handle better than the Toyo M/Ts. Coming to a stop, you don't get the sound/feel of the lugs like the M/Ts. I also had the tires studded with #15 studs. From inside the Jeep, you can't hear 'em. A pedestrian might notice a click-click sound when coming to a stop, but you can't hear it from inside.
The _only_ drawback I can find is the highway noise. They're noisier than the Toyo M/Ts. It's kinda like the tire whine from an 18 wheeler. It's not unpleasant, and in fact, I kinda liked it after a while. It makes you feel like you're a freight train going down the highway or something. :-) Although after a while you get used to it, and don't notice it anymore.
The reasons for picking this tire were all about handling, and less about noise and price. The M-55s certainly met and exceeded my expectations. If you're looking for a tough 10-ply off-road tire for winter, I definately recommend the Toyo M-55s (the US model, not the Canadian one).
js.
12-22-2007, 10:42 AM
#52
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12-22-2007, 11:24 AM
#53
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BTW, I found them a little soft at 32-33 PSI (shown here), so I'm up at 35 PSI now. They'll probably settle at 34 when the temp drops a little more.
js.