I have done extensive research on the winter tires lately and it seems the argument is mostly studded vs traditional. I decided on the Nokain Hakka 8 SUV (studded) from reviews and testing and only two instances across the web of any negative comments (can be noisy but i think this was versus nonstudded and not against other studded tires, and cost $1300 for 4). I have a '99 LC (stock everyting) but want to know what size I can go with? i just bought stock tundra rims (5x150mm, 18"x8") and am hoping to put on 285/60/r18 tires. I'm worried they might rub at full turning. Thoughts?
Dedicated winter tires
- Thread starter asutherland
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Just some thoughts, since you asked! 
1) Best option is to have your tire shop fit and source the right tires to fit. Studded tires in Alaska is proabably a good thing. I've never heard anything bad about Nokian's either, but I'm a Michelin guy myself.
2) From a cost perspective, a 18" tire is a lot more expensive typically than a 16" or 17", just my $0.02 worth. So if you don't yet have your wheels, it's something to consider.
3) For your 285/60 vs 275/60 shown below, the 60 being the height of the sidewall as 60% of the width, the 285's will be a larger diameter tire (about 1/2 inch) than a 275.
Here is the size chart comparison from nokian.com
HTH's
1) Best option is to have your tire shop fit and source the right tires to fit. Studded tires in Alaska is proabably a good thing. I've never heard anything bad about Nokian's either, but I'm a Michelin guy myself.
2) From a cost perspective, a 18" tire is a lot more expensive typically than a 16" or 17", just my $0.02 worth. So if you don't yet have your wheels, it's something to consider.
3) For your 285/60 vs 275/60 shown below, the 60 being the height of the sidewall as 60% of the width, the 285's will be a larger diameter tire (about 1/2 inch) than a 275.
Here is the size chart comparison from nokian.com
HTH's
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I already got the 18" rims for the non spring weight that should, even very slightly, increase traction. Nokian only makes the Hakka 8 SUV in 265/60/r18, 275/65/r18, and 285/60/r18. According to some other posts on tires sizes, i think i can get away with it just barely. A tire size calculator here shows the size comparison from stock 275/70/r16 to 285/60/r18. Is this doable? I'm also going to be running with a full load of camping gear and rear hitch cage carrying the another set of summer tires...so the load rating of 2760 lbs over the 2600 lbs may be worth it if they don't rub.
Its getting close to 7C or 45F so my winters will be coming off soon - otherwise they wear down like erasers.
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I don't have a hundy and can't say for sure, but those numbers are very close, I wouldn't be too worried, but if you're still having doubts, have your tire shop mount them and see. If you have any aftermarket mud flaps, flares, etc, these can also decrease the volume in your wheel well.
You won't regret the Nokians
Time two on the Nokians.