New Snow Tires and Winter Wheels

[scottdm]

I'm a bit late this winter, but finally got my new wheels and snow tires installed. I started out trying to find a used set of OEM 20" wheels for the Limited to match my set of summer wheels, but most online wheel places weren't able to put a full set of 4 together since availability is tough due to the Expedition being so new. I also ran into the issue on the rear with the axle bolt sticking out so far as several others have mentioned. I wasn't willing to cut them off, which basically meant I couldn't use any F150 wheels and still fit the rear center caps on. I finally found a set of 2018 Expedition wheels that are the optional 20" six spoke alloys for the XLT. I ended up having them plated with PVD Black chrome and got black lug nuts and ordered black center caps that come on the 2019 Stealth Edition. Tires are Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV in 275/55/20. I've had several sets of Nokian Hakkapeliitta's over the years and have been pleased with the traction and treadwear. I'm looking forward to testing them out in the snow!

 

[Plati]

Now that you have the new snows …. next week it will warm up and never snow again

 

[scottdm]

Now that you have the new snows …. next week it will warm up and never snow again

Of course! I could live with that! We got 5" or so over the weekend and supposed to be below zero tonight, so I'm sure I'll find some icy spots on my commute.

 

[rs4-380]

Look great

 

[edizzle]

That is for sure a nice winter setup

 

[limitedex]

I ran Goodyear Duratrac's when I lived in PA. Traveled all over the states without issue and five seasons of lake effect snow. Funniest thing I remember was hearing studded tires going by in the middle of summer.

 

[scottdm]

Yeah, studded snow tires are only legal in PA from November 15th - April 15th each year. Sounds like some people must not get caught with them on past the April 15th deadline. I used to run studs, but they are so noisy and don't stop well on wet pavement. The newer studless tires seem to do a good job and have some type of abrasive material in the tread compound to improve grip on ice without studs.

 

[Adieu]

Center caps are overrated.

Shoot the axle tips with a squirt of plastidip or bedliner if you're afraid of corrosion and mount all the F150 wheels your heart desires

 

[scottdm]

Center caps are overrated.

Shoot the axle tips with a squirt of plastidip or bedliner if you're afraid of corrosion and mount all the F150 wheels your heart desires

All personal preference. I preferred the finished look of center caps. Glad the plastidip was a good solution for you.

 

[Plati]

Center caps are overrated.

Shoot the axle tips with a squirt of plastidip or bedliner if you're afraid of corrosion and mount all the F150 wheels your heart desires

Or … you could take a big steaming dog poopie and squish it on there.
Just adding another idea.

 

[NyackRob79]

Are those floor mats for your tires?

Now now, someone sure likes to baby their truck!

 

[Plati]

Are those floor mats for your tires?

Now now, someone sure likes to baby their truck!

Those are wireless charging mats for the battery, trickle charger

 

[8131full]

Those are wireless charging mats for the battery, trickle charger

New style F1 Tire Warmers. Keeps the air inside the tire hot.

 

[scottdm]

Are those floor mats for your tires?

Now now, someone sure likes to baby their truck!

For some reason the chemicals in the tires discolor my epoxy floor, so I found some vinyl diamond plate material at Lowes to park on. Anyone else with an epoxy floor have a similar issue?

 

[zarga]

OK, just want y'all to know I never gave a second thought about winter tires until I started hanging out here. Last week I decided to buy a winter setup. It shipped, but was delayed due to the Polar Vortex. Then delivery to my home was delayed yesterday due to snow in Seattle (oh, the irony). Today, my wonderful UPS driver got stuck in the process of delivering them to me, but they're here and my superman husband put them on. I'm so happy.

 

[scottdm]

OK, just want y'all to know I never gave a second thought about winter tires until I started hanging out here. Last week I decided to buy a winter setup. It shipped, but was delayed due to the Polar Vortex. Then delivery to my home was delayed yesterday due to snow in Seattle (oh, the irony). Today, my wonderful UPS driver got stuck in the process of delivering them to me, but they're here and my superman husband put them on. I'm so happy.

View attachment 28668

Looking good! What kind of snow tires did you choose? Did you end up getting a second set of tire pressure sensors as well?

 

[zarga]

Looking good! What kind of snow tires did you choose? Did you end up getting a second set of tire pressure sensors as well?

275/55R-20 Blizzaks and yes, I just got a second set of sensors.

 

[edizzle]

well..........what do you think? can you tell a difference? do they have more gription?

 

[zarga]

well..........what do you think? can you tell a difference? do they have more gription?

Oh wow! This is great. Snowmageddon hit Seattle and we are getting around with no problems. We fetched salt and sand for our neighbors this morning. Seven inches is really unusual for Seattle.

 

[Plati]

Reminds me of January 1998 in Rochester NY.
Just bought new snowmobile, got 4 feet of snow next day !!!

The Big Daddy storm was 1966 though