I'm looking into Wildpeak AT4W to replace my Wrangler Adventure OEM tires. I'm concerned about improving off-road durability and snow traction.

From what I'm seeing (Tyre Reviews YouTube channel), the XL load rated version might be more capable in the snow than the LT version. On the other hand, I tow and also do some driving through rocky terrain, so that pushes me towards the 8-ply LT version.

It seems like I can't have it both ways: better snow performance and more durability. I do care about the durability because I've busted a Wrangler Adventure right in the middle of the tread while descending over rocks. Those aren't tough enough.

Are the XL Wildpeaks going to be a lot tougher than the Wranglers? It seems they're both 4 ply.

Will the AT4Ws in the LT version still be better than the OEM tires in the snow?

Perhaps there's an even better tire someone has found? I'm on 20 inch rims with stock air suspension. Thanks for any help you can provide to navigate this decision!

 

I've not run Falken tires but all things being equal in terms of tread pattern and tire size, an XL P metric tire will do better than an LT tire in the snow. The rubber compound is usually much harder in an LT tire and therefore will be less grippy on snow/ice.

To keep the trend going, snow tires have a softer rubber compound. Much softer than a regular P metric XL tire which is softer than an LT tire.
The trade off of course is tread toughness and tread rigidity, both desirable in an off-road setting where you want something to bite into the substrate.

You can't have your cake and eat it unless you elect to run two tires with a seasonal swap.

Perhaps Falken use the same compound on all. That would be something to find out to assist in decision making.

I'd favor the E-rated 265/60 R20s rather than than the XL 275/55 R20

Stronger sidewall and more of it. I'd take the trade off in snow performance.

 

Go with the XL version on the Defender, much better than the LT

 

My LT version is reasonable in deep snow, scary on ice, wears like iron… and the sidewalls don’t seem to be overly stiff to the point where I would definitely not want any less on the 20” wheel. While running 45/48psi on a rocky trail the other guys commented that it looked like I had air down already as it was getting good flex.

Only solution to icy roads is a winter tire imo. All seasons and ‘3PMS’ are a complete joke in comparison. That said if you only have a minimal amount of winter with rather mild temps in your area I can see why it would be worth pushing it and going really slow and careful with a 3PMS tire for way lower cost.

 

The Falkens did poorly in this test compared to BFG KO3 and a Firestone tire.


They did much better on dry dirt, though.


If snow is your primary consideration you may want to see if the BFG or Firestone is available in the size you need.

 

That really confirms what I suspected. I had KO2s on a jeep previously and thought they were better in the snow but that was a completely different vehicle so I didn’t want to throw out that comparison. I feel like the advanced traction control systems of the Defender probably hide some of the poor tire performance too. If the KO3 had been available I would have gone that way.

All of that said I would 80% NOT recommend the Wildpeaks at this point and if I could try the BFGs and confirm I bet that goes to 100%.

 

I’m running the older Wildpeak AT3W on my Defender and I’ve been super impressed with them. On-road they have great dry and wet grip and a reasonably quiet at highways speeds. Not quiet, but not so loud to the point where you go crazy. Off-road they have been excellent in mud, gravel and dirt. I think they were good in the snow, but where I live it doesn’t snow like in the mountains. I get usually 6” of snow at the most and they were perfectly adequate. Better than an all-season, but nowhere near a proper winter tire. I’d happily upgrade to the AT4, but I think for my next tire I’m going to go for the KO3 just to try it out.

 

Isn't it just the tread that has a tougher construction, and both tires have the same 3-ply Duraspec sidewall?

 

Can you explain why you feel that way?

 

So what to consider then? AT3W no longer available, KO3 not available in the right size. I thought these two were the leaders of the class, but the poor showing of the AT4W in LT sizes in snow worries me. I haven't seen a test of the XL to know if it's much better.

Has anyone taken the AT4W on the snow to see if it's at least better than the stock Wrangler Adventure tires?