[kelaog]

Stock size for me is 285/60/R20 (Load Index: 125). There are no options out there in that size range for winter tires that I can see. 3PMSF A/T's don't count. I want a dedicated winter tire for the ice performance.

Other options in our truck from the factory were 17 and 18" rims with 245/70/R17 or 275/70/R18 respectively.

In the 17 and 18" options you have a lot more selection in winter tires available from just about all manufacturers.

The main drawback I see with the 17" option is the OD is around 31" vs. 33"~ with the 18/20" rims.
Upside to going with the 17" is the tires are cheaper and the tire is thinner which supposedly cuts through the snow better. Downside is higher highway RPM and it'll probably look a bit goofy.

What do ya'll think I should do (other than going with a 3PMSF All Terrain/season).

 

[Pavement Tested]

So go with a 75 or 80 series tire to offset them being narrower.

Not being snarky or anything here, but you do know how metric tire sizes work?
245 = tire width in mm
70 = side wall height percentage of tire width (i.e. 70% of 245mm)
17 = rim diameter

So, if you want a taller metric tire, look for tire sizes in with a higher aspect ratio.

This is AWESOME for finding tire sizes: Tire Size Calculator

Or, get an A/T or M/T tire and have it siped and studded for winter use.
A 255/80/17 is 33.1" diameter compared to the 285/60/20 which is 33.5" and it looks like there are a number of choices in a decent A/T available in that size that could be studded/siped.

 

[kelaog]

So go with a 75 or 80 series tire to offset them being narrower.

No being snarky or anything here, but you do know how metric tire sizes work, right?
245 = tire width in mm
70 = side wall height percentage of tire width (i.e. 70% of 245mm)
17 = rim diameter

So, if you want a taller metric tire, look for tire sizes in with a higher aspect ratio.

This is AWESOME for finding tire sizes: Tire Size Calculator

Or, get an A/T or M/T tire and have it siped and studded for winter use.

I wonder if I can stud my current tires... That might fit the bill and improve the ice traction..

I'll have to see what sizes I can find. Generally speaking there aren't any TALL winter tires it seems.

 

[Pavement Tested]

I wonder if I can stud my current tires... That might fit the bill and improve the ice traction..

I'll have to see what sizes I can find. Generally speaking there aren't any TALL winter tires it seems.

I think there's more of a tendency to put winter specific tires on cars and smaller SUV types vehicles and trucks usually just go to A/T or M/T tires so there's no market for it.

Also, I don't think tire shops will stud used tires. I'm fairly certain they have to be done from new or at least almost new.

 

[Andy2500]

Stock sized Cooper ST Maxx has been my go to for winter tires on these trucks for years now. They seem to perform the best in all conditions that I have been in. They are ready to stud, but I have never had the need for studs. I have found they handle ice really well.

Only complaint I have with them is they are a pretty heavy tire.

 

[kelaog]

Stock sized Cooper ST Maxx has been my go to for winter tires on these trucks for years now. They seem to perform the best in all conditions that I have been in. They are ready to stud, but I have never had the need for studs. I have found they handle ice really well.

Only complaint I have with them is they are a pretty heavy tire.

How're they on ice? I had KO2's on my 1500 and they were impressive in RWD in most conditions. Ice definitely hurt them but I'd say what I'm on now is worse.