SS & Snow

[matt04TB]

Hi All,

I'm considering an SS. I live in Upstate New York, where we can get some pretty good snow storms. How does the TB SS do in the snow with the tires it has? I've done some searching, but it seems like others asked the question, but it was left un answered? Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

EDIT: I'm considering an AWD-LT

[NVR2FST]

I've driven mine in a snow storm up North with approx 8" on the ground and it did just fine (and I'm coming from a lifted diesel Excursion). I wouldn't be overly concerned with snow....

[matt04TB]

awesome! Now I just have to wait till tomorrow to see how much of a dent this thing will put in my wallet each month! More to follow!

[Vince]

You could always get some snow tires for the winter. With th AWD you should be fine.

[SlvrTBSS]

Hi All,

I'm considering an SS. I live in Upstate New York, where we can get some pretty good snow storms. How does the TB SS do in the snow with the tires it has? I've done some searching, but it seems like others asked the question, but it was left un answered? Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

EDIT: I'm considering an AWD-LT

The SS rocks in the snow. No snow tires needed. Here is a link to a thread regarding my first impressions in the snow. Everyone seems to agree.

http://www.trailblazerss.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=205

[Martin Smrek]

So far absolutely no problems in snow with the AWD with factory tires. This is my daily driver and no problems, handled snow quite well.

Only problem I have had with TB in winter weather is chipped paint on the passenger side rear door where the fender flares out. I have flaps on the front and back and still managed to chip the heck out of the paint on the passenger side. It appears I will have to get the rear door repainted in the spring.

Other than the above and rather mediocre gas mileage--14.6 in first 3,000 miles, the vehicle is a complete joy.

Enjoy.

Marty

2006 TBSS-LT Black
2005 Z51 Vette Magnetic Red Coupe
1996 Impala SS Black

[gresch]

The stock tires are 55's right? that's about as wide as I would go in snow with any vehicle. 45's will just plow. There's a misconception that rim diameter is the problem with snow, when the real problem is tire width. I know that 45's are completely useless even in 2" of slush, I almost plowed into school bus 2 years ago with 19's and 45's, it was not a good day.

[ghoster]

I am just curious here, cuz I have only needed snow tires once in my life. I thought snow tires were generally norrower than most tires. The thought was that the narrower tread digs into snow better. I know the ones recommended for my old ford truck were narrower than the standard. Just curious though.

[vermorel]

The stock tires are 55's right? that's about as wide as I would go in snow with any vehicle. 45's will just plow. There's a misconception that rim diameter is the problem with snow, when the real problem is tire width. I know that 45's are completely useless even in 2" of slush, I almost plowed into school bus 2 years ago with 19's and 45's, it was not a good day.

Stock Tires are 255/50R20

255 is the width....45 / 50 / 55 would be the aspect ratio.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=46

[lt_xtrm]

I am just curious here, cuz I have only needed snow tires once in my life. I thought snow tires were generally norrower than most tires. The thought was that the narrower tread digs into snow better. I know the ones recommended for my old ford truck were narrower than the standard. Just curious though.
The difference is in the tread design. If you look at the actual tread of a snow tire and compare it with an all season tire, you can clearly see the difference. Aslo, snow tires are made of a much more solid rubber. If you run a true snow tire in the summer, the rubber would melt.

[ghoster]

The difference is in the tread design. If you look at the actual tread of a snow tire and compare it with an all season tire, you can clearly see the difference. Aslo, snow tires are made of a much more solid rubber. If you run a true snow tire in the summer, the rubber would melt.

Well....they didn't quite melt. I get your point though. They were only good for one season. They were amazing in the snow, but the tread was shot 4 weeks after the last snow. I don't live in a place that would need them anymore, but when I did have them, they made a lot of difference. They definately looked funny though. They were narrow, and kind of looked like a knobby dirt bike tire. Looked odd on an F-250.

[gresch]

I am just curious here, cuz I have only needed snow tires once in my life. I thought snow tires were generally norrower than most tires. The thought was that the narrower tread digs into snow better. I know the ones recommended for my old ford truck were narrower than the standard. Just curious though.

yes, you are right.

[kco4242]

Well, I live in Canada and I would rate my SS as DECENT in the snow. My last two vehicles were a Tahoe LT and a Yukon LT, and they WERE both better in the snow, especially in certain situations (especially the 03 Yukon with traction control and stability control) It's a lot heavier with narrower tires......

In certain snow situations the SS feels like it wants to float over snowy icy roads more than my other trucks, (making it feel quite nervous when steering) I was considering snows, but you will have to get new wheels AND snows cus you will not get good snows on rims that wide and to do that right it will cost LARGE to do that.

I have decided after significant winter driving that I am OK with the stock tires (they ARE rated M+S) because in any other situations the stock tires just ROCK! It's only in heavy slushy freezing snow on a road that hasn't been plowed that I have noticed any issues.

[Gord]

I've read that the TBSS will still fit the 17" factory GM rims.
Apparently the "oversizing" on the brakes refers to rotor thickness only.
Can anyone confirm/deny?

Living in the great white north (a.k.a. Canada), I'm looking at picking up a set of 245-65R17 Snows on rims for the winter. The RS-A's are just not enough to get me through the mountains to get to the ski hills.

Also, I'm told the non-SS TB runs a 35mm offset, can anyone confirm the offset is the same on the SS?

Thanks,

Gord

[steined]

GORD is your SS AWD?

I've been debating on snows for my 2WD SS. I hope I'll get lucky with maybe one more snow fall this and maybe I can avoid it. We don't get a ton of snow days here in Cincinnati, but we do get bad ones on occasion.

Eric

[poSSum]

I've read that the TBSS will still fit the 17" factory GM rims.
Apparently the "oversizing" on the brakes refers to rotor thickness only.
Can anyone confirm/deny?

Living in the great white north (a.k.a. Canada), I'm looking at picking up a set of 245-65R17 Snows on rims for the winter. The RS-A's are just not enough to get me through the mountains to get to the ski hills.

Also, I'm told the non-SS TB runs a 35mm offset, can anyone confirm the offset is the same on the SS?

Thanks,

Gord

The spare is a 17" steel wheel so fit should not be a problem.

[Envoy Fan]

I've read that the TBSS will still fit the 17" factory GM rims.
Apparently the "oversizing" on the brakes refers to rotor thickness only.
Can anyone confirm/deny?

Gord

Gord, poster Stump has a set of 17" TB wheels/tires on his TB SS. :yes:

:offtopic:



I've been debating on snows for my 2WD SS. I hope I'll get lucky with maybe one more snow fall this and maybe I can avoid it. We don't get a ton of snow days here in Cincinnati, but we do get bad ones on occasion.

Eric

Glad to hear of a TB SS owner in the area. What color did you get? I'll keep a look out for your ride.

[EnvoyXL]

I have some nice chrome 17's with tires in the for sale section if you are looking for some winter wheels.

[blautens]

What is this "snow" you speak of? I think I've heard the term...but I've never really seen it....:raspberry

[TonyGXP]

What is this "snow" you speak of? I think I've heard the term...but I've never really seen it....:raspberry

that's OK, snow can be annoying, Oh, and by the way....when's your next Hurricane do???:rotfl:

[ghoster]

that's OK, snow can be annoying, Oh, and by the way....when's your next Hurricane do???:rotfl:

:rotfl: :rotfl: :laugh: Thats just wrong......and funny!

[stump]

17" wheels fit just fine. I have 4 mastercraft MSR snows,what a great tire for the price. The 16" WILL NOT fit.

[Dacomputernerd]

:rotfl: :rotfl: :laugh: Thats just wrong......and funny!

:iagree: :laugh: :x :D

[ParadoxJr]

Ok for those of you who THINK they get alot of snow, you should come and visit me (well not this year). I live about 2 Hours north of the North Dakota border, and we actaully get REAL snow acumulation here (hehehe) For the past 8 years I have run snow tires. Right now I am running Michellin X-Ice, and they are AMAZING!!!

http://www.michelinman.ca/images/catalog/tires/xice_large.jpg

I have Also Run Bridgestone Blizzak are they are great aswell.

http://www.bridgestonetire.com/tireselector/dpp/glamour/tirephotos_full/BlizzakDMZ3.jpg

and several other brands, several from Canadian Tire (they buy from major tire makers, and rebrand them). But too tell you the truth, I would definatley spend the money. You will notice a definate improvement. I drive for a living, and I would never go without.

Russ

[Matt_E]

17" Steels will fit, about 1/8" clearance to the caliper, but they fit.

My father's running Toyo OPEN COUNTRY G-02 plus, in a 245/70R17, on his SS. The supposedly have ground up walnut shell in the rubber for added traction. Just keep the squirrels away from them :duh: :

http://www.toyocanada.com/products/OPATG02plus.asp

"Incorporating Lamella crystals in the tread compound helps “vacuum” away moisture from between the tread contact surface and the road. Removal of this water film results in better braking and handling on ice and slippery surfaces. A larger, harder walnut shell grain is used to improve TOYO’s studless technology. The larger walnut shells dig into ice and compacted snow to help provide excellent traction and braking. "


http://www.toyocanada.com/products/tirespicts/Tires_lrg_OPATG02.jpg

[02redhawk]

On our SS this winter, I'm using the stock 17" wheels from an '03 TB-LTZ, along with the stock 245/65-17" all-season tires that came on it from the factory (BFG Rugged Trail T/A).

The TB-SS runs and handles just-fine in the snow; I'd almost say it handles *better* than our '02 TB that has winter Blizzaks installed...!

I did this mainly to save the SS's 20" polished wheels from being subjected to 4-months of roadsalt and corrosion....

[TheEricHarris]

I'm bringing this back, as I am looking to buy some 17" Envoy wheels for dedicated snow tires.

2007 17" Envoy wheels will fit my 2006 TBSS right? Also, can I use my existing lugnuts or do those need to be different?

Thanks!!

[Bassbug]

Hello, I have a question? My Trailblazer 2005 V-6 has worn 16 inch tires and in the need of new ones. Will the 2005 Trailblazer handle 17 inch tires? And what is the best tire for towing a camper? Maybe a Michelin tire? I want the best and highest millage rating, something like 70 or 80 thousand miles. Thanks. :tiphat