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Another "first time in the snow" thread - lattitude content!

6K views 24 replies 18 participants last post by  jeep2011 
#1 ·
Well we got a fresh dump of about 9" of snow last night so I took the Jeep out to see how she fared with the stock all-seasons (18's from the Off-Road Pack). I had read a thread awhile back about another owner not liking the Michelin Lattitudes in the snow so part of me was dreading the test thinking I would have to go out and buy another set of tires right after taking delivery. To my surprise I experienced completly different results and was quite happy with the tires. I was able to drive through deeper sections the plow had created, climbed up some steep snow covered hills etc and not once did I feel the tires were doing the truck an injustice. I had a blast out there!

That being said I do plan on picking up a set of dedicated winters to squeeze every last bit of traction/stopping out of the vehicle but overall I was very happy with how the stock tires performed.
 
#2 ·
Thanks for the info, I was a little worried about those tires too in the snow. I don't usually get a lot of snow, so a good all season tire works best for me. (However this year and last year seem to be an exception on the snowfall amounts).
 
#3 ·
If you were referring to my experience in the snow with the stock tires I was justifying why I had a tough time getting going and the steering wasn't as accurate because of the tires. I think they do great for what they are, but I don't think anyone would argue a more agressive tire would handle better or outperform a dedicated snow tire.

I am very pleased with my Jeep in the snow. After driving a bit in inclement weather though, I have left the drive line in Auto until I feel that accelrating from a stop is becoming difficult. Leaving it in Auto allows me to play a little bit when I want :)
 
#4 ·
I had my first experience in the snow yesterday too. I had my Quadra-Trac II in snow mode and glad I did. I nearly lost it switching lanes (using the power of my Hemi). Truck nearly spun around until the ESC kicked in and straightened me out. Was able to accomplish my lane change without slowing down much at all. Amazing in the snow.

Tires are just average though. The snow tires on my SRT4 have better traction than these. Throwing on a dedicated snow tire would make this truck unstoppable.
 
#5 ·
I had the Lattitude's and switched to Blizzak's. I can guarantee you that these two tires are lightyears away from each other in snow/ice. The Blizzak's make the WK2 a snow mobile - very impressive. The Lattitude's are 'just okay'. I do understand, for some area of this country with less snow 'just okay' tires might be fine. Here in NJ we have a lot of snow and winter tires are a must.
 
#7 ·
I'm not saying the Lattitudes can compete with Blizzaks or any other winter tire for that matter, just saying that for all-seasons they are not bad at all. Far from the worst I've had!
 
#8 ·
I was less then impressed with the stopping and turning abilities with the latitudes last snow storm. Since then I realized the dealer had the tires pressures way jacked up and I lowered them to a normal setting and traction seemed much better in todays storm.
 
#9 ·
Appreciate the report. It looks like I will be in a rental (Laredo) WK2 for a few weeks waiting for my Overland with the Off Road to appear. I'll be switching out to snows as soon as it is delivered but it is good to know I stand a fighting chance of getting through a few weeks with stockers.
 
#10 ·
I talked to my dealer last week, my Laredo X w/hemi will be in next week. He has a set of blizzak's he will be more than happy to put on (of course I will pay him), we have historically gotten a lot of snow up here, and I figure tires last a lot longer if I switch them out, and the added traction of a dedicated snow tire is hard to beat.
 
#11 ·
I figure tires last a lot longer if I switch them out, and the added traction of a dedicated snow tire is hard to beat.
Exactly. IF you keep the car a while, both sets of tires "last longer" because you aren't using them year round. In the end, you are only out the second set of wheels ($500-600), which isn't too bad, and less than the cost of a single accident.
 
#13 ·
I just posted a question on a different thread. Probably should have posted it here since I see several have ordered the Offroad Adventure II Package. Part of that post was the following: I notice no one seems to have ordered (or be ordering) the Offroad Adventure II Package. Is that because many want to keep the 20-inch wheels? (I'm sure most of you want the skid plates.) I was thinking of ordering that package. Then, would only have to buy a set of four wheels and tires for heavy snow use. Easy enough to swap out all four at the end of each season, and could keep the original 18-inch spare as is. Any comments would be appreciated.
 
#14 · (Edited)
I notice no one seems to have ordered (or be ordering) the Offroad Adventure II Package. Is that because many want to keep the 20-inch wheels?
The problem is in using packages to compare. Did I just type that?
Take the Adv II for instance, we can't draw any conclusions about that and any wheel/tire combo because Jeep changes it so often. In fact, I could cite 5 different package changes to you that have taken place in the last 3 months. Arguably, the changes seem to be largely about supply/demand, but mostly supply, that influences the adjustment of those packages. I could go on, but I'll save you the grief.

As for the 20'' wheels I think many do want those but most I see are running them as a dry pavement only tire. Most 20'' stock that I've seen are also going with an 18'' in the snow.

Then, would only have to buy a set of four wheels and tires for heavy snow use. Easy enough to swap out all four at the end of each season
If your seasons dictate (unless you're going street) that you need another set of tires, regardless of size you should get another set of wheels too. It's cheaper in the long run.
That is, unless you own a small tire shop and you're mounting and balancing them yourself everytime you change a wheel & tire.
 
#15 ·
The Latitudes appear to be adequate in snow on the flats. But, on Bragg Hill Road (the name of the street says it all) near Sugarbush in yesterdays' storm, they were absolutely no help going down hill. Up hill - A-OK. A switch to snow treads is a must as the mixed snow in downhills even in snow mode is very tricky. I guess Blizzaks are calling.
 
#17 ·
I just went through the 18+" we got in MA and VT the past couple days and I'm a lot happier with the stock 18s. Snows would be awesome, not necessary unless you really live in the locations that dictate it. I was pushing through 2 foot snow plow tracks, backing up through them, going up and down steep snow covered ground and felt very secure. There was some standard slipping in certain conditions, but nothing unmanageable. It really is a great feeling.

I would save my money unless you really need it. Those in the real mountains probably could use them, but the rest of should be just fine. But it adds a level of security ( hopefully not overconfidence) that I dont blame people for wanting.

Rya
 
#18 ·
+1 latitudes are just fine for snow. If you are use to a dedicated snow tire they of course will not feel the same. I had no problems in the mountains driving up steep roads of fresh snow.
 
#21 ·
Driving up is not an issue. Driving down is another story. I will be putting four Hankook I Pike RWII snows on later today. I like the center block design and the price.
 
#19 ·
Same here...we were up in Vermont all week with lots of unplowed roads and had no issues at all...I'm sure it would have been better with dedicated snows, but I was fine.
 
#20 ·
Quite a few of us have ordered the Off-Road II package. Most Jeep owners never go off-road. If you plan on it, get the package. Or, if you live in an area with bad roads, you will be less likely to have tire/wheel damage with 18s if you hit a pothole.
 
#22 ·
Quite a few of us have ordered the Off-Road II package. Most Jeep owners never go off-road. If you plan on it, get the package. Or, if you live in an area with bad roads, you will be less likely to have tire/wheel damage with 18s if you hit a pothole.
Reading the forums it looks like the Off-Road 18s are not good in the snow. Maybe those people need snows??

-Ryan
 
#23 · (Edited)
^+1 to the driving up & down comment. I've also made do with all seasons in extreme winter with no problems, it's just not nearly as effective or fun.

Driving slow in a straight line is also not an issue; however, driving fast, cornering, and surfing deep pow out of sheer joy requires some appropriate rubber. Bring the right tool if you want to go snowmobiling.

As others have stated, it's also safer and allows for better braking and cornering under stressful driving conditions. I think it was Rdalcanto who said that a set of good snows is a heck of a lot cheaper than an accident, and he's in the best snow on earth.
 
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