On 3 Dec , 2015, at 11:04 AM, James wrote:

> on ice (wider good) ~~ on snow and slush (wider bad)

        I grew up in Northern Ill' & Extreme Northern Minn' back in the 50s & 60s when the Winters were MoreSevere

than they seem to be these days so I am QuiteFamiliar with Ice, Slush & Snow & would take Bigger FootPrint over 

Smaller PrettyMuch Always ~ Ice is the Most Diff' to stay In Control on & the Easiest to be CaughtBySurpise by so

that becomes Foremost in my Decision ~ Tread Style is what's Really Important & a True SnowTire Should have an

Aggressive Tread that is designed to DigIn & Grab & then ThrowOff anything that tries to PackIn ~

        I was taught that the reason that TireDealers might Recommend Narrower Tires for Winter was to be sure there

would be Sufficient Clearance in the Event that Chains were Needed ~ & That is a Definite Concern on our Vanagons

due to the Closeness of the TrailingArms to the RearTires ~ 

                                                                                        ORR ~ DeanB