SCOTT--- Ok; since you have a wide 9" rim and you want a low profile with great winter traction, it really limited your choices. Here are your best choices listed by size:
285/50R18 (29.2" O.D.)
PIRELLI - Snow & Ice (This tire is "Snowflake/Mountain" rated)
MAXXIS - MA-S1 Marauder (This tire is a uni-directional M&S)
285/55R18 (30.2" O.D.)
MAXXIS - MA-S1 Marauder (This tire is a uni-directional M&S) #1 Choice.
285/60R18 (31.4" O.D.)
PRO-COMP - ALL TERRAIN (Although a taller 60 series tire, the PRO-COMP - ALL TERRAIN is extremely lightweight at only 44 lbs per tire which greatly helps reduce unsprung weight and is also "Snowflake/Mountain" rated for superior winter traction. The PRO-COMP - ALL TERRAIN is a much wiser choice over the same size NITTO - Terra Grappler which is much heavier at 55 lbs (E load) and is not "Snowflake/Mountain" rated).
MAXXIS - MA-S1 Marauder (This tire is a uni-directional M&S).
What's my recommendation??? The MAXXIS - MA-S1 Marauder in 285/55R18 (30.2" O.D.) because your OEM tires were 29.5" O.D. and it's not recommended to go any smaller in overall diameter. Since the Pirelli's are a true "winter" tire, the tread compound is going to be a bit softer and the tires will wear-out quicker, plus they don't have a really aggressive look that you desire. The MAXXIS - MA-S1 Marauder is an all-year-round M&S tire with an aggressive uni-directional tread specifically made for SUV's with a long tread life. The MAXXIS - MA-S1 Marauder will give you the very best in performance, looks, traction, and wear; while offering the low profile you desire. Riff Raff
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