Wouldn't the lack of weight be a factor in snow, or generally poor-traction situations? Being in Buffalo, NY I already see plenty of trucks fishtailing as it is.
Disclaimer: Truck !== Good in Snow
Disclaimer: Truck !== Good in Snow
[1] http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/specifications/view-all/
In other words, less weight + smaller tire == same snow bite. Smaller tire? Cheaper tire. Smaller tire? Less rolling resistance. Lighter spare tire.
Lighter truck? Better gas mileage, better stopping, better cornering. If there is a 1000 lbs less to stop on the snow, that will make a huge difference.
Too many people think that their all-season tires can do everything. They can do everything, but they don't have the dry grip that summer tires do in warm weather, and they don't have the aggressive siping, channels and the tread compound for ice and very cold air temperatures of winter tires. All season tires do everything far worse than their specialty counterparts do, and it demonstrates itself the most every winter.
I drive lightweight RWD sports cars all year round, and we get plenty of snow in Boston. Never have had an issue with winter tires, and sometimes I deliberately seek out empty unplowed parking lots just to have extra fun in.
Snow tires are pretty cheap compared to body work too ;)
On the flip side: how will the ever present salt affect the aluminum body?
All metals will corrode in the presence of salts. Though aluminum does not exhibit rusting like steel does, it will develop a chalky film and pitting in the metal surface when exposed to salt for long periods. I believe that this is aluminium oxide.
Some reading: http://www.boatingmag.com/how-to/maintenance/protecting-alum...
If I still lived in a state that used salt, I would follow the precaution of getting a year round carwash pass and going once a week. Plus, a good underbody coating works well.
1) put them over the back wheel, NOT loose in the bed so they slide. Rope or bungee cords are your friend.