I'm running Bridgestone Dueler Revo 3s (stock size) on my '03 XLT. They aren't triple peak, but they honestly could be. Fantastic traction in the snow, but I can also run them all year. Great off-road, minimal road noise at highway speed, awesome in the rain, and I like the way the tread pattern looks. I have 4x4 that I rarely use (usually pulling people that think AWD will keep them out of the snow banks). The weight in the bed is the key in winter along with the tires - I have a ShurTrax (link at end) in the bed. I prefer this over sandbags or other methods because it distributes the weight evenly over the axle, lets me use the bed still (you can throw 500lbs of stuff on top of it, and most importantly it straps down to the bed so it stays put in accidents and doesn't become a projectile like sand bags or whatever do.
ShurTrax CLW0048 LW-0048 All Weather Traction Aid for Compact Pickup Trucks/SUVs, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BV9MA2/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_MTSCF3KJR3431SAK7G2X
I was really happy with the ShurTrax I put in the bed the last two years. Basically a giant bag you fill with water. It's got baffles to stop the sloshing around (plus it freezes solid here in Michigan for most of the winter). Plus it's anchored to the bed using straps so it won't fly forward and kill you in an accident like other heavy options people use. Also, it's only a few inches thick and can handle putting something like 500 lbs without breaking on top if you need to.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Shurtrax-CLW0048-LW-0048-Weather-Traction/dp/B000BV9MA2
I've seen things like this, I'm not sure how much a plate of steel weighs, but this may be comparable and be easier for folks!