Snow wheeling

chrisbnaz · 11-22-2008, 12:34 PM

Living in AZ, I don't get much snow action.

A couple friends and I have decided that once we start getting some snow up in the mountains that we're going to head out and go camping/wheeling in the snow. I've driven in snow/ice plenty of times, but thats just on paved roads trying to get to a destination.

Anyone have any tips for wheelin' in the snow?

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JasonWin · 11-22-2008, 12:35 PM

Rocking is your friend!

Junkers88 · 11-22-2008, 03:30 PM

Air down to about 10lbs this will give you a bigger foot print and when the tire reaches the top of the rim and is "narrow" again the snow will "pop" out of the tread so it's clean going back into the snow. If you're in powder then speed is the key. You want to "ski" over the powder. In slush you want low controlled speed and you want to dig. If you are in ice then speed is your hated enemy. Slow, low air, big foot print, honest traction and you're good to go.

In snow watch the terrain, a minor lift/drop of a few inches in the snow drift my indicate a large rock or deep hole. Be aware and stay alive. Oh and don't forget to take survival gear with you just in case.

tc · 11-22-2008, 07:51 PM

x2 for super low air pressures. The low temps will make the same amount of air read as lower pressure, so you can go to 10 psi or lower, but be sure to air up before getting on the road!

Also, be sure to have warm clothes and a sleeping bag just in case!

4Crawler · 01-24-2009, 10:57 AM

x3 on the low tire pressure and a few other tips below:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/index.shtml#SnowDriving

Gets fun when you start pushing snow up over the top of the hood:

Johannes · 02-03-2009, 08:35 AM

Unless you're driving a with 40" tires and about five feet of clearance, up in some on the mountains here, you're going to hi-center. Remember to go with someone, and space yourselves, no point in both of you getting stuck. Survival gear is a must, and at least have a shovel, you'll be doing more digging than you ever imagined. Winches and tow-straps/chains are a must. x3 to airing down.

Matt16 · 02-06-2009, 01:13 PM

Chains go for about $100/ axle and they do wonders for traction in snow. Put them on the front tires for deep snow (or all 4 is you buy two sets). At higher speeds on slippery roads (anywhere where you might need to brake) put them on the rears.

Johannes · 02-06-2009, 06:54 PM

I've never used chains and I doubt I ever will. it's all about how you drive, and tire siping. I had some 32" BFG's on my '95, siped, and they were solid. I was driving better than people with chains.

Also, get a cheap pair of used boggers or something with a lot of clearout if you're doing any kind of deep snow driving. It's really easy to get stuck with a pair of rock tires and have them packed with snow, essentially racing slicks.

muddpigg · 02-06-2009, 07:56 PM

yep air down, let some one know where you are going and when to be expected back, snow is the reason I bought a winch. Radio communication (even walkie talkies) is nice for between vehicles. Check out some of the other section of this forumn, I've posted there and not going to retype here. Starting a fire in the snow especially deep is a bit more challenging and can even defeat the "use a gallon of gas lugnut type method." Do you know the signs and symptons of hypothermia? Have fun.

11-22-2008, 03:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
Junkers88 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 2,776	Air down to about 10lbs this will give you a bigger foot print and when the tire reaches the top of the rim and is "narrow" again the snow will "pop" out of the tread so it's clean going back into the snow. If you're in powder then speed is the key. You want to "ski" over the powder. In slush you want low controlled speed and you want to dig. If you are in ice then speed is your hated enemy. Slow, low air, big foot print, honest traction and you're good to go. In snow watch the terrain, a minor lift/drop of a few inches in the snow drift my indicate a large rock or deep hole. Be aware and stay alive. Oh and don't forget to take survival gear with you just in case. __________________ RB4R Life Member. 1989 SR5 4runner. Tread Wright 31/10.50/15's. 4.56 thirds, an Aussie in the @$$, Budbuilt plate, Marlin Crawler front, modified MC rear, Supra MAF conversion, ZUK coils in the rear and 4crawler BJ's in the front, LCE header.

11-22-2008, 07:51 PM	#4 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,372	x2 for super low air pressures. The low temps will make the same amount of air read as lower pressure, so you can go to 10 psi or lower, but be sure to air up before getting on the road! Also, be sure to have warm clothes and a sleeping bag just in case! __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

01-24-2009, 10:57 AM	#5 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 7,828	x3 on the low tire pressure and a few other tips below: - http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/index.shtml#SnowDriving Gets fun when you start pushing snow up over the top of the hood: __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs or 35x12.50 MTRs r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club

02-03-2009, 08:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
Johannes Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Corvallis, OREGON Posts: 200	Unless you're driving a with 40" tires and about five feet of clearance, up in some on the mountains here, you're going to hi-center. Remember to go with someone, and space yourselves, no point in both of you getting stuck. Survival gear is a must, and at least have a shovel, you'll be doing more digging than you ever imagined. Winches and tow-straps/chains are a must. x3 to airing down. __________________ Own: 1985 Toyota 4Runner Owned: 1995 Toyota Pickup 4x4

02-06-2009, 06:54 PM	#8 (permalink)
Johannes Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Corvallis, OREGON Posts: 200	I've never used chains and I doubt I ever will. it's all about how you drive, and tire siping. I had some 32" BFG's on my '95, siped, and they were solid. I was driving better than people with chains. Also, get a cheap pair of used boggers or something with a lot of clearout if you're doing any kind of deep snow driving. It's really easy to get stuck with a pair of rock tires and have them packed with snow, essentially racing slicks. __________________ Own: 1985 Toyota 4Runner Owned: 1995 Toyota Pickup 4x4

02-06-2009, 07:56 PM	#9 (permalink)
muddpigg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: injured and stateside :( Posts: 1,389	yep air down, let some one know where you are going and when to be expected back, snow is the reason I bought a winch. Radio communication (even walkie talkies) is nice for between vehicles. Check out some of the other section of this forumn, I've posted there and not going to retype here. Starting a fire in the snow especially deep is a bit more challenging and can even defeat the "use a gallon of gas lugnut type method." Do you know the signs and symptons of hypothermia? Have fun. __________________ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqtr_RvR3sY Balljoints for sale. Open to trades and offers. http://www.yotatech.com/f11/ball-joi.../#post51278784

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