4WD operation in snow...
#1
11-05-2008
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Corvallis, Oregon
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4WD operation in snow...
I was just this morning reading in my local paper that snow is falling on the passes and ODOT is requiring traction devices, it got me to thinking. When traction devices are required ie chains, and one has a 4 wheel drive, on what wheels is it best to put the chains on? Rear? Front? Front, and rear? Or just break down and get those new AT tires I have had my eye on 
? I am mostly just curious, but thought it would be interesting to hear from anyone who has had actual experience with 4wd rangers in snow. The last 4x4 I drove in the snow was a Hummer when I was in the army; and the last ranger I drove in snow was a 2wd.
? I am mostly just curious, but thought it would be interesting to hear from anyone who has had actual experience with 4wd rangers in snow. The last 4x4 I drove in the snow was a Hummer when I was in the army; and the last ranger I drove in snow was a 2wd.
#4
11-05-2008
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Coldbrook, Nova Scotia, C
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Last winter I routinely drove on snowmobile trails and still offroaded all winter long, even with snow up to the bumper. Newer all terrains were my tires. I never had any trouble on the road, and only really used 4x4 when pulling into traffic or when on unplowed roads in a snowstorm. Good tires and you'll be fine.
#5
11-05-2008
#8
11-05-2008
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#10
11-05-2008
#11
11-05-2008
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#12
11-05-2008
at least oregon lets you guys ride studs OR chains
Studded snow tires are permitted in California from November 1 until April 30 each year. During this time, studded tires are permitted in any location within the state. Studded snow tires are not considered tire traction devices and may not be used in lieu of chains.
R-1: Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at least one axle.
R-2: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles under 6,500 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on all four wheels. Chains for one set of drive wheels must be carried by four wheel-drive vehicles using snow tires.
R-3: Chains are required on all vehicles without exception.
R-2: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles under 6,500 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on all four wheels. Chains for one set of drive wheels must be carried by four wheel-drive vehicles using snow tires.
R-3: Chains are required on all vehicles without exception.
#13
11-05-2008
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Location: Ogden, Utah
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#15
11-05-2008
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I know i was giving you a hard time cause i know you live in CA.. but yes.. big bear gets snow. my first and only accident was there in the snow.
#16
11-05-2008
i still gotta pick up some cables at harbor freight for the truck .... when i still lived down in napa and had hondas when id go up to the snow id just get off the highway at the checkpoints then get back on lol .... but from chico they check on SR-20 and theres no good way to go around ... plus i was spinnin donuts in a muddy field last weekend and figured if i can get sideways that easy on mud its probably even easier on snow.
gonna get some sandbags too ..... if its a good snowboard season this year ill be going at least 2x / month ... last year i went DURING finals lol
gonna get some sandbags too ..... if its a good snowboard season this year ill be going at least 2x / month ... last year i went DURING finals lol
#17
11-05-2008
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i still gotta pick up some cables at harbor freight for the truck .... when i still lived down in napa and had hondas when id go up to the snow id just get off the highway at the checkpoints then get back on lol .... but from chico they check on SR-20 and theres no good way to go around ... plus i was spinnin donuts in a muddy field last weekend and figured if i can get sideways that easy on mud its probably even easier on snow.
gonna get some sandbags too ..... if its a good snowboard season this year ill be going at least 2x / month ... last year i went DURING finals lol
gonna get some sandbags too ..... if its a good snowboard season this year ill be going at least 2x / month ... last year i went DURING finals lol
#18
11-05-2008
#19
11-05-2008
Don't use cable chains, they are garbage. They break all the time and they just plain don't work well...
Also don't run them just on the front. It's more likely to catch a brake line, also it will cause you to oversteer with no traction in the rear. If you start to slide your rear end will pass up the front.
Having said that, 4x4 and good tires work fine. I've gone through 18-24" of fresh snow just fine with 4x4 and aired down tires.
Also don't run them just on the front. It's more likely to catch a brake line, also it will cause you to oversteer with no traction in the rear. If you start to slide your rear end will pass up the front.
Having said that, 4x4 and good tires work fine. I've gone through 18-24" of fresh snow just fine with 4x4 and aired down tires.
#20
11-05-2008
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Location: Ogden, Utah
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hondas are FWD.. in utah NOONE uses chains or cables.. its not required and everyone just drives with out em.. and in most cases its fine because of plowing, 4wd or FWD..
Dont get me wrong i pulled like 3 cops out last year it was funny..
Only time i would use chains in like 3 feet of fresh or something if i was that determined.. but being a light truck the snow lifts it up anyways..
But yeah chains and cables not needed generally if you know how to drive...
"know how to drive" not in oriental vocab.. and that makes up like all of Southern Ca.
Dont get me wrong i pulled like 3 cops out last year it was funny..
Only time i would use chains in like 3 feet of fresh or something if i was that determined.. but being a light truck the snow lifts it up anyways..
But yeah chains and cables not needed generally if you know how to drive...
"know how to drive" not in oriental vocab.. and that makes up like all of Southern Ca.
#21
11-05-2008
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#22
11-05-2008
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I was thinking of getting another set of Dick Cepek Mountain cat ETs (Clicky Linky) I had a set on my '96 but it got totaled before I could really test em out. Most folks I have talked to that run 'em say they are a really good tire for the money and perform well in snow, mud, and sand. The guys at Les Schwab say they run a long time on vehicles as light as our rangers which is good since they cost nearly a grand for a set of 4. A buddy of mine has a set on his full sized Silverado and he really likes them.
#23
11-05-2008
Join Date: Jun 2007
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chains-good
With 39 years snow driving expereince, I am a firm believer that any vehicle in snow country should have at least 1 pair chains for emergencies. Two pairs work incredibly well, but not needed unless you are plowing or in serious drifts or somewhere else you shouldn't be. If I am going downhill and anticipate braking problems I put them on the rear. Otherwise, the front does offer excellent steering control.
I also have studded tires, and they are a great substitute for all but the most extreme conditions.
I also have studded tires, and they are a great substitute for all but the most extreme conditions.
