Winter Driving
#26
02-28-2008
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WOW, amazing how many directions this thread went.
Let's see if I can help with the questions you have instead of going on tangents.
1. I use 1 bag of tube sand at the tailgate. It has been working fine for me. I have Linex so the bag doesn't shift in normal driving.
2. If you get lots of snow I would suggest snow tires. Maybe you could get some rims at the junkyard so you just swap them out for summer?
3. 4x4 will act differently than fwd or rwd. I suggest you go to a parking lot when no one else is there and just practice driving in the snow. Also do some braking so you get used to how the truck reacts in the snow. Try it in 2wd, 4low and 4high
4. You say you don't have a saw to cut the wood to make a frame for your sandbags if you decide to place them over the axle. Measure what you need and most lumberyards will cut the boards to size. Some may charge so ask.
Your area may use different material in the asphalt causing a difference in traction. Maybe like MN they don't start plowing till there is 2" of snow on the ground. The best thing to do is to practice, practice, practice.
I hope this helps.
Let's see if I can help with the questions you have instead of going on tangents.
1. I use 1 bag of tube sand at the tailgate. It has been working fine for me. I have Linex so the bag doesn't shift in normal driving.
2. If you get lots of snow I would suggest snow tires. Maybe you could get some rims at the junkyard so you just swap them out for summer?
3. 4x4 will act differently than fwd or rwd. I suggest you go to a parking lot when no one else is there and just practice driving in the snow. Also do some braking so you get used to how the truck reacts in the snow. Try it in 2wd, 4low and 4high
4. You say you don't have a saw to cut the wood to make a frame for your sandbags if you decide to place them over the axle. Measure what you need and most lumberyards will cut the boards to size. Some may charge so ask.
Your area may use different material in the asphalt causing a difference in traction. Maybe like MN they don't start plowing till there is 2" of snow on the ground. The best thing to do is to practice, practice, practice.
I hope this helps.
#27
02-28-2008
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Actually.. factually, it does eat up yoru mileage.. it forces yoru engine to run at much higher RPM's to produce the same amount of movement you would in 2wd.. and higher RPMs means your using up lots of gas.. if your drivin gat 25-40MPH on city and slight highway driving in 4-High, then that woudl equat to running about 50% the distance in normal 2wd...
Anyone who runs a 4x truck offroad coudl tell you just how bad the mileage is.. and it only gets worse in snow
Anyone who runs a 4x truck offroad coudl tell you just how bad the mileage is.. and it only gets worse in snow
but liek someone said off topic
#28
02-28-2008
Ok so after driving in like 6-8 inches last night I have a new found respect for open diff 2wd and steep snowy hills right now. It doesn't work haha. If I didn't stop I would have made it but there was another car going across the intersection. But thats without weight in the bed. Tires make such a difference, my buddy has a 02 Ranger with the stock RT/S and he couldn't even make it out of the parking lot LOL
#29
02-28-2008
Well, in North Carolina, we had like a half inch of snow and I was the ONLY vehicle on the road besides the sand/salt trucks, and I used 4x4 in a few spots, but it DOESNT really help on ice, but yeah, turn in the direction of the skid, and/or the direction you want to go, and dont lock em down.
#30
02-28-2008
Well, in North Carolina, we had like a half inch of snow and I was the ONLY vehicle on the road besides the sand/salt trucks, and I used 4x4 in a few spots, but it DOESNT really help on ice, but yeah, turn in the direction of the skid, and/or the direction you want to go, and dont lock em down.
#31
02-28-2008
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This is by far the best thread I've read, I live in Ottawa Ontario Canada, and I've been doing snow removal for just over 10years.
So, I know snow, have seen every snowfall in the last 10 years and have driven in each one also, so I can say I am an expert.
For the guy who is learning winter driving, your problem is your foot, 5th gear up a hill and u slide out?! Cmon, dont tell me your pedal isnt on the boards, and even if its not PUT IT IN 4x4!!
4x4 does hurt the gas milage, no the ratios dont change, but think, when you take off, the engine has to turn an entire 2nd axle and all its moving parts, and turn the tires. Its mainly tough on gas in takeoffs, but you can just go easy on the pedal,.....but its fun to blow by cars spinning in the snow.
If you live in an area where u get lots of snow, (we got 10ft so far here) and u buy a 2WD truck, you should see if your brain is working!
So, I know snow, have seen every snowfall in the last 10 years and have driven in each one also, so I can say I am an expert.
For the guy who is learning winter driving, your problem is your foot, 5th gear up a hill and u slide out?! Cmon, dont tell me your pedal isnt on the boards, and even if its not PUT IT IN 4x4!!
4x4 does hurt the gas milage, no the ratios dont change, but think, when you take off, the engine has to turn an entire 2nd axle and all its moving parts, and turn the tires. Its mainly tough on gas in takeoffs, but you can just go easy on the pedal,.....but its fun to blow by cars spinning in the snow.
If you live in an area where u get lots of snow, (we got 10ft so far here) and u buy a 2WD truck, you should see if your brain is working!
#32
02-28-2008
Honestly you shoudn't have problems with your truck in 4hi and only 3cm of snow, as long as there is snow everywhere and not patches (Shouldn't need it in 3cm of snow anyway, what tires do you have?). Remember like everyone else said 4x4 doesn't = Enzo brakes, I will still slide in snow about 4-5 feet when the brakes are pushed a bit. Just drive smart!!! Drive in other peoples tire tracks, stay 6 car legths or more behind the car in front of you, allow ample time/space for braking. Watch that accelorator, you feel a slip take your foot off the pedal.
#33
02-28-2008
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#34
02-28-2008
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Wow this thread got popular quickly. Thanks again all for your suggestions. I am waiting until the weekend to rig something up for the box so I can lay some stuff over the rear axle. I will take pics to show you guys what I come up with.
I am lucky if I get 420 km with it only in 2wd, with 4x4, I get like 200 km/tank
I was driving up the 404 north to Newmarket when I had the issue slipping out. I think I will just leave it in 4x4 as I would rather not die or get into an accident because I am too cheap to use the trucks features.
Thanks for the tips. Like I said, I am gonna make a frame on the weekend to see what me and my friends can come up with. I will take pics. Where I live, I don't think they plow until the snow stopped and we have over 4 inches of snow but I am not 100% certain. I will be getting winter tires for sure next year.
I also have tested out the 4x4 in a empty parking lot and it sure does fell differnent, the back end rarely comes out unless I want it too and it's soo much traction.
Those stock tires are crap, I get stuck easier then some would want to believe while in 2wd. I love sitting at a light with a sligh uphill angle and I have to put it into 4x4 to get up.
Ok, maybe the problem is my foot but you go 90 in 5th and see if you can spinout. It's at like 1800 rpm which imo is very low. Maybe I do need to slow down but I didn't think the truck would be so quick to kick out sideways, it's a learning process.
Yes, I live in an area with lots of snow, so I did buy a 4x4.
I never had an issue with 4hi and 3cm of snow, the issue was with 3 cm of snow, ice under the snow and 2wd. I asked because I didn't know. I didn't ask so people could think I am a dumbass!
Thanks again
u getting very bad mileage. last tank i had was 420km all on 4x4. I dont think the 4x4 has anythign to do with it
as for cereal the nice thing is you can switch the 4x4 on off with ease now adays (just not 4lo) I knwo waht yo are talkign about those patchs that are from blowing snow.
Usually until i get onto hwy 11 (yonge) or 400 i use 4x4 on the side roads. I have had the *** come out on a 2wd truck on those spots
as for winter tires i assume that the truck came with the goodyear crappy tires. I would suggest getting a set of BFG A/T KO for all year use
as for cereal the nice thing is you can switch the 4x4 on off with ease now adays (just not 4lo) I knwo waht yo are talkign about those patchs that are from blowing snow.
Usually until i get onto hwy 11 (yonge) or 400 i use 4x4 on the side roads. I have had the *** come out on a 2wd truck on those spots
as for winter tires i assume that the truck came with the goodyear crappy tires. I would suggest getting a set of BFG A/T KO for all year use
I was driving up the 404 north to Newmarket when I had the issue slipping out. I think I will just leave it in 4x4 as I would rather not die or get into an accident because I am too cheap to use the trucks features.
WOW, amazing how many directions this thread went.
Let's see if I can help with the questions you have instead of going on tangents.
1. I use 1 bag of tube sand at the tailgate. It has been working fine for me. I have Linex so the bag doesn't shift in normal driving.
2. If you get lots of snow I would suggest snow tires. Maybe you could get some rims at the junkyard so you just swap them out for summer?
3. 4x4 will act differently than fwd or rwd. I suggest you go to a parking lot when no one else is there and just practice driving in the snow. Also do some braking so you get used to how the truck reacts in the snow. Try it in 2wd, 4low and 4high
4. You say you don't have a saw to cut the wood to make a frame for your sandbags if you decide to place them over the axle. Measure what you need and most lumberyards will cut the boards to size. Some may charge so ask.
Your area may use different material in the asphalt causing a difference in traction. Maybe like MN they don't start plowing till there is 2" of snow on the ground. The best thing to do is to practice, practice, practice.
I hope this helps.
Let's see if I can help with the questions you have instead of going on tangents.
1. I use 1 bag of tube sand at the tailgate. It has been working fine for me. I have Linex so the bag doesn't shift in normal driving.
2. If you get lots of snow I would suggest snow tires. Maybe you could get some rims at the junkyard so you just swap them out for summer?
3. 4x4 will act differently than fwd or rwd. I suggest you go to a parking lot when no one else is there and just practice driving in the snow. Also do some braking so you get used to how the truck reacts in the snow. Try it in 2wd, 4low and 4high
4. You say you don't have a saw to cut the wood to make a frame for your sandbags if you decide to place them over the axle. Measure what you need and most lumberyards will cut the boards to size. Some may charge so ask.
Your area may use different material in the asphalt causing a difference in traction. Maybe like MN they don't start plowing till there is 2" of snow on the ground. The best thing to do is to practice, practice, practice.
I hope this helps.
I also have tested out the 4x4 in a empty parking lot and it sure does fell differnent, the back end rarely comes out unless I want it too and it's soo much traction.
Ok so after driving in like 6-8 inches last night I have a new found respect for open diff 2wd and steep snowy hills right now. It doesn't work haha. If I didn't stop I would have made it but there was another car going across the intersection. But thats without weight in the bed. Tires make such a difference, my buddy has a 02 Ranger with the stock RT/S and he couldn't even make it out of the parking lot LOL
This is by far the best thread I've read, I live in Ottawa Ontario Canada, and I've been doing snow removal for just over 10years.
So, I know snow, have seen every snowfall in the last 10 years and have driven in each one also, so I can say I am an expert.
For the guy who is learning winter driving, your problem is your foot, 5th gear up a hill and u slide out?! Cmon, dont tell me your pedal isnt on the boards, and even if its not PUT IT IN 4x4!!
4x4 does hurt the gas milage, no the ratios dont change, but think, when you take off, the engine has to turn an entire 2nd axle and all its moving parts, and turn the tires. Its mainly tough on gas in takeoffs, but you can just go easy on the pedal,.....but its fun to blow by cars spinning in the snow.
If you live in an area where u get lots of snow, (we got 10ft so far here) and u buy a 2WD truck, you should see if your brain is working!
So, I know snow, have seen every snowfall in the last 10 years and have driven in each one also, so I can say I am an expert.
For the guy who is learning winter driving, your problem is your foot, 5th gear up a hill and u slide out?! Cmon, dont tell me your pedal isnt on the boards, and even if its not PUT IT IN 4x4!!
4x4 does hurt the gas milage, no the ratios dont change, but think, when you take off, the engine has to turn an entire 2nd axle and all its moving parts, and turn the tires. Its mainly tough on gas in takeoffs, but you can just go easy on the pedal,.....but its fun to blow by cars spinning in the snow.
If you live in an area where u get lots of snow, (we got 10ft so far here) and u buy a 2WD truck, you should see if your brain is working!
Ok, maybe the problem is my foot but you go 90 in 5th and see if you can spinout. It's at like 1800 rpm which imo is very low. Maybe I do need to slow down but I didn't think the truck would be so quick to kick out sideways, it's a learning process.
Yes, I live in an area with lots of snow, so I did buy a 4x4.
Honestly you shoudn't have problems with your truck in 4hi and only 3cm of snow, as long as there is snow everywhere and not patches (Shouldn't need it in 3cm of snow anyway, what tires do you have?). Remember like everyone else said 4x4 doesn't = Enzo brakes, I will still slide in snow about 4-5 feet when the brakes are pushed a bit. Just drive smart!!! Drive in other peoples tire tracks, stay 6 car legths or more behind the car in front of you, allow ample time/space for braking. Watch that accelorator, you feel a slip take your foot off the pedal.
I never had an issue with 4hi and 3cm of snow, the issue was with 3 cm of snow, ice under the snow and 2wd. I asked because I didn't know. I didn't ask so people could think I am a dumbass!
Thanks again
#36
02-28-2008
Join Date: Feb 2008
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lol Auto's are for women and plus I just love manual!
Here are a few pictures to look at
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...20298Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...20299Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...20300Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...20301Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6.../P22220305.jpg
Here are a few pictures to look at
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...20298Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...20299Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...20300Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...20301Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6.../P22220305.jpg
#37
02-28-2008
it seems like in the 2wd/4wd snow battle, anyone that uses 4wd is a *****, but I found that:
1.) it's only really a rightful claim when there's only 1-6" of snow
2.) if you have 4wd and YOU feel like you might spin out (independent of what your forum enemies might say), then just friggin use it! you have it, so why run that extra risk of an accident to prove you have cajones to forum guys you'll never meet?
sure, I'll give it to you...in 1-6" of snow, 2wd is fine...you won't need 4wd...and the ONLY things you need to do are:
-drive very carefully...like there's an egg between your foot and the pedal
-leave lots of space in front of you to brake (and don't mash on them)
-and if your rear end kicks out, just let go of the gas and steer in the direction of the fishtail
but when you have 6"-12" of snow on the ground, it's powdery, and you only have a 2wd truck, I'm sorry...but it sucks
yeah, yeah...sure any vehicle will have trouble stopping, but 2wd trucks in heavy, heavy snow, have trouble starting to move, accelerating to move, and even maintaining speed to move...not to mention the added threat of fishtailing and lost traction of that open differential...you're going to get passed by early 90's tauruses and spend like 30 seconds to pull out from a snowy side road onto a main road
but to stay on-topic: OP...I'm glad you finally got to try driving in the snow...I'm sure after you get enough experience you'll become an expert
#38
02-28-2008
hahaha, nice...I had a very similar setup when I had a 2wd ranger:
would I do it again? probably not...the added traction with the sandbags was negligible compared to the benefits of driving skill from parking lot practice and the sandbags froze into icebags which would serve as icy bullets in an accident
and I agree...the shovel is your best friend
would I do it again? probably not...the added traction with the sandbags was negligible compared to the benefits of driving skill from parking lot practice and the sandbags froze into icebags which would serve as icy bullets in an accident
and I agree...the shovel is your best friend
#40
02-29-2008
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Bhavesh,
So you recommend I just practise more rather then putting weight in the back? I don't think a little weight would hurt. I am gonna do something similar to what both of you have!
Thats alot of snow but nothing compared to what we had in the middle of December lol
So you recommend I just practise more rather then putting weight in the back? I don't think a little weight would hurt. I am gonna do something similar to what both of you have!
Thats alot of snow but nothing compared to what we had in the middle of December lol
#41
02-29-2008
Member
bah get some decent tires and use the 4wd, lol!
back in the day i had my '72 impala 350 v8 up in canada and drove around regularly in blizzards.. real blizzards mind u not global warming blizzards,lol.
all i had was regular summer tires on the front and studded snows on the rear.
it could grind away all the snow down to bare pavement and lay sparks, lol a canadian burnout...
here's a picture of one similiar to my old beast 2 doors !
http://www.stillruns.com/road_test3.jpg
back in the day i had my '72 impala 350 v8 up in canada and drove around regularly in blizzards.. real blizzards mind u not global warming blizzards,lol.
all i had was regular summer tires on the front and studded snows on the rear.
it could grind away all the snow down to bare pavement and lay sparks, lol a canadian burnout...
here's a picture of one similiar to my old beast 2 doors !
http://www.stillruns.com/road_test3.jpg
Last edited by 97ranger xlt; 02-29-2008 at 06:43 AM.
#43
02-29-2008
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#45
02-29-2008
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I have the stock RTS tires with about 25K miles on them and have no trouble getting around in the snow. I rarely need to put the truck in 4x4 unless I am at a stop sign, uphill with some ice/snow, then I'll use it to get going. I like the tires.
If you are doing 90 kmh, I think that is about 50 mph (sorry, I'm not Canadian eh), and you are on snow (any amount) with ice underneath, that my friend is how "accidents" happen. One of our students rolled her Exploder last night at about that speed in similar road conditions. The good news was, the Exploder kept her alive through two and a quarter rolls. The fact that the ditch was completely full of snow probably helped too.
Using the 4x4 will help keep you going in a staight line, but it can also lead to overconfidence and too much speed. As has been said many times in this thread, you can't stop any faster on ice than 4x2. The other good thing about the 4x4 is that it is already carrying around an extra 4-500 pounds. Granted it is not over the rear axle, but 4x4 trucks tend to have better traction even in 2wd than 4x2 trucks without weight in the back. All the weight I have is a tonneau cover (maybe 50-60 pounds). I also have 40 plus years of driving experience in the crappy winter conditions of Iowa. If it is nasty, we get it here. If it's really nasty, we get lots of it! I would rather burn up a bit more fuel than having potential missiles in the back of my truck. If you must put weight back there, make sure the sand in the bags is DRY. Fifty pounds of frozen, wet sand coming through the back window will ruin your day. I would put a tarp over the bags of dry sand to keep them that way. I wouldn't put anything back there if I had 4x4, which I do.
Practice, slow down, use the 4x4 when you need it and be safe.
BTW: nice looking truck! I like that color; it looks decent even when dirty. Mine looks like crap right now thanks to all the salt and sand on our roadways.
If you are doing 90 kmh, I think that is about 50 mph (sorry, I'm not Canadian eh), and you are on snow (any amount) with ice underneath, that my friend is how "accidents" happen. One of our students rolled her Exploder last night at about that speed in similar road conditions. The good news was, the Exploder kept her alive through two and a quarter rolls. The fact that the ditch was completely full of snow probably helped too.
Using the 4x4 will help keep you going in a staight line, but it can also lead to overconfidence and too much speed. As has been said many times in this thread, you can't stop any faster on ice than 4x2. The other good thing about the 4x4 is that it is already carrying around an extra 4-500 pounds. Granted it is not over the rear axle, but 4x4 trucks tend to have better traction even in 2wd than 4x2 trucks without weight in the back. All the weight I have is a tonneau cover (maybe 50-60 pounds). I also have 40 plus years of driving experience in the crappy winter conditions of Iowa. If it is nasty, we get it here. If it's really nasty, we get lots of it! I would rather burn up a bit more fuel than having potential missiles in the back of my truck. If you must put weight back there, make sure the sand in the bags is DRY. Fifty pounds of frozen, wet sand coming through the back window will ruin your day. I would put a tarp over the bags of dry sand to keep them that way. I wouldn't put anything back there if I had 4x4, which I do.
Practice, slow down, use the 4x4 when you need it and be safe.
BTW: nice looking truck! I like that color; it looks decent even when dirty. Mine looks like crap right now thanks to all the salt and sand on our roadways.
#46
02-29-2008
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Well we just got more snow and I had more time to practice. Driving around the city with 2wd was impossible, I would just spin and spin and spin so I used 4x4 everywhere. Then I got onto the highway and I used 4x4 just because the hwy was packed. Once I got off the highway for about 30 km, I just used 2wd to see how it was and it was fine. I have changed nothing. I didn't start to go sideways at 90 or 100 like I did before.
So 2 hours, 105 km and half a tank later, I am home!
So 2 hours, 105 km and half a tank later, I am home!
#47
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#48
03-01-2008
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I guess my head isn't working. I live in Ottawa too and i have a 2wd Edge. I haven't got stuck once and its been fine. I have weight in the bed and snow tires all around. Its pretty stable. You just have to know your limits. Just go slow if its slippery, i would rather get to the place safely than to annoy other drivers by going slow.
#49
03-01-2008
I tried the whole weight in the bed thing.... screw that! I ended up ruining 4 50lb bags of black beauty, and it all it did was made the ride 'better' I run empty... i start to slide i put it in 4wd. I also disable ABS in the winter since it has a tendency to remove the brakes when you need them most. And personally, id rather have the drag that 4 tires completely lock up creates than have no breaks at all. If you need to steer around something take your foot of the brake and u have steering.... ABS + Ranger = no control in my opinion. Those of you who can control that out of control beast with ABS and snow, have 'skill' heh
#50
03-02-2008
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