Rangers in SNOW

[AzScorpion]

Sorry ignorant about snow driving. Driven to mountains with snow but never snow on the road. At what point do you engage 4wd, if at all on asphalt with snow on the road? I would guess only if there is traction loss but is there a point to engage for safety purposes?

I have the Grabber ATx that came on the Tremor. Reviews seem to say they are good in snow but obviously not SNOW tires as you guys would have experience there.

Thanks!

I've driven in my share of snow living back east. If there was only an inch or two of light fluffy snow I rarely used 4wd on normal surface street. If it was wet and heavy then I would especially if you're in a hilly area like where I lived. You kind of have to assess each situation but If you're feeling the ass end breaking loose then engage it. If it makes you feel safer just engage it once the road is coated.

One key is slow down, to many think because they have 4wd they can still drive fast. I've seen so many soccer moms cruising down the highway driving way to fast only to end up spun out in the median a few miles ahead.

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[Bob902]

I've seen plenty of 4wd vehicles in the ditch. Just because you can engage 4wd and go, that doesn't mean you can stop or steer. Slow and easy.

 

[awd.nv]

Thanks, been watching YouTube videos on the subject as well as when towing too. Seems like it is case by case, which is ok. Wanted to see if I was understanding things. Guessing the key is to not shock the tires with either sudden braking or acceleration. Well, can't wait to see some snow this season. Mt. Charleston, NV is finally getting some snow.

 

[HarryManback]

Sorry ignorant about snow driving. Driven to mountains with snow but never snow on the road. At what point do you engage 4wd, if at all on asphalt with snow on the road? I would guess only if there is traction loss but is there a point to engage for safety purposes?

I have the Grabber ATx that came on the Tremor. Reviews seem to say they are good in snow but obviously not SNOW tires as you guys would have experience there.

Thanks!

I usually use a combination of factors. If I'm losing traction and I can see snow/ice/slush on the road? Time for 4WD. If I can still see 85% or more of the pavement and no traction loss? I'll hold off and keep it in 2WD. If I know I'm going to be doing tight turns on pavement (for driveways, parking lots, etc) then I'll switch to 2WD.

One nice thing about the locked hubs on the Ranger is that the only thing changing for 4WD is the transfer case/differential, so less wear & tear when switching back and forth.

 

[IdahoRanger]

I probably don't use 4wd as much or as soon as I should but have driven in snow for a long time. When I feel traction is not sufficient I turn it on. As for acceleration and braking I have fun with the acceleration but braking on snow and ice takes a long time so start early.

 

[Langwilliams]

The snow has to be 3 inches or so before I put it in 4x4. There has to be resistance to the tires rolling causing the rear to break lose. My condo has a decent incline to leave the parking areas to get to the street an 3" seems to be the amount to require 4x4 there too.

The only good thing about winter snow driving is practicing my rally drifting skills in a big empty parking lot. If I had a dollar for every donut I spun in a postal truck I'd be ordering fox struts/spring for the front an ICON leafs for the rear.

 

[erty176]

Up to you. Generally, I find it fine in 2wd long as I'm not driving like a dummy(or if I want to drive like a dummy). But, as others have said 4w go doesn't =4w stop. Key factor is space. I'm never worried about my driving when driving in bad conditions, just extra mindful of everyone else.

 

[awd.nv]

The snow has to be 3 inches or so before I put it in 4x4. There has to be resistance to the tires rolling causing the rear to break lose. My condo has a decent incline to leave the parking areas to get to the street an 3" seems to be the amount to require 4x4 there too.

The only good thing about winter snow driving is practicing my rally drifting skills in a big empty parking lot. If I had a dollar for every donut I spun in a postal truck I'd be ordering fox struts/spring for the front an ICON leafs for the rear.

My mustang has a spool in it and I always loved just a hair of rain fall for the same reason. Sideways fun with way less wear on my tires

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Sorry ignorant about snow driving. Driven to mountains with snow but never snow on the road. At what point do you engage 4wd, if at all on asphalt with snow on the road? I would guess only if there is traction loss but is there a point to engage for safety purposes?

I have the Grabber ATx that came on the Tremor. Reviews seem to say they are good in snow but obviously not SNOW tires as you guys would have experience there.

Thanks!

1: You should use 4wd on a limited basis. I've found that a drop in air pressure helps more than 4wd. I run 37-40 PSI normally, so I would drop to around 32-35 for snow driving. 4wd will put your front end components under stress, if you're turning and they aren't able to slip a little bit (like on wet or snow).

2: I *highly* recommend that you take your truck to a nice, big, open parking lot when it snows and HOON around. You will learn more about your truck playing around, drifting, testing traction control, etc. than any other driving condition. Be safe, of course, but it's fun and educational.

 

[Elgorr4]

30" storm total over the last few days. I brushed the snow off the top and it walked right out over the snowbank in 4L with Blizzaks.

 

[IdahoRanger]

Good morning! Time to clear the drive and berm.

 

[IdahoRanger]

Argh blower won't start and I just had it serviced.

 

[RangerAl87]

Last year in NY Steep hill roughly a foot at the time of shooting

 

[Arly]

Our street this week, plus a few other pics. I'll use 4wd "when" I need it

 

[Arly]

We have been receiving modest snow this week.

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