Preperation for snow driving

ahunt01 · 11-29-03, 09:11

Hey everyone, I'm trying to get my parents F150 pickup ready for the winter. It is rear wheel drive, non 4x4, and only one wheel tire is the drivewheel. Basically, it sucks big time in the snow. I just put 400 lbs. of dirt in the bed of the truck to weigh it down, and yes I will have a purpose for the dirt later lol. Anyways, it seems like I could add more dirt, but I don't want to put too much in and break something. How much weight should I have in the bed to provide maximum possible traction in snow, with regular tires?

bet993 · 11-30-03, 09:49

Forget the dirt at this point. Get the proper tires. Weight is only good to a point where the tires won’t work anymore. Tires that are specifically made for the snow/ice and cold are essential for good winter traction.

Basically, summer tires and to a certain extent all season tires turn into big solid hockey pucks below a certain temperature. The compounds used to make these tires are designed to work under warmer conditions, whereas, they turn very hard and basically provide no grip (even on dry payment) below certain temperatures. Tire Rack has a couple of great articles about the science and technology behind winter tires and how different compounds and tread designs make all the difference.

All season tires are a compromise of the compounds and tread design differences between summer performance and winter bite. Most US drivers except this compromise based on $$ and ignorance of how much a compromise there really is. Winter tires make a huge difference in traction and handling in the conditions they are designed for. There was a great article in one of the car magazines a couple of years ago (there may be something similar on the Tire Rack web site now) that involved a tire test with combos of front wheel driver vs. all wheel drive vs. all season vs. winter tires. The front wheel drive car was basically equal to the all wheel drive car when the front had winter tires and the all wheel drive had all season. No contest when both were shod with winter. If you are going to drive in the winter then there is really no choice.

Do a search on Tire Racks web site in the winter tire section for recommendations for your application.

ahunt01 · 11-30-03, 10:00

Well I have Blizaks for my Civic, and I really don't find myself out handiling 4x4s. I'd say that it's better than my all season tires, but not by leaps and bounds. And I believe Blizaks are among the better snow tires.
We have winter tires on the truck, they're old but they are winter tires. The back tires are old winter tires, with decent tred still, and the front are new all-season tires.

scottabir · 11-30-03, 12:39

Just start adding the dead bodies of people you hate until you have good control of the truck in the snow

I really hope you don't do this because I AM JOKING...Disclaimer sounded like a good idea.

ahunt01 · 11-30-03, 12:42

lol j/k

4DSC · 12-03-03, 12:07

How about chains, if there isn't going to be any (or much) cleared pavement?

beastie · 12-03-03, 07:54

My Miata is a very good snow vehicle (only up to 4" of snow, i don't have ground clearance for anything more) when I have my Michelin Arctic Alpins winter tires on. I would go as far as saying that I can outdo 4x4s in acceleration, braking and cornering unless the 4x4s also happen to be equipped with winter tires. I've never been stuck and I manage to get up inclines without much drama. My car was outright treacherous (spin while doing a 3mph left turn) even with just a coating of snow. Now, I'm not intimidated by teh white stuff.

Lost Pup · 12-03-03, 08:10

I drove a 84 Ford F150 2 wheel drive Automatic for 20 years with just weight in the bed and All Season tires. All a utility worker at the time I worked all shifts 24/7 and with this method I never once failed to make it in to work. I always had co-workers call out and they had the 4x4. The streets here in Phila are known for not be plowed in the Winter months. I would load the bed with package payment bags and then two tubes of sand. I try to keep the truck stable by moving the weight forward over the wheel tubs. I would add weight till the truck rear was closer to level with the front. Too much weight on the tail portion behind the wheel wells will unweigh the front and you will notice it. Est weight 400 - 500 lbs. I borrow Package Pavement bags from a local yard and return them later- owner is a friend. The sand the local stores carry when Winter arrives.

I driven thru snow so deep the front bumper would be pushing it. Again this was all on-road driving. Be cautious with tires pressure as well. Check them for the correct pressure when under load.

I believe snow driving skills are extremely important to safe going in the snow.

ahunt01 · 12-03-03, 10:04

BlackRegal, they are not illegal in West Virginia. If you have studded tires, you have to have all 4 on the vehicle.
I don't plan on driving the truck in foot high snow, I basically want it weighted down all winter so that if we're driving it then I'll be able to get back home if it starts to snow.
Lost Pup, thanks for the tips, I'm pretty sure I don't have 4-500 lbs, so I'll have to get some more and position it correctly.