I live in NJ and this winter has been quiet but we all know that's not the norm. I'm coming from a 16' Trail into a 20' TRD ORP and I had a few issues with deep snow on untouched back roads. I leave work around 4am and most plows aren't out yet, I'm looking for the best option to keep things simple but help me out with any deep snow I might run into
Clearance for commuting in bad weather
- Thread starter NJTMayhem
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Jetboy
New member
I'd start with better tires. The OEM tires are pretty shitty for snow.
If it's still an issue - a small front lift goes a long way. Maybe something like 1 or 1.5 inches.
The next step would be taller tires, but they'll only be a marginal benefit because something like a 34" tall tire is the tallest you can fit without pretty significant modifications. That's only about 2.5" taller than the ones they come with. So 1.25" ground clearance is about the most you'll get over the stock tires without spending a ton of $.
Or... you could always buy a snow plow? I have one on my 4Runner during the winter months to plow my own drive way and occasionally when it's a foot of new snow and the city isn't keeping up I'll plow our streets around my neighborhood just to open them up for folks who might not otherwise be able to get in/out.
If it's still an issue - a small front lift goes a long way. Maybe something like 1 or 1.5 inches.
The next step would be taller tires, but they'll only be a marginal benefit because something like a 34" tall tire is the tallest you can fit without pretty significant modifications. That's only about 2.5" taller than the ones they come with. So 1.25" ground clearance is about the most you'll get over the stock tires without spending a ton of $.
Or... you could always buy a snow plow? I have one on my 4Runner during the winter months to plow my own drive way and occasionally when it's a foot of new snow and the city isn't keeping up I'll plow our streets around my neighborhood just to open them up for folks who might not otherwise be able to get in/out.
patkelly4370
New member
Weren't we supposed to have flying cars by now?
Lol
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Lol
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Reinout
Member
I'd second the better tires 100%. I have a set of wheels with studded tires as well for when the going gets really icy. (NJ allows you to use them from November 15th to April 1st)
A lift won't change much so you'd want bigger tires.
I don't know what you do, but possibly negotiating for remote work is going to be safest and easiest for all.
A lift won't change much so you'd want bigger tires.
I don't know what you do, but possibly negotiating for remote work is going to be safest and easiest for all.
85GT-79FJ40
New member
It's all about the tires. I had to wait 3 days from purchasing my 11 to when it was delivered (stupid massachusetts) and a set of General Grabber ATX's were sitting at work before I took delivery of the truck. The factory tires are beyond garbage.
CF_Machete
Senior Member
Definately tires and a lift. While your steeining knuckles won't get any additional clearence, the majority ony your underbody will, so less chances for getting high centered.
Probably overkill, but you could always get a winch or comalong.
Probably overkill, but you could always get a winch or comalong.
I'm a fleet mechanic for NJ Transit so I work in a 24/7 garage and we are considered essential employees of the state so state of emergency doesn't apply to us. The main reason I got the T4R was for the snow conditions, I've never been stuck but it's been sketchy.
RichinRidgewood
New member
Tires. I commuted for many years NJ in a rwd car. I put winter tires on every fall. Some of the goat trails I drove on out by Morristown were the last to get plowed and I was basically breaking a trail and snowmobiling coming in early.
I never got stuck or crashed even during the mayhem on I80 west.. (knock wood).
My recommendation is to get a second set of OEM rims, put some good “snowflake labeled” winter time like Dunlops, Bridgestone, Continental. The Germans know how to do these kind of tires. Keep your nice summer tires in the garage for the winter.
I never got stuck or crashed even during the mayhem on I80 west.. (knock wood).
My recommendation is to get a second set of OEM rims, put some good “snowflake labeled” winter time like Dunlops, Bridgestone, Continental. The Germans know how to do these kind of tires. Keep your nice summer tires in the garage for the winter.
Reinout
Member
Ah, good old Morris County roads! Grew up in Randolph, worked in Morristown, Madison, Basking Ridge. Those hills in between are treacherous!!!!!!!!!!!
[MENTION=150707]NJTMayhem[/MENTION] I can see that's a dilemma! One of the few allowed on the road which is probably for the best. I quickly looked it up but tossing a set of snow chains in the trunk doesn't appear to be illegal. I've used snow-chains in Washington on our 4Runners and in NH on my Sentra and they are a life-saver.
baldrik78
New member
Just remember that chains only go on the rear in 4Runners. Putting them up front is a good way to remove some brake lines. National Parks around here require you to have chains in your car from November to May.
DigitalRJH
New member
I think you’ll be good to go wiith that. I would think it would be very rare to have snow all the way up to your bumper on a road in NJ. Maybe out in the Rockies. In addition to the tires don’t forget you have crawl and traction control plus a good 4WD system to help you out if you ever got stuck.
Reinout
Member
[MENTION=178070]baldrik78[/MENTION] great callout on snow-chains on the back only!
As I mentioned I have a set of snow-tires on a set of FJ steelies that i picked up for an absolute steal a few years ago. They will probably rot out before they wear out. Here in the Seattle/Tacoma area we hardly get deep snow like the Tri-State (NY,NJ, PA) area does so i toss the snow tires on last-minute. I've air-ed them down on occasion for giggles and LOTS of grip. I have a VIAIR pump that I can air up real darn quick when the soft tires aren't needed anymore.
(Don't get a crappy tire pump, it's not worth it)
As I mentioned I have a set of snow-tires on a set of FJ steelies that i picked up for an absolute steal a few years ago. They will probably rot out before they wear out. Here in the Seattle/Tacoma area we hardly get deep snow like the Tri-State (NY,NJ, PA) area does so i toss the snow tires on last-minute. I've air-ed them down on occasion for giggles and LOTS of grip. I have a VIAIR pump that I can air up real darn quick when the soft tires aren't needed anymore.
(Don't get a crappy tire pump, it's not worth it)
I guess your considerations are a semi off road tire as well depending upon the roads your commuting on but if you don't need the lugs in the tread I can't imagine the Michelins having too much trouble in very deep snow especially with the 4WD system we have. I chose these because they are dead quiet on the highway & I've been in Northern Ontario many times this winter with them (cottage roads with little clearing) with no concern. Found a set of the OEM rims easily online too, aftermarket TP sensors working fine, best way to go in my opinion. Good luck!
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Grug556
New member
Local Brother I must disagree with you. Im about 45 minutes down the road from you. I have found the Michellin in 265/70/17s arctic ice to be absolute garbage in deep snow. They are at best a city tire for slush and rain and minor ice. They are by far the worst deep snow tire I have ever used. I have tried airing them down to minimum pressure for best foot print..doesnt matter.
I will say they are very quiet and are great in the rain. But dont consider them a snow tire.
For snows look at Nokian Hakkas, Blizzak DMs and a few other brands. Many snow tires get their rating based on a test with only 1 inch of snow..not ideal.
