Could use advice from people in cold climates.
- Thread starter OCMEDIC
- Start date
Actually, it's a lot closer to 4600 lbs.
V8.
New member
I have a receiver hitch with a d shackle. Tow rope and snatch rope in my box of goodies.
WiscoRunner
New member
I'd recommend stocking the back of the runner with at least 12 of these in various styles...
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I do. I live near Boston and I run snow tires in the winter. 4WD helps you go, but it doesn't help you turn or stop. Good snow tires reduce stopping distances around 30%. And the extra cost is really just the extra cost of the wheels -- while you have the snow tires on, you aren't putting miles your summer tires.
OCMEDIC
New member
The great thing is I live 2 miles outside of town, 1 mile from my work, and 3 miles from the ski resort. Dont really have a ton of driving to do. And its all on slow little streets.
My commute is 20 miles each way, plus on weekends I may drive 20 to 60 miles each way to get to a shooting match. Yes, we do shoot matches outside when it is snowing. So there are times when I do slog through the snow.
Ruffian
New member
Living in Lake Tahoe where I have snow on the ground for 5 to 6 months out of the year, I've learned a lot in the last few years. Mostly that no matter how wonderful the 4Runner is in acclimate weather it's been other drivers that have caused any heart stopping moments. If you park out side, you can use a tarp to cover up the windshield. To give you an idea of what my weeks during winter are like, this is my schedule. Depending on how much snow has fallen over night I give myself enough time to go outside to dig out the 4Runner. My 1st goal is to gain access into the cabin so I can start the engine and try to get the inside warmer than outside. If it was storming real bad I'll have ice to chip off under the snow since the car was warm when I got home the night before. OH huge tip here...for snow storms leave your windshield wipers up. The reason being is it's easier to use the Snow Hoe to clear the snow off the windshild if the wipers are up and out of the way. So anyway get some snow removal tools. I keep a yank strap, shackles and towels in the 4Runner all winter long. I do not keep food like others have suggested because of bears. Tahoe bears do not always den up due to the ever present trash that out of town vacationers leave out. I'd love to install a remote start since that would give me some extra time for the inside of the cabin to defrost some of the built up ice without me having to chip it off. Regarding prepping the 4Runner for life up here, I am so thankful I got the suspension lift. I did it originally for off roading, but now I need it for clearance when I get 4 foot storms over night. I had one morning where the snow was above my belly button as I waded out to the car and then when I drove down the road, I get to break trail every morning in my neighborhood, the snow was cascading up and over the hood like I was driving in a river. I have an awesome pic of the 4Runner what it looked like when I got to work. I also this past summer got rid of the BFG's and am going to see if the Goodyears do better. The BFG's were awesome in every situation other than deep snow. They were better once I aired them down 15 pounds during bad storms. I'm also going to get a good pair of snow wipers here soon. Make sure your battery is in good condition to make sure the cranking power will be there. Good winter windshield wash fluid, as well as the percentage of coolant to water in your radiator is appropriate for the coldest possible temps. Let me know if you have any questions. Oh yeah....I used to like snow. I hate it now. lol Living in it and visiting it are two different things.
Ruffian
New member
After two winters with the BFG's, I'm looking forward to having a better snow tire. Those BFG AT KO's were awesome off roading, great tread mileage, and quiet on the highway....but they gave me one too many white knuckle moments during the long winters, left me stuck on mild inclines on "sierra cement" unless I aired them down prior to every bad storm. Aired down though I never had a single issue. I love these Duratracs so far. I have less than 4,000 miles on them at the moment so I'll have to get back to you regarding what they are like in snow. However many of the local contractors here use them and gave them glowing remarks. One guy who lives up on Donner summit puts studs in them since he comes down the steep hill every morning.
Be sure and drain/pump out your windshield washerer system, including line to rear window and refill system with subzero stuff. Otherwise it will freeze up and probably break somewhere. Even with subzero stuff you will not be able to use when real cold as will freeze on windshield.
When you get snow, find a big open parking lot and try breaks, turning, turning and braking, taking off etc so you start to get the feel.
When you get snow, find a big open parking lot and try breaks, turning, turning and braking, taking off etc so you start to get the feel.
motoko
Junior Member
I grew up in N. Idaho and that's where I learned to drive. I'd say one thing that you may want to do this winter is give yourself extra time when traveling. It will probably take longer to reach your destination in the winter due to inclement weather and roads. That may seem like a "no duh", but since you are used to decent roads most of the year, just keep in mind that it isn't as easy to rush to a meeting or out to grab groceries.
My advice for the actual driving part is much like everyone else's: practice, practice, and reasonable speeds. And I think everyone has covered the basics well, the important ones to me being:
-Snow tires are great
-Emergency kit: things for warmth* and light**
*My parents who still live up N. Idaho always have sleeping bags, gloves and hats in both of their vehicles during the winter months. Granted they live in a more remote area, but better to be warm and cozy no matter where you are. Every winter you hear stories of people getting stuck somewhere.
**Coming from Cali to further north, other than the adjustment to cold and snow, might be how short and dark the days can be during the winter. Make sure to have headlamps, candles, or emergency glow sticks
My advice for the actual driving part is much like everyone else's: practice, practice, and reasonable speeds. And I think everyone has covered the basics well, the important ones to me being:
-Snow tires are great
-Emergency kit: things for warmth* and light**
*My parents who still live up N. Idaho always have sleeping bags, gloves and hats in both of their vehicles during the winter months. Granted they live in a more remote area, but better to be warm and cozy no matter where you are. Every winter you hear stories of people getting stuck somewhere.
**Coming from Cali to further north, other than the adjustment to cold and snow, might be how short and dark the days can be during the winter. Make sure to have headlamps, candles, or emergency glow sticks
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