Could use advice from people in cold climates.

[Casper421]

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.

I've had a studded set for the past 5 seasons, except for last, and you can't beat em!

 

[Ruffian]

I've had a studded set for the past 5 seasons, except for last, and you can't beat em!

Hey there's my twin! I thought I've seen Ruffian's twin a few times around here. Next time we see each other, we've got to try to pull over to shake each others hands. :surfer:

 

[Casper421]

Hey there's my twin! I thought I've seen Ruffian's twin a few times around here. Next time we see each other, we've got to try to pull over to shake each others hands. :surfer:

You got it! Black wheels? If so, I've been admiring your ride for a few years now. Used to see it all the time when I lived on red cedar in TC. After seeing yours, I had to lift mine!! Where do you ski/ride?

Edit: Now i remember. Ruffian, i saw you in South Lake on the 22nd of last month when i was on my way to Deer Valley. I was the black runner headed south on 89 and you were turning left.

 

[Ruffian]

You got it! Black wheels? If so, I've been admiring your ride for a few years now. Used to see it all the time when I lived on red cedar in TC. After seeing yours, I had to lift mine!! Where do you ski/ride?

Edit: Now i remember. Ruffian, i saw you in South Lake on the 22nd of last month when i was on my way to Deer Valley. I was the black runner headed south on 89 and you were turning left.

Ah ha! Yup that was me. Sent ya a PM to keep this thread simple.

 

[talonjade]

Everything's wierd at -50°! I lived in MN for 25 years and the coldest I recall was -30°, I don't miss the cold at all! Good thing wind chill has no bearing on the trucks!

Just FYI- in Wyoming my 1989 22re Toyota started at -80 wind chill (-90):jaw drop:

I had the block heater but forgot to plug it in...the oil sounded congealed but she came right up...

needless to say it was the coldest day I ever experienced in WY and anywhere else for that matter.

 

[TRDCal]

Just FYI- in Wyoming my 1989 22re Toyota started at -80 wind chill (-90):jaw drop:

Nothing like a good old Toyota to start in cold temperature. My old Corolla never got plugged in and it always started (except for when the starter went ) in cold weather. Just to let you know tho, inanimate objects aren't affected by wind chill

Also, as for getting studded tires. Personally I think there great but they are illegal in my area and you face a hefty fine for having them. So just check with your local laws before paying to have a set installed just to have them removed.

 

[M1911]

Also, as for getting studded tires. Personally I think there great but they are illegal in my area and you face a hefty fine for having them. So just check with your local laws before paying to have a set installed just to have them removed.

They are also noisier on the highway.

 

[Casper421]

They are also noisier on the highway.

Um, they're also louder on city streets too. You get used to it after a week or two.

 

[toytwo]

Wow! Lots of advise, some good. I've lived & driven in Thunder Bay Ontario Canada (200 miles north of Duluth MN) for over 40 years & we get lots of snow & cold for about 5 months of the year. I have a 2007 Limited V8 with fulltime 4WD & this is what I do; use windshield washer antifreeze all year so you never have to worry about having to switch; change all 5 wheels to snows (Toyo) on steel rims. The rubber on snows is much softer below 45 degrees & they have a much more agressive tread. Much better traction than all-seasons. The spare will accumulate salt on it which will corrode an alloy rim quickly especially if you drive on a highway. The turbulance will drive the moisture/salt into places you wouldn't think it would (I've seen spares corrode to the point they needed to be replaced in 5 yrs). In changing the spare you will ensure it's checked twice a year & they can be rotated properly. I also have my truck Rust-Checked each fall to prevent corrosion of the body & chassis. I change my windshield wipers to winters each fall. I use 5w30 sythetic oil, a no-brainer. My engine coolant is mixed to minus 45 degrees. I have a remote starter & use it below freezing for about 5 min to prewarm the engine oil. I also get in the habit of leaving my heating controls to max defrost at night. I use my block heater & its on a timer set to come on 3 hrs before I leave for work- electricity is cheaper than gas. A
note about driving in snow, one time can be very different than another-it depends very much on temperature, especially the moisture content of the snow. Sometimes you will have good traction & other times you'l be all over the place so start with caution in new snow. Drive like you are in 2WD even when in 4WD. On frosty mornings beware of bridges because the frost melts on the road but may stay around longer on the bridge surface.