First time in snow

[DTro]

With the 4-runner that is.

This is the 7th vehicle I've owned. ('03 Sport). and the first with the option of 4hi and 4low. I've had smarttrak on a Bravada, but that was it.

Anyways....


First snowfall of the year, about 5 inches here in MN. I was BLOWN AWAY how well this vehicle handled. I'm pretty sure the Revo's had something to do with it, but it was flawless.

A few times I came upon other SUV's on a steep hill that weren't going anywhere, I was only in 4 hi and the tires never even broke! Pulled around em and gave the head nod :biggrin2:

My wife wanted to do on an extended distance shopping trip, and I didn't even hesitate after driving earlier that day.



You will have to pry my cold dead hands from the steering wheel to get this from me.

 

[jharris2]

You will have to pry my cold dead hands from the steering wheel to get this from me.

Even if you have to drive your wife on extended shopping trips??

Glad that you like the truck. Great to hear someone from Minnesota being impressed with how it handles in snow, too.

 

[Koz]

Best vehicle I've ever driven in the snow! I have close to 40K miles on the OEM Bridgestones and I was thinking about replacing them for the winter until I drove in the snow Monday. I can get another season out of them.

Koz

 

[josh220]

I haven't gotten mine into any snow yet

 

[vando45]

V8 or V6? Fulltime 4WD is the bomb in the snow!

Saturday we had snow, turning into freezing rain. Went to a movie that night and when we came out the 4Runner was completely coated in a 1/4" of ice. Had black ice on the way home and the 4Runner handled it all!

 

[josh220]

Haha nice. V8 and 4WD is the only way to go! Without 4WD it's a mall crawler.

 

[TheBlueWave]

Best vehicle I've ever driven in the snow! I have close to 40K miles on the OEM Bridgestones and I was thinking about replacing them for the winter until I drove in the snow Monday. I can get another season out of them.

Koz

I agree with that assesment of the OEM tires. I have over 45K on mine and was going to replace them next week, but they did pretty well in the snow, and even stopped well so I think I'll save some more cash and get better tires next spring.

 

[DTro]

Hey BlueWave.....I like the avatar

I know that spot:

 

[thebionicman]

I am extremely pleased with the 4runner in the snow. I can't believe how well it handles and how predictable it is. This snow has been so much fun.

 

[josh220]

Do any of you guys who drive in the snow frequently have stock dunlops still? How do they handle?

 

[rook]

I have made several long distance trips through snowstorms with my 4Runner. The Dunlops were good for 2 seasons, but due to the number of storms we get and the need to ski, I got a set of snows. With snows, the truck is unbelievably good in the snow!

 

[Rebzilla33]

Anyone know how a 2wd will do with snow tires in columbus ohio ? I might be moving there in feb. 08 I'm a little nervous about driving it in the snow I've never driven in the snow before.

 

[josh220]

Driving in the snow is different. You should be okay unless the snow gets bad and they start making chains mandatory for all vehicles without 4WD. Then you will have to get out and put them on, and be wishing you got the 4WD . Just drive slow until you get used to it. And you might want to think of getting either good All Terrain tires, or even just Snow Tires to help make up for the missing 4WD.

 

[Zmtking]

What are your (anyone's that is) thoughts about tire pressure in the snow when wheeling or on road for that matter. I've never thought about it, so figured I'd ask since I hope to get up to Big Bear this year, and do some romping around.

 

[josh220]

You won't see very much snow in big bear this year, as far as on the roads. Hopefully this storm comming in this weekend will bury big bear but who knows. You don't need to change your tire pressure UNLESS it's very deep snow. Narrower tires cut through the snow better, but in very deep snow, then you can let some air out so the tire is wider and will help you stay on top of the snow better like a snow shoe.

 

[h7009]

Driving snow with 2wd

You'll be fine for most weather just remember it's a two wheel drive. I learned how to drive in Sault Ste. Marie Mi. in a Plymoth Fury two wheel drive....Just maintain a safe distance and learn how to apply the brakes.

When you get a good snow, find your closest empty parking lot and spin it around a couple of times...learn how th evehicle acts in a tail spin and also try braking in a straight line to see what it does....Buy a rear bumper guard and a front bumper guard for those who don't know how to drive...good luck, CSM-H

Anyone know how a 2wd will do with snow tires in columbus ohio ? I might be moving there in feb. 08 I'm a little nervous about driving it in the snow I've never driven in the snow before.

 

[thebionicman]

I have the OEM Michelin X terrains on mine. I really like them a lot in the snow. In 4 high with the diff locked this thing can really brake great in the snow.

 

[TheBlueWave]

Hey BlueWave.....I like the avatar

I know that spot:


It's great fun all three years we've tried. Last year was the first time we saw Sea Lampreys on the Sturg, hope their numbers aren't on the rise. See you this April buddy! I think we're staying at Sportsman's this time instead of Shuster's. Nothing wrong with Shuster's, but the best bar times are at Sportsman's, many of Baudette's finest gather there.

As far as driving in snow goes, take your time, no matter the vehicle or tires fitted to it. I don't care what anyone says, I see more 4x4's in ditches, flipped over or worse, than I do regular cars in the winter time. People get over confident, and it really upsets me to see a brand new Yukon 4x4 turned over in the ditch this morning on the way to work.

 

[rook]

What are your (anyone's that is) thoughts about tire pressure in the snow when wheeling or on road for that matter. I've never thought about it, so figured I'd ask since I hope to get up to Big Bear this year, and do some romping around.

On road, leave your tires at 32-40 psi, depending on your preference. You don't want to step too far out of that range. I'll defer to one of our off road runner brothers to comment on winter offroading.

As a rule, wider tires actually provide more traction on ice/snow but the tradeoff is greater flotation which can be very unnerving in driving situations. 265 tires are more than enough for running in the snow. The siping of the tire greatly contributes to the overall traction and the outer edges of the tires help with cornering. You cannot significantly change the behavior of the tire with air pressure without making the tire dangerous to drive on.

 

[Zmtking]

Thanks for the input. I was curious to see if a larger footprint would be better in the snow as it is in sand, but on the road 10-20 psi is probably over doing it even in the snow and ice. Dropping below 30 probably would increase the foot print much anyway as you mention.

I have 17" BFG A/T KO's.