Driving in Snow

[rconti]

I was wondering what others use to minimize slipping when driving in cold, icy conditions. I drive a 94 Dodge Cummins 2500 4x2 with new A/T tires, limited slip and 600 lbs in the back. I still have had to work real hard at not sliding into the garage door frame when slowly entering. Is this truck just too heavy in the front and too light in the back with mega torque?

 

[HC]

Is this truck just too heavy in the front and too light in the back with mega torque?

That was kind of what I concluded. Having driven several different 4WD's over the years, I have to say that the Dodge has to go into 4WD when the others still would have been getting by in 2WD. Makes me really glad I got 4WD; the 2WD would not have gotten me home some days (at least, not without chains).

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I agree with HC - that's the time to put it into 4wd. I sometimes have to put the truck into 4wd to get out of the driveway (fairly flat) even when there's just a few inches of snow on the ground. Since you already have a 4x2 that isn't much of an option for you. If it's a constant and ongoing problem where you are you could install a light duty winch in the garage and winch the truck in - we have them in our airplane hangers because of traction problems pushing the airplanes back with a power tug.

 

[Steve Campbell]

Studded and siped front tires. Sipes work great on icy roads (or driveways) when heavily loaded (our permanent condition). Les Schwab (and others) do the resiping for around $10-15 per tire.

 

[Happy Camper]

IMO the 2001's are bad about spinning even with LSD as the instant you let out on the clutch the brain takes over and increases the rpm. 4x4 is a great help. Without it you will very likely slide into the doors trying to get into the garage. I try to keep that area free of the ice. LOL

 

[Champane Flight]

More weight

You need more weight in the back. I use about 1000 to 1200 lbs in the back of mine in winter conditions. Of course always carry chains for those heavy winter drives over the passes.



You can always go with more weight. My Bud uses close to 2000 lbs. It helps to reduce power a little and lug her a touch.

 

[JohnE]

Weight! On top of that carry a snowmobile or 4 wheeler to get you home if the truck cannot.



Siped tires is a sore subject with me. Especially from Big I TRIED TO BY-PASS THE CUSSING FILTER, I mean Les Schwab. <a href=http://membersites. nwbombers.com/johne/tires/sipe.html>Read my story</a> on getting siped by Schwab and that's my beef. Properly siped tires are great. Make sure you get a good job.



-John

 

[GSchlegel]

I agree, you need more weight. I have a 3500 and all to gather I have over 1,800#s in the bed. I haven't got stuck yet!

Gene

 

[Pit Bull]

I know what you mean. I have a hard time getting up the private paved road to my house when it just rains. Too much torque. Glad I have 4x4 option. In 4x4 don't even notice it is slick.

 

[wcaldwell]

rconti,



I agree - I have a 98. 5 QC LB with 6oo lbs in the bed. I was in Arlington TX two weeks ago and pulled into Motel 6 wet parking lot. Barely touched the go-pedal and the tires broke traction. Got my (and my wife's) attention real quick.





Wayne in NM