Dumb Winter Driving Question

[ShannonHarris]

I to have a 4x4 DRW 03, and I have been in and on icy roads, snow packed-----

With no waite in the bed I have no problems. The problem that we all have is the people that think a 4X4 will go faster in the snow. So if you don't have to go out don't go but if you do, take the truck, at least if a bone head hits you, your family will have more iron to protect them. All you need to do is drive slow and keep your distance from the car in front of you, Drive safe.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

But be advised Dually's are sleds!

Although, I would agree that given everything else is equal, e. g. same tires, weight, LSD, and body style, a SRW most likely would have an edge, the above statement is, shall we say, somewhat hyperbole. imho. (imagine that, me point out hyperbole )



I have really been impressed how well my DRW handles in the land of ice and snow. Better than I expected. I keep weight on the flatbed, good winter tires, and try to drive commensurate with conditions. I would recommend using 4 wheel when you need it to get out or leave it in and drive slower when the road is ice or snowpacked. Remember to secure the weight.



I think one of the reasons the quadcab truck handles so nice is the LONG wheel base. Be safe, take the truck, and have a good time.

 

[Kennywould]

Not sure if I am asking in the right place, but may be I can get some insight anyway. In snow and icy conditions should I take the family out in the '04 3500 DRW in 4wd or take the wife's '03 Grand Caravan w/o traction control?

I think it's been well covered here, it's tough being top dog on the road, common sense is the rule, with the weight of these trucks they just want to go! I have been driving dually's 4x4 and 2wd for many years, I made mistakes, spun one around a few times on an icy road a hair raising experience! Just remember, you have to be able to stop! I refer back to common sense rule, thats my 2 cents!



"I see stupidity everywhere"

 

[WStoops]

Take the Dodge. Another thing to consider is the other driver. My wife has a Subaru which is popular in the east. It's got positraction and is just awesome in the snow. A few years ago I was driving it instead of my big Ford Truck to save some gas $. A yuppie in an Audi 4wd slid into me and broke my back. Lesson learned. My wife and her daughter were nearly killed, daughter in hospital 3 months, when a 79 olds ran a stop sign and t-boned her in her Grand Cherokee. It folded up like aluminum foil. Lesson learned twice. Now we take the Ram 3500 and feel safe, especially with the mighty cummins up front. Nuf said.

 

[LRundberget]

Take the dually. The 4x4 will keep you from getting stuck, most times and you have the added benifit of generating roaster tails of slush if someone follows too closely. Nothing causes them to back off faster than a little slush on the front hood.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

the added benifit of generating roaster tails of slush if someone follows too closely. Nothing causes them to back off faster than a little slush on the front hood.

Yeah! The evil twin loves that part.

PS: don't go driving on the edge of the road and throw rocks at my rig either... . OR ELSE.

 

[Dean Upson]

I agree with most here and would take the dually. I have had dually 4x4 since 94 and have had no traction issues with any of them at all. My '03 with the AA non-slip is the best of the bunch. I have a toolbox in the bed and that is it for weight (unless I have the hitch on). I would say that, given the weight ratio in our trucks, some weight on the rear axle would be a good idea.



Dean



edit: That was not a dumb question.

 

[hclark]

I have spent some time in the Arctic. There are no Mini Vans