Driving a Rubicon in the Snow

[Dale's Jeep]

I drive one everyday. It's just like everything else if you drive like an idiot bad things will happen, if you drive with common sense you should be fine it's the other idiots you need to watch out for.

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[THAW]

It all depends on the tire.

And the snow.

 

[NWJeepr]

The Rubi's diffs are open when not locked, and running on paved roads "locked" isn't advisable. Wheels need to turn at different speeds when cornering, which is why Jeep programs it so you can't run them locked over a certain speed. On slick roads, running locked will cause tires to lose traction when cornering, not really helpful... This is a situation where I'd prefer an anti-spin rear diff that can lock only when taking off, or if you need to use the throttle to straighten out. The open diffs probably cause me to run 4H in slick conditions more than I actually need to, as I find it easier to straighten out in 4H if one of the axles loses traction.

Chain all 4 wheels for best results, rear axle if you're only carrying one pair. If you're carrying them just to meet the letter of the law, make sure you try them on and know how they work before you need them...in case you actually need them!

 

[Ratbert]

The Rubi's diffs are open when not locked, and running on paved roads "locked" isn't advisable. Wheels need to turn at different speeds when cornering, which is why Jeep programs it so you can't run them locked over a certain speed. On slick roads, running locked will cause tires to lose traction when cornering, not really helpful... This is a situation where I'd prefer an anti-spin rear diff that can lock only when taking off, or if you need to use the throttle to straighten out. The open diffs probably cause me to run 4H in slick conditions more than I actually need to, as I find it easier to straighten out in 4H if one of the axles loses traction.

Chain all 4 wheels for best results, rear axle if you're only carrying one pair. If you're carrying them just to meet the letter of the law, make sure you try them on and know how they work before you need them...in case you actually need them!

Does Jeep impose a limit on speed when they're locked? I'm not sure I've heard about that limit.

Note that your comment about losing traction while cornering with lockers engaged is not limited to during slick conditions.

 

[bthomp]

Side note, if I recall correctly chains is a no no from an owners manual / warranty perspective. That said, I’d rather have chains to use than be stranded.

I’ve always found wranglers to be marginal in the snow. The combination of light weight and generally wider tires makes then slip and slide easily.

 

[wcjeep]

Lower tire pressure can help to a point. Are you looking at road or trail use in snow? Slowing down helps. Avoid using lockers on street ice. Lockers on street ice can cause drifting.

Linked video tests different tire pressure on acceleration and braking.

 

[Ratbert]

Side note, if I recall correctly chains is a no no from an owners manual / warranty perspective. That said, I’d rather have chains to use than be stranded.

I’ve always found wranglers to be marginal in the snow. The combination of light weight and generally wider tires makes then slip and slide easily.

Yours is light weight??? Mine is well over 6k pounds.

 

[Sobchak Security]

I've driven 80 from SF to Tahoe a lot. I was in a 2007 FJ with 33" Nitto Terra Grapplers. Just go slow. That's the real key. Slow and if it's slippy, 4wd. Go slow and remember the issue isn't going, it's stopping.

 

[BXFXJeep]

 

[BRuby]

I’m interested in hearing Jeep drivers experiences in snow. Any special considerations? I would only use chains as a last resort, is using them on the front a bad idea?

Thanks for sharing.

Hey. Have been driving the JL for 6+ years in snow and ice and slush and rain and dry and combo with almost zero issues on half worn crap KO2s that some despise. Drives like a tank in 2H until 4H then 4L. Then locked rear then locked F+R - then chains on the rear then chains on all 4.

Goes against what some say that lockers are crap in snow and chains should not or never be used on a JL. That Rubicon is crap locked in snow and you will fall off a cliff. Blah blah blah. Ok. Got that. Hmm? Maybe they should try and find out firsthand themselves vs speculate.

But would avoid chains on front only. The Rubicon is a very fun safe vehicle for just that. Almost unstoppable given you know how to drive in that and know how a Rubicon locked and with chains handles. Also carry boards and full length shovels. That helps when stuck. Enjoy the snow. Best time of year by far for a Jeep for us.

Finally. Make sure to tie off the loose ends of chain links with wire.

 

[Nukem]

I’ve driven all kinds of vehicles in the snow but I can’t recall ever driving a Jeep in the snow..

I’m going to Yosemite in February and chains are often required. If you have four wheel drive with M+S tires you don’t have to use them but you have to carry them with you.

I’m interested in hearing Jeep drivers experiences in snow. Any special considerations? I would only use chains as a last resort, is using them on the front a bad idea?

Thanks for sharing.

I drove mine in deep snow here in Wyoming with the stock tires. No problems at all. Just don't spin the tires. Once you do that, it's usually game over.

 

[58Willys]

The single best thing you can do to improve winter traction, is weight. Put three 60lb sand bags in the back, makes a huge difference in traction.

 

[Chief Toby]

I’ve driven all kinds of vehicles in the snow but I can’t recall ever driving a Jeep in the snow..

I’m going to Yosemite in February and chains are often required. If you have four wheel drive with M+S tires you don’t have to use them but you have to carry them with you.

I’m interested in hearing Jeep drivers experiences in snow. Any special considerations? I would only use chains as a last resort, is using them on the front a bad idea?

Thanks for sharing.

Your Rubicon probably has the Rock Trac four wheel system. 2WDH, 4WDH, and 4WDL. With Rock Trac the front and rear are locked together in 4WDH 50/50 I believe. Some jeeps come with the Selec Trac four wheel system. 2WD, 4 WD Auto, 4WDH, and 4WDL. The 4 WD Auto is a mode with clutches that put power to the front or rear depending on the conditions. I've had both, and currently have the Selec Trac on my Wrangler High Tide. IMHO Selec Trac is the best I have ever seen in snow and ice, in the 4WD Auto mode. It puts the power where you need it. Regular 4WDH with the front and rear locked is not that good on snow and ice. Rubicons were made for rock crawling and extreme off road. Finally, slow is safe and safe is fast.

 

[bthomp]

Yours is light weight??? Mine is well over 6k pounds.

I supposed 'light' isn't the best description, my 3.6L is likely 4800 and my 392 is likely 5600. My prior vehicles were all much bigger/heavier and felt more planted in the snow.

 

[Ratbert]

I drove mine in deep snow here in Wyoming with the stock tires. No problems at all. Just don't spin the tires. Once you do that, it's usually game over.

There's a wide variety of stock tires. Their ability to handle snow varies fairy drastically.

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