Driving a Rubicon in the Snow

[NWJeepr]

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.

From the 2023 owner's manual, Rubicon lockers can only be activated when the transfer case is in 4L. The lockers automatically disengage at 30mph.

There's some confusing information about Willys/ Rear-only locker option in the 2023 version. It appears those can be engaged in 4H, but they may be subject to the same speed limit and there is a huge warning that says do not use on public roadways, off-road use only.

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.

The comparatively shorter wheelbase of Wranglers doesn't help.

Sponsored

 

[Nukem]

The KO2 came stock with my Rubicon.

 

[jadmt]

Man i have been driving in snow country for 50 years and have been in some crazy places and after reading this thread i guess i have been doing it all wrong.

 

[Jtphoto]

From the 2023 owner's manual, Rubicon lockers can only be activated when the transfer case is in 4L. The lockers automatically disengage at 30mph.

There's some confusing information about Willys/ Rear-only locker option in the 2023 version. It appears those can be engaged in 4H, but they may be subject to the same speed limit and there is a huge warning that says do not use on public roadways, off-road use only.



The comparatively shorter wheelbase of Wranglers doesn't help.

With Off-Road + activated you can run the rear locker in 4Hi at higher speeds.

 

[Bayrat]

The stock Rubicon tire has always done well by me in both deep snow and ice. The only thing that will stop me is heavy, deep snow packing under the vehicle. On slick roads, I always run in four wheel drive. If you have a full-time transfer case such as my 392, that's not a concern.

 

[calemasters]

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.

Chains would not fit my JK Rubicon. I assume they will not fit my JL Rubicon. There was not sufficent clearance between the inside rear tire sidewall and the frame.

 

[Jtphoto]

There are lots of different chain style traction aids that will fit just about anything. It never hurts to have them with you just in case..

 

[BXFXJeep]

The stock Rubicon tire has always done well by me in both deep snow and ice. The only thing that will stop me is heavy, deep snow packing under the vehicle. On slick roads, I always run in four wheel drive. If you have a full-time transfer case such as my 392, that's not a concern.

I run 4H auto all the time in the winter, but once there is snow on the ground I switch from 4H Auto to 4H part time.

 

[Aussicon]

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.

Absolutely agree 100%

 

[Av8Chuck]

I run 4H auto all the time in the winter, but once there is snow on the ground I switch from 4H Auto to 4H part time.

I don’t have 4H Auto

 

[svtrit]

I grew up driving 2 wheel drive trucks in the Midwest when it used to snow a lot. We never used chains unless it was really bad, but we also were more likely to stay home back then. I bought my first set of chains in CA when I moved out there.

I would run in 4x4 on the white roads and just drive slowly, keeping in mind that it will take a lot of extra time to stop. You can do a test stop or two to get the feel for it. Bare pavement may actually be icy, so don’t take it for granted. I run our cars here in IA to about 30 PSI from 38 in snow.

KO2’s are awesome in the snow. I have not tried KO3’s yet, but they are similar enough I expect good things. Your tires do not look like they will do well to me due to lack of siping. Mud tires are TERRIBLE in the snow.

Enjoy the trip. Just having a Jeep is 90% perfect for the snow.

 

[Av8Chuck]

Man i have been driving in snow country for 50 years and have been in some crazy places and after reading this thread i guess i have been doing it all wrong.

I’m not that interested in right and wrong, more interested in what works.

If you’ve been doing things differently but it works for you, I’m interested in hearing what you’re doing.

 

[Grayhound]

You can use the rear locker in 4h with offroad+ on and hold traction control until esc turns off. Then the rear will engage.

From the 2023 owner's manual, Rubicon lockers can only be activated when the transfer case is in 4L. The lockers automatically disengage at 30mph.

There's some confusing information about Willys/ Rear-only locker option in the 2023 version. It appears those can be engaged in 4H, but they may be subject to the same speed limit and there is a huge warning that says do not use on public roadways, off-road use only.





The comparatively shorter wheelbase of Wranglers doesn't help.

 

[Jtphoto]

Situations vary by location, temp and snow type. Generally I find the 4:1 Rubicon 4Lo not much use in snow or mud. In cold snow areas where the snow is like crystal sugar, wheel speed and aggressive tires at lower pressure is your friend.
On ice, lower pressure to maximize foot print is about all you can do. The best hands down for icy conditions is studded tires.
Powder snow just about any tire A/T or M/T will do.
Dense warm sticky snow ( like mountain snow), low pressure and drive slow and steady seems to be the ticket.

Lockers in winter, not a fan for on road, of course, because they are useless there. Off road in deeper snow the lockers are a huge bonus. The front locker keeps you on track and pulls you through.
My preference for on road/off road combo is actually front selectable locker and rear Tru-Track mechanical LSD. The LSD on-road in bad conditions is much better then an open diff and the rear locker really isn’t an option on road. Unless of course there is 1 foot of snow on the road.

 

[OffroadPhoto]

I don’t have 4H Auto

We have a 2020 3.6 JLUR automatic. We drive the eastern sierra frequently anytime of year. We have been to Yosemite many times. however to navigate snow for us, I can agree on tire choice, (KO2) and to run in 4H with traction control off, once we hit white stuff. In some cases going up hill on icier grades (short ones) 4L is required. and if they slip I put in the lockers. We stage the effort of the vehicle. For the valley I dont think you will be having issues. Crossing into high country in Yosemite winter is impossible so no concern there. The only thing that can stop you is plowing the differential into a snow pack taller than the low point of your chassis. and a drop into a mudpile under the ice in spring. You can high center badly. so look and gauge the height of the path you want to take. but for the valley I dont see why it would not be plowed because frankly they are expecting kia sedans at the Awahnee... Enjoy your trip it will be beautiful..

Sponsored