Driving a Rubicon in the Snow

[Xcoaste]

If you are used to driving in the snow, it will be a breeze. I have been driving jeeps in snow for a long time, and the key is just go slow and take your time, just like any other vehicle. Enjoy the trip

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[zouch]

that's especially amusing if you know what that 'Sign' actually means in American Sign Language,..

I went through the Sierras [sic] yesterday on Hwy 88. Chains, or 4x4 with snow tires, were required. As I approached the CalTrans chain check station, other cars were already pulled to the side putting chains on. The CalTrans guy just gave me the “rock on” sign and waved me through.

 

[Heimkehr]

that's especially amusing if you know what that 'Sign' actually means in American Sign Language,..

There is a mild but important distinction.

 

[zouch]

cute, but not even close.

There is a mild but important distinction.

 

[Heimkehr]

cute, but not even close.

The many links on the googles say otherwise.

Whatever. Cutesy finger wave!

 

[zouch]

don't know where you're looking, but you should actually look at any credible site on ASL.

better yet, ask a Deaf person (which would be easier if you are fluent in sign, as i happen to be).
SignASL.org

The many links on the googles say otherwise.

Whatever. Cutesy finger wave!

 

[Whaler27]

Prior to purchasing my JLU, I owned a Honda Ridgeline with a computer-controlled 4WD that the brand refers to as "VTM-4". Its functioning was such that that vehicle was easily the most competent and confidence-inspiring vehicle that I've ever driven in the white stuff.

The Jeep, by comparison, with its part-time analog 4WD transfer case, requires more attention and input from the driver. This is exacerbated by its comparatively lighter weight. It became quickly apparent to me that I couldn't get by with meaty all-seasons, as I did with the Honda. A set of studded 3PMSF winter tires arrived from Tire Rack soon enough. That gave me a bit of an edge, but due care in inclement conditions is still the Order of the Day.

I wouldn't consider all-terrain or mud terrain tires as suitable proxies for a proper snow tire. Just a data point of one, and of course it will depend on the actual road conditions.

But for my time on active duty, I've always lived and driven in the snow belt. I have the experience to know how to balance my own capabilities with that of the vehicle that I'm driving. The Jeep needs recurrent but not excessive hand-holding, and that's OK.

P.S. -- Don't use the locking axle function. Let the LSD, if equipped, do the worrying for you.

This 100%.^^

The best strategy for my jeeps and trucks has been studded 3-peak tires, weight in the back of the vehicle, patience, and maintaining lots of distance between vehicles. We do that on our work vehicles too. (See photo below) Goodyear Duratracs have been my studded tire of choice, but the newest generation is not pinned for studs, so I had the set that came on my F-350 drilled and studded when the tires had less than 500 miles on them. So far so good.

 

[UncleJimmy]

For me the Wrangler being slightly shorter wheelbase, I found the back end wanting to swing out a little quicker than the trucks I was used to but the traction control kicks in quickly and corrects the fishtail. The stopping distance was significantly lower than the truck due to lower weight which I tested back to back in the same conditions with same brand tires. For tires I run BFG KO2s and air down to 25 psi and add weight to the trunk with four forty lbs bags. It’s not absolutely necessary but helps for when my wife drives during the snowstorms and icy roads. Keep it in 4 hi when on the white stuff and the Jeep does excellent on the snow.

Be prepared to stop frequently in snow storms if driving at night with LEDs as they don’t get hot enough to melt the ice and the design collects snow and obscures the lens. I am adding some extra off road lights to help mitigate this.

 

[Pape]

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.

It all depend on the type of snow you have. I did wheel in 2 foots of powder snow and was a lot of fun. Other time you get the heavy snow who turn in ice once compressed and this will make it really hard to navigate, this is where you need the chains.

All in all, most of the time the problem start when the white thing is becoming ice. If you stick to the road don't go to fast but keep the momentum, try to keep all movement as smooth as possible, limit the inertia factor.

 

[UncleJimmy]

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..

I think it’s a mistake to turn off traction control and use lockers when driving on road. The reason is traction control will cut power from the engine and brake spinning wheels factoring into account the direction of the steering wheel and direction of travel of the vehicle. What this means in practice is if you loose traction in the rear end which the Wrangler wants to do because of the comparatively short wheel base, by cutting the power and braking spinning wheels it corrects the slide and allows the vehicle to regain traction and directional control. The time to disable traction control is off road where you are getting stuck because the wheels won’t spin because traction control keeps cutting power. But again, on road that’s what you want.

As others have noted, using lockers on road can be dangerous as can force the wheel to spin and break traction causing loss of control. The time for lockers is off road and the vehicle is getting stuck.

 

[OH Bandit]

I drove my Jeep into Yosemite Valley last March during the tail end of a storm. I had factory 315/70r17 K02s with 6K miles on them, and I carried chains. The roads are plowed, buy they can still accumulate quickly during storms. Not all roads are open, so check your route. Also, it can get icy, even with the plowing, especially in the morning (lots of shaded areas that freeze).

I thought about putting on chains, but the CHP said I was fine with my setup. So I threw it into 4H and headed in. I was so glad I did not take our Tesla, because the potholes and puddles are significant in the Valley.

Great trip and time of year if you time it right.

 

[Poko]

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.

What wheels are those? I like em'!

 

[Dusty Dude]

I think it’s a mistake to turn off traction control and use lockers when driving on road. The reason is traction control will cut power from the engine and brake spinning wheels factoring into account the direction of the steering wheel and direction of travel of the vehicle. What this means in practice is if you loose traction in the rear end which the Wrangler wants to do because of the comparatively short wheel base, by cutting the power and braking spinning wheels it corrects the slide and allows the vehicle to regain traction and directional control. The time to disable traction control is off road where you are getting stuck because the wheels won’t spin because traction control keeps cutting power. But again, on road that’s what you want.

As others have noted, using lockers on road can be dangerous as can force the wheel to spin and break traction causing loss of control. The time for lockers is off road and the vehicle is getting stuck.

I agree on not using lockers on road unless it is deep. I disagree on turning off the traction control. Too many people end up going too fast because of the traction control making them think road conditions are better than they are. Most of the time, traction is lost during acceleration from a stop. In patchy conditions, you would be correct because you would already be at speed.

 

[Ratbert]

Most of the time, traction is lost during acceleration from a stop. In patchy conditions, you would be correct because you would already be at speed.

My experience has been the opposite. It's usually not that much of a big deal to lose traction while acceleration. Losing traction while trying to stop, however, happens quite frequently and often ends "badly".

 

[Dusty Dude]

My experience has been the opposite. It's usually not that much of a big deal to lose traction while acceleration. Losing traction while trying to stop, however, happens quite frequently and often ends "badly".

On my Challenger, ABS and ESP(TC) were separated. The ESP would prematurely wear out the rear brakes unless driving like a grandpa around corners. I turned it off every time I got in the car after my first rear brake change at 40k.

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