Snow driving Tips

[johnnymiz]

i do not have enough experience with it to recommend any type or brand of chains.
not one of those guys who gives an answer just go give an answer.
unless i feel a certain level of expertise, i keep my mouth shut... and i dont here
im sure someone who does will chime in.

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[Torero]

Any specific Types of chains you'd suggest? I've seen a lot of marketing hype around these like zip tie like chains instead of the old school style, but not sure if it's just a gimmick. The noise and storage size/weight would be nice though

High quality chains hands down. The rest would only last a few miles. There are some newer systems that make it easier to install.
Those other things are good to get un stuck but not really for driving for miles.
There are also chains rated for off road, including snow, mud and rocks. That’s what I got 20 years ago and still going.
The picture is a pair of newer ones, but same source.

 

[johnnymiz]

see? there you go. Torero is the man with the proper experience and a qualified answer.
didnt take long ;-)

 

[Sean L]

With this new ESS, having blankets in the car is more important than ever. If your Jeep doesn't start, you won't freeze to death. I try to keep some food and drink as well.

The ESS will not function in extreme cold situations, so it is a non issue once the Jeep is actually started. Keeping cold weather survival gear in the Jeep is a good Idea with or without ESS.

 

[Beartooth]

So I’ve never lived in a place that had snow readily available to drive in. Or if I did, well, a mustang isn’t exactly the vehicle to do it in.

Anyways, what are the general rules to follow besides slow down and plenty of space? I’m talking like do you air down to get a wider footprint? Or do you stay inflated to get down to to packed stuff? Do you put chains on when aired down? What kind of chains are best when I headed up into the mountains? Should I use lockers in snow? Etc etc...

Thanks!

Off road in snow? It’s more about snow density and depth than your equipment. Keep your tires inflated. Snow density increases as it sits and compresses. Nothing but a winch or tow rope will help you in dense snow deeper than your axles. Chains and lockers are useless if you are high centered on dense snow.

Plan to get stuck because you will get stuck. Don’t drive any further than you’re capable of walking out. Be safe.

 

[Sheepjeep]

On a poorly plowed highway (talking lanes are defined by ruts and the areas between are snowed in) and changing lanes coast into the next lane gradually. Your tires are going to be bitting and slipping like crazy if you gas it or brake even in 4wd

 

[JIMBOX]

If you have any faith in the JL warranty--the owners manual recommends chain "S" type and tire size 245/75rx17/ REAR TIRES ONLY-

W.E.

JIMBO

 

[Torero]

If you have any faith in the JL warranty--the owners manual recommends chain "S" type and tire size 245/75rx17/ REAR TIRES ONLY-

W.E.

JIMBO

Wonder if they print a different manual for other countries. In some mountain crossings in Los Andes you are not allowed without chains in all tires. Lol.
S type chains are low clearance designed for cars with little room between the McPherson spring base and the tire.

 

[Cov]

Brake first THEN turn

 

[johnnymiz]

Brake first THEN turn

that there is gold

but with any high center of gravity vehicle, you should be doing that all the time

 

[pianomankd]

Any specific Types of chains you'd suggest? I've seen a lot of marketing hype around these like zip tie like chains instead of the old school style, but not sure if it's just a gimmick. The noise and storage size/weight would be nice though

You don't need chains.

 

[JIMBOX]

In all my on-road/off-road experience---I never have used chains, so I can't really comment on chain choice-

That has been one of my HiLift's most uses--IN SNOW, trucks/jeeps/Xterra's--

W.E.

JIMBO

 

[robaw]

I've always assumed that chains were only needed in mountainous areas (steep inclines/declines). I've lived in the midwest my whole life (it's flat with plenty of snow in the winter) and have never used chains or even snow tires, and until my JL gets delivered never had AWD or 4WD.

For the most part, if you feel uncomfortable at all - slow down. And definitely what @Covfefe said - brakes then turn (only turn when going really slow or you'll just slide).

EDIT: I just re-read the OP and realized I didn't add much. Although, I would add that it's a bad idea to air down for snow/ice. Keep them properly inflated.

 

[IronScott]

In all my on-road/off-road experience---I never have used chains, so I can't really comment on chain choice-

That has been one of my HiLift's most uses--IN SNOW, trucks/jeeps/Xterra's--

W.E.

JIMBO

Sorry, off topic, and I enjoy your posts, but what does W.E. mean?

 

[JIMBOX]

Heh Heh, well I GOT chewed out for always ending my posts with--"WHATEVER" !!! so

I shortened it !

Sometimes, depending on my answer--it would be stupid for me to say WHATEVER--so I don't use either--

JIMBO

Sorry, off topic, and I enjoy your posts, but what does W.E. mean?

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