Offroaders, I have a question for you.

Hi Folks,

I have been doing some regular off-pavement drives this winter and have had mixed success. I am looking for some feedback/tips from those that regularly offroad their 2nd gen.

I have General Grabber AT2s (265x70x16), not studded. Rear TSB and front billies set to .85. Fully stock otherwise.

Situation 1: Bayley-Hazen road in Northern VT. These are gravel roads that are un-maintained. In the winter, they are used as snowmobile trails, but still open for passenger vehicles. A couple of weeks ago, I got stuck there and needed to be towed out by a skitter. HEAVY snow (maybe 4-6 inches deep?) and hard-packed ice underneath. I got down a series of rolling hills but just couldn't get back up. I tried 4HI and 4LO and no success. Bailed, walked 4-6 miles and got a logger with a skitter to tow me out, but that's another story.

Situation 2: Golden road in Northern Maine. Same story, unmaintained gravel roads, 2-4 inches of snow over hard packed ice. This time though, I was able to get out of it in 4 LO. It might have helped that I caught the shoulder of the trail where the snow was deeper, but I was fully expecting to need a tow and was pleasantly surprised when I made it up.

So my question is this: What was different about the second situation compared to first? I can't figure out why I didn't get stuck the second time also. Are there any driving tips for offroading in icy/snowy conditions short of studs or snow chains?

 

Throw on some chains, or air down the tires a bit. Both help a lot in the snow. Remember if you air down, dont go too low if you have to run highway before airing back up.

 

Chains make a huge difference for winter off-road trails. And, as said before, airing down helps.

 

Depth is the other factor. If you "high center" on the snow, you stop.

 

And if you lose too much momentum(are coming to a stop), pull off the gas and back up to get a run into the snow to bring the momentum back into play. If you stay on the gas til completely stopped, chances are you've buried yourself to the frame, or dug the tires into 4 holes that arent easy to get out of.

 

Thanks. I already have Spidertrax 1.25" in all 4 corners, sorry should have mentioned that in the original post.

I am researching tire chains now. Anyone have any recommendations on brand/type that will clear both front and rear and can be installed/taken-off relatively easily while on a trip?

 

Air down, keep it in 4hi, and momentum is key

My Taco turns into a snowmobile

 

Air down your tires
Momentum
Lockers
Driver skill

And - believe it or not - you can & will get stuck. Never assume these trucks are almighty and invinsible, because they can't tackle everything even if you're full prepared with all the traction devices available.

Be prepared to GET STUCK via carrying the proper tools you need.

and NEVER GO ALONE!!!

 

Interesting thread.
So let's say you do go alone, what are some techniques for getting "un-stuck" when you are by yourself? AND you don't have one of those cool bumpers with a winch on it?

 

Happened to me once.

1. Don't floor the gas hoping to get out in frustration!!!
2. Get out of the truck and assess the "stuck" situation
3. clear some snow, hopefully with a shovel, but i used my foot
4. Air down your tires. I usually go to 15 or so psi.
5. Rock the truck, take frequent breaks to prevent tranny overheating.

 

thats why i got all this....

and a front hitch coming soon.....

 

^^ trd09 , good info above ^^

Tires are the most important factor.

In the OPs situations i would carry chains for just such a emergency

and a shovel.

Not all snow and ice are the same, so dont try and compare the two.

 

My pic I posted and your avatar are surprisingly similar (as are our trucks, save for the DC and TRD)

 

airing down is key for me. but theres no snow in phoenix, az. but i know airing down helps in every situation

 

note to that ^^^^
the cooler its full o beer and peperoni and cheese toooo
gotta have something to do in case of having to spend the night out there....
and you will never see my beer without a cozie......


and to the op ice sucks ...if theres ice under it your fucked......"without" studs

 

I guess that would be better than getting fucked with studs lol

 

Why yes they are. Love the double cab
already have had a reg cab, and a extra cab.

SNOW on !!!!!

 

A bunch of people mention they use 4HI and I'm curious why.

Besides the obvious reason on non-TRDs with no A-TRAC option(unless you do the yellow wire mod for TRAC in 4LO), why use 4HI?

 

Move to Fla.

 

High torque of 4lo would dig in more making it tougher to gain momentum. Like sand or loose mud, wheel speed in deep snow is good thing once momentum is had.