MARYLAND TACOMAS

Still better than work. Bite really turned on after my tumble and after tying on a new lure.

Might have to drag the Hobie down there while I still have it at my disposal.

 

I'll make some cornbread!

 

What's up my northern brothers! I'm hoping y'all can give me some advice. Way down in the south I have almost no experience driving in snow and ice conditions. It snows here occasionally, but I never really know the best way to handle it. I usually just use 4wd, but is there ever a time when I should engage the locker? Do I use MTS? Is 4hi better than 4 low? Just give some winter driving tips to a southern boy.

 

If anyone is looking for sliders for $400 for a 2nd gen tacoma. He's located in Bel Air, MD

 

I’m with you there lived in FL for 5 years so I forgot how to drive in snow. I honestly think this winter won’t be bad. Just drive slow and don’t brake hard. 4lo for the deep snow. That’s all I remember.

 

4x4 helps you get going. Nothing helps on ice. Drive slower than normal. Driving in deep snow is a bit like driving on the beach (sand). You get bump steer and if you have a manual you have to shift fast.

 

All of this and simply put just give your self plenty of distance/time between you and anyone else on the road. I was a volunteer EMT for 12 years and did alot of emergency driving in the snow and responding to plenty of accidents lol everything takes longer in the snow, stopping, starting, turning. Like the other guys said Ice sucks plain and simple. Nothing you can do there. Your already ahead of the game though, my truck does amazing in the snow. 4 High and let her eat. Common sense goes so far!

 

Hey Wes How's it goin' Brother? Great to see you back on here! It was especially nice finally meeting you!

 

For me, I find just regular old 4wd works for about 99% of the situations. Simply because you're either going to have traction or you're not. On an incline I may go into 4lo. If I get stuck in a snow bank I will try rocking in 4wd before I try locking it. Spinning the tires will help release snow that is packed in the tread. I would not want to spin the tires if the locker was engaged for fear that when it bites I might do something bad.

Other than that, these are some of the other things I do............

• Turn off traction control if you want to have some fun, otherwise leave it on.
• 4hi is beneficial even in the rain so if the roads are snowy you should definitely use it if you are unsure. It will improve your safety immensely.
• Modes such as 4hi or 4lo, locked, unlocked, traction control, crawl control only work with the gas pedal. None of them mean jack shit when you hit the brake pedal.
• Plan ahead if possible. It's hard at highway speeds so when as your speeds increase, so should your buffer between you and the driver in front of you.
• Slow down. Never assume the roads are just snow covered and you have complete control.
• Ice can be invisible with or without snow on the road.
• The more sipes your tires have the better traction you will have on snow and/or ice.
• Lowering the tire pressure helps if needed.
• Put some sort of static weight in the bed. Bags of pea gravel, or sand work great, are inexpensive and can be used as traction aides. Salt is good too but moisture will make it solid chunks.
• Keep a cell phone charger cord, space blanket, flares, protein bars, two pairs of gloves, boots, flashlight, wool cap, chemical heat devices, drinking water in a emergency bag in case you find yourself off in a ditch.
• Keep extra windshield washer fluid in the vehicle. Wet roads in the winter force you to use your windshield wipers/washer more often. Depending on the length of the drive you can easily run out.
• You should consider a winter style wiper. Some are designed specifically to handle snow and ice.
• Get a long/extension handle snow brush/scraper. Clear off your hood and roof! Besides it being inconsiderate to other drivers it can be dangerous if you brake and a roof full of snow slides down onto your windshield blocking your view.
• Know what is around you on whatever route you take in case you have to abandon the vehicle and walk to get help.

Most of this stuff can be kept in the vehicle year round. It just pays to be sure you have it in the winter because of the extreme cold.

 

That's awesome, man. Thank you for taking the time to write that up.

 

You're welcome David. Better safe than sorry. A simple trip to go get milk could turn into a catastrophe quickly if you're unprepared.

 

2nd gen long bed (I think) cap in Harford County for pretty cheap.

 

Green Ridge April 2018. All of the creeks were swollen 4 - 5 normal size.

 

Just want to add a little onto what @RobP62 said.
Don’t cruise around in 4lo, also you’re not supposed to go over 15mph(ish) in 4Lo. (Due to the gearing).
Also don’t cruise around with your lockers locked. Only use it to get you out of a sticky situation then disengage it.
4 Hi is good for up the 55mph I believe and is usually all you need for driving in winter weather. I personally don’t engage 4wd until there’s about 2-4” of snow on the ROAD not grass.

 

I didn't see it mentioned here so;
4lo, low speed hi torque, 20mph max, you can almost climb a tree in 4lo.

Lockers, front and/or rear, only to get unstuck or when you need equal traction on both sides of the vehicle, drive in a straight line or very wide curves.
Factory lockers don't turns and neither will you or you truck. You can get away with locked turns in loose or slippery terrain - sand, snow, mud, gravel, wet grass.

Have fun, be smart and stay safe.

 

Y'all have so much great advice in here, very much appreciated. I like this community.

 

Morning Maryland

 

Morning MD.

 

Looks like it's warming up these days. I'll be in Virginia Beach this weekend and it's supposed to be 75!

 

Mornin MD