First trip into snow

Heading from Alabama to Quebec next week and wondering how the prerunner is going to do in the snow and ice. I have the duratracs and want to know from others how they do in snow. Also any other suggestions or helpful hints for taking the Tacoma into the slick stuff.

 

Honestly...the PreRunner is going to suck in the snow. I say that so you're prepared to drive conservatively and use the throttle sparingly. Put 200-300lbs in the bed and keep it strapped down.

The main roads in Quebec are well-treated so hopefully snow/ice won't be a big issue. If you drive in a storm, traffic might still be moving at 75mph on a packed snow surface. Remember that the vehicles around you likely have snow tires, more weight over the drive wheels, and lower center of gravity. So be very, very careful. And don't follow the guy driving an F550 with two snowmobiles in the back.

Have a great trip and safe travels.

 

have fun!

 

I took mine out last weekend for the first time and it wasn't that bad... I have some pics on my gallery. But I was fully loaded with four people and four peoples worth of stuff in the bed. I felt pretty confident...

 

Chains

 

O yea chain that bitch! Although it was fun at first without... Sliding all over the place =]

 

You need to know how to drive in the snow....but most people (at least around where I live) absolutely do not.

 

your going to regret getting a prerunner thats for sure. get some GOOD snow tires, and load the bed up with weight. practice driving somehwere in the snow, and cross your fingers.

 

what brings you to QC?

 

I don't know why all the 4wd guys are so uptight about us 2wd guys and snow. I have the cheap ass 2wd 4cyl 05, 3" lift and and some Hankook 265/65/18 Dynapro ATMs. 250lbs of sand directly over the rear axle and my truck drives great, it does not get stuck or scary.

 

Drive defensively, leave more space between the car in front of you.
I have spent most of my life driving in Northern Vermont, the dealers just don't sell prerunners & you do not see many 2wds for a reason but..
you gotta do what you gotta do & it sounds like
you got a good set of tires & are on your way so...
Add the weight & easy on the throttle as suggested.
Also an outside temp gauge helps to let you know the freezing mark & a good emergency kit, tow strap, flares, extra windshield wash, & stop & get an ice scraper/brush.

They are calling for colder temps and snow through the weekend.
The weather patterns lately are very strange, lots of small squall storms, but the highway departments are on top of it.
Its much easier to drive in heavier snowfall since People slow down or stay home it seems. Its the little dustings that glaze the road. When you see that really slow down for it turns to ice especially near the bridges.

Hope you have a safe trip!

 

I've got the duratracs recently put on my truck, and so far they've been great in snow, in 2wd just as much as 4wd. That said, though, I haven't had a lot of snow to play in. It actually took a fair bit of throttle to kick it loose, especially if I left traction control on.

I'd be more worried about Quebec drivers. Quebecois etes tres fou. Seriously, they drive like maniacs regardless of road conditions. Other than that, Simon's Mom has good advice. Happy driving!

 

Visiting family.
Thanks for all the advice guys

 

You got a passport ?

 

Absolutely

 

Good , it amazes me that some people still don't realize you need one to cross the border . Have fun in Habs land .

 

Hi tanktodd

This is my fisrt post but im watching TW forums every day.

Dont be scared with your prerunner about the snow here in quebec. The winter this year is pretty warm so they have not alot of snow in the road. I can say the road are almost dry right now but be carefull about the ice.

Sorry if my english is bad but i do my best.

Welcome in quebec and if you need any information i will do my best to help you.

 

Hi! Welcome to Quebec in advance

Where exactly you plan to go?

Depending of where you want to go and when, but if you plan to go to Quebec city and if roads are covered of snow or ice, I recommend you to drive oustide of rush hours during weekdays (7h00AM and 9h00AM, 3h30PM and 7h00PM), especially if you want to use roads that are between "Henri IV" highway and "Pont Pierre Laporte" / "Pont de Quebec" bridges. There are some hills right there and with your pre-runner, you'll won't be able to go up even with dedicated winter tires and weight in the bed. Only cars with dedicated winter tires and AWD/4x4 trucks will be able to to anywhere in those roads section.

Montreal city, it's almost flat everywhere, oustide of Mont-Royal / Cote-des-Neige area, but anyway, snow will melt on roads unless weather is very bad, like snowstorm.

Cars that are equipped with 4 seasons tires aren't able to go up on steep grades. Take note that FWD cars have better traction than 4x2 trucks, don't try to follow them, stay at the right lane and drive slowly when it's snowing or ice raining or on covered roads. We have a bad habit to have a same driving techniques on covered roads as if it was summer but we are used to it We're crazy, that's for sure. Only when it's heavily snowing or during snowstorm we slow down.

Putting some sand bags or some weight like baggage in the bed will help.

Have a nice trip and be safe

 

Goodyear Duratracs are severe wheather rated , aka studded tire alternative , look for a mountain symbol on the side wall. Only a tire makes traction anything else just manages what you have. I dont think your prerunner will suck in the snow , just wont be as easy as a 4wd . I used to go skiing and everywhere in an 83 impala with snow tires ,with added 200 lb in the trunk i never got stuck or needed chains, even going to Banff area of canada on unplowed roads.

 

Take some candy bars, granola and a coffee can to poop in lol.