Winter Prep

I’m gonna stay outta this one..

 

Ugh... I wish thats all the snow we got this last winter

 

100%

Crown Vic with studded General winter tires got me through 4 winters and the only stopping force was snow being up past the bumper. Granted NJ is not like upstate NY with potential lake effect snow, but still had winters with 10"+ in some storms

 

Quick follow up on this because this post is truth. It really depends on where you are in New England. I live in the Boston Metro area, but I also have a place up in North East Kingdom, Vermont - the winters are handled differently between the two. All of the areas plow, but NEK can be a touch slower. It also gets WAY colder up there - I haven't needed a block heater, but I'm wondering.

Winter Tires - I only run regulars, for now, because I didn't think I needed studded - but you hear people running them year 'round in Vermont and New Hampshire, given that I can use them Nov - April in Mass, my next set might be studded.

I will also say under body protection is very much in my future - I haven't thus far and it's past time, especially since making these drives.

Anyway - welcome to the area, I moved up from Texas 12 years ago and haven't regretted it, especially with the place in Vermont.

 

@wake100 That was over night.

 

i know this is one of those easier said than done things but i would strongly just consider trading it for a 4x4 model. especially if its your only vehicle. you werent specific on where your moving too but where i live a 2wd truck just plain doesn't work no matter if you put weight in bed with good tires. they dont even sell 2wd trucks here unless it would be a weird special order. 4x4 doesnt help you stop faster sure but being able to get up to speed quickly without breaking traction is worth the added safety.

 

don't think so

 

I know. one of ours was super bowl sunday. worse day of my life. we lost out dog 2/9 and I spent 24 hours in a blizzard with about 4 feet of snow I had to shovel off the damn roof before we lost the house

 

I don't live in Wiscaahhhsin anymore, but for winters pretty standard fare for me:

-Have jumper cables and I'd recommend one of these too - I have used this a number of times: Buy 20000mah Jump Starter | Rechargeable Car Battery Jump Starter at Best Price – Imazing Power You can charge devices off of it as well - like phones.
-A small shovel is always handy
-Anything extra that could keep you warm if you were stranded isn't a bad idea. I always have a blanket in my truck anyways - in case I hit a rest stop or something on a long trip.
-Proper tires
-a scraper (duh) for the windows
-I think some folks up there probably use a winter mix of washer fluid? I'm sure there's been advances in that by now.
-Having a AAA membership or autoclub membership never hurts - many insurance policies come with them at no charge

 

Love y'all just chitter chattering away and the OP bailed less than an hour after his post and hasn't been back to answer any of the great qualifying questions you've been asking.

 

Point was the NE mountains aren't nearly as severe as the Rockies, so what is normal for you may be overkill for what's needed in the NE

 

Lot of good suggestions already, but I'd add to check if studded tires are allowed where you live. Depending on how much space you have, either a dedicated set of winter tires or a set of 3PMSF tires to run year round will make more sense.

Some people think chains are overkill (and they're probably right with modern tire technology), but I'd still get a set, especially if you're going off the beaten path in winter. Sometimes 2wd needs all the help you can get.

Grab some shoe spikes while you're at it: if it's too slippery to drive, it's probably difficult to walk as well.

You have an off-road model: the locker might help in some loose snow, but it will be your worst enemy on icy streets. Just let the traction control do it's job.

Only saw one post mention a blanket, be sure to put an emergency bag in your car with blanket, gloves, proper shoes, coat, food, water, etc.

If actually going in the mountains or anywhere remote: bring a buddy! Preferably someone from the area who is familiar with the conditions.

 

I used to think the same thing, i.e. "4-wheel drive doesn't mean 4-wheel stop" was something I had always heard in terms of 4wd being no better for braking, particularly in adverse conditions, but this video changed my mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMnT1gCYjP8

 

that was supposed to say doesnt.

 

this is only true for older vehicles. modern independent 4 wheel abs systems will stop faster in 2wd.

 

https://youtu.be/y-gEXP6hECA?si=rEharEejQ2bcr3i7

What do you consider modern and older? This ford is a 2011-2016. Unless "modern" means abs has significantly improved in the last ~10 years enough to change those results, I'm still sticking with 4wd is better for braking in adverse conditions than 2wd. Do you have a source for your claim?

 

I'm in Syracuse, NY and winter prep is an absolute must around here. Personally I Ziebart yearly, run General grabber 285/75/16 AT, snow recovery and winter safety gear and make sure to have all fluids changed as needed. Last year my power steering lines blew in the middle of February which sucks. Also, and the most important is the salt in NY will literally eat everything on your truck so frequent washed are a must throughout the season. Good luck out there and think about 4WD for your next purchase.

2016 Ouicksand Off-Road 6MT (130K miles)with Total Chaos UCA's, Toytec Boss series suspension, YotaMaster Coyoza Tune, BlackRhino/General Grabber wheels and tires

 

That guy has some interesting videos. I've seen the 4Runner one before, this is my first time seeing the Tacoma one:
https://youtu.be/aPkuxfto2tw?feature=shared

Pretty impressive for the Michelin highway tires.

And for snow fun:
https://youtu.be/uK06qFYAqiY?feature=shared

 

no source. just if the abs system actually does what its supposed to and give each wheel as much traction as possible having the front and rear wheels mechanically locked at the same speed would hinder that. having that superduty stop quicker either shows how poor the trucks abs system is or possibly stopping in the same spot over and over skewed the results. i watch his videos myself tho.

 

He addresses that in the video, regarding intentionally not stopping in the same spot to not skew the results. Also, the difference he showed in 2wd vs. 4wd affected performance significantly more than having ABS on or disabled, so saying that a proper ABS system would overcome such a dramatic difference is a wild claim without evidence. I don't know what to tell you, but I'll hold solid evidence in a real world test from a knowledgeable source over hunches, personally. I care much more about reality than theory. And I completely disagree with your statement that mechanically locking the front and rear wheels together is a hindrance, for reasons outlined in both videos.

Just trying to educate people properly because safety is the topic. As it sits, I see absolutely zero reason to think that being in 2wd is safer than 4wd in adverse slippery conditions for acceleration, handling, and braking performance, bar none, until proven otherwise.