Flagstaff. 2wd Prerunner or 4wd?

I'll be moving to Flagstaff for work at the end of the summer and I'm looking forward to improving my scenery and escaping the tornadoes (i'm in Oklahoma City). I'm wondering about how well my Prerunner 2wd will do in the Flagstaff winter? I'm from just outside of Chicago originally, then moved to Lansing MI so I'm not new to driving in the snow, and I've never had anything but a rear wheel drive pickup, but the amount of annual snow listed for Flagstaff (around 108") is a little worry some. I'm wondering if I need to consider trading up to a 4WD or if I would be okay with my 2wd since I'm told it melts pretty quickly and they obviousally are used to clearing the roads. I appreciate everyone's opinion, and I'm looking forward to the move.

Thanks.

 

Thanks cmack. I think the amount of snowfall just sounded a little dawnting.

 

Flagstaff is awesome, prerunner is more than likely fine, but if you decide to do some wheelin around you may want to use the snow as a good reason to upgrade to 4 wheel drive.

Great trails and beautifull country up there.

 

I didn't do too well with my Prerunner up there, but then again it may be my driving skills. If I resided up there, would strongly consider a 4x4.

 

You will be fine! I drove through Flagstaff few times in winter... One time it was in my Nissan Sentra in bald all seasons at night in the middle of MAJOR snow storm. Slow speeds and driving cautiously, I was just fine.

This year I went through Flagstaff again in the middle of a snow storm in my 2wd Prerunner on shitty mis matched tires. I was fine. Driving slow and cautious!

I would say, get a decent set of tires and drive according to conditions and you will be OK.

 

Thanks everyone. I have a nice set of bf Goodrich meats and i usuallt roll with 3 or 4 sand tubes in winter. I guess i can always give it a season and see. Not looking forward to scrapping my windshield again but at least ill have a garage this time. Thanks.

 

Lol. Not a bad idea. Hmmmmm?

 

Flagstaff, as well as many Rocky Mountain Cities, has "dry" snow...looser, more granulated...which is much easier to drive on than the "wet" snow you see in places like the West Coast or Northeast. If also falls in bunches, 12"-18"+ snow storms are not uncommon but within a couple of days most of it is gone except from open field/park areas. Any when it does falls in bunches, ADOT and the City of Flagstaff do a great job in plowing to keep the main roads open and stop "black ice" conditions from happening.

I have driven a 2wd PreRunner in Flagstaff and elsewhere in snow...know your limits, slow down, keep your guard up and you'll will do fine. 4wd is handy, but not a cure all.

...and Flagstaff is one of the true hidden gems of the west.

 

Ya... When I drove through in my Sentra years back. I had f250 4x4 pass me, because I was doing 30mph on highway... Mind this is in a dark heavy snow and I could barely see few feet in front of me. Needless to say not even a mile down the road the same truck was in a ditch...

Even if you have 4x4 with lockers great tires, etc... IF you drive too fast for the conditions you WILL wreck.

 

Well put. Thank you for your explanation about the differences in the actual snow too, beacuse most of my experiences have definetly been wet, compacted snow which is definetly harder to drive on. Since I've never had 4wd I'm use to taking it easy, and keeping my eyes open. I'm feeling more confident about Flagstaff with every post. I'm looking forward to enjoying all the beauty Flagstaff has to offer. Thanks.

 

I've gone through two Flagstaff winters in my 02 Prerunner & havent had many problems. The Locker on the Prerunner works great in the snow, and with my duratracs I always felt comfortable even in deeper stuff. I own chains but have never used them.

Now if you want to go wheelin in the snow then 4x4 is a must.

 

I drove my lowered rwd G35 around up there a bit after they had a chance to clean the streets up... was fine.

 

Man ain't that the truth. Preach on brotha Cmack!

 

I would go 4x4 especially if you hunt . World class elk, nice muleys and whitetails too.

Those roads during the summer-fall and winter when out and about hunting require 4x4...
It will open lots more north country for you. In town the pre would be fine.

Also if you ski , snowbowl rd in 4 low is very possible- powder day!

Az