Need help from those with "Snow" experience...

We are about to get hit with 8-10" of snow here. I have a 2010 Pre-runner. I have put about 300 lbs of sand in the bed.

Will I be able to get through this?

 

I would say no.. That's A LOT of snow.

 

Fresh powder sure..once its gets icy and you stop at a hill...nope

 

all depends on the tire, wet snow, fluffly snow, flat, hills. no real answer. i would say possibly, but mostly the tire is your deciding factor.

 

Problem you face is that even if you could make it (with 2 wheel drive in a truck and little experience that is doubtful), it is going to be like snowmegedden out there.

Stay off the roads, you will be better off.

 

300 pound is more than enough.
keep in mind that adding weight can help in getting you started, but it also hinders you when stopping. Best bet is to stay in if possible and when not leave extra early, drive slow, and keep a good distance between you and the other fella. Be safe

 

Slow and steady wins the race. Give yourself more time to do everything, stopping, going etc. Keep the rpm's down and drive the torque. With all that said in deep snow momentum is your best friend. As long as you can keep it pointed in the right direction. Cruis'n around in snow is something I do for fun. If your tires are alright your fine, 2wd I used to use no more than 100lbs in a ranger. If your new to snow being from the south keep the 300, and remember, don't panick till after something happens. Keep your head and try to have fun with it.

 

x2, SC is not very well equipped to deal with that much snow. 8-10" up here is nothing, we'll have it cleared and the roads salted before coffee break but down there, you'd think the world is coming to an end.

To answer your question, if it's light and fluffy (doubtful down there), you'll be fine with good tires and some weight in the back as long as you're the only one on the road are are able to keep up some momentum. Throw in traffic and you're screwed because you'll be stopping and starting as other people do and this will get you stuck. That's a lot of snow to try and get through with 2wd.

 

id stay home without 4x4

 

Make sure your weight is OVER your axle. Not the front of the bed or the rear. Like others have said, hope you have good tires. Obviously something rated for snow is best. Yes you can make it. TAKE YOUR TIME. LEAVE EARLY AND LEAVE PLENTY OF STOPPING ROOM BETWEEN YOU AND OTHERS. I dont know how many times Ive seen people sliding into others because they can't stop. No sudden take offs and predict when you are going to have to stop so you can start slowing down in advance. By the time the snow gets packed down to ice, they SHOULD have sand on the roads. Also, after you put your weight over your rear end, you can fill the bed with packed down snow through out the whole bed for extra weight. Good luck, be safe, and have fun!

 

I'd rather be in a geo metro in the snow than in two wheel drive pickup

 

You realize this is South Carolina?

The roads will be jammed with people who have never seen snow in their life. The highway department has never dealt with this.

He is not in Kansas anymore.

 

I've always put my weight all the way at the front of the bed. If you put anything over the axle, you'd better make sure it's secured there. Loose weights can shift if you have to make a panic stop or some other quick maneuver.

 

oo didn't see that. SC with snow = plenty of media coverage!!!

 

What tires do you have? That makes a huge difference. With 2 wheel drive I'd say be safe and wait for things to clear if you can. If you have to drive in it, just remember the traction and going forward is only 1/2 the equation, stopping is equally f not more important. Leave a shit ton of space in between you and the next person and don't worry of other people think you're going too slow. If you crash nobody else will be paying the repairs.

 

I don't think he will have to worry about people thinking he is going too slow.

He has to worry about the roads being littered with other vehicles, in addition to his lack of experience driving on snow.

I have driven in snow and feel like I am pretty good at it, but I wouldn't drive a 2 wheel drive truck in SC in 8-10 inches of snow without snow tires.


Weather Warning Greenville SC

A major winter storm gradually developing across Northeast Georgia, Upstate South Carolina, and western North Carolina.

Mainly light patchy Snow is expected through this evening before heavier precipitation ramps back up overnight. More Abundant moisture will move into the region overnight just as a very cold airmass settles southward from high pressure over the Mid Atlantic. The combination of these features will allow heavy accumulations of snow, sleet, and freezing rain to impact the area mainly Wednesday through Wednesday night.

Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 6 pm EST Thursday.

Winter Weather Advisory will expire at 6 pm EST this evening.

Locations: Northeast Georgia and Upstate South Carolina.
Hazards: Heavy snow, possibly mixed with sleet at times.
Timing: mainly patchy light snow will impact the region this evening. The precipitation will become heavier toward daybreak and last through much of Wednesday night before tapering off Thursday morning. Mainly Snow is expected, but with sleet mixing in at times, especially at locations southeast of Interstate 85. The snow will end from the west Thursday morning.
Accumulations: snow accumulation of 8 to 12 inches, along with around a trace of ice.
Impacts: The combination of heavy snow and occasional sleet will make travel treacherous. The accumulations may also create numerous power outages, especially late Wednesday through Thursday morning.
Temperatures: in the mid 30s.
Winds: northeast 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

 

If you don't have to drive, Don't! That simple!

Jay

 

The Tacoma handles excellent in the snow. I think the above statement is a misconception especially when it comes to the double cab Prerunner. The double cab moves a lot of the weight to the rear of the truck so it handles well in the snow.

On the other hand, I have an 80's long bed 2wd chevy that can't even make it out of the driveway when it snows.

 

Weight in the back and good tires will make all the difference. Leave plenty of room for stopping. Pretty much what everyone has already said.

Now I know this doesn't happen often where you live, and it's probably too late now, but cheap set of cable chains for the rear tires will really make a difference on a prerunner. Some can be found for forty dollars add a little for shipping, that's a lot less than snow tires. That's not a lot of money for peace of mind if this ever happens again. This winter I have had my truck in 8-10 inches of snow and been fine leaving it in two wheel drive with chains on the back and no weight. They just get down and dig even on ice.