Prepping your Tacoma for Snow

Wondering what you all have done in the past to prep your Tacoma for snow?

In my last few trucks I used to use a box cut out of 2x4's and planted between the wheel wells and then fill the box with some cinder block's.

Curious, what do others do to weight the bed?

 

Nothing other than put a good coat of wax or selant on before all the salt and snow comes, as well as fluid filmed my brand new frame...

 

I don't do anything for weight. I just throw it in 4WD when I need to.

I'll throw a shovel in the bed in case I need it.

 

First Tacoma winter for me, but 25 years' experience driving pickups. No weight in the bed. Good set of chains (for the front tires only), shovel and scraper on board.

If you didn't buy a 4x4, here's your chance to regret it, but chains for the rears and weight in the bed might help. Also consider toting around a bucket of sand for traction.

ETA Clarification: Not saying don't put weight in the bed, just that I don't do it.

 

4 studded firestone winterforce lt.

Fresh flashlight batteries, always keep some extra warm clothes and a few snacks.

 

Thank's Bucc... I've been driving in snow since I was 16, so I know the drill... Weight in the back has always helped a bit. But, sounds like others have had a good ride without it. Maybe the Tacoma Double Cab weight distribution helps more than I know. I will find out pretty quick here in New England.

 

Weight is only needed in the bed for 2wd pickups, you're just wasting bed space putting it in a 4wd imo. These trucks get around plenty fine by themselves in 4wd, just keep good tires on it and you won't have any problems.

 

Thanks, Good to hear!

 

They're good to go right out of the showroom. Where did you buy your Taco? I see you're in central MA.

 

Hey Mike,

I bought it from Herb Chambers Toyota in Auburn. I have had great sales and service experiences with them.

 

Hate to break it to you, but there is no clearance for chains on the front of a 2nd gen Tacoma. Not enough room between the sidewall and the spindle.


OP, perhaps you should consider dry sandbags instead of cinder blocks for weight, flying cinder blocks are one of the last things I'd want going though my mind (literally) in a crash.

 

+1

Chains on the front is a no-no.


Herb Chambers is a good dealership. I used to work with the wife of the sales manager that works there. I got mine at Harr in Worcester.

 

Depending on how the road conditions are I may leave it in 4wd for driving around town. If I am going from clear roads to icy roads I will just shift back and forth between 2wd and 4wd as needed. It'll shift between the 2 quick enough that if you are coming up to an icy stop just flip the switch before you get there and it will be in by the time you are stopped. Then once are you moving you can shift it back to 2wd if the road is clear up ahead.

The difference between 4wd and 2wd when trying to take off from a stop is pretty amazing.

 

stay home, if roads are that bad no need to be on them.

 

If we did that we would have to stock up on 3-5 months worth of food to survive the winter! haha

 

I carry rock salt bags instead of sand. Helps incase you find yourself stuck on some ice. Along with a shovel and a go bag filled with warm cloths.

 

I always carry a blanket, tow strap, jumper cables, and fix a flat for emergency. Add a snow shovel and use 4x4 if there is ice or snow.

 

I'm hoping for snow so I can go joy riding. I'm ready.

 

Well, that sucks, since they are much more effective up there.

I always front-chained my '88 F150, 2004 Ram 1500, and my wife's '86 and '98 4Runners. And of course, my 1977 Civic, but that's a different story. Never broke anything on the vehicles. In fact, every 4WD owner I've ever talked to about it chains the front. Y'all are the first I ever heard say not to. Y'all, and the Owner's Manual that I just checked.

landphil, is that clearance issue a 2nd Gen thing? It's not a problem on the old 4Runners. 1998 4Runner manual doesn't specify front/rear. Reminds me I better test-fit the set I just bought.