What's needed for winter travel.

I am usually traveling 100+ days during ski season (resorts and back-country) in the mountains. I used Acura MDX and Honda CR-V in the past. At this point I decided that it is time to buy a truck. There are multiple reasons:

• More space (I occasionally sleep in the car) and I think truck will allow me to stay out for multiple days and even weeks, hence access to more terrain
• Better ground clearance, better of road
• Longer lasting vehicle (all my previous cars lasted about 100K in winter travel conditions)
• Upgrade-ability. I see people do amazing things with there trucks.

I was doing some research and I am leaning towards acquiring 2nd generation Tacoma 4wd, access cab, automatic.
The question I have:

• ThankWhat mods are recommended for winter travelling, and camping out?
• Do I buy truck without mods, and add them as needed, or try to find something used close to what I need?

Thanks in advance

 

Welcome to TW! I would think at a minimum you’d want good snow rated tires, a good set of traction boards and a shovel. I would also consider a good winch and winch bumper.

 

Winter tires
Topper
4 season tent if not sleeping in the bed
Traction boards
Tow rope
Shovel
Jump starter
4wd is a must

You can obviously add more, people will recommend but that is the minimum for playing the snow.

I have been on the super pacific x1 combo for topper/tent but haven't pulled the trigger yet because of price.

 

Welcome aboard!

 

I've had my fair share of getting stuck all the way up into the Yukon... All I carry with me is a collapsible shovel under the seat along with having studded winter tires. Additional items I would recommend is some road salt to put under your tires. Recovery gear like a strap and a couple shackles and extra gasoline when you start the drive.

Good idea items if you plan to venture on roads not traveled by others would also be some non perishable food, emergency blanket(s), tire plugs and a 12v air compressor along with a tire core tool and LOTS of valve cores and, lastly a set of quality traction boards.

 

Figure your going into the back country for extended periods of several days. Ski areas do a great job keeping the roads clear.

Serious camping think about a dual battery set up. Nothing like draining the battery in Mountain West winter temps. I would give serious thought to one of those Super Capacitor jump starters . Battery Booster cables are a given.

Winches maybe a cradle Mount I have never had to winch through the obstacle but rather back out and rethink things. When things get that bad sit and wait out to be rescued by the heavy duty Snow removal equipment . Been there a few times. I always had chains for all 4 wheels . I chained up before things got worse.

Going alone adds a whole new level of adventure . In the past 2 4x4`s can get out of most problems.

Tow straps shovels etc . Most being stuck is being high centered where a long handled shovel works wonders. I have never used traction boards I have no idea how they work in deep powder.

Tires just how many miles are driven on bare roads at 50 mph plus?

 

This is my bare minimum when I go to Tahoe or Big Bear.

1) Winter Tires
2) Shovel (collapsable for saved space)
3) Tow straps
4) Traction boards
5) Jumper (Noco Boost is great)
6) Snow chains (Tirechains.com has some cool ones)