2WD W/ BFG A/T in snow?

Hey folks, I need some help here. I have a 2wd DC TRD OR with BFG A/T tires. I travel across country all the time, but usually in good weather. I am heading back to Kentucky again this year but in December. There is a good chance I will encounter some snow along the way. Now here in SoCal, I dont have this problem. What I am wondering is this. If I do encounter some snow along the way, will my truck handle it ok. I have my tools in the back, so there is some decent weight. 90% of the driving is on the highway. What should I do to prepare for the weather. Chains? Are my tires decent enough to not have to worry? Any help or info you guys could provide will be great. Thanks in advance.

 

yep, you're screwed. Seriously though, bring some chains for sure. Snow is one thing, ice is another. I learned this with my 4x4 on 37" Baja Claws pulling a trailer down a long icy hill, couldn't pull the trailer back up....besides, by not having them on hand, means they can turn you around if you don't have them with you. (if the CHP is checking)

 

Thanks. Are the cable chains the way to go now? I have never had to buy/use chains.

 

Being that I'm from CA, I'd wait to hear some input from others...I have no idea. The Ranger (not Ford) had chains on his truck with the plow on front.

 

Thanks. Hope some Easterners are reading. Maybe they can help!

 

Take your time and you will OK. Grab some chains in case you run into ice. Don't get cocky and try to rush in the snow, bad things will happen.

 

you're off to a start with the bfg at's. i had those on my last truck and they were awesome in the snow. i have zero experience with chain though so i can't help you out there. the best piece of advice i can give for driving on snow/ice is just flat out take your time. good luck on you trip.

 

make sure your tire chains clear the UCA..not much room on our trucks.

 

I'm located in vegas but constantly driving to Utah and California to snowboard during the winter...granted I still have the stock mud/snow tires that my '06 TRD OR came with...

I haven't had problems with the stock tires and staying in 2wd on the highway driving in the snow...when I am driving on city streets I use my 4x4 just for reassurance...

but I have never been pulled over in california or utah for not having or using chains...some areas on the highway don't allow you to use chains in utah and california...

 

hmm i encountered some snow last january in my prerunner but i didnt have my bfgs yet, i had the stock dunlops. my truck was completly worthless.

 

CHP will let you go if you're in a 4WD vehicle, otherwise with a 2WD you NEED chains regardless of tire type. ran into this a few times going up to big bear (in my old 'bitchin' camaro)
just take your time and remember the chains only help your drive wheels get traction, they do not help you steer better. good luck

 

the Dunflops are not so bad, you just have to get used to them. I do paln on replacing them but they did ok on some pretty deep snow.

 

Thanks for all the info guys!!

 

as a frequent mountain driver,
always carry chains, and practice putting them on before you need them -
( chains go on the drive wheels)
ez chains or wire are great for cars -
go with real, chain link style -
I actually chained up all four wheel once, in my 2 wheel drive dodge ram - it was a tank !
I now have 4x and have not needed to even show them - but, their in the truck from November - June

 

If you take the southern route, through AZ, NM, TX, LA, AL, and so on, you shouldn't run into any problems. The only place that might be a problem is around Flagstaff, AZ. I'd carry a set of regular chains just in case, but you probably won't need them going this route. Just be aware that running chains or cables on dry pavement, or even a little bit of snow will damage tires as they will dig into the tread.

 

Easiest thing to do would be to put it into 4wd and drive slow - but since you dont have 4wd I would say to put some extra weight in the back of your truck to give you more traction and just drive slow. I always buy a few bags of sand and put them in the bed on top of the wheels every winter and change to 4wd and i've never had a problem. Hit up any Home Depot in PA during the winter and they will have tubes of sand that you can buy for that exact purpose. I think it cost me $20 last winter. But tire chains aren't a horrible idea either if you want to be safe.

 

keep in mind if you ever have to put chains on they are NOT meant for highway speeds. they can blow apart and cause some serious damage.

 

You really should be fine without chains or anything. We dont get that much snow in KY before January. And usually anything that we do get can be handled with a 2wd truck. Just make your you have some weight in your bed or you will do what I did and do a 360 on the interstate. As long as you take you time (I wasn't) 2wd should be fine.

 

i was in idaho last year and I never had any problems in the snow. just make sure and take your time, dont accel through turns, and as stated before, grab some chains before the trip, and have a good jack on hand. the ones that come with the truck are garbage!

 

I always see this happen too...improper mounting of chains and the chains comes loose they start hitting the fenders and ripping body parts off while driving down the highway...

like M2M said...practice installing the chains prior to attempting them on the side of the road...