Snow in 2wd w/ No Chains?

Hey TW, I think I'm gonna go up to Big Bear this Christmas break and I'll probably encounter some snow on the way. My Taco is a 2wd Off Road, which means it came with a locker, but I was wondering if there's anything I can do to prep the rig to better handle in the snow.

I like in SoCal, which means I don't have a need for snow chains, so obviously, I don't have any on me right now--though they would help tremendously. After watching some YouTube videos, it really doesn't seem too bad. 2wd trucks (especially with a locker) are pretty capable, you know.

Here are the basics I already know:
- A rear locker comes in handy
- Have decent tires
- Put weight in the bed
- Bring a shovel (even for 4wd's)
- Air down tires if needed
- Slow throttle
- Chains help a lot
- Careful handling

Is there anything I missed or might want to know about?
If you can, post photos of your 2wd in snow!

Cheers



PS- If anyone knows of a nice, scenic drive in Big Bear, post it below!

 

You got it.

The biggest thing I learned is it's ok to turn around. I made that mistake once in the rockies and regret it to this day.

 

That's right! It's OK to turn around--better than risking damage or injury--even if you have a 4wd

 

Define "decent" tires

 

Toyo Open Country A/T2, Falken Wildpeaks, Nitto Ridge Grapplers . . . like that?
Those tires seem to have a pretty good reputation

 

You will still have less traction than a 4WD with open diffs on street tires at full pressure, just sayin'

Best advice would be to go with another vehicle that can pull you out when you stuck...

 

Duratracs are really good in deep snow.....from personal experience

 

Yeah, I've heard too. Thanks for the advice!

 

Define deep snow.

 

Well, the same, really, if you think about it. (Even more, maybe)
An unlocked 4wd is basically a 2wd--the same as a locked 2wd
Are you saying street tires at full pressure have more traction than aired-down all terrains?

 

Throw some weight in the ass end of the truck, and if you feel uncomfortable, just turn around. Live to fight another day.

I've spent unplanned nights in vehicles thinking I could make it just a little bit further. It's not that fun.

 

With reasonable tires, weight in the back and chains you'll be fine with 2 wheel drive. If 1000's of rear wheel drive delivery vans can make it up the mountain, so can you.

 

Thank you for the encouragement!

 

No, it's not. An unlocked 4wd will always have the two tires with the least amount of traction spinning. A locked 2wd will always have 2 tires spinning the same direction.

Also, you don't want to air down in snow / ice if you have A/T tires with decent siping. You need the full weight of the vehicle to get the sipes down into the snow for traction. You want the narrowest, heaviest contact patch you can get down to the snow.

If you're wheeling offroad, the variables change slightly, but generally speaking, you don't air down in the snow.

 

Thanks for the additional advice!

 

You're welcome. But it's not so much advise as it is how physics and mechanical gears work.

 

This!

 

You should come snow wheel with me if it ever snows. If you don't air way down you won't make it past he first 50' of the trail. lol

OP, if it's bad enough that 2wd won't cut it Cal-Trans will let you know. That's the whole point of chain control.

https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls

 

I'm driving a stock taco on duratracs. I don't have any of my jeeps dual locked on 35's anymore lol. You give me a wrangler, 4.88 gears, some 35" M/T's on beadlocks aired down to 10 psi, and I'll float across that snow like a nordic skier!