Winter Mountain Driving

FastMover · December 27, 2006

Hi All from a Silverado newbe.....

I recently switched from an '05 Pathfinder to a new '06 Silverado Ext Cab, 5.3L,

3.42 with locking Dif Z71, 17" wheels and stock AT tires. I live IN the Smoky Mountains

and can expect some snow but nothing serious ( I hope) and I was wondering what

would be the best way to be ready for winter driving in general and ice and snow in particular with my new PU. I know many people put extra weight in the back, is this a good idea if so how much and were?

I don't post often but I do visit often.........

ken1mod · December 27, 2006

Something I found to be important in a truck with anti lock brakes is to not use lower gears when descending hills when icy conditions exist. The antilock computer can not control wheel lock caused by engine braking.

Ken

Shaners · December 27, 2006

They sell "tube sand" which is basically sand in a hotdog shaped tube. These are probably 50-80 lbs. A couple of these in the back of the bed would help with traction in 2wd and will also improve your ride quality.

I see you have the locking rear differential. Be careful when applying the throttle under adverse conditions, because although the locker can really help, it can also cause you to spin out when both rear wheels spin at the same time...

Use 4wd when the going gets worse... There is no reason to take a chance and wreck your new truck!

Trouttrooper · December 27, 2006

Ditto with what everyone else has said.

As a person who has to respond to many slide-offs and people stuck in the snow here's the biggest cause.....

People drive to doggone fast. Take it easy on curves, corners, shady spots on the road surface, and intersections.

It doesn't matter what kind of wonder tires and how many tubes of sand you have in the back, ice is ice is ice.

Bish · December 27, 2006

Ditto with what everyone else has said.

As a person who has to respond to many slide-offs and people stuck in the snow here's the biggest cause.....

People drive to doggone fast. Take it easy on curves, corners, shady spots on the road surface, and intersections.

It doesn't matter what kind of wonder tires and how many tubes of sand you have in the back, ice is ice is ice.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Always amazed me growing up in New England driving in winter. Driving in a snowstorm, you would get passed by people flying in an SUV. Then you would pass them an hour or so later as they went off the road. I stopped a couple times and the owner would always look at me and say something like "well I have 4 wheel drive and ABS brakes, why did I slide off the road?" You could have all wheel drive and abs but it doesn't help when you are cornering at 60mph on a snowy road.

Growing up and learning how to drive in bad weather pays mucho dividends!

smokindenali · December 27, 2006

I agree with the postings above.

You should first get some weight in the back of the PU and place it above the rear tires, secondly, I might suggest a nice set of studded tires. Studs will give you traction in snow and ice, but unlike chains or cables, you will have the freedom of driving over 30mph when the roads clear up.

Just my 2 cents.

redvett · December 27, 2006

I agree with the postings above.

You should first get some weight in the back of the PU and place it above the rear tires, secondly, I might suggest a nice set of studded tires. Studs will give you traction in snow and ice, but unlike chains or cables, you will have the freedom of driving over 30mph when the roads clear up.

Just my 2 cents.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Studded tires have been illegal in most states for many years. In fact i dont think there available any more.

smokindenali · December 27, 2006

I agree with the postings above.

You should first get some weight in the back of the PU and place it above the rear tires, secondly, I might suggest a nice set of studded tires. Studs will give you traction in snow and ice, but unlike chains or cables, you will have the freedom of driving over 30mph when the roads clear up.

Just my 2 cents.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Studded tires have been illegal in most states for many years. In fact i dont think there available any more.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well then you can scratch that suggestion other than the added weight in the back...I guess Washington State is one of the few left with the ability of studs, because it's legal here.

dewfpo · December 28, 2006

I agree with the postings above.

You should first get some weight in the back of the PU and place it above the rear tires, secondly, I might suggest a nice set of studded tires. Studs will give you traction in snow and ice, but unlike chains or cables, you will have the freedom of driving over 30mph when the roads clear up.

Just my 2 cents.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Studded tires have been illegal in most states for many years. In fact i dont think there available any more.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Studded tries are not illegal in all states. Some just have dates when it's o.k. to run studded tires. I have seen no problem getting studded snows. Even saw a stack of already studded Blizzaks for sale at the local Costco in the last couple of weeks.

Don't count them out, check on it.

DEWFPO

SoCalChris · December 28, 2006

Driving in snowy conditions is obviously much more dangerous than driving in good weather.

My advice is to leave late, and drive as fast as you can so that you spend less time on the road.

edit... Studded tires are legal here from October 1st-May 31st. They were the best $500 I have spent on our van, although my wife still managed to slide off the road several times with them on. Both Costco & WalMart sell them, and WalMart will even insert new studs for $9/tire.