2-Wheelin' Winters

drumset5994 · October 15, 2006

I live in Buffalo NY, and if you've been reading the headlines and watching your nightly national news, this past week we were nailed by yet another Buffalo Blizzard. This one dumped snow on us so fast, we didnt see it coming. It still yet does not parallel the Blizzard of 77, but does Parallel the Ice Storm of 76. Food is off the store shelves, and nearly 300,000 are without power.

We were without power for a few days, but had a generator.

But us Buffalonians do own 2wd pickups! Lots of us in fact. And we know how to drive in winter. I laugh when i see places in the south close entire cities for snow that we would normally drive to work in, holding cups of coffee, driving with one hand.

So, from all the snow, you can imagine "winterizing" a vehicle is prime topic here in Buffalo NY. Here's what we do for pickups...

Studded Snow Tires- There are rumors that putting snow tires on the front of a 2wd pickup will make it useless...this is not the case. All-Seasons SUCK here. We put snow tires...most likely studded...on all 4...works like a charm...you can steer, as well as cut through snow.

Bed Weights-You can usually pick up sandbags at Valu that are cheap. Last time i bought mine, they were $1.50 a bag. With either a rubber mat or a box frame made from 2x4's in the truck, you can keep the bags frozen in place. Then as the snow flies, fill your truck up with the stuff...wet snow works GREAT. You wont believe how level your standard work truck becomes...the more weight the better.

-SHORTBEDS: I've found 4 sandbags works perfect. Just enough weight to give you perfect traction. (40lbs each bag)

-LONGBEDS AND EXT CABS: We've found up here that 6 bags works great. It really helps the longer body dig into snow nicely.

Wider Tires on Rear-This usually isnt a big option, but helps. If you're picking snow tires out, see if you can go wider on the rear. For example, I usually have P255/70/r16's on the rear (snows) and P235/75/r16's on the front. The wider rear allows for more tread to touch the surface you're driving on, and the skinnier tires on the front allow it to "slice" through thicker snow, rather than pushing on it.

Differential-They do help, but really, if you have everything above, you wont really "need" it persay, but it is a big advantage. Posi/Limited Slip or a Locker both are EXCELLENT in snow. If you wanted to go this extra step, i would recommend a Locking Rear End, as it is more effective for those climbs up those snowy hills.

Anybody else have any more ideas?

kssooner · October 16, 2006

Yeah...buy a 4 wheel drive...LOL

pwall · October 16, 2006

In Ontario, studded tires are illegal.

I like my 4x4. ;)

SIERRA2000 · October 17, 2006

I live in Rochester NY which in most years gets as much or even more snow that Buffalo. I have owned only 1 4X4 and rarely needed to put the truck in 4wd.

I now own a 2wd Avalanche and I also believe in using 4 snows. I haven't found the need to stud the tires and the Avalanche weighs enough that I don't need extra weight. If it snows bad eneough to need 4wd I stay home!