Talk about Tires please (Presque Isle, Acton: vehicles, friendly, best)

[Cornerguy1]

All-season tires are a compromise at best, offering decent dry and wet performance with some light snow capability added in.

If you don't want to go with 4 studded RMA-rated snow tires, a set of 4 of the newer studless designs. We use four of these Toyo Observes on my wife's Intrepid sedan and have found them to be amazing both in deep snow and on glare ice. I wouldn't have thought a studless tire could handle ice like these tires do.

I chose these rather aggressive Commercial T/A s on my F-250 and they have lived up to their RMA Severe Snow rating even back in the bush while still delivering decent ride and handling on the road.

The ultimate in traction is a set of 4 snows with studs or chains.

Of course, the best tires on the planet won't compensate for an idiot behind the wheel.

[island mermaid]

Gawd knows we have plenty of idiots on the roads.

IMO- if you're driving a pick up you must have weight in the back, cement blocks, a load of sand and a shovel. Chains are a PITA.

I've never used a studded snow tire. Either a heavy duty rugged snow tire or an all season radial on all of my SUV's. The only time I've ever been stuck was while trying to drive off of the lake. That was the only time I've ever needed to be winched out.

[forest beekeeper]

Originally Posted by CoastalMaine

I disagree. I drove FWD minivans for 18 years in snowy weather... through VT, NH, ME, and MA. Even with FWD it can be difficult to get traction on ice. Nice to have some sand and a shovel to smoosh around the tires to get it. Can't hurt being in your vehicle and could end up worth its weight in gold.

I also did not often have any of the back seats in my van since I was delivering junkart treasures to the stores up north. The concrete blocks added some weight.

Having sand to spread on ice is a great idea.

Adding additional weighty objects like concrete blocks, or sewing machines, or rocks; is helpful when they are placed over the drive wheels.

A rear wheel drive vehicle may see a benefit from additional weight on these two wheels. This is a common behavior [to add weight to the rear of a rear wheel drive vehicle].

A Front Wheel Drive vehicle already has the engine weight on those two wheels. Adding weight to the trunk of a Front Wheel Drive vehicle does nothing to help the Front Wheels dig into ice.

[mollysmiles]

I find that the front wheel drive vehicle has a tendency to fishtail--the weight in the rear of the vehicle virtually elimates completely this motion--thankfully. It does little to have all the traction in the world in the front if the rear end swings and puts you in that elegant sideways motion in the middle of the road! Been there, done that and lived to tell only because there was no one else on the road behind me or in front of me! ... a couple of cement blocks in the back is an easy fix

Also, it's my understanding that snow tires do much better in cold weather than the all seasons... makes sense... can't be easy to design something that does as well at -20 as it does on a 90 degree day!

[Casper1212]

And here I was thinking that I wouldn't have to be as concerned about tires anymore when we move. Down here, we have to put ten ply on my truck, and we won't even consider passenger tires.
Two questions, then.
What about snow chains?
I was going to sell my Jeep, but I'm beginning to wonder if I'll need it. Keep in mind, we'll be at Calais and they tell me the winters are much milder there. But we want to be able to consider living out at Robbinston or Pembroke or Baileyville. Our other two vehicles are an FJ Cruiser. No 4x4 but good ground clearance and traction control. Hubby has a 59 Apache that I'm thinking should be put up in the garage during snow season. But I'm not sure I want to pay to have the Jeep shipped. Company will look after the Apache and we'll drive up in the Cruiser.

[CoastalMaine]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

Having sand to spread on ice is a great idea.

Adding additional weighty objects like concrete blocks, or sewing machines, or rocks; is helpful when they are placed over the drive wheels.

A rear wheel drive vehicle may see a benefit from additional weight on these two wheels. This is a common behavior [to add weight to the rear of a rear wheel drive vehicle].

A Front Wheel Drive vehicle already has the engine weight on those two wheels. Adding weight to the trunk of a Front Wheel Drive vehicle does nothing to help the Front Wheels dig into ice.

No Forest, it doesn't help it dig into ice, but it helps in keeping it from fishtailing. It's kind of trying to land your plane in windy weather... it will help keep it from yawing. Not perfect, but any little bit to assist in control is a good idea imo.

[CoastalMaine]

Originally Posted by mollysmiles

I find that the front wheel drive vehicle has a tendency to fishtail--the weight in the rear of the vehicle virtually elimates completely this motion--thankfully. It does little to have all the traction in the world in the front if the rear end swings and puts you in that elegant sideways motion in the middle of the road! Been there, done that and lived to tell only because there was no one else on the road behind me or in front of me! ... a couple of cement blocks in the back is an easy fix

Originally Posted by mollysmiles

Also, it's my understanding that snow tires do much better in cold weather than the all seasons... makes sense... can't be easy to design something that does as well at -20 as it does on a 90 degree day!

That's what I'm sayin'!!!!

[mollysmiles]

Originally Posted by Casper1212

...I was going to sell my Jeep....

WHAT??? ok, I'm trying to be calm... you *must* mean that it's a Liberty or a Cherokee, or even a Commander ahem...which isn't much of a Jeep... but geez, there's no way you could be considering selling a Wrangler! I think the very thought of selling disqualifies you from ever participating in the Jeep wave again... ayuh, I'm sure it does.... quick, suck those words back in and pretend you never said them! Seriously, if you guys use your Jeep at all for off road you will have a *ball* here! One of my dear friends is down at CBP and also owns a Jeep... they aren't the best in the snow, and you probably know that that same nice little turn radius can sometimes be a problem on ice, but I've spend a lot of time with mine and now I know what to expect in the snow. Really, rethink it ok We have two Wranglers, an '07 and an '02... I wouldn't trade them for anything (except maybe the health of my children), we have people say to us "I used to have a Jeep, I loved it, never should have sold it".... ayuh, really, think hard about that.

about the chains? If you're running a good snow tire you probably won't need them... we don't carry them with any of the three vehicles we have. With the Jeeps and the 4WD and Low I think we're in good shape. Also, they work hard keeping the roads here in great shape...meaning the main roads. Sometimes your less traveled side roads will be a little messier, but still if you're careful and pay attention it's not usually a problem. Most winter accidents are caused two things (according to the PD) 1-people driving too fast for the road conditions, and 2) people not having the proper tires for winter driving.

So, good luck! and let us know when you get here... we can have lunch! Right Peachie and MW?

[Casper1212]

Thanks, Molly. I know how you feel about Jeeps. And it is a Wrangler. In fact, a Sahara edition, with a six cylinder. We off road a lot here, but off road in the desert isn't the same as off road up there. Where I grew up is closer to the terrain around Calais, and I was taught how to drive it w/o 4x4. I was going to get a new Wrangler four door until Hubby said try the new Cruisers. I pouted, but took a look and never looked back. Love my Jeep, ADORE my FJ Cruiser. It's what the Jeep Commander should have been. Commander, Cherokee, Liberty, they're just SUV's trying to pass themselves off as Jeeps. But the Cruiser is like a Jeep with a longer wheelbase and more comfortable interior. It will perform off road and drive like a dream on the highway.
But that still leaves me trying to decide whether to sell it or ship it. I think Hubby is going to get his truck up there and decide he shouldn't be drivng it on ice. But I've already got offers a-plenty down here, and there will be moving expenses the company won't cover.
As for your friend at CBP, tell him to join the forum. Hubby wants to know more about his new work digs. And when we get there, we would definitely like to get together with you guys.

[Elcarim]

When you have precious cargo you carry everywhere you go, you opt for ultimate safety, even if it's a bit over-stated. I'd always rather be safe than sorry.

And regardless of the vehicle you're driving, FWD, RWD, etc., most accidents are caused by operator failure, anyway. I'd prefer that my equipment give me all the advantages available!