Can you drive a 2WD truck in the winter in MA? (Boston: live in, shopping center)

[linguine9]

I am moving to the area want to know if I need to sell my 2WD pick-up truck in lieu of a 4WD because of the winters?

[CaseyB]

No, you wouldn't need 4 wheel drive in most areas of the state. In your other posts, you indicated an interest in the South Shore, so the answer would be most definately no.

Make sure you have good tires.

[ScituateAl]

Welcome to MA! As usual, it depends. Snow and ice are heaviest to the north and west of Boston esp out in the Worcester and Berkshire hills. If you are just commuting a few miles, that's one thing but perhaps a whole other if you need to go tens of miles a day for work. I'll defer to those that actually have pickups, lol, but I'd say if you were willing to have some sand stashed in back for weight (and when you get might get stuck) that would help. I'm going to be that, like cars, certain pick-ups may be better than others (?).

[jayrandom]

I have a 2wd truck and I don't drive it in the snow until it's been plowed. Having weight in the back helps on the rare occasions I do use it even after the roads have been cleared. I take the train to work so I don't ever need to drive--if I drove to work I would look for something else.

[LeavingMA]

I would also 2nd putting weight in the back of the truck and suggest putting chains on the back wheels for the days it does get quite slick outside.

[RAMFEB31]

Climbing hills is one unless the road is well plowed and well paved which should be in your neck of the woods. Gentle hills normally is no problem but a 6 % grade or more may be hard. I've driven in snow in a 2 wheeler w/and w/o chains in the past but it was always on well plowed roads that have gentle slopes. Lately, even w/chains, I am finding I must back down when on a hill. Fortunately, some of the far North roads are like a shopping center at 2 am. There are definitely steep hills and sharp curves as well as gravel roads in the North Country. In hard pack gravel or road that are a combo asphalt/loose rocks,careful and deliberate driving are mandatory on straight away but more so on hills.
This winter, I was going to drive the length of the Alaskan highway to return to S. CA. as I did 3 years previous. After looking at the weather along the route, I am now taking the ferry from Alaska to Bellingham, WA. and when I return, I will have a 4 or all wheeler. But otherwise, 2 wheelers are ok in the snow w/chains and, sometimes, w/o if the roads are flat and well plowed.
GL

[Dayne411]

I've driven a 350z with snow tires (bridgestone blizzaks) for the past 3 years with a commute from Boston to Worcester (~45 miles). You'll be fine if you get good tires and are comfortable with having the rear end of the car swing out on you on occasion.

[sgs123]

Originally Posted by linguine9

I am moving to the area want to know if I need to sell my 2WD pick-up truck in lieu of a 4WD because of the winters?

Yes you can. We drove from Danbury ( ? ) Connecticut to Worcester through a major snow storm last December, with a 2 wheel drive GMC truck. We were going to Maine. We drove on the interstate that was so full of snow you could not see the lanes. Lots of people slid off the road ( they were most likely driving too fast). I have snowtires. And here is the funny part and why I am responding to this: we live in Florida, lived here most of my life So, if I can drive up there , so can you. Some tips: don't drive 60 mph on the interstate when you can't see the lanes because of the snow. I did no more than 40 in that sort of condition. If there is a hill, put it in 2nd gear and don't let up on the gas. If you start sliding up the hill, DON"T let off the gas, just keep going, or you will get stuck. If you start sliding down the hill, just try to keep the wheel straight and do NOT put on your brake. Chains are ok, if you need to get to on top of a mountain ( like a ski area) in a blizzard, but very annoying to drive on cleared roads with. So my advice: get a set of snow tires. Hope this helps