Driving Tips for SD and Colder Weather (military, MBA)

[AlaskaErik]

Originally Posted by kissespwns2

Right now I have an AWD would putting extra weight back there be a good/bad idea?

Back when everything was rear wheel drive people used to put some weight in the trunk or bed. I've never heard of anyone putting weight in the back of a FWD, AWD or 4WD vehicle and I've been driving in winter conditions ever since I started driving. Many cars being sold today have traction control to help you get moving, stability control to help keep you from spinning out and anti-lock brakes to help you stop. Adding extra weight will do nothing except decrease fuel economy (ever so slightly) and increase stopping distances (again, not significantly.) Even if your AWD doesn't have stability control there is no reason for you to carry extra weight around.

[ElkHunter]

Originally Posted by AlaskaErik

Back when everything was rear wheel drive people used to put some weight in the trunk or bed. I've never heard of anyone putting weight in the back of a FWD, AWD or 4WD vehicle and I've been driving in winter conditions ever since I started driving. Many cars being sold today have traction control to help you get moving, stability control to help keep you from spinning out and anti-lock brakes to help you stop. Adding extra weight will do nothing except decrease fuel economy (ever so slightly) and increase stopping distances (again, not significantly.) Even if your AWD doesn't have stability control there is no reason for you to carry extra weight around.

I've been driving 4wd's since the early 60's. I've always added weight in the bed of my truck for added traction. It really helps to keep the rear end from floating. Also, I don't run around in 4wd. I run around in two wheel drive and only the rear wheels pull. I use 4wd to get out of trouble, not get into trouble. I use less fuel with 2wd and weight then I would with the hubs locked in and running in 4wd.

These days I don't add weight because my pickup now has a steel flatbed and I added a 106 gallon fuel tank. So don't need additonal weight.

[debey]

Originally Posted by ElkHunter

I've been driving 4wd's since the early 60's. I've always added weight in the bed of my truck for added traction. It really helps to keep the rear end from floating. Also, I don't run around in 4wd. I run around in two wheel drive and only the rear wheels pull. I use 4wd to get out of trouble, not get into trouble. I use less fuel with 2wd and weight then I would with the hubs locked in and running in 4wd.

These days I don't add weight because my pickup now has a steel flatbed and I added a 106 gallon fuel tank. So don't need additonal weight.

Exactly! that "fun" the kids call "mudding" leads to expensive repairs!

[BusySocialWorker]

Make sure you plan to start your day early enought to go out and scrape windows if you are parked outside and if you are parked in a garage, still go out early enough that you can start your car and let it run for a good 10 minutes to warm up - your toosh and your finger tips will thank you and your car will run better! A remote starter is a nice extra if you have a wish list started

I would also advise you never to park on the street if snow is possible - you could get plowed in if they clear the streets.

If you have chips or small cracks in your windshield, fix them prior to cold weather - cold weather can make small chips into big cracks.

Please brush snow off of your lights (front and back) when you brush snow off so they can be seen by other cars

[rjl78]

Originally Posted by ElkHunter

I've been driving 4wd's since the early 60's. I've always added weight in the bed of my truck for added traction. It really helps to keep the rear end from floating. Also, I don't run around in 4wd. I run around in two wheel drive and only the rear wheels pull. I use 4wd to get out of trouble, not get into trouble. I use less fuel with 2wd and weight then I would with the hubs locked in and running in 4wd.

These days I don't add weight because my pickup now has a steel flatbed and I added a 106 gallon fuel tank. So don't need additonal weight.

That was a lesson hard learned for me. I still own the pickup I cut my four wheeling teeth on too. Been driving it since I learned to drive.

Lets hear more about your flatbed and fuel tank.

[ElkHunter]

Originally Posted by rjl78

That was a lesson hard learned for me. I still own the pickup I cut my four wheeling teeth on too. Been driving it since I learned to drive.

Lets hear more about your flatbed and fuel tank.

Had a business up in Wyoming building Post frame steel buildings. So I bought a flatbed. 9 ft long 8.5 ft wide. I picked up my posts in Whitewood South Dakota. So fuel was a problem. Had to fuel in South Dakota. During the tourist season, SD was about $ .30 a gallong higher. So I bought and installed a tank that would get me and my 33ft flatbed trailer to Whitewood and back to Sheridan.

But when I'm full of fuel, my Pickup weighs around 8,700 lbs. So snow travel doesn't scare me.

[rjl78]

Originally Posted by ElkHunter

Had a business up in Wyoming building Post frame steel buildings. So I bought a flatbed. 9 ft long 8.5 ft wide. I picked up my posts in Whitewood South Dakota. So fuel was a problem. Had to fuel in South Dakota. During the tourist season, SD was about $ .30 a gallong higher. So I bought and installed a tank that would get me and my 33ft flatbed trailer to Whitewood and back to Sheridan.

But when I'm full of fuel, my Pickup weighs around 8,700 lbs. So snow travel doesn't scare me.

That sounds like the old work truck I was issued years ago. 91 F350 with an 11 Foot bed and hoist. I did a lot of towing and hauling

[ElkHunter]

For what it's worth, a couple years ago, the folks on the Wyoming Forum put together their two cents on what was in their "Winter road kit". We kept a list and kept updating as time went on. The list is more then what I would carry, but it was a consensous that this is what was needed.

Parka
atlas
basic first aid kit
bic lighter
Blankets
Breakfast bars
Candles 6-8
Chain or Strap
Chains or Cables
duck tape, neon orange
Empty Cups
Energy Bars
extra socks
flairs
Flashlights
Fuel
GPS
gun
hand/foot warmers
Ice Scraper
Insulated Bibs/coveralls
Jumper Cables
Leather gloves with liners
Matches, waterproof
Paper Towels
reading books
Relfective Triangles
Road Flares
Sand/kitty litter
Shovel
Snow brush
Toilet Paper
Watch caps or Balaclava
weather radio/cb handheld
whistle
Yellow Rotating Light

[AJTucson]

Elk - really liked the list - some I remembered, some were new (which is good to know) and one I have no clue what it is. I am sure that somehow I am going to be embarrassed for having to ask, but here goes. What is a watch cap or balaclava?? Thanks/AJ

[airboat5]

If it gets so bad I need my jeep to get around Iam staying home next to the fire place.