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Old 01-24-2009, 08:17 PM   #1
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4x4 in the snow with radial tires

Greetings,

Will Continental Contitrack radial tires do well in the snow while using the 4x4?
They are skinny tires, but I figue to let out some air for more traction.
I have a portable air compressor, so I can adjust the tire pressure.
Who has used radial tires in the snow with 4x4 and how was your traction?
Any tire pressure suggestions-4x4 in the snow?

Thanks,

Zugg


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Old 01-24-2009, 08:28 PM   #2
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Re: 4x4 in the snow with radial tires

Deep snow you can't go too low, it's very forgiving. Neighborhood snow and ice, I wouldn't air down at all of course, and chains are the best anyway if it's that bad on pavement.

Offroad for snow I think lugs are bad because they dig you down, which will be worse with a skinny tire.

I don't specifically know anything about those tires.
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Old 01-25-2009, 08:09 PM   #3
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Re: 4x4 in the snow with radial tires

Hi Jage,

So are you suggesting that I use chains on all four tires, because for now I have radials?
I have used chains on 2-wheel drives and have driven in the snow many times without chains.
Some day I will upgrade my tires and rims.

Thanks,

Zugg
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Old 01-26-2009, 07:51 AM   #4
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Re: 4x4 in the snow with radial tires

I know some people put chains on all four tires with 4x4s, but I don't know if the improvement is enough to warrant the extra chains. Actually I don't even know if it's legal to have 4 chains... despite living in chain law territory there is very little information and I have even less experience.
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Old 01-26-2009, 10:23 AM   #5
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Re: 4x4 in the snow with radial tires

Jage and others, check out this link: http://www.tirechainsrequired.com/laws.html
Looks to me like you can have chains on all four in CO and may even be required to. I cannot speak from experience, but I have relatives who have lived in heavy snow territory with 4WD vehicles and they claim that chains on only two can be a problem, since normally you've got them on the back wheels and this can reduce traction to the wheels that steer the vehicle and can, e.g., pull it out of a skid. No wonder we moved to the beautiful Olympic Peninsula where we get some snow but get along fine with 2WD and the chains have never been on...
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Old 01-26-2009, 09:47 PM   #6
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Re: 4x4 in the snow with radial tires

Depending on tire size, there may not be enough clearance for chains on the front. Verify by checking the clearance between the tire and rocker panel when steering wheel turned left-to-right.

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Old 01-28-2009, 02:40 PM   #7
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Re: 4x4 in the snow with radial tires

If its that big a concern, and your state allows it, studs on siped tires provides great traction. Toss a chain and you can seriously damage your rig. I've had every combination available (RWD, FWD, 4WD, with studs and chains) and studs are hands down the best bang for your buck in my humble opinion. I had siped and studded snow tires on my former Land Cruiser and I could travel some nasty passes with relative ease. I don't know anything about your tires, but www.tirerack.com has tire ratings for snow, etc.
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Old 01-28-2009, 06:16 PM   #8
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Re: 4x4 in the snow with radial tires

At times here in Ca during heavy snow conditions, before the road is closed they will post signs that say "four wheel drive and all tires with chains required" or similar but its becoming rare. Seems they are opting to close the road more often. I've had this 4 wheel chain requirement happen in Yosemite but they are overly cautious there IMO. Most of the time someone is present to enforce the law. In January a friend had to stay an extra day because he had only 1 set of chains for his 4x4. They would not let people in but those with a 4x4 and four chains were allowed to be escorted out of the park. They also had the right to not allow you to proceed depending on the chain and vehicle type.
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Old 01-29-2009, 12:22 AM   #9
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Re: 4x4 in the snow with radial tires

Greetings,

Thanks for the tip John. The chains will do the job for the rear wheels only!
Obviously a skilled pilot can make it or brake it, driving in the snow, but counter steering an extended body van? Anyone out there do'n that?

Hey demiminis,
Thanks for the suggestions. Throwing a chain(s) is not cool, but, mine have always stayed on. About the tire studs, I have used them before, but once I am out of snow country (the Sierras), I bet those studs would wear down real fast on the highway! If I lived in snow country every season, you bet I would be using studs in my tires.
p.s. What does your forum name mean?

Daveb,

As we know, plan ahead and be ready for delays when traveling to snow country. CA is a little uptight about chains and closing roads, but when I see cars speeding, passing me, on snow covered roads, then 2 minutes later they have slipped off the road, the little uptight (sometimes) seems allright.

Peace,

Zugg

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Old 02-05-2009, 10:33 PM   #10
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Re: 4x4 in the snow with radial tires

Quote:
Originally Posted by zugg
Greetings,
As we know, plan ahead and be ready for delays when traveling to snow country. CA is a little uptight about chains and closing roads, but when I see cars speeding, passing me, on snow covered roads, then 2 minutes later they have slipped off the road, the little uptight (sometimes) seems allright.

Peace,

Zugg

I hate to even tell the times I have almost been nailed by stupid drivers in California. Remember SUV's can drive 60 MPH in snow and ice. Yeah right. One of the things that some don't put into the equation is what type of snow you encounter. Snow is different in different locations. It's kind of like mud. People coming from other states might not understand how to drive in certain areas like I might be surprised when driving in other states. I had to do a rescue when a SUV shot passed me in Yosemite and drove right over a cliff. They got messed up good and it was ugly. Overall, people push the limit and I don't want to be the recipient of their screw up. I have to agree with your statement. Common sense prevails. It’s a cryin shame that some people can drive better with a 6-pack under their belt than some people that are straight sober and just ignorant.
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