Recommendation for good snow chains?

[rltilley]

How do you maintain a safe speed going downhill in neutral? I was thinking that keeping the van in a low gear downhill would be the right thing to do since hitting the brakes on ice seems like it would send you sliding quickly. What do I know though? I'm from SoCal. I do need more practice on ice than I get on snowboard trips to get myself comfortable that I can handle anything I get myself into. So far so good on that count.

I have a friend originally from MN that now lives in CO and he never uses chains. 4x4 gets him through anything.


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[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by rltilley

How do you maintain a safe speed going downhill in neutral? I was thinking that keeping the van in a low gear downhill would be the right thing to do since hitting the brakes on ice seems like it would send you sliding quickly. What do I know though? I'm from SoCal.

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In my experience you are right about downhill. I'd leave it in gear going downhill so I can straighten the vehicle with throttle if needed. I was actually talking about coasting on relatively flat ground. On ice I keep my hand on the gearshift and shift in and out of gear a lot as things change.

[daveb]

^^^ Ain't that the truth. Some of my most scariest exits were on downhill trails in snow and ice. I have an LSD in the back and had a few surprises on downhill slopes trying to get out of the backcountry. I had to add throttle when the back end broke loose during one recent trip to keep from sliding off the cliff. Not a fun adventure

[simple]

Giving it gas is the appropriate technique most of the time.

[dirtanddogfur]

Is anyone running actual winter tires on their rig?

I am contemplating it.

[nemesisnight]

Originally Posted by dirtanddogfur

Is anyone running actual winter tires on their rig?

I am contemplating it.

No, but I have BFG KO2's and they do great in the snow. Last night when we got all that snow here in SLC I had absolutely no issues and even went up the canyon to Midway and back and lots of people were sliding off the road and all over the place and I was cruising very comfortably (and faster than everyone else) and never slid once. I don't think a dedicated snow tire would be much better than this tire as its snow rated unless you got a studded tire and that would be overkill for Utah I think. It has turned out to be a good all around/year round tire for us.

[simple]

Same here. Driving on ice and snow on BFG KO

[eddyturn]

Clarifying about putting in neutral - that would be used when attempting to come to a stop and the car just wants to keep on going. In gear and using all available gears going downhill is my norm with all my vehicles.

[carringb]

In the past I have run Toyo M55 siped and studded for winter use. This year I switch to Wild Country XTX because they are snow tire rated without studs, which means I can use them more than 1 season.

Bother work great. The XTX actually surprised me on ice. Much better than expected. However the M55s are superior in deep/heavy mashed-potato snow.

In either case, Oregon and most western states still require chains when towing or over 10,000 pounds so if the signs are up, I chain up the van and trailer. The better stopping power is essential when stopping that much weight, and last I heard the fine was $550 if you get caught. I have seen state police pull over both commercial trucks and RVs who did not chain up.

[eddyturn]

I've only had Bigly out once in the snow and that sum bitch weighs so much it just sticks to the road. I get it back from the shop Friday and we will discuss clearance for some chains. I need to have them in the bumper just in case.