You know, Project JK headquarters is in southern California. During the recent Easter Safari at Moab, it snowed one day. Really didn't stick much, but the SoCal guys were freaking out according to posts on their forum (I was not there, I was down in Arizona at the end of that week).
What I have discovered is that most four wheelers from warmer states are absolutely clueless on how to configure their rigs for snow. For those of us who have to drive in deep snow just to get to work, it's remarkable to watch video of these guys looking foolish in snow.
I'll cite two examples.
A couple of weeks ago, SpeedTV ran an episode of Dangerous Drives. This one was titled, "Extreme Off Roading". This show always plays up any danger, making it sound like borderline suicide. This show focused on AEV Jeeps (two modded JK Unlimited types, a TJ based Brute running 38" rubber, and one Land Rover Disco. They were going to test their latest JK components by running some trails in Moab. However, they selected trails typically rated as a 3 or 4. In short, trails you could easily run in a stock Wrangler or Hummer H3 (Xterras and FJ Cruisers would have issues with some of the obstacles due to approach and departure angles). You can rent Jeeps at Moab, specifically for driving trails of that type.
Anyway, they had some snow in the higher elevations. In some cases, 12" to 18" deep. Now, where I live, this is not considered unusual. However, some of the guys doing the driving are from SoCal of Arizona. They set off on their journey and as they drove out of the valley, they came across their first real obstacle. A mild ledge, about 4 feet high, at just about a 60% grade. Adding to this was a light coating of snow. It took several tries to get the AEV Brute up the onto the ledge. The Disco had no chance and had to winched up. One of the Jeeps needed a pull as well. However, the second JK was driven by a guy from Montana. He drove up and over without the slightest drama. This was a clue as to what was coming.
Up on the rim road, they ran into fresh snow of the depth defined above. Once the snow was deeper than 12", they began having trouble. With the Brute breaking trail, they struggled. Eventually, the Brute was forced to bullrush the snow. Backing up, running ahead until it bogged. Back up again as repeat a few hundred times. Honestly, it was pathetic.
Second example. JKOwners.com has posted videos where you can see their TV guys out wheeling in snow. They are not having an easy time of it.
What both examples show is three very common errors.
1) Inappropriate tires. Virtually all are running Mud/Terrain tires designed for mud or slick rock. With huge lug treads, they throw a lot of snow around, but they never get a good bite. These tires generally lack sipping, which is critical for snow and ice traction.
2) They air down. In the case of the JKOwners, they aired down to less than 10 psi. In snow less than 3 feet deep, airing down is a mistake. A big mistake. You don't what flotation. You don't want to increase you tire's section width. Run normal street pressure, because you want to minimize resistance (when pushing through snow) and you want to maximize ground pressure, which maximizes mechanical friction, and as a result; maximizes bite.
3) They run in low range in first or second gear. This limits your momentum, and momentum is important for breaking trail. It also shuts off the traction control. Excessive tire spinning is not a good thing in snow. It generates heat. Heat melts the snow as it packs. This mean creating water, and nothing is slicker than wet snow or ice.
Last winter, we went wheeling in the pine barrens of eastern Long Island after a true blizzard. There was more than two feet of snow on the fire roads and trails. I was running 32/10.50-17 (255/75-17) severe winter service rated tires. Tire pressure was dialed in at 37 psi. My JK never bogged down nor got stuck. However, another driver in a 2006 LJ Rubicon, repeatedly got into trouble. Why? He aired down his 33/12.50-15 Mud/Terrains. Wide, aggressive tires don't push through snow easily, and without sipping, his ability to get a good bite in the snow was nonexistent. He could not break trail as he was constantly losing headway. I drove around him and led the small caravan of Jeeps over 7 miles in bumper high snow, until we literally ran out of virgin trails. Later, after a 17" snow, I took my wife down to the large beach parking lot and allowed her to drive around in the deep snow. Even a novice can manage not to get stuck if the vehicle is configured for the conditions. That means the proper tires (the wrong tires can sabotage the very best vehicle in snow) and proper technique. This applies to any vehicle, be it a modded-out 4x4 or a common front drive sedan.
A significant number of experienced, dedicated rock crawlers are completely baffled by even a moderate snow fall. Now that winter is over, I realize that I'm going to miss the snow....
My regards,
Widewing
