2WD in the snow, any advice?

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Empty V
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So I'm planning a huge snowboarding trip for 30 people to Mammoth Mountain in February. I'll be taking the QX4 up there and it's never been in real snow plus I have very little snow driving experience. I know I'll need chains for the rear tires but is there any advice anyone can offer that will make my vehicle safer to be in.

Thanks!

If anyone is interested in going I'm getting a sweet group rate on lodging + lift tickets and don't mind sharing my group code. We're staying at the Mammoth Mountain Inn which is ski on ski off from the lifts and main lodge.


01silvapathy
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Just take it easy at first, you will get the hang of it. I have never used chains personally so im not any help there.


Go drifting

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miamiheat3332
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If your car starts sliding one way, turn in the direction to make your front end go straight on the road, and let off the gas instead of applying the brakes.

Maybe you know that, since its the same principal in rain, but works same in snow.

Ideal factor would be to just throw on snow tires, and you;d be good in 2wd but thats not really an option unless you had a different set of rims on now, and the stockers with snow tires like i do, but its pointless where you live.

I also know how you lifted your q and stuff and go to the baja or w.e there is offroading in cali, but since its 2wd, you should get a rear locker, so youd be good in 2wd for the most part. would help alot.

01silvapathy
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He has BFG At's If I remember correctly. Last time I was driving in snow I absolutely loved the AT's in the snow. Hands down the best tire I have ever run in snow.

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miamiheat3332
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Well then thats good, i didn't know what specific tire he had but he should be good unless he goes in deep snow. Which if he gets stuck i bet someone can pull him out lol.

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Innovazn
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Leave plenty of room between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. Brake earlier, dont slam on the brakes, go slow and dont try to "gun" it up the mountain, s*** doesnt work that way, back it out and try again . If youre finding that youre slipping alot, "zig-zag" up the mountain by consistently turning left and right up the road (I mean in small durations, not onto oncoming traffic and the shoulder) stay within your lane.

sh8wn9
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Move to new england for a winter...that should give you plenty of experience. :cartman:

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fueler
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you need chains when you go to mammoth, regardless of 2wd vs 4wd. The CHP has a checkpoint (whenever it's snowing) and they make sure you at least have them in the vehicle. If you have all-terrain tires then they dont make you put them on.

The difference between 2wd and 4wd is, the 4wd you dont need to put the chains on :gapteeth: Its tough (sometimes impossible) to drive a 2wd in snow without chains.

and drive very slow at first, get the hang of it!! A lot of people new to snow driving treat it the same as any other kind of driving, and rear end a car at the first stop sign they come to.... snow driving is VERY different than mud, sand, and dirt!!!


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