Go Romping In Snow This Winter

 With the snow we’ve been getting in the mountains lately, a lot of four-wheelers are itching to fire up their vehicles and go plowing through the white stuff. Whether over Cajon Pass, through Big Bear area, or just to Grandma’s house, driving off road in snow is a lot of fun. Winter driving offers its own set of challenges; the following tips will help ensure your trip is a pleasant one.

As with all four-wheeling, remember the buddy system. That is, always go out with at least one other vehicle. It’s fairly easy to get stuck in snow, and the cold just compounds any difficulties you may experience. More on that later.

 

Make sure you pack survival gear along with food and water. Remember that it gets dark early this time of year, and storms can hit in a hurry. Check the forecast before leaving. You don’t want to get caught in the mountains during a blizzard. Also, cold weather reduces the output of your battery. Replace it if it’s more than five years old. Consider installing a dual battery system as well. That way you’ll have a back up, as well as a source of power in case you need to use the winch.

 

Pack your vehicle accordingly. The basics include a snow shovel, air jack and tire chains, if you have them. Brightly colored equipment is really useful in a snowy environment. An ice scraper/window brush and recovery equipment are a must, also. You’ll want some communications equipment, as well. Pack ham radio gear if you have it. If not, consider getting licensed. The exam isn’t that difficult and gear is reasonably priced. If you don’t care to go that route, look into a satellite phone. Cell phones rarely work in the outback, so don’t count on one.

 

Make sure your headlights, tail lights, fog lamps, and license plate are clear of snow. As the old saying goes, you want to see and be seen.

 

Upon arriving, spend a few moments surveying the trail and surrounding terrain. One of the biggest problems with snow is that it covers ruts, ditches, and rocks. If you’ve driven the trail before, try to recall where the rough spots are, and avoid them. Don’t try to drive over them, as you risk getting stuck or damaging your vehicle.

 

Chains are great for driving in snow. They give you better traction and braking all around, and better steering up front. If you have just one set, place them on the back. Chains up front allow you to chew through deep snow, but the added braking capability could cause fish tailing. This happens a lot while going downhill on a slippery slope.

 

Air down your tires to a standard off-road level. For a 31-in. tire, that would be in the 18 to 15 psi range. Start off in single file as you normally do. The lead vehicle will blaze the trail, but often becomes stuck. Plus, the underbody usually gets packed with snow, so the vehicle doesn’t run well. Be prepared to pull out that vehicle, but also rotate the vehicles to keep a “fresh” vehicle in the lead at all times.

 

If you get stuck, try rocking the vehicle. You can usually gain a few inches each time, which often is enough to get you onto better ground. Avoid spinning the tires if possible. That just melts the snow underneath, which quickly freezes. Then you’re in worse shape than when you started.

 

If you’re still unable to drive out, use a recovery strap to pull your vehicle out. But be careful: The strap is under tremendous stress. Make sure no one is standing between either vehicle. If that strap breaks, it’ll crack the person in the head, and your trip is over. A Pull Pal^® also works well in these situations.

 

Remember to drive slowly. As mentioned above, snow covers all blemishes in the trail. If the snow is firm enough you may actually drive on top. But more likely, you’ll cut through, and expose your vehicle to rocks and other hazards below.

 

Even with chains, your vehicle behaves quite differently in snow. Stopping and cornering are more difficult and braking distances are greater. Drive slower than normal and keep a safe distance between the vehicles. 4WD doesn’t offer any better braking than 2WD, despite what you may think. If you find yourself sliding one way, turn with it, but also apply some power and stay off the brakes. The 4WD traction will help pull you out of it.

 

Use gentle acceleration whenever climbing a hill. Quick acceleration can cause the tires to spin, which results in an icy trail. Speaking of hills, assess the trail before descending, and make sure it’s safe to drive. Can you get back up if you had to? If not, and that’s the only way out, take a different route.

 

Here’s hoping your next romp through the snow is a safe and enjoyable one.

 

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Tread Lightly Tip:

 

As we approach spring, many trails will become muddy. Avoid any that are sloppy so you don’t chew them up.

 

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There is another Tread Lightly! Tread Trainer Clinic Feb 13, 2009

We would like to encourage you to sign up for the Tread Lightly! Tread Trainer Certification Clinic. This is a one day course. There is a minimal fee of $25 to cover class materials and handouts. It requires a commitment to teaching and spreading the word about Tread Lightly! Principles and outdoor ethics.  The clinic is Feb 13^th, 2009 in Primm, NV the day before the California Association of 4-Wheel Drive Clubs hold its annual meeting. You can find out more details on line at http://www.4x4training.com/TrainingClinics/Tread.html ..  And register on line at http://4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#TreadNV .. You must pre-register. You do not need a vehicle for this clinic. It is about the outdoor ethic and Tread Lightly!. We will not be working on skills related to the many motorized and mechanized outdoor sports.

Upon successful completion of this course, each participant will become a Tread Lightly! Tread Trainer and receive a completion certification and become eligible for benefits provided through the Tread Trainer program.

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Sign up for Easter Safari April 5 – 9, 2009

It seems a long ways away, but all the trail rides are assigned by lottery. The submission date for the lottery is somewhere about the end of January to mid February. So if you think you might want to go to the Easter Safari this year, you need to register soon http://4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#EJS.

 

 Easter Safari is one of, if not the largest organized event in the United States for 4-Wheel Drive vehicles. The event runs for 9 days ending on Easter Sunday. There are no restrictions as to the manufacturer of vehicles but the vehicle needs to have high ground clearance and a 2 speed transfer case. Most days they have 8 or more trails running and on “Big” Saturday” about 28 groups will depart Moab in a huge parade of 1000 vehicle or more. Some of the trails are just above 2WD. On the other extreme, there are tails that need lockers, big tires and winches. On Thursday and Friday there is a large vendor show. There is a raffle drawing Friday night after the Boy Scout dinner.

 

The trails and scenery in Moab, UT is spectacular. You owe it to yourself to get “your-ticket-punched” in Moab. Once you go, you will be back many times.

 

Our plan is to do 4 days of trails rides. That will be more then enough for the first time! So we will use the weekend before Easter to travel to Moab. Everyone is on their own but we will help with travel routes and information. Then we will run a trail each day on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The Monday trail has been selected to help you get accustomed to the terrain and Slickrock. On Tuesday we will increase the rating one notch and again Wednesday. Thursday we will take a day off from the trails and attend the vendor show. Friday’s Trail rating will be the same as Wednesday. Friday evening you can attend the big raffle and perhaps you will walk away with a set of new tires or a winch. We will travel home on Easter Saturday and Easter (if you need more then one day).

 

The price is for 1 or 2 persons per vehicle. You get 4 days on trails specially selected to increase your confidence as the challenge increase. The price includes 6 nights in a hotel (double occupancy per vehicle) with a continental breakfast, refrigerator, swimming pool, and internet access. You get a place to leave your trailer should you tow a vehicle to Moab. It includes access to a vendor show with over 120 booths and national manufactures, a ticket for the big raffle, a hat, a Moab Trail book, and a cloth map of the local trails.

The price includes registration for one of our scheduled rock training class in southern California prior to Easter Safari. We will also assist you with a 121 point inspection of your vehicle a few months before departure to identify potential problems that need to be corrected and discuss upgrades.
We will accompany you on the trails in Moab and assist with logistics during the week to insure you find your registration materials, arrive in the right spot on time for your trail ride, and help with any difficulties on the trails. You will receive detailed plans to help you with travel logistics and to prepare for the upcoming adventure.
We will arrange rental of a brand new Jeep if you need one in Moab.

 

A few pictures: http://4x4training.com/images/Moab/Moabpicture.html

 

Check out http://4x4training.com/Adventures/EasterSafari/EJSMain.html 

 

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I’ll see you on the trails!

 

Regards,

 

Tom Severin, President

Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc

4-Wheel Drive School

310-374-8047

http://www.4x4training.com

 

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Want To Use This Article In Your Magazine, E-Zine, Club Newsletter Or Web Site? You are welcome to use this article anytime, just be sure to include the following author/copyright information:

Tom Severin, 4×4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to use their vehicles safely and confidently over difficult terrain in adverse conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.

 

Copyright 2009, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.