As a seasoned winter driver - Buffalo, NY is Snow Capital of N. America - I have some suggestions.
As the guys have mentioned - DRIVE SLOW! I'm not saying crawl but don't be foolish & overdrive the road/visibility conditions. It's always easier to stop & avoid trouble that way. Be sure you clear off your windows too - ALL of them! I hate when I see vehicles with snow clogged windows - I know they can't see me!
As for a kit - here's what we carry in Buffalo & trust me, this is for real! Candy bars for "instant energy" & something to munch on, extra socks, gloves & hats, lots of blankets & a pair of coveralls or a waterproof rain suit/poncho to keep you dry if you need to get out in the snow. Also, an empty jar or coffee can can be used as a porta-potty. Stock up on batteries & even a few candles & of course, matches or a lighter. I am going to get that "additive" that you can use if you run out of gas - I saw it at a local oil change chain & when I find out the name I'll post that.
Get the windshield washer fluid that doesn't freeze up - IT WORKS! Put some in a spray bottle & you can use it for the mirrors or side windows too. I use the RainX brand all year long - it puts a coating of RainX on the windshield & makes it easier to see in rain or to wash mud off. Carry an extra ice scraper too in case you lose/break it.
I guess that's about it - if I think of anything else I'll let you know! Good luck & have fun!

 

Did anyone mention a tow strap? It can be rolled up and stowed under the seat and can save you a wrecker bill if you get stuck somewhere and just need a little pull to get out.

Contrary to popular belief, when used properly, 4x4 DOES help on ice. It won't help you once you've lost control, but it can keep you from losing control in the first place. Its almost impossible (I said almost) to make a 4x4 fish tail. And don't wait until your stuck to put it in 4x4. 4x4 is to keep you from getting stuck in the first place.

Thinking ahead will prevent most loss of control situations. Slow down way before an intersecton, slower/stopped traffic, exit, sharp curve, icy bridge, etc. Waiting until you're right on it to hit your brakes results in loss of control. (skid, spin, etc)

 

You guys and gals are a great help!! Seriously!! Now I can go out and drive in the snow with more knowledge of what can happen and how to prevent it. I'm actually making a list with my girlfriend right now.

I can't wait, tomorrow i'm getting the LT265/75/16 BFG All Terrains put on. When you guys step up in tire size, do you re-align the truck??

Thanks a million guys!!

Erik

 

Just remember 4 wheel drive isn't four wheel stop! You can go a lot faster in the snow and you won't get stuck with 4 wheel drive but when it comes to stopping your truck is no better than a geo metro

-Jon

 

Something important to make a mental note about: BLACK ICE You can't see it so if its 35 degrees of below ALWAYS assume it is there, especially if the road is not traveled often. Even though they may have salted it eailer in the day it can and will frezz over if not well traveled and cold enough.

Like dbarbee posted which I think everyone here knows, myself included is 4X4 is better then 2 wheel drive on snow/ice/mud. Just remember its only better for TRACTION to begin with. Once your going a 4X4 can not go any faster then any other car/truck be it two wheel drive, front wheel drive. Once your rolling your basically just another weighted car/truck traveling and all advantages of 4X4 are gone as far as traveling in a stright line. If your traveling at slow speeds then like, I believe dbarbee mentioned you will have SOME better traction in turns etc, less chance of fishtailing, but your also heavier then the same truck as yours that is NOT a 4X4 so it will take you longer to stop.

 

The best thing you can do and we do it all the time back here is take the air out of the tires 8 Psi or as low as 2 Psi if you are really stuck... But don´t drive fast with 2 psi.......
You won´t belive how big diff this will do...

PS.. This will help you get tru a big pile of snow.
You don´t drive hundreds of miles with 8Psi of air in your tire.

 

I am going to have to recommend the opposite of Roggi, the last thing you want in snow is wider tires. Letting air out will cause more problems. I have lived and driven in lots of snow, you want skinny/narrow tires otherwise you are trying to plow through the snow. The skinny setup allows you to cut through. Now maybe Roggi was meaning, if your stuck to let out air, can't speak for that as I haven't gotten myself stuck. No disrespect intended just my experiences.
All the other stuff is great advice, being unprepared during nasty winter weather is bad.
Safe driving

 

I still like Cowladys recommendation of snacks I am thinking now about carrying my portable grill and keep some hambugers and buns in the toolbox. Heck while your stuck and waiting you could have yourself a hell of a tailgate party...

 

I agree with Rugby, don't air down if you are driving on/around ice. Airing down can help if you are out PLAYING in snow, but for driving on icey roads it only makes things worse.

If you are going to put weight in your truck, put as far back as you can. This actually puts more downward force on the rear axle than having the weight sitting directly on top of the axles.

No one has mentioned jumper cables! Get a good set and keep them in your truck. You may not need them for yourself, but you may be able to help some other stranded motorist.

As for stopping in the snow and ice, I'm about ready to disengage my ABS system. The least little bit of wheel slippage detected, and the ABS kicks in - it takes probably 3-4 times as far to stop in snow and ice than without ABS in y truck. (ABS doesn't necessarily help you stop quicker, but keeps the vehicle from skidding and therefore enables you to stear the vehicle)

 

I do just like 36fan stated about putting the weight as far back as possible it is a BIG difference for better traction. I have 170lbs of sand, 2 - 50lb bags and 1 - 70lb bag. I have a 2 X 6 fitted in the bed liner and it keeps the bags right next to the tailgate.

Any weight forward of the rear axles is basically useless for any added traction.

I agree about the ABS on ice. I had to use them once and you really have to maintain your cool when stopping and steering. It's an experience. Sounds like the whole brake system is falling apart, and then your foot is getting pounded and makes you feel like you need to really lay on the brakes, as if you are not pushing hard enough.

I agree as well as to not deflating your tires. The best way to think of it is the wider the tire print on the ground the LESS traction you have (as far as ice and snow) mud and sand is a whole different ball game.

 

Hey Guys & Gals,

I thought i'd follow up with you guys. I went to the tire shop last wednesday and go the BFG All Terrain KO 265/75/16 installed from the original General Grabber 255/70/16. Traction was great in the highways with all the thunderstorms and rainstorms!!

However, acceleration going uphill at about 70mph required me to hit the overdrive button to downshift which I normally don't do. I have an appointment with the local Ford Dealer on Monday morning first thing to adjust the PCM. The service tech told me over the phone that it would recalibrate the speedo and transmission shift points according to the newer tire sizes. I hope it helps.

I drove it all weekend (no adjustments to the PCM yet) and I was short about 40 miles from my normal 300 mile tank. I usually get 300 miles and refill at about 1/8 of a tank. This weekend I got 260. I'm sure it's because of the tires.

I also started packing a kit. So far i've got:

electric tire pump (250psi)
small shovel
crowbar
2 sleeping bags
porta-potty (usually used for camping)
craftsman wrenches and ratchets
fire extinguisher
batteries
chains (better to have it than not to)
jumper cables
refilled washer fluid with antifreeze washer fluid (been there)

I appreciate it all the help guys!!

I was also looking at my truck admiring the new look and I was thinking of getting a roof tray and mounting 2-4 pro-comp or piaa fog lamps (when $$$ permits of course). It would be like an urban assault vehicle. What do you guys think?

Erik

 

Hey Guys and Gals,

I'd like to give you guys a big THANKS for all the help and prep for the Lake Tahoe trip!!

We caravaned with my cousin in his Suburban and my truck performed FLAWLESSLY especially with the BFG AT KOs. No chains needed in the ice/snow combination!! I used 4wLO in more than 3 inches of snow and didn't exceed 25mph like you guys recommended. My cousin on the other hand had a 2wd Suburban which still slid even with 2 chains in the back. We had to stop by a Napa auto parts to chain up the front 2 tires as well. The shovel, gloves, blankets and most of the stuff you guys recommended for the kit was used!! My cousin was spooked after slipping on ice as we were in a cliff section of hwy 50. Gloves, flashers, and flares were used!!

I love this truck!!

Erik