Well, I got my new (used) truck stuck in the snow for the first time today, and now I'm wondering what I can do to increase its usefulness in tough winter conditions (mountain grades and deep snow).
Here's the story, for those who care: I went up to my girlfriend's brother's place this evening, which is located off of the beaten path in the mountains near Conifer, CO. The road back to his place from the highway is snow covered dirt, but didn't pose a problem in 4WD since it has been plowed. But, his lower driveway (where we needed to park) can be an absolute nightmare in winter... though it is a pull-through driveway, the parking area is downhill from the road on both ends, it isn't plowed, and the snow was about knee deep in there today. I've made it through there in my jeep in the past, but the truck sure didn't want to come out of there today (finally made it after 45 minutes of trying and swearing).
As a new pickup truck and diesel owner, I thought I'd come to you guys for suggestions on keeping these trucks moving in the deep white stuff! I've certainly done my share of winter mountain 4x4 driving with the Jeep in the past, but the Cummins just seemed to have a different feel in the snow (light rear-end is probably part of that). For what it's worth, the tires that came on this truck when I bought it are 285/75R16 Big O Bigfoot AT tires, with probably half the tread life remaining.
What tricks have you guys discovered for making these trucks go in the steep and deep stuff we see here in the mountains?
I'm thinking of adding some weight to the bed of the truck (I was empty today when I got stuck). I've got some tube sand at the house, but I'm not sure how much weight I should plan on throwing in there, or if it even helps in the deeper snow! I'm also thinking of getting a set of tire chains for the truck. I've never needed chains on my Jeep in areas like this, but maybe that's what it takes with the truck?
Just thought I'd see how you winter mountain diesel drivers handle things in the snow!
Here's the story, for those who care: I went up to my girlfriend's brother's place this evening, which is located off of the beaten path in the mountains near Conifer, CO. The road back to his place from the highway is snow covered dirt, but didn't pose a problem in 4WD since it has been plowed. But, his lower driveway (where we needed to park) can be an absolute nightmare in winter... though it is a pull-through driveway, the parking area is downhill from the road on both ends, it isn't plowed, and the snow was about knee deep in there today. I've made it through there in my jeep in the past, but the truck sure didn't want to come out of there today (finally made it after 45 minutes of trying and swearing).
As a new pickup truck and diesel owner, I thought I'd come to you guys for suggestions on keeping these trucks moving in the deep white stuff! I've certainly done my share of winter mountain 4x4 driving with the Jeep in the past, but the Cummins just seemed to have a different feel in the snow (light rear-end is probably part of that). For what it's worth, the tires that came on this truck when I bought it are 285/75R16 Big O Bigfoot AT tires, with probably half the tread life remaining.
What tricks have you guys discovered for making these trucks go in the steep and deep stuff we see here in the mountains?
I'm thinking of adding some weight to the bed of the truck (I was empty today when I got stuck). I've got some tube sand at the house, but I'm not sure how much weight I should plan on throwing in there, or if it even helps in the deeper snow! I'm also thinking of getting a set of tire chains for the truck. I've never needed chains on my Jeep in areas like this, but maybe that's what it takes with the truck?
Just thought I'd see how you winter mountain diesel drivers handle things in the snow!
