Snow Travel

[mrseth]

Hey folks! It's about that time of year again where trip planning needs to go an extra step to insure safety during snow travel. I wanted to post up a small 10 item list of things that I take with me through the higher-elevation cities, and I'd like you to add on what you usually take! Maybe we can all be a little more prepared and safer this winter!

My Gear:
1. Ice Scraper
2. De-Icer fluid
3. Sleeping bag
4. MSR Whisperlite Stove
5. 2 Freeze-Dried meals
6. Metal cup (for melting snow to drink)
7. Roadside Flares
8. Snacks (usually have some stuff to munch on for boredoms sake)
9. Water
10. GPS

Items for consideration:
1. Snow chains (I have 35" all terrains that have deep tread)
2. PLB (Im too broke for one)
3. Spare Fuel
4. Snatch Strap/ Tow Rope (when Im not taking a long road trip, I like to help pull people out of ditches)
5. Kitty Litter
6. Extra clothes


What all do you guys/girls carry with you during snowy weather? I'm getting ready to go through Estes Park, and Vail on Monday, and the weather is looking snowy!!!

Safe wheeling

 

[CurrentlyRockhoundin]

I see a lot of people with shovels on or in rigs in the winter but for snow they kinda suck compared to a proper snow shovel. I like the scoop style which can move snow so much faster then a normal shovel.

https://amzn.to/2MJULmw

 

[Anak]

I would make the chains a definite. I have been in situations in snow where the deep tread was useless. Chains always work.

For the sake of anyone who is looking to take sand instead of kitty litter, make sure it is DRY sand. Much of the sand sold at home centers is wet. Once you reach the elevations where you are likely to need it you will find you have a nice solid block of sand which is not likely to be useful.

 

[Jeff B]

Yes shovels are good, no matter the type. Also, a portable battery bank for your phone. I agree with Anak. Using kitty litter in the wet stuff isn't a great idea since most of it is made from clay which would make things worse if it gets wet.

 

[CR-Venturer]

+1 for snow chains. Key importance. Best to get really rugged snow chains, as the cheap cable style ones don't hold up as well off road. They will work, but not as good as the rugged, heavy duty ones.

I have the cheap cable ones because I'm poor lol

 

[Smileyshaun]

Tire pressure gauge and a compressor . Tires of any kind even studded tires are half worthless at street pressure. It’s not something you can bring with you but take the time to practice driving in the snow so you can learn the difference between fluffy dry snow and wet turns to ice as soon as you drive on it snow. They are two different animals that take a different approach to drive on it safely

 

[MidOH]

I'll add:

Truck claws
Pepsi can stove
Simple Green
Spare battery
Balaclava
Spare wipers and bulbs
RainX deicer
Extra socks

 

[Lou Skannon]

I'm lucky enough to have automatic snow chains but i still carry a shovel.
A long-handled ice chipper.
A good pair of fleece lined work gloves
Plus both kinds of emergency food......Mars bars and Snickers.

 

[4wheelspulling]

I carry all the above, but would say that you need to carry a good set of chains even with 35” tires, I carry 2 sets, of snow chains. Vance.

 

[mrseth]

WOW! Thank you everyone for the insightful responses! I'll be adding chains and a shovel to my list!

 

[Dave K]

Throw your old jacket that you no longer wear in the rig. I have seen more than one person stuck and ill prepared to doing anything about it because they lacked the ability to stay warm. It’s sounds like a no brained but I myself have been stuck in a tee shirt and jeans a few blocks from the house on a quick run to the store. Old coat would have been better than no coat.

 

[Black Swamp Overland]

Shovel
Carhartt bibs
Insulted work gloves
Hat
Old pair of boots with wool socks (I always try to have the right shoes on but I know someday I'll end up on a trip with just my sneakers packed, our in the Sierra's with just flip flops [emoji3])

 

[Black Swamp Overland]

I'll add:

Truck claws
Pepsi can stove
Simple Green
Spare battery
Balaclava
Spare wipers and bulbs
RainX deicer
Extra socks

Beer can stove and a flask of mineral spirits = hot drink/food anywhere!

 

[MidOH]

Shovel
Carhartt bibs
Insulted work gloves
Hat
Old pair of boots with wool socks (I always try to have the right shoes on but I know someday I'll end up on a trip with just my sneakers packed, our in the Sierra's with just flip flops [emoji3])

I to, also have to yell obscenities at my work gloves every winter morning before they get warm.

 

[RoarinRow]

Good list all! I bring a max trax for the heck of it. I should look into chains.

 

[JCWages]

Good list all! I bring a max trax for the heck of it. I should look into chains.

I've had mixed success with traction boards in snow. The cold temps make the tires and the boards very hard and grip is lacking. It's still good to have them especially for bridging. A good bottle jack with lots of extention can be a huge help too. Trucks like to get high centered so using a bottle jack to lift the truck and stick boards, logs, rocks, branches etc., under the tires can make a huge difference in getting unstuck. Last year I could have easily gotten out of a jam or 2 if I had a longer bottle jack! I'll be getting a new one for this snow season that extends at least 19" tall and I'll carry some 2x4 blocks to act as extenders if needed. Desperate times call for desperate measures. lol

Always keep some high energy snacks in the rig too..... This would have been a great Snickers ad.

A good chainsaw is a good idea too. Besides clearing downed trees you can use it to cut up fallen branches to stick under your tires when stuck in deep ruts or high centered.

 

[RoarinRow]

I've had mixed success with traction boards in snow. The cold temps make the tires and the boards very hard and grip is lacking. It's still good to have them especially for bridging. A good bottle jack with lots of extention can be a huge help too. Trucks like to get high centered so using a bottle jack to lift the truck and stick boards, logs, rocks, branches etc., under the tires can make a huge difference in getting unstuck. Last year I could have easily gotten out of a jam or 2 if I had a longer bottle jack! I'll be getting a new one for this snow season that extends at least 19" tall and I'll carry some 2x4 blocks to act as extenders if needed. Desperate times call for desperate measures. lol

Always keep some high energy snacks in the rig too..... This would have been a great Snickers ad.

A good chainsaw is a good idea too. Besides clearing downed trees you can use it to cut up fallen branches to stick under your tires when stuck in deep ruts or high centered.

All good ideas! I'm sticking to the highway lol. I will have better luck finding Ding Dongs.

 

[Jeep backroads]

All good ideas! I'm sticking to the highway lol. I will have better luck finding Ding Dongs.

Airing down the tires always help in the snow . Bring a air compressor or power tank.

 

[RoarinRow]

Airing down the tires always help in the snow . Bring a air compressor or power tank.

Thank you. Yes airing down for sure and will keep my compressor with me.

 

[Plasmajab]

Recovery strap. Up here we got a store called princess auto, I imagine you got the same, but get a 10,000lb recovery strap and a buddy with a tow point and sometimes you can save yourself a monster tow truck fee if you dont have a winch. And if the budget/space allows a manual come along with the same rating.

Also toss in a few candles with a pop can. Should you end up in the worst case, you can keep the cab of the rig above freezing with a single candle, just crack a window for airflow, you can save the battery and fuel remaining for when you really need it.