Deep Snow
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New User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Bay City
Deep Snow
Was up hunting last weekend and got my truck stuck in the snow. Snow was around 14" with some ruts in it. Truck is a 2004 F-150 xlt 5.4 4x4 with 2" AS level kit and 285 BFG at's on it. I was a little disappointed in teh performance with the truck especially when watching my cousins 01 with 4.6 and 285's wheeling doughnuts around me. I have the tires pumped up to around 55psi so not sure if letting some air out would have helped or if I am going to need to invest in a locker. Has anyone else ever had a problem going thru deep snow???
the worst part was there were about 5 chevy guys watching this whole episode
the worst part was there were about 5 chevy guys watching this whole episode
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
Wow, yeah, lose some air pressure.
When I would take my sport trac in deep snow (18+") I would air down to 12-15 psi.
A locker or limited slip will help a ton, for sure. Open differentials are horrible for anything other than dry pavement.
When I would take my sport trac in deep snow (18+") I would air down to 12-15 psi.
A locker or limited slip will help a ton, for sure. Open differentials are horrible for anything other than dry pavement.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,598
Likes: 145
From: SE Georgia
I had 2 F-150's in the driveway for about 6 months for the 06 winter.
A 94 and my 06. Both were 4x4, but the 94 had an open diff with 3.55 gears.
It snowed about 8" one night. I went out in the morning to go to work in the 94 and couldn't move more than 2-3 feet.
Hopped into the 06 and had 0 problems. The LS works wonders. The open diff in my 94 made it useless in poor traction...even when in 4x4
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 4
From: Neenah, Wisconsin
don't take advise from the guy who lives in pearl harbor...how much snow they get a year?? LOL...just kiddin
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
My sport trac had aussie lockers (automatic lockers) front and rear. Aired down to 10psi in deep snow was no problem, just plowed right through stuff with all four wheel pulling hard.
I actually didn't mind the aussie locker on a daily driver. It sure made slick roads fun and was great for drifting
. Install was easy (if you can do brakes you can do it), only costed around $260 per axle. My tires didn't like it as much, but still got quite a bit of life from them. I don't think I would run an aussie though with expensive 18" tires.
I actually didn't mind the aussie locker on a daily driver. It sure made slick roads fun and was great for drifting
. Install was easy (if you can do brakes you can do it), only costed around $260 per axle. My tires didn't like it as much, but still got quite a bit of life from them. I don't think I would run an aussie though with expensive 18" tires.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
I have a 2001 Jeep TJ (Wrangler) with 33X 12.50-15 Mud tires. I air down to 12PSI for rock crawling and about 8-10 for snow. I have a detroit locker in the back and a tru-trac limited slip in the front. Not the greatest rig to drive in the snow on a highway, but it sure is fun
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 1
From: South Jersey
When I ride on the beaches, I air down to about 20 lbs. I haven't aired down in the snow, but I understand it is a good idea to do so. 55 lbs. is just way too high and your tires will just want to sink into the snow instead of squatting and increasing to tire's contact area providind more bite. It is also a good idea to get a 12 volt tire air compressor to inflate your tires back up for the road, but a good quality one with enough power is a must. I keep one in my truck all the time. A hitch and tow strap is a good idea to carry with you is also a good idea, i've needed mine more than once, to help others as well as myself. Air down your tires, you wont believe the difference.
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,547
Likes: 6
From: MA
Sand and snow are VERY similar. As stated... you had way to much air in those tires. If you air them down, the truck will become damn near unstickable in snow. Its like adding snowshoes to your truck.
