Tips for Snow?

Some useful articles on doing it yourself
Post Reply
User avatar
<ossewa>
High Range 4WD
High Range 4WD
Posts: 39
Joined: Fri May 01, 2009 2:40 pm
Town: north coast
Vehicle: '90 D/C Raider
Real Name: Etienne
Location: natal

Tips for Snow?

Post by <ossewa> »

since its that time of the year again i thought it would be a nice excursion to go see the snow.

just wondering if the guys can give me some tips and tricks for driving in the snow/ice. the last thing i want is to get stuck in the muddy soil that lays underneath. Modder isnie funny :oops: .

thanks
Gabrial safarie shocks, custom rocksliders and towbar, modified exhaust system..
SuidWes
LR4WD, Lockers, Crawler Gears
LR4WD, Lockers, Crawler Gears
Posts: 1021
Joined: Tue Aug 21, 2007 12:55 pm
Town: Durbanville
Vehicle: Prado 120 VX
Real Name: Jaco
Club VHF Licence: B35
Location: Cape Town

Re: Tips for Snow?

Post by SuidWes »

Doing a 4x4 trail in snow is not that easy. We did a rocky trail covered by about 20+cm of snow last year and it was tricky, so tricky that we decided to turn around. The problem is that you can't see which line to take and then you end up hitting rocks and taking the incorrect lines. MT tyres and a diff lock would help a lot. We encountered some ice on the track as welll and that is just scary, zero control. Some say that you need to tackle ice with high tyre pressures in order to break trough the ice but chains would be best.

Enjoy, it is quite a different experience and pack gloves as building roads is a chilly story..... :o:

Some Pic's of our trip to Matroosberg.
Attachments
Snow2.jpg
Snow1.jpg
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away - George Carlin
User avatar
<ossewa>
High Range 4WD
High Range 4WD
Posts: 39
Joined: Fri May 01, 2009 2:40 pm
Town: north coast
Vehicle: '90 D/C Raider
Real Name: Etienne
Location: natal

Re: Tips for Snow?

Post by <ossewa> »

Dankie Jaco.die fotos lyk asemrowend!

Ek het gehoor dat die bande afgeblaas moet word vir sneeu, is dit waar?

wat gaan aan nou by sani pas? het hulle dit klaar geteer of is dit nogsteeds n grondpad?
Gabrial safarie shocks, custom rocksliders and towbar, modified exhaust system..
User avatar
Mud Dog
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 29852
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:18 am
Town: East London
Vehicle: '90 SFA Hilux DC 4X4, Full OME, 110mm lift. Brospeed branch, 50mm ss freeflow exhaust. 30 x 9.5 Discoverer S/T's on Viper mags. L/R tank. (AWOL) '98 LTD 2.4 SFA, dual battery system. Dobinson suspension, LR tanks, 31" BF mud's.
Real Name: Andy
Club VHF Licence: HC103

Re: Tips for Snow?

Post by Mud Dog »

Chains, chains, chains! Tyres at normal full pressure (the old Marie biscuits are best for this IMHO). Of course diff lock helps. :wink:
When your road comes to an end ...... you need a HILUX!.

Image
Image

Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
User avatar
ThysdJ
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 16587
Joined: Wed Oct 24, 2007 7:31 am
Town: Brackenfell
Vehicle: 2010 Hilux D4D 3.0 D/C 4x4
Real Name: Thys
Club VHF Licence: HC102
Location: Brackenfell
Contact:

Re: Tips for Snow?

Post by ThysdJ »

Ettienne, wat Andy sê is reg. En baie geduld en easy does it. :twisted: :twisted:

Sani word blykbaar nie meer geteer nie. Ek gaan hom ry in Julie net om weer te gaan kyk hoe dit van bo af lyk. Was in 2004 daar op, en ek het vergeet hoe dit lyk. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Thys de Jager
CEO and Refreshments Manager at Team Offroad.

2010 Hilux 3.0 D4D D/C 4x4 with GOMAD "Brood" Canopy. Tripod.
1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ 4.0 Sport. The original SFA. AGA... Gooi kole
email: thys@teamoffroad.co.za

Like Team Offroad on Facebook...
User avatar
<ossewa>
High Range 4WD
High Range 4WD
Posts: 39
Joined: Fri May 01, 2009 2:40 pm
Town: north coast
Vehicle: '90 D/C Raider
Real Name: Etienne
Location: natal

Re: Tips for Snow?

Post by <ossewa> »

dankie almal.

wanneer is die regte tyd om die snow chains op te sit?
Dadz Toy BFI wrote:ja, it's snow joke
ek het n slegte experience in modder gehad, kom ons se ma net n ford escort het my gehelp, die res praat ons maar liewers nie oor nie. :silent:
Gabrial safarie shocks, custom rocksliders and towbar, modified exhaust system..
User avatar
Mud Dog
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 29852
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:18 am
Town: East London
Vehicle: '90 SFA Hilux DC 4X4, Full OME, 110mm lift. Brospeed branch, 50mm ss freeflow exhaust. 30 x 9.5 Discoverer S/T's on Viper mags. L/R tank. (AWOL) '98 LTD 2.4 SFA, dual battery system. Dobinson suspension, LR tanks, 31" BF mud's.
Real Name: Andy
Club VHF Licence: HC103

Re: Tips for Snow?

Post by Mud Dog »

Put them on while still on a decent surface but where you see the footing is going to get soft or mushy. It's no fun fitting chains in the mush / mud. just don't use un neccesarily on a tarred surface, it chews the chains. :thumbup:
When your road comes to an end ...... you need a HILUX!.

Image
Image

Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
Mr_B
Monster Truck
Monster Truck
Posts: 7249
Joined: Fri Oct 12, 2007 2:38 pm
Town: Cape Town
Vehicle: Honda Jazz
Real Name: Bretton
Location: Brackenfell

Re: Tips for Snow?

Post by Mr_B »

Guys... what does it cost for a set of chains? Do you need different sizes for different tyres... 265's, 31's, 33's?

SWAMBO is a size 10... will they fit? :twisted:
SuidWes
LR4WD, Lockers, Crawler Gears
LR4WD, Lockers, Crawler Gears
Posts: 1021
Joined: Tue Aug 21, 2007 12:55 pm
Town: Durbanville
Vehicle: Prado 120 VX
Real Name: Jaco
Club VHF Licence: B35
Location: Cape Town

Re: Tips for Snow?

Post by SuidWes »

Agree with Andy. Just remember that driving in deep mud and water can be expensive. Brakes and diffs don't like it and neither does oil seels.... :(

I now only cross deep water and mud sections when there is no way around it :thumbup:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away - George Carlin
User avatar
<ossewa>
High Range 4WD
High Range 4WD
Posts: 39
Joined: Fri May 01, 2009 2:40 pm
Town: north coast
Vehicle: '90 D/C Raider
Real Name: Etienne
Location: natal

Re: Tips for Snow?

Post by <ossewa> »

thanks i could imagine the chains wount like the tar verry much..
thats a good point snipes.
i still need to replace my diff and gearbox oil. bought the oil in march but havent done it yet.
Gabrial safarie shocks, custom rocksliders and towbar, modified exhaust system..
User avatar
Mud Dog
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 29852
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:18 am
Town: East London
Vehicle: '90 SFA Hilux DC 4X4, Full OME, 110mm lift. Brospeed branch, 50mm ss freeflow exhaust. 30 x 9.5 Discoverer S/T's on Viper mags. L/R tank. (AWOL) '98 LTD 2.4 SFA, dual battery system. Dobinson suspension, LR tanks, 31" BF mud's.
Real Name: Andy
Club VHF Licence: HC103

Re: Tips for Snow?

Post by Mud Dog »

Chain sizes go up in increments, fitting a few tyre sizes inbetween. They are fairly adjustable between different sizes.
When your road comes to an end ...... you need a HILUX!.

Image
Image

Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
User avatar
Hoppy
Monster Truck
Monster Truck
Posts: 5784
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:15 pm
Town: Cape Town
Vehicle: Hilux SFA & IFS
Real Name: Allan 0721291160

Re: Tips for Snow?

Post by Hoppy »

1 High tyre pressures work best
2 Diff locks are dangerous, use them only if you're stuck
3 Put a piece of cardboard or canvas infront of the radiator to keep the engine temp up
4 Stay well clear of sideslopes
5 Take a descent spade ( not fold up type)
6 Don't go alone, let someone know your route and when you'l be back
7 Always take enough food and extra dry clothes for at least two days
8 At lest 50% coolant (anti freeze) in the radiator
9 Hot water over the battery will help cold starting
10 If you have enough fuel, don't switch off at stops
Image
aev@iburst.co.za
The trouble with trouble is...it always starts as fun.
The most precious jewels you will ever wear around your neck is the arms of your children...
" I WOULD RATHER SIT ON THE TAILGATE OF MY HILUX WITH A BEER AND A CHOP, WATCHING A FIRE, THAN DINE IN THE BEST RESTAURANT IN TOWN "
User avatar
<ossewa>
High Range 4WD
High Range 4WD
Posts: 39
Joined: Fri May 01, 2009 2:40 pm
Town: north coast
Vehicle: '90 D/C Raider
Real Name: Etienne
Location: natal

Re: Tips for Snow?

Post by <ossewa> »

what can i expect while driving in the snow? what else should i know about before takeling the snow?
Gabrial safarie shocks, custom rocksliders and towbar, modified exhaust system..
OOOOMS
Top Web Wheeler
Top Web Wheeler
Posts: 19468
Joined: Tue Jul 16, 2013 7:09 am

Re: Tips for Snow?

Post by OOOOMS »

Hi, been to Lesotho a couple of times. When driving in snow as the others have mentioned drive very slow, this is essential. Pref have a navigator walk in front of the vehicle to guide you along (not your wife...) she will never go along again!!!
Ice is also extremely slippery and you have almost zero traction without chains.

Be VERY carefull of 'BLACK FROST' on tar or even sand roads. You usually get it in shady area's. And if you are going around a corner, you go straight and the road els where.

Take extra food in the event of being snowed-in, and extra dry warm clothes(sox, shoes, pants, ex). Once wet they are very difficult to get dry.

ps, if you have kids invest in a snow-board or even take an old surf-board. They have a ball during tea and lunch breaks sliding down the slopes. You will join them in 5 minutes. I have ski's which I bought from a 2nd hand shop. They work just as good.

There are some beutiful routes behind the mine, the family will njoy.

Mark
User avatar
CasKru
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 23956
Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2007 11:52 am
Town: Benoni
Vehicle: '94 Hilux Raider 2.4i (22RE) DC 4x4
Real Name: Cassie
Club VHF Licence: B15
Location: Rynfield

Re: Tips for Snow?

Post by CasKru »

<ossewa> wrote:what can i expect while driving in the snow? what else should i know about before takeling the snow?
When you part your truck for extended periods, don't use the handbrake. Rather make sure the vehicle is in 4L and put it in 1st gear. The brakes (handbrake) might have difficulty disengaging after extended periods of time. m2cw
To God be the glory
BenHur
Monster Truck
Monster Truck
Posts: 5906
Joined: Fri May 18, 2007 7:12 pm
Town: Pretoria
Vehicle: '96 D/C Raider
Real Name: Bennie
Location: Doornpoort

Re: Tips for Snow?

Post by BenHur »

<ossewa> wrote:since its that time of the year again i thought it would be a nice excursion to go see the snow.

just wondering if the guys can give me some tips and tricks for driving in the snow/ice.

thanks
Trek warm aan dis blerrie koud daar :think: :think: :wink:
User avatar
2.8 d/cab SFA
LR4WD, Lockers, Crawler Gears
LR4WD, Lockers, Crawler Gears
Posts: 1407
Joined: Sun Oct 05, 2008 10:08 am
Town: Boksburg
Vehicle: Yamaha R1
Real Name: John
Location: Boksburg

Re: Tips for Snow?

Post by 2.8 d/cab SFA »

Some of you guys did Sani pass in winter, with the cold winter we are having do you think it will be a problem in August, the begining? I want to drive up and down in one day. :?:
John
Real Trucks Don't Have Sparkplugs!
ImageImage
User avatar
Mud Dog
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 29852
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:18 am
Town: East London
Vehicle: '90 SFA Hilux DC 4X4, Full OME, 110mm lift. Brospeed branch, 50mm ss freeflow exhaust. 30 x 9.5 Discoverer S/T's on Viper mags. L/R tank. (AWOL) '98 LTD 2.4 SFA, dual battery system. Dobinson suspension, LR tanks, 31" BF mud's.
Real Name: Andy
Club VHF Licence: HC103

Re: Tips for Snow?

Post by Mud Dog »

John, you should be OK, but this is a time when there is still snow to be expected. Preparation is key to a trip like that. I don't have diff-lock so I would'nt go without at least one pair of chains tucked in ..... just in case. :wink:
When your road comes to an end ...... you need a HILUX!.

Image
Image

Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
Post Reply

Return to “Useful Articles”