Snow wheelin is a big part of off roading here in New England. After all, we've got snow 5 months out of 12. Snow was actually in the forcast for tonight in the mountains. Where did summer go?
My winter off road gear always includes the following:
-cell phone/charger
-warm blanket
-water
-boots
-gloves you can work in
-winter coat and hat
-full size shovel. Don't mess around with some little GI shovel. If your in snow, you will be digging out your frame.
-hi-lift jack with chains to use as a winch (even if you have a winch on the front).
-full tank of fuel
-spare key (keep this on you at all times if you have power locks! I've seen many people lock them selves out while leaving the rig running in the cold.

Your tires need to be true snow tires, like those found on cars and trucks 25 years ago. Some will tell you to go with a wide tire to help you "float" above the snow. I go the other way and prefer a narrow tire to dig into the snow and get bite. When your stuck, the last thing you want to do is float. If you don't have snow tires, run true mud/snow tires like the BFG all terain. It's a great all around tire. Chains are AMAZING but should only be used in the rear. If I were going out for the day, I wouldn't bother with chains, but If I were on a big multi day trip, they would be worth every penny.

Have fun out there!

 

I agree with you with the skinnier tires for snow. I live smack dab in the middle of the snow belt right on lake Erie. Between us and Buffalo, NY we can get 18 inches overnight with no problem. Last year I couldn't plow fast enough with my Arctic Cat 650 H-1. The damn snow was just falling so fast. Here in snow country it has always been past practice to use a skinnier tire for better traction in snow. The less width you have the better it cuts through deep snow and allows you better forward motion.

 

Living in NY, directly south of Buffalo by the PA border, is the exact reason I have always wanted a Jeep. I used to live on a hill about 3 miles outside of town on a dirt road that was rarely plowed on anything but a school day. If you wanted to do anything on the weekends, you had to learn to control your fish tailing, or get 4 wheel drive. I had an 83 Camaro...guess what I learned to do?

Every fall my snow tires would go on. Tall studded (narrow) snow tires...I never would have made it home with out them lol.

As for now, I have stock tires on my X series (hope to change that come bonus time), but I have my old faithful e-Tool from the Army, a cold weather sleeping bag, my cell phone charger and a full set of clothes incase mine get soaked and i am stranded.

 

Hi! I absolutely agree with the tire chain suggestion. A good pair will only set you back about $100.00 and, for all but the worst case conditions, chains will last a lifetime. If you never need them that would be great, but for that ONE time you'll thank youself for tossing them in the back! (BTW... there are several great posts on winter gear on this forum site)Take care... Mike

 

Alright guys, stop looking at my sister!

 

Is that a telly setup on those planks? Nice....

And just use jeep to tow some snowmobiles. They will be more useful then your jeep on trails in the winter in Colorado. I think that most of the high mountain passes weren't open last year till late July due to the winter snow.

 

a gas card and accomodations for a fellow GA boy


I would have a decent set of Muds and a winch... really depends on what you plan to get in to... deep snow, may want to invest in some mattracks!

 

we should try and go wheelin sometime...any good trails around?

 

First, I would start with a map and a plan then stick to your plan. If you are not good with maps you probably need a GPS. I would also look at getting a CB. You never know when you are out of cell range.

 

Bad advice.

Never air down for snow...

Snow is the opposite of sand. You don't want additional flotation on snow like you would on sand. Moreover, experts agree that if you buy winter tires, downsize at least one section size.


My regards,

Widewing