This is my first winter with my 2-door, and I was just curious as to how they handle what with being so light.

I'm sure there are billions of threads on this but I went through 10 pages in the search after typing in "winter" and it was useless.

Do you guys do sand bags? I have the sport wrangler tires on there and so I'm sure that won't help in snow. Any advice would be helpful.

 

Your JK will be fine in snow...i have owned several Jeeps and they have never had a problem from a hard packed snow, to 3 foot drifts.

 

I was figuring this much but I had a buddy who had a 2-door TJ and he said with the boxy-ness and how light they are that he slid around a bit.

 

The short wheelbase can get a little tail happy if you push too hard on the skinny peddle particularly when you going around corners, but if you leave the traction control system on it does a pretty good job of keeping you moving and headed straight.

I've owned a short wheelbase Jeep (2 YJ's, a TJ and now the JK) for over 15 years so I'm comfortable with how it handles.

In light snow, I actually prefer to turn off the traction control when I'm in 2Hi so I can get a little more wheel spin than the system allows. When the snow gets really heavy or if I'm driving on streets that haven't been plowed yet I just drop it into 4 Hi and go. If the roads look like there may be ice under the snow I'll leave the traction control on and let it do it's thing if it needs to.

It's really a matter of learning your Jeeps limits as well as your own, preferable in a big, empty, snow covered parking lot, so don't be afraid to get out there late at night after a snowfall and experiment with some of the different settings (2 Hi/4 Hi, TSC on/TSC off etc.) so you know what to expect.

 

First, your Jeep, with you in it, weighs 4,000 lbs. Not a heavyweight, but no lightweight either. You don't need to add any weight.

You are running the stock Goodyear SR-A tires. Despite looking unimpressive, they are heavily siped and work well in snow. I've driven those tires in everything from packed snow, to 6" of slush and through more than two feet of powder. No problems whatsoever.

The traction control works. ESP works.

The best suggestion was to find a big, empty parking lot and explore how the Jeep handles and how the electronics keep you out of trouble.

I've been driving in snow for more than 40 years. Before my JK, I've owned a CJ5, a YJ, two Suzuki SUVs, and driven a 4x4 Dakota for a winter. Your JK is better in snow than any of those, even with the OEM tires.

Use good judgment (regardless of what you drive) and you'll find that your JK will get you there without the slightest drama. Your biggest problem will be those other people on the roads, not driving a JK.

 

Yeah, just hop in and go. Traction control and 4 hi are your friends use them. You will slowly notice that your biggest concern will be other people.

 

2 Tons isn't "light" in my book, coupled w/ (I hope) 4 wheel drive = no problem. Just be smart take it easy and you'll do great.

 

Using good judgment is a good rule of thumb

but ya, at higher speeds (40-60 mph-ish) the 2 dr jk can definatley feel a little light and squirly in the snow. just be sure to give yourself extra cusion room in case of sliding or other "o-chit" moments. All in all its pretty easy to adjust to. just my 2 bits.

I've used the sand bag idea in the back of an old f150 my family used to own and it worked pretty good. i havn't thought to try that in a jeep, if your really concerned about a little extra traction i could see that helping.

 

You'll be fine. I have tires that are excellent in the snow / ice so I didn't really need 4wd that much.

Tested the fields in 2wd with a decent amount of snow and she did great.

If you're a careful driver you will be fine.

I'd feel safer in a rwd car with me driving than some people in my jeep with 4wd!

 

Best advice already given but I'll 2nd some of it.

First (and foremost) watch out for the other folks on the road. You can't trust 'em - non of 'em (well, maybe a fellow Jeeper). They are your biggest worry.

Best advice is a large empty parking lot (without light poles - they aren't your friend either). Practice in all the driving modes to get a feel for turning in a normal driving situation (don't just do donuts - at least not the whole time).

Take your time and remember - it's a Jeep, not a miracle maker. It won't let you drive the posted speed limit in 10 inches of snow. It will however get you where you need to be - and you'll have fun getting there.

Personal notes regarding handling on TJ's (havnen't had the JK in the snow yet): The short wheelbase of the 2 door always seemed to have a bit of under steer in the snow, especially if it was hard packed with any ice underneath. The traction control system should help with that, or if you choose to drive with TSC off then light braking and light acceleration in 4 Hi will help you overcome it should you find yourself in a slide and unable to turn. But ABS will help combat that too.

I'm looking forward to seeing first hand how the JK does compared to my previous two TJ's