Snow Driving Help - PLEASE!

[SexyLxy]

So as you might know, Seanplunk and I are headed to yellowstone/grand tetons may 9-16. I have just checked the weather in hopes that it would be warming up from it's 26 degrees. Nope! Still snowing and still 26-35 degrees and that is forecasted until May 1 so far. I'll still keep those fingers crossed for warmer weather and no snow but I must prepare myself for the absolute worst.

So I need your help please. We are not snow goers. We don't like cold (so needless to say we're laughing BIG time inside b/c here we are thinking and hoping for 50-60 degree weather and no snow and what do we get, just the opposite) :suicide: But we need any and all advice on the following please:
(there is only so much I can read and real life experinces will help me to understand)

1) What to do when you hit black ice?
2) What to do when you're in a snow bank (I've purchased chains and a very heavy tow strap per the advisement of autozone)
3) How do I put on snow chains/straps (I should probably read the directly before actually having to use them - but I don't want to open the chains up as the guy at auto zone said it's impossible to get them back in the box, and if I don't use them I will return them)
4) How do I use the tow strap? Lol what is it exactly used for? I know to help pull you out of a snow bank but I really need the technical side....
5) What kind of tools/equipment should I pack in the car should we get stuck since we're going to be In some rural areas?
6) Any other suggestions and advice are WELCOME!

[BlacknBoostn]

please tell me you're taking your car... is the edge awd/4wd?

chains go on the drive wheels or rear wheels if it's 4wd usually... lay the chains flat on the ground directly in front or behind the wheel its going on and roll the car over the chains and fasten tightly according to instructions.. 2 people really help.

if you hit black ice stay calm and don't over steer, you'll want to avoid "gassing it" I would simply take my foot of the gas and let the car gain traction again. Its not an easy thing to do and to be honest I've never had to deal with it. my parents have though.

if you're IN a snowbank you'll need that tow strap. Yah. you might try having Sean push the car out as hard as he can while giving it little bits of gas to ease it out a bit.. the chains will help however. Just make sure they're fitted correctly.

it's definitely a trick to get them back in the box but it's doable. I would recommend keeping them. it's always a handy thing to have doing any kind of winter mountain driving.

make sure you have an ice scraper available for your windsheild. that'll help if you get stuck in a snowbank and need to clear your ws. and hand warmers for Sean after he's done pushing you out of the snowbank.

I'll think of more stuff... i just about got stuck in Big Bear this season haha had to have some people help push me out. A SHOVEL. Bring a shovel. with a real handle on the end not just a damn pole.

[SeanPlunk]

So as you might know, Seanplunk and I are headed to yellowstone/grand tetons may 9-16. I have just checked the weather in hopes that it would be warming up from it's 26 degrees. Nope! Still snowing and still 26-35 degrees and that is forecasted until May 1 so far. I'll still keep those fingers crossed for warmer weather and no snow but I must prepare myself for the absolute worst.

So I need your help please. We are not snow goers. We don't like cold (so needless to say we're laughing BIG time inside b/c here we are thinking and hoping for 50-60 degree weather and no snow and what do we get, just the opposite) :suicide: But we need any and all advice on the following please:
(there is only so much I can read and real life experinces will help me to understand)

1) What to do when you hit black ice?
2) What to do when you're in a snow bank (I've purchased chains and a very heavy tow strap per the advisement of autozone)
3) How do I put on snow chains/straps (I should probably read the directly before actually having to use them - but I don't want to open the chains up as the guy at auto zone said it's impossible to get them back in the box, and if I don't use them I will return them)
4) How do I use the tow strap? Lol what is it exactly used for? I know to help pull you out of a snow bank but I really need the technical side....
5) What kind of tools/equipment should I pack in the car should we get stuck since we're going to be In some rural areas?
6) Any other suggestions and advice are WELCOME!

I think you're probably overreacting just a touch - relax a little :thumbs_up:

[Vettezuki]

Bring heavy gloves. Skinning your hands in snow and ice putting chains on will be unpleasant.

Fill the car with gas at the last possible location. If you get stuck, you'll need it to run the heater, something like 10 minutes an hour.

Let somebody know the route you'll be taking and when you expect to get to your target destination. Confirm arrival.

Also, in case of getting stuck, have a blanket, some bottled water and snacks in the car.

Survival knife. You may have to eat Sean if you get stuck for more than a day or so.

[SexyLxy]

I think you're probably overreacting just a touch - relax a little :thumbs_up:

Hey better to be prepared then stuck stranded on some deserted road in the middle or nowhere - I don't see you traveling in snow very often and knowing how to get yourself out. :bigthumbsup: I pray we don't have to use any of our supplies or techniques but ya never know bud. It's the female part of me coming out, and your male stubborness. :p

Thanks Tyler on all the tips! I had no clue about some of the stuff. Honestly, I've never driven in snow so that is why I'm asking a million questions.

Yup taking the EDGE, and no it's only 2WD. :( No point in 4wd for us but sure would be nice in a few weeks. :)

[SexyLxy]

Bring heavy gloves. Skinning your hands in snow and ice putting chains on will be unpleasant.

Fill the car with gas at the last possible location. If you get stuck, you'll need it to run the heater, something like 10 minutes an hour.

Let somebody know the route you'll be taking and when you expect to get to your target destination. Confirm arrival.

Also, in case of getting stuck, have a blanket, some bottled water and snacks in the car.

Survival knife. You may have to eat Sean if you get stuck for more than a day or so.

Good thinking on the gloves. I'll make sure to put that in our kit. See Sean, something I don't have that I need to gather. I bet you didn't think of that along with the windshield scraper :D (Do you think a plastic putty knife would would as a windshield scrape? Trying to save money, and wouldn't have the slightest clue where to get one in spring). Crazy problem to have when the weather ranges from 60-100 in one week.

[BRUTAL64]

Bring heavy gloves. Skinning your hands in snow and ice putting chains on will be unpleasant.

Fill the car with gas at the last possible location. If you get stuck, you'll need it to run the heater, something like 10 minutes an hour.

Let somebody know the route you'll be taking and when you expect to get to your target destination. Confirm arrival.

Also, in case of getting stuck, have a blanket, some bottled water and snacks in the car.

Survival knife. You may have to eat Sean if you get stuck for more than a day or so.

Good points Ben.

But, the roads to Yellowstone and in the park are WELL traveled. If something happens you will not be stranded for long.

Everything will go well Alexis. It is a very eay drive and the roads are great. You'll have a great time.

As Ben said, make sure you bring a knife so you can use Sean for food. You may want to fatten him up some before you leave.:pot_stir:

[SexyLxy]

Good points Ben.

But, the roads to Yellowstone and in the park are WELL traveled. If something happens you will not be stranded for long.

Everything will go well Alexis. It is a very eay drive and the roads are great. You'll have a great time.

As Ben said, make sure you bring a knife so you can use Sean for food. You may want to fatten him up some before you leave.:pot_stir:

You do make a good point Glen. I think it's the roads around the park that I might be worried about.

Ok ok ok, I'll relax a lil Sean. I'm just lil miss prepared, that is all :)

[Vettezuki]

You do make a good point Glen. I think it's the roads around the park that I might be worried about.

Ok ok ok, I'll relax a lil Sean. I'm just lil miss prepared, that is all :)

Don't pay too much attention to Sean, you're right. It's purely logical. If you're prepared for all reasonable possibilities and nothing goes wrong, no big deal, and you had peace of mind. If you're not prepared and something goes wrong, you have unnecessarry stress. And while this enviornment is not thhaatt harsh, extreme weather can be life threatening very fast. Every year people die stuck in their car in snow drifts.

An alternative for a proper scrapper might just be a puddy knife. The difference is the scrapper has a long arm on it so you can clear the windshield without having to (dangerously) step onto the side of the vehicle, etc.

[BlacknBoostn]

Don't pay too much attention to Sean, you're right. It's purely logical. If you're prepared for all reasonable possibilities and nothing goes wrong, no big deal, and you had peace of mind. If you're not prepared and something goes wrong, you have unnecessarry stress. And while this enviornment is not thhaatt harsh, extreme weather can be life threatening very fast. Every year people die stuck in their car in snow drifts.

An alternative for a proper scrapper might just be a puddy knife. The difference is the scrapper has a long arm on it so you can clear the windshield without having to (dangerously) step onto the side of the vehicle, etc.

agreed... i'd probably break a putty knife tryin to scrape ice though...

[BlacknBoostn]

if you like i'll let you borrow my Man Vs Wild dvd... Bear Grylls will help you!!!

[SexyLxy]

if you like i'll let you borrow my Man Vs Wild dvd... Bear Grylls will help you!!!

You have him on DVD? That is freak'n AWESOME. That guy is NUTS but very educated. I'll have to watch more of him. But I'm not going to eat a rattle snake or drink my you know what. That is just over the top for me.

[Vettezuki]

You have him on DVD? That is freak'n AWESOME. That guy is NUTS but very educated. I'll have to watch more of him. But I'm not going to eat a rattle snake or drink my you know what. That is just over the top for me.

You might change your mind if its that or becoming worm food.

[BlacknBoostn]

You have him on DVD? That is freak'n AWESOME. That guy is NUTS but very educated. I'll have to watch more of him. But I'm not going to eat a rattle snake or drink my you know what. That is just over the top for me.

I sure do!!! My freakin awesome girlfriend bought it for me!!! I was so excited lol... he's the most hardcore crazy person i know. Come on Fear Factor!!!!

LOL

[CorruptCulture]

You guys will be fine. Just keep the speed low and if the car starts to do it's own thing... don't over brake it.

As for the chains, I've found that be easiest way to put 'em on is to get about 6 inches of 2x4 cut for under each tire. Lay out the chains, put the blocks in the middle of the section, drive up onto the blocks and put the chains on. This will give you plenty of slack to work with while putting the chains; otherwise you have to drive forwards and backwards to get some slack.

YouTube has a ton of How To put on chains videos.

If you have leather gloves, keep them in the back for the chains.

By the way, Yellowstone and the Tetons are absolutely gorgeous. The last time I was there was when they were re-introducing the wolves back into the wild.

[SexyLxy]

You guys will be fine. Just keep the speed low and if the car starts to do it's own thing... don't over brake it.

As for the chains, I've found that be easiest way to put 'em on is to get about 6 inches of 2x4 cut for under each tire. Lay out the chains, put the blocks in the middle of the section, drive up onto the blocks and put the chains on. This will give you plenty of slack to work with while putting the chains; otherwise you have to drive forwards and backwards to get some slack.

YouTube has a ton of How To put on chains videos.

If you have leather gloves, keep them in the back for the chains.

By the way, Yellowstone and the Tetons are absolutely gorgeous. The last time I was there was when they were re-introducing the wolves back into the wild.

I will have to view those vids at home. I'll make Sean watch them too.

I am getting REALLY excited even though the weather might be freezing, we've got a ton of great friends that seem to be more warm blooded than us and have lent us a lot of snow gear to keep us warm.

I will post pictures upon our return but expect a lot of white cap'd pictures. The snow hasn't stopped in 3 weeks. But the weather is slightly warming up (and when I say slightly I mean like 35-40's). I hope some animals will come out so we can see them.

[BRUTAL64]

I will have to view those vids at home. I'll make Sean watch them too.

I am getting REALLY excited even though the weather might be freezing, we've got a ton of great friends that seem to be more warm blooded than us and have lent us a lot of snow gear to keep us warm.

I will post pictures upon our return but expect a lot of white cap'd pictures. The snow hasn't stopped in 3 weeks. But the weather is slightly warming up (and when I say slightly I mean like 35-40's). I hope some animals will come out so we can see them.

If you don't see any animals, I'll bring Ralphie with me at the next Motorgen meet after you get back. :drink:

[SexyLxy]

If you don't see any animals, I'll bring Ralphie with me at the next Motorgen meet after you get back. :drink:


Uh oh, now you have me scared. Who is Ralphie, and what kind of animal is it?

[BRUTAL64]

Uh oh, now you have me scared. Who is Ralphie, and what kind of animal is it?

Ralphie is a "Maine Coon".....................................a cat.:D

[gsteichen]

Bring heavy gloves. Skinning your hands in snow and ice putting chains on will be unpleasant



Bring a big thick trash bag to use as a ground cloth in case you do end up needing the chains. The only thing worst than the installation process is ending up muddy wet and cold when you're done.

[SexyLxy]

Bring a big thick trash bag to use as a ground cloth in case you do end up needing the chains. The only thing worst than the installation process is ending up muddy wet and cold when you're done.

Good to know! I will put one in our box of things that we have collected next to the door. I picked up a plastic putty knife/scraper yesterday when at the hardware store to serve as a windshield scraper.

Just checked the weather -
Salt Lake city - 65-70's (our lay over and rest stop)
Yellowstone - 45-50's (yay, a heat wave! only scattered snow showers - we might be in luck!)
Jackson Hole - 55-60's (some slight rain showers)

Things are looking better with each day. I couldn't ask for any better. We actually might be able to hike. That is if the trailes are too terribly snowed over.

[SexyLxy]

http://plunkettroadtrip09.blogspot.com/

[BRUTAL64]

http://plunkettroadtrip09.blogspot.com/

I was just getting on to see if there was anything from you guys. How about that.:D

[SeanPlunk]

I was just getting on to see if there was anything from you guys. How about that.:D

You were right about Yellowstone - it's incredible. To anyone that gets a chance, I highly recommend going :bigthumbsup:

[SexyLxy]

Photos should be up in a few days. I'm going to try and upload a few tonight.

Oh and that snow driving help...didn't have to use the snow chains, tow strap, or windshield scraper but did have to drive very slowly yesterday. We did get snowed on.

We did however feel much more comfortable knowing what to do if we needed to. And we filled up with gas at ever opportunity. :)

[Vettezuki]

You were right about Yellowstone - it's incredible. To anyone that gets a chance, I highly recommend going :bigthumbsup:

I've traveled the world a bit and have seen some beautiful places, but when you get down to it, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Redwoods, Sequoia, Bryce, Zion, Great Lakes and on and on really, we have a truly extraordinary country. :bigthumbsup:

[BRUTAL64]

I've traveled the world a bit and have seen some beautiful places, but when you get down to it, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Redwoods, Sequoia, Bryce, Zion, Great Lakes and on and on really, we have a truly extraordinary country. :bigthumbsup:

:thumbs_up::thumbs_up::thumbs_up::thumbs_up: