Heading to Tahoe for 1st time - advice?
 

I'm itching to head up to a buddy's cabin in my 6-sp. '05 TJL; There
will be the usual ice, snow and 50+ mph. wind. I've done this many
times in a semi, but never in a little 4WD Jeep. Most of the roads
stay reasonably plowed from what I'm told.

I'm taking the usual stuff:

2 sets of cable chains
Big-ass 10-ton snatch strap
Toolbox full of the usual stuff
Extra blankets, clothing, boots
Box of food and water
Cellular but no GPS

Tires are near-new Michelin 30x9.5 LTX M/S's. They're excellent
highway and mud tires, but I've never tried them on snow or ice. The
rubber compound is pretty soft and they have large grooves, and
hopefully the chains will help.

I figure to stay idling only in 4H/2-3 gear most of the time. I know
that 4L is a no-no - way too much torque for snow/ice. Harry Haulass
in his monster Cheby pickup will just have to go around me. Shouldn't
need GPS - roads are pretty well marked.

Questions:

* Would it be helpful to deflate the tires? I run 30 psi on the
street, 20 in mud.

* I have a Class 2 OEM DC towbar on the rear. If I need to be pulled
out by my ass-end, is it acceptable to just run the snatch strap around
the towbar? I know not to use the hitch ball as an anchor point.
Better to just remove the ball and install a heavy D-hook instead? The
front isn't a concern - it has OEM hooks.

Thanks for your help.

Re: Heading to Tahoe for 1st time - advice?
 

I prefer to keep my 9.5's at street pressure on snow. This allows the
narrow footprint to dig in and grab rather than having the tires up top
and floating you all over the road.

I don't know where this 4 low in snow comes from.... My preferred gear
for trail running on snow pack is 3rd low. This gives me the rpm range
to crawl along or to punch it and still have git up and go while
limiting my top speed. It is easy to get going too fast on snowmobile
packed snow.

Watch out for the brakes when in 4x4! Stay off them if at all
possible. If you lock up the front wheels on ice, all 4 will lock up
which sends you to the low side of the road faster than you can blink.

My CJ7 with it's 33x9.5 BFG muds holds traction great on snow covered
roads up to at least 55 mph so I have no issues keeping up with the semi
tractors. I use 4 high on the main roads...

I have seen a whole bunch of broken off cross members, bumpers and bent
up bars that happened when the tow hitch was uses as a snatch attachment
point. Including mine when I used it to just give a YJ a 'little' tug
out of a snowbank.....

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

JD Adams wrote:
>
> I'm itching to head up to a buddy's cabin in my 6-sp. '05 TJL; There
> will be the usual ice, snow and 50+ mph. wind. I've done this many
> times in a semi, but never in a little 4WD Jeep. Most of the roads
> stay reasonably plowed from what I'm told.
>
> I'm taking the usual stuff:
>
> 2 sets of cable chains
> Big-ass 10-ton snatch strap
> Toolbox full of the usual stuff
> Extra blankets, clothing, boots
> Box of food and water
> Cellular but no GPS
>
> Tires are near-new Michelin 30x9.5 LTX M/S's. They're excellent
> highway and mud tires, but I've never tried them on snow or ice. The
> rubber compound is pretty soft and they have large grooves, and
> hopefully the chains will help.
>
> I figure to stay idling only in 4H/2-3 gear most of the time. I know
> that 4L is a no-no - way too much torque for snow/ice. Harry Haulass
> in his monster Cheby pickup will just have to go around me. Shouldn't
> need GPS - roads are pretty well marked.
>
> Questions:
>
> * Would it be helpful to deflate the tires? I run 30 psi on the
> street, 20 in mud.
>
> * I have a Class 2 OEM DC towbar on the rear. If I need to be pulled
> out by my ass-end, is it acceptable to just run the snatch strap around
> the towbar? I know not to use the hitch ball as an anchor point.
> Better to just remove the ball and install a heavy D-hook instead? The
> front isn't a concern - it has OEM hooks.
>
> Thanks for your help.

Re: Heading to Tahoe for 1st time - advice?
 

I prefer to keep my 9.5's at street pressure on snow. This allows the
narrow footprint to dig in and grab rather than having the tires up top
and floating you all over the road.

I don't know where this 4 low in snow comes from.... My preferred gear
for trail running on snow pack is 3rd low. This gives me the rpm range
to crawl along or to punch it and still have git up and go while
limiting my top speed. It is easy to get going too fast on snowmobile
packed snow.

Watch out for the brakes when in 4x4! Stay off them if at all
possible. If you lock up the front wheels on ice, all 4 will lock up
which sends you to the low side of the road faster than you can blink.

My CJ7 with it's 33x9.5 BFG muds holds traction great on snow covered
roads up to at least 55 mph so I have no issues keeping up with the semi
tractors. I use 4 high on the main roads...

I have seen a whole bunch of broken off cross members, bumpers and bent
up bars that happened when the tow hitch was uses as a snatch attachment
point. Including mine when I used it to just give a YJ a 'little' tug
out of a snowbank.....

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

JD Adams wrote:
>
> I'm itching to head up to a buddy's cabin in my 6-sp. '05 TJL; There
> will be the usual ice, snow and 50+ mph. wind. I've done this many
> times in a semi, but never in a little 4WD Jeep. Most of the roads
> stay reasonably plowed from what I'm told.
>
> I'm taking the usual stuff:
>
> 2 sets of cable chains
> Big-ass 10-ton snatch strap
> Toolbox full of the usual stuff
> Extra blankets, clothing, boots
> Box of food and water
> Cellular but no GPS
>
> Tires are near-new Michelin 30x9.5 LTX M/S's. They're excellent
> highway and mud tires, but I've never tried them on snow or ice. The
> rubber compound is pretty soft and they have large grooves, and
> hopefully the chains will help.
>
> I figure to stay idling only in 4H/2-3 gear most of the time. I know
> that 4L is a no-no - way too much torque for snow/ice. Harry Haulass
> in his monster Cheby pickup will just have to go around me. Shouldn't
> need GPS - roads are pretty well marked.
>
> Questions:
>
> * Would it be helpful to deflate the tires? I run 30 psi on the
> street, 20 in mud.
>
> * I have a Class 2 OEM DC towbar on the rear. If I need to be pulled
> out by my ass-end, is it acceptable to just run the snatch strap around
> the towbar? I know not to use the hitch ball as an anchor point.
> Better to just remove the ball and install a heavy D-hook instead? The
> front isn't a concern - it has OEM hooks.
>
> Thanks for your help.

Re: Heading to Tahoe for 1st time - advice?
 

I prefer to keep my 9.5's at street pressure on snow. This allows the
narrow footprint to dig in and grab rather than having the tires up top
and floating you all over the road.

I don't know where this 4 low in snow comes from.... My preferred gear
for trail running on snow pack is 3rd low. This gives me the rpm range
to crawl along or to punch it and still have git up and go while
limiting my top speed. It is easy to get going too fast on snowmobile
packed snow.

Watch out for the brakes when in 4x4! Stay off them if at all
possible. If you lock up the front wheels on ice, all 4 will lock up
which sends you to the low side of the road faster than you can blink.

My CJ7 with it's 33x9.5 BFG muds holds traction great on snow covered
roads up to at least 55 mph so I have no issues keeping up with the semi
tractors. I use 4 high on the main roads...

I have seen a whole bunch of broken off cross members, bumpers and bent
up bars that happened when the tow hitch was uses as a snatch attachment
point. Including mine when I used it to just give a YJ a 'little' tug
out of a snowbank.....

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

JD Adams wrote:
>
> I'm itching to head up to a buddy's cabin in my 6-sp. '05 TJL; There
> will be the usual ice, snow and 50+ mph. wind. I've done this many
> times in a semi, but never in a little 4WD Jeep. Most of the roads
> stay reasonably plowed from what I'm told.
>
> I'm taking the usual stuff:
>
> 2 sets of cable chains
> Big-ass 10-ton snatch strap
> Toolbox full of the usual stuff
> Extra blankets, clothing, boots
> Box of food and water
> Cellular but no GPS
>
> Tires are near-new Michelin 30x9.5 LTX M/S's. They're excellent
> highway and mud tires, but I've never tried them on snow or ice. The
> rubber compound is pretty soft and they have large grooves, and
> hopefully the chains will help.
>
> I figure to stay idling only in 4H/2-3 gear most of the time. I know
> that 4L is a no-no - way too much torque for snow/ice. Harry Haulass
> in his monster Cheby pickup will just have to go around me. Shouldn't
> need GPS - roads are pretty well marked.
>
> Questions:
>
> * Would it be helpful to deflate the tires? I run 30 psi on the
> street, 20 in mud.
>
> * I have a Class 2 OEM DC towbar on the rear. If I need to be pulled
> out by my ass-end, is it acceptable to just run the snatch strap around
> the towbar? I know not to use the hitch ball as an anchor point.
> Better to just remove the ball and install a heavy D-hook instead? The
> front isn't a concern - it has OEM hooks.
>
> Thanks for your help.

Re: Heading to Tahoe for 1st time - advice?
 

I prefer to keep my 9.5's at street pressure on snow. This allows the
narrow footprint to dig in and grab rather than having the tires up top
and floating you all over the road.

I don't know where this 4 low in snow comes from.... My preferred gear
for trail running on snow pack is 3rd low. This gives me the rpm range
to crawl along or to punch it and still have git up and go while
limiting my top speed. It is easy to get going too fast on snowmobile
packed snow.

Watch out for the brakes when in 4x4! Stay off them if at all
possible. If you lock up the front wheels on ice, all 4 will lock up
which sends you to the low side of the road faster than you can blink.

My CJ7 with it's 33x9.5 BFG muds holds traction great on snow covered
roads up to at least 55 mph so I have no issues keeping up with the semi
tractors. I use 4 high on the main roads...

I have seen a whole bunch of broken off cross members, bumpers and bent
up bars that happened when the tow hitch was uses as a snatch attachment
point. Including mine when I used it to just give a YJ a 'little' tug
out of a snowbank.....

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

JD Adams wrote:
>
> I'm itching to head up to a buddy's cabin in my 6-sp. '05 TJL; There
> will be the usual ice, snow and 50+ mph. wind. I've done this many
> times in a semi, but never in a little 4WD Jeep. Most of the roads
> stay reasonably plowed from what I'm told.
>
> I'm taking the usual stuff:
>
> 2 sets of cable chains
> Big-ass 10-ton snatch strap
> Toolbox full of the usual stuff
> Extra blankets, clothing, boots
> Box of food and water
> Cellular but no GPS
>
> Tires are near-new Michelin 30x9.5 LTX M/S's. They're excellent
> highway and mud tires, but I've never tried them on snow or ice. The
> rubber compound is pretty soft and they have large grooves, and
> hopefully the chains will help.
>
> I figure to stay idling only in 4H/2-3 gear most of the time. I know
> that 4L is a no-no - way too much torque for snow/ice. Harry Haulass
> in his monster Cheby pickup will just have to go around me. Shouldn't
> need GPS - roads are pretty well marked.
>
> Questions:
>
> * Would it be helpful to deflate the tires? I run 30 psi on the
> street, 20 in mud.
>
> * I have a Class 2 OEM DC towbar on the rear. If I need to be pulled
> out by my ass-end, is it acceptable to just run the snatch strap around
> the towbar? I know not to use the hitch ball as an anchor point.
> Better to just remove the ball and install a heavy D-hook instead? The
> front isn't a concern - it has OEM hooks.
>
> Thanks for your help.

Re: Heading to Tahoe for 1st time - advice?
 

I have used a class 2 hitch to pull stuck Jeeps many times and never had a
problem. If you can get a shackle in where the ball attaches, that would be
best, otherwise, loop it around the hitch frame.

BTW.. how are you liking your Jeep over your (RIP) Mustang, JD?

HTH

Carl


"JD Adams" <JDAdams@Softcom.Net> wrote in message
news:1142358513.674528.164320@v46g2000cwv.googlegr oups.com...
> I'm itching to head up to a buddy's cabin in my 6-sp. '05 TJL; There
> will be the usual ice, snow and 50+ mph. wind. I've done this many
> times in a semi, but never in a little 4WD Jeep. Most of the roads
> stay reasonably plowed from what I'm told.
>
> I'm taking the usual stuff:
>
> 2 sets of cable chains
> Big-ass 10-ton snatch strap
> Toolbox full of the usual stuff
> Extra blankets, clothing, boots
> Box of food and water
> Cellular but no GPS
>
> Tires are near-new Michelin 30x9.5 LTX M/S's. They're excellent
> highway and mud tires, but I've never tried them on snow or ice. The
> rubber compound is pretty soft and they have large grooves, and
> hopefully the chains will help.
>
> I figure to stay idling only in 4H/2-3 gear most of the time. I know
> that 4L is a no-no - way too much torque for snow/ice. Harry Haulass
> in his monster Cheby pickup will just have to go around me. Shouldn't
> need GPS - roads are pretty well marked.
>
> Questions:
>
> * Would it be helpful to deflate the tires? I run 30 psi on the
> street, 20 in mud.
>
> * I have a Class 2 OEM DC towbar on the rear. If I need to be pulled
> out by my ass-end, is it acceptable to just run the snatch strap around
> the towbar? I know not to use the hitch ball as an anchor point.
> Better to just remove the ball and install a heavy D-hook instead? The
> front isn't a concern - it has OEM hooks.
>
> Thanks for your help.
>

Re: Heading to Tahoe for 1st time - advice?
 

I have used a class 2 hitch to pull stuck Jeeps many times and never had a
problem. If you can get a shackle in where the ball attaches, that would be
best, otherwise, loop it around the hitch frame.

BTW.. how are you liking your Jeep over your (RIP) Mustang, JD?

HTH

Carl


"JD Adams" <JDAdams@Softcom.Net> wrote in message
news:1142358513.674528.164320@v46g2000cwv.googlegr oups.com...
> I'm itching to head up to a buddy's cabin in my 6-sp. '05 TJL; There
> will be the usual ice, snow and 50+ mph. wind. I've done this many
> times in a semi, but never in a little 4WD Jeep. Most of the roads
> stay reasonably plowed from what I'm told.
>
> I'm taking the usual stuff:
>
> 2 sets of cable chains
> Big-ass 10-ton snatch strap
> Toolbox full of the usual stuff
> Extra blankets, clothing, boots
> Box of food and water
> Cellular but no GPS
>
> Tires are near-new Michelin 30x9.5 LTX M/S's. They're excellent
> highway and mud tires, but I've never tried them on snow or ice. The
> rubber compound is pretty soft and they have large grooves, and
> hopefully the chains will help.
>
> I figure to stay idling only in 4H/2-3 gear most of the time. I know
> that 4L is a no-no - way too much torque for snow/ice. Harry Haulass
> in his monster Cheby pickup will just have to go around me. Shouldn't
> need GPS - roads are pretty well marked.
>
> Questions:
>
> * Would it be helpful to deflate the tires? I run 30 psi on the
> street, 20 in mud.
>
> * I have a Class 2 OEM DC towbar on the rear. If I need to be pulled
> out by my ass-end, is it acceptable to just run the snatch strap around
> the towbar? I know not to use the hitch ball as an anchor point.
> Better to just remove the ball and install a heavy D-hook instead? The
> front isn't a concern - it has OEM hooks.
>
> Thanks for your help.
>

Re: Heading to Tahoe for 1st time - advice?
 

I have used a class 2 hitch to pull stuck Jeeps many times and never had a
problem. If you can get a shackle in where the ball attaches, that would be
best, otherwise, loop it around the hitch frame.

BTW.. how are you liking your Jeep over your (RIP) Mustang, JD?

HTH

Carl


"JD Adams" <JDAdams@Softcom.Net> wrote in message
news:1142358513.674528.164320@v46g2000cwv.googlegr oups.com...
> I'm itching to head up to a buddy's cabin in my 6-sp. '05 TJL; There
> will be the usual ice, snow and 50+ mph. wind. I've done this many
> times in a semi, but never in a little 4WD Jeep. Most of the roads
> stay reasonably plowed from what I'm told.
>
> I'm taking the usual stuff:
>
> 2 sets of cable chains
> Big-ass 10-ton snatch strap
> Toolbox full of the usual stuff
> Extra blankets, clothing, boots
> Box of food and water
> Cellular but no GPS
>
> Tires are near-new Michelin 30x9.5 LTX M/S's. They're excellent
> highway and mud tires, but I've never tried them on snow or ice. The
> rubber compound is pretty soft and they have large grooves, and
> hopefully the chains will help.
>
> I figure to stay idling only in 4H/2-3 gear most of the time. I know
> that 4L is a no-no - way too much torque for snow/ice. Harry Haulass
> in his monster Cheby pickup will just have to go around me. Shouldn't
> need GPS - roads are pretty well marked.
>
> Questions:
>
> * Would it be helpful to deflate the tires? I run 30 psi on the
> street, 20 in mud.
>
> * I have a Class 2 OEM DC towbar on the rear. If I need to be pulled
> out by my ass-end, is it acceptable to just run the snatch strap around
> the towbar? I know not to use the hitch ball as an anchor point.
> Better to just remove the ball and install a heavy D-hook instead? The
> front isn't a concern - it has OEM hooks.
>
> Thanks for your help.
>

Re: Heading to Tahoe for 1st time - advice?
 

I have used a class 2 hitch to pull stuck Jeeps many times and never had a
problem. If you can get a shackle in where the ball attaches, that would be
best, otherwise, loop it around the hitch frame.

BTW.. how are you liking your Jeep over your (RIP) Mustang, JD?

HTH

Carl


"JD Adams" <JDAdams@Softcom.Net> wrote in message
news:1142358513.674528.164320@v46g2000cwv.googlegr oups.com...
> I'm itching to head up to a buddy's cabin in my 6-sp. '05 TJL; There
> will be the usual ice, snow and 50+ mph. wind. I've done this many
> times in a semi, but never in a little 4WD Jeep. Most of the roads
> stay reasonably plowed from what I'm told.
>
> I'm taking the usual stuff:
>
> 2 sets of cable chains
> Big-ass 10-ton snatch strap
> Toolbox full of the usual stuff
> Extra blankets, clothing, boots
> Box of food and water
> Cellular but no GPS
>
> Tires are near-new Michelin 30x9.5 LTX M/S's. They're excellent
> highway and mud tires, but I've never tried them on snow or ice. The
> rubber compound is pretty soft and they have large grooves, and
> hopefully the chains will help.
>
> I figure to stay idling only in 4H/2-3 gear most of the time. I know
> that 4L is a no-no - way too much torque for snow/ice. Harry Haulass
> in his monster Cheby pickup will just have to go around me. Shouldn't
> need GPS - roads are pretty well marked.
>
> Questions:
>
> * Would it be helpful to deflate the tires? I run 30 psi on the
> street, 20 in mud.
>
> * I have a Class 2 OEM DC towbar on the rear. If I need to be pulled
> out by my ass-end, is it acceptable to just run the snatch strap around
> the towbar? I know not to use the hitch ball as an anchor point.
> Better to just remove the ball and install a heavy D-hook instead? The
> front isn't a concern - it has OEM hooks.
>
> Thanks for your help.
>

Re: Heading to Tahoe for 1st time - advice?
 

>Watch out for the brakes when in 4x4!

Will do, Mike. Shouldn't have to brake going that slow, unless someone
else's lack of control and common sense becomes a concern.

>I have used a class 2 hitch to pull stuck Jeeps many times and never had a
>problem. If you can get a shackle in where the ball attaches, that would be
>best, otherwise, loop it around the hitch frame.
>BTW.. how are you liking your Jeep over your (RIP) Mustang, JD?

Very much. Jeeps don't go very fast, which keeps me out of trouble. I
now know why Jeep doesn't have a racing team. The TJL's with all the
goodies and hardtop are a LOT of fun, and I have found out that chicks
dig Jeeps.

I figure that in snow where traction is going to suck pretty badly
anyway, a class II hitch should be enough, but just wanted to make
sure. Not sure if I'd use it on a dry surface with good traction
though.

If I can find one, an elongated D-shackle placed through the hitch
receiver where the ball mount pin normally goes might be an even better
idea, provided I can find one that will fit tightly and is rated at 3
tons or better. Time to hit OSH or Harbor Freight for that one.

Still working on a HT lift. I'd use rachet straps, but they can only
lift it a few inches before the rachets bind up. Looking to lift it
over 2 feet up, so an electric winch will probably be the answer.
Spring is just around the corner!

Thanks for the help guys.