Hello. My family and I will be moving from South Texas, to New Hampshire next spring/summer. I have a 2wd silverado 5.3, and I will have a camper shell on it. I was wondering

1.what kind of tires and wheels are best for snow? Should I get some skinnier rims? (5.5" vs. 7")

2. The camper shell is needed to keep snow slush from bed of truck, is this ok?

3. What can I do to protect the undercarriage? can I just spray some of that asphalt based stuff all under the truck?

Thanks, any other tips advice is appreciated.

Get a complete different set of winter wheels with real snow tires for the rear instead of those "all season" general purpose treads, and keep your chromed or alloy wheels in good condition for summer driving. They'll be noisy on dry pavement, but you might not see much of that until March. I used to keep snow tires, studded snow tires, and summer tires. Studs are outlawed here now so that makes for less winter changing, but there is still the one annual switch. I might be old-school, but I don't get stuck either. And a 2WD half-truck needs all the help it can get.

I've had a few trucks (all 2WD except for a '71 Dodge Power Wagon) and I've always kept the bed uncovered in winter to accumulate snow, not keep it out. The extra mass can be an ally. I used to PLOW with a 2WD '85 F250 with about 1,500 pounds of steel in the bed for traction/weight, and never had a problem.

Corrosion protection starts in summer. Repair any rust or bare spots, and cover them with a good protective enamel like Rust Bullet, Jenoseel, or POR-15. Seal the outer body with a good wax as late in the season as you can.

Rinsing frequently during the winter helps a lot to prevent abrasive sand and salt accumulation. I've got hot water in my garage hose reel just for that purpose. Having the garage heated also helps melt off accumulations overnight. Then you get to start all over again in summer repairing and staying ahead of corrosion.

Holy crap, that's quite a move.

Why are you moving way up there? I bet it's beautiful.

Ac ouple of reasons: My folks need someone to take care of their retirement house for 3 years. My wife is expecting, and we are trying to save for a house of our own. We could live there rent free, just pay utilities. It is a 2 story house on a lake :) and another reason is I need a fresh start I think, or maybe an extended vacation.

Had a very rough summer, my only big brother comitted suicide, the last time I saw him was at my wedding. So there are several reasons I guess. My stepdad has been asking me to go there for several years. He finally sweetened the deal by even offering to pay the moving company, So basically its a no brainer.

Any experience with cold weather driving?

Any experience with cold weather driving?


My :2cents:. If you think it's snow, make sure before you leave. Could be ice. If ice, stay home. If it really is snow, just take your time and don't do anything sudden and your fine until some other idiot comes alont.

I mention ice because here in the Raleigh area of NC, we have lots of transplanted northerners who thing they can drive when it snows here. Admittedly, most of us can't drive when it snows here, but at least we know it. A few winters ago, it snowed like 1/16 of an inch and shut the city down. The problem was, the snow melted on the highway, then almost instanly refroze. The natives had no problem, we just didn't go anywhere. The problems were the transplants who thought, oh, I used to drive on snow all the time, I can take that easy. It wasn't pretty. Course up there, odds are you won't get as much icing as in some of transition zones.

Had a very rough summer, my only big brother comitted suicide, the last time I saw him was at my wedding.

Any experience with cold weather driving?


I am very sorry for your loss.
I am sure your move to NH will help you through.

I have driven through just about everything all over the nation.
skinny tires are best in the winter. if you encouter ice.. best to stay below 20 mph and do not step on the brakes hard. gently step on them until you come to a stop. give yourself double even 3 times the distance to stop than you normally would.
Over all.. just be smart. Don't go out unless you have to.

Any experience with cold weather driving?First good snow=play time. Find a nice big empty parking lot, and blow a few doughnuts, slide the truck around a lot, see how it handles, and most of all, get used to wat the snow does to you. Experience counts for everything. Get a good set of snows on some cheap rims. The rims will pay for themselves quickly by not having to remount the tires twice a year.

I am eyeballing a set of the same stock aluminum rims that I currently have. They are the 16X7 rims. Nice looking too! I have michelins now, and I see that michelin has an X-ice series out. I was thinking they may be a good set.

1. What width should I get? (P235-75-16 P235-80-16? etc etc) Is wider better? I noticed that most snow tires are sold as 60's and 50's series (wide ones).

2. I will have a 200 pound fiberglass cap, and the back of my truck will have tool box loaded, misc jacks, spare, ladder, etc etc. You think this will be ok weight-wise? So the more weight the better?

3. :) I will definitely try the parking lot do-nut thing and get the feel for the snow. I want to see when my tires will break free from accelration etc. I would also check stopping distance etc etc.

4. I will follow the salt protection as described earlier.

New Hampshire keeps some of th ebest roads I have seen. They have tolls for out-of-towners to help pay for the maintenance. Residents of NH can get the "NH Coins" for like 8/$1.00 whereas anyone else uses a quarter :) So I am comfortable that the roads are kept well.

I worry mainly for my wife. She is going to have my first child when we get there. We were fixing to get an AWD suv of some type. But now with the baby on the way, that has to wait. So we will have only my truck to use.

Anyway Please let me know about the tire size width, and weight.

I AM SOOOOO WORRIED about having a 2wd. Everyone I talk to says I will be fine. My stepdad grew up there all they had were 2wd (Rear wheel drive at that). SO anyway.

Thanks

Yes VERY sorry for your loss ,I had a Bro inlaw do that on the 9th of nov.`95. Lots of good advice here. As for tires check out BRidgestone Blizzack winter tires. They have an aggressive tread pattern which helps dig into the snow.They are also made up of a softer rubber compound and as a result stay more plyable in the colder weather. Because they are a soft tire you do not want to leave them on too long in the spring. Definately buy 4 tires what ever you buy. 60 series tires will be ok but if fell better going abit narrower go for it. As for rims I may look for something without to many large openings so that I can keep the snow out away from brakes. Your weight should be good ,but you may want to pick up a couple bags of sand /salt ,a little more weight and it may come in handy . Try to get the weight over the drives if possible, too much weight to far back past drives will take weight off your front end. Definately do the big field fishtail /donut thing .just don`t get to horny if you got good tires and weight you should be ok. One other thing the first snow or two it is usually mild 20 > 30 degrees and you will find it more slippery as snow is loaded up with moisture, as it gets colder out snow tightens up and is not quite as bad. you will Know what I mean when you experience it. Don`t worry about it you`ll be ok just watch out for the other clowns out there. Good luck with everything YOU`LL BE FINE. Just some friendly advice from a "Northerner " north of the border.

Ok, I will look at those. I want to acquire some rims and tires BEFORE I get there. I can have them shipped by the movers and then I wont have to worry about it when I get there.

I can easily put a few bags of quickrete or sand over my rear wheels. I never thought that would be a good idea. :screwy:

So, I definitely want to have snow tires ALL THE WAY AROUND? Not just in the back?


Thanks

Ok, I will look at those. I want to acquire some rims and tires BEFORE I get there. I can have them shipped by the movers and then I wont have to worry about it when I get there.

I can easily put a few bags of quickrete or sand over my rear wheels. I never thought that would be a good idea. :screwy:

So, I definitely want to have snow tires ALL THE WAY AROUND? Not just in the back?


Thanks you can get away with just rears ,Some people think it`s waste of money to do all 4 but if sure is a good feeling to know that the fronts are digging in while turning corners. I used to be one of them.lol. if you can afford it go for it. Remember softer compound is more plyable in the cold. Good Luck to you and your family . it really is no biggy. Just wait till you buy a sled and go snow mobiling yeee hawww.

Just wait till you buy a sled and go snow mobiling yeee hawww.

We anxiously await that day :)

Nice avatar BTW:naughty:

I will get 4 of them for piece of mind. I dont like to skimp on certain things and that is one of them. I like the idea of having ability to slow down/ stop if I need to

We anxiously await that day :)

Nice avatar BTW:naughty:

I will get 4 of them for piece of mind. I dont like to skimp on certain things and that is one of them. I like the idea of having ability to slow down/ stop if I need toYa better safe than sorry when it comes to Family . Thanks:wink:

Ac ouple of reasons: My folks need someone to take care of their retirement house for 3 years. My wife is expecting, and we are trying to save for a house of our own. We could live there rent free, just pay utilities. It is a 2 story house on a lake :) and another reason is I need a fresh start I think, or maybe an extended vacation.

Had a very rough summer, my only big brother comitted suicide, the last time I saw him was at my wedding. So there are several reasons I guess. My stepdad has been asking me to go there for several years. He finally sweetened the deal by even offering to pay the moving company, So basically its a no brainer.

Any experience with cold weather driving?
I'm truly sorry to hear about your brother. I can only imagine how tough that would be.

Good reasons to move. I've actually cotemplated a "big" change for me too. Just take myself out of my current environment and start fresh. But I doubt I'll do it.

I hear you.... many people (including me) go through their life and just ignore that little thought (or hope) that wants a change. Heck, even a small change can help :)

I was born and raised in Oswego NY on the east end of Lake Ontario and when I lived there I never had a 4x4 all my trucks were 2wd and all were great in the snow except my old 3/4 ton camper special. I also never ran with any additional weight other than the build up of snow. I would rather drive in snow up there than down here. run good snow tires and just take it easy. Oh yeah I don't miss that white shit.

Greetings Hanibal,

Well my story will likely be different than some others. I wanted and desired a 2wd truck - I didn't want 4 x 4. I live in the Coulee Regions of Wisconsin - we gets lots of snow, cold, and ice conditions.

I have 20's on my truck - and they are wider tires and performance tires at that. Yet for almost all conditions - I do just fine. Here are some tricks I use that make a big difference. I put patio blocks or "flag stones" in my truck bed - normally about 200 pounds worth. I don't use bags of salt or sand - because it collects water too much. Also patio blocks are only about 1.5 inches high - so it doesn't mess up my hauling ability in the bed - no - I don't use cement blocks (too big and bulky). The patio blocks allow me to put a single layer of them over the wheel areas and behind the wheel areas.

Without the blocks - it slips - with the blocks it only slips if you have glare ice or are hot on the accelerator.

Next - I have a locker on my rear end - that helps quite a bit too.

Next - going to a car wash once every few weeks that has an "up spray" really does a good job of getting salt or buildup off the underneath. Also once a year - I get under the truck and clean out the multiple "dirt catches" that you find on and around the gussets of the cab underneath of most Silverados.

No - I don't have special tires, no I don't have special rims, but I don't run the accelerator hard under bad conditions either. I've been using my truck around a construction site all last winter - not so good on saturated clay backing up a steep hill but other than that or glare ice - I've done as well as 4 x 4s.

If there was one thing I'd mention more than anything - is the weight balance of the backend - 200 or 250 pounds gives you much better traction and control.

Just my opinion.

Greetings Hanibal,

Well my story will likely be different than some others. I wanted and desired a 2wd truck - I didn't want 4 x 4. I live in the Coulee Regions of Wisconsin - we gets lots of snow, cold, and ice conditions.

I have 20's on my truck - and they are wider tires and performance tires at that. Yet for almost all conditions - I do just fine. Here are some tricks I use that make a big difference. I put patio blocks or "flag stones" in my truck bed - normally about 200 pounds worth. I don't use bags of salt or sand - because it collects water too much. Also patio blocks are only about 1.5 inches high - so it doesn't mess up my hauling ability in the bed - no - I don't use cement blocks (too big and bulky). The patio blocks allow me to put a single layer of them over the wheel areas and behind the wheel areas.

Without the blocks - it slips - with the blocks it only slips if you have glare ice or are hot on the accelerator.

Next - I have a locker on my rear end - that helps quite a bit too.

Next - going to a car wash once every few weeks that has an "up spray" really does a good job of getting salt or buildup off the underneath. Also once a year - I get under the truck and clean out the multiple "dirt catches" that you find on and around the gussets of the cab underneath of most Silverados.

No - I don't have special tires, no I don't have special rims, but I don't run the accelerator hard under bad conditions either. I've been using my truck around a construction site all last winter - not so good on saturated clay backing up a steep hill but other than that or glare ice - I've done as well as 4 x 4s.

If there was one thing I'd mention more than anything - is the weight balance of the backend - 200 or 250 pounds gives you much better traction and control.

Just my opinion.

Thanks Lightening !! I will do that. Good point about the water collecting in the salt/sand bags. But I just bought me a Jason Industries Extreme Camper shell yesterday for $749. It is sweet:) Carpeted, large curved radius glass, Solid glass slam back window, the works. I look like a "burban" now.
Only prob: Its silver birch (from a 07 silverado). But it was a great deal, I saved $600 over a new one. So now I have this, can I use the sand or salt bags?

Thanks Lightening !! I will do that. Good point about the water collecting in the salt/sand bags. But I just bought me a Jason Industries Extreme Camper shell yesterday for $749. It is sweet:) Carpeted, large curved radius glass, Solid glass slam back window, the works. I look like a "burban" now.
Only prob: Its silver birch (from a 07 silverado). But it was a great deal, I saved $600 over a new one. So now I have this, can I use the sand or salt bags?
Hanibal - you're free to use whatever you desire. I have a hard folding tonneau to keep snow, ice, and inquisitive eyes away from my stuff. One thing to understand about cold weather driving - is the CHANGES from frozen to thaw to frozen creates condensation and this may happen multiple times a day numerous days a week - and that condensation causes water buildup in salt or sand. Because bags are not waterproof - you end up with ice and water in the sand or salt bags - and then it gets into your truck bed etc. Salt especially attracts water condensation - and bags in the cold will get hard like old concrete powder. But even then - its the concept of losing your bed usage which to me is the biggest thing. a flat surface like patio blocks - for me - is very controllable for placing the weight. In addition it makes very little difference in height - so even with the added weight - I don't lose space or have to move the weight around to get it out of the way. I keep a 5 quart ice cream pail of sidewalk sand in the bed (plastic pail) to use if I need traction in a bad spot - thats all I need - everything else is patio blocks/flag stones.

I have a rubber bed mat in my truck bed - so neither concrete/patio blocks or ice gets on my paint or bed.

Also - in cold weather and winter weather - I never like open beds - way too much water or ice sitting deep in the bed - makes the bed very unusable - and of course - rust issues and ice against paint isn't too cool. Hard folding tonnea or a topper is a good choice IMO.

My truck doesn't sit in a heated garage - dry and easy access to the bed are important in Wisconsin winters :)

Just my personal viewpoint - others will be different.

Ok. Now that I have a topper, I will go to a lowe;s and get some flagstones. I will need use of my bed too.

Thanks for the tips! I will post here throughout the winter, let you know how it goes. New Hampshire can get blizzard like I am told.

I always put four bags of 50lb sand in the back end of my truck. Over or behind the rear wheels. Some people but bags of salt but I have a problem with adding salt to the bed of my truck if a bags splits. Plus if you get stuck just haul out a bag of sand and throw it under the tires.

I am looking for some spare wheels to mount my snow tires on.

Would you reccomend aluminum or steel? Does it matter? I thought if heavier is better than maybe the steel ones. I am not too conerned with getting salted, although I would wash them regularly. IS there anyother benefit to one or the other???

Thanks!!

Steel could potientally bend it you hit a curb hard enough, where as Aluminum could crack. Aluminum is lighter = better gas miliage.
Most cars and trucks have Alumunim now.

I am looking for some spare wheels to mount my snow tires on.
Would you reccomend aluminum or steel? Does it matter? I thought if heavier is better than maybe the steel ones. I am not too conerned with getting salted, although I would wash them regularly. IS there anyother benefit to one or the other???
Thanks!!

Salt (and sand) plays two roles on wheels - pitting and oxidation is the most obvious one - however the other is how it afects the surface as a dirt catcher. I believe you'd find steel wheels easier to keep clean in the winter and free of sand, ice, dirt, etc.. because if aluminum got rougher on the surface - it would hold the dirt better.

Now I'll give you yet a 90 degree turn. As you know - I live in Wisconsin with lots of winter and salt, snow, and ice. I'm also working on a construction project with lots of clay and mud. My truck came with Chromed Alloy 20's and for 2 winter seasons I've kept them on just like during spring/summer. After two years - no marks, no loss of sheen - and no messing around :)

... I live in the Coulee Regions of Wisconsin - we gets lots of snow, cold, and ice conditions.

Ahh, you guys have it easy. ;) (Yeah, I know.. Some joke.)

I've got a place just east of Hayward and go year-round. It really never gets ugly until you hit Osseo, Eau Claire, and points north. Still, the hills around the river can't make it any fun. The worst problem I have is clearing out the 300' gravel driveway into the place. I keep a snowblower there, but it sometimes takes me an hour to get to it. We used to drive there in a 2WD Astro and never had a problem, even when passing loads of other cars in the ditches. Just taking it easy and avoiding sudden moves is 90% of being successful. I gotta say that the newer AWD Astro is really a treat by comparison, though. Lots of mass, good distribution, skinny tires, and that little SOB will go about anywhere that it has ground clearance.

I also have to applaud the WI highway departments. They do a MUCH better job of keeping the main roads cleared than here in FIB-Land. Even the logging road/fire lanes into our place are cleared within hours of a snowfall. You can complain if you feel you need to, but you really should see how bad it is here. Watching flatlanders try to move snow is like a sad comedy. If you can keep some perspective, you can laugh until you can't breathe any more.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Hannibal,

See that part about the snow blower? Start shopping now. If you can find them where you're located, they are likely to be a lot less expensive than in NH. And you DON'T want to go shopping for one after the first snowfall. Don't even bother with a single-stage. You can move snow faster with a good shovel.

Good luck in your relocation, and with the expanding family.

Don't even bother with a single-stage.


Then what type do you reccomend? If you are thinking of our homeplace, we have a guy that comes by when there is a certain amount of snow. My stepdad wants me to continue using him because this guy took care of his mother before she passed. Its sort of a sentimental thing I guess. He plows the drive way only. We will have a shovel for the small walkway to the door.

Well then, that's different. If all you have to clear is a short walk or a light accumulation on the driveway, a decent pusher and/or shovel should work out fine for you.

Then what type do you reccomend? If you are thinking of our homeplace, we have a guy that comes by when there is a certain amount of snow. My stepdad wants me to continue using him because this guy took care of his mother before she passed. Its sort of a sentimental thing I guess. He plows the drive way only. We will have a shovel for the small walkway to the door.

We're off topic here Hanibal - but I think personally, that you're too concerned about winters. For most of us - its just part of the year - and you'll adapt quickly and easily to it. When it comes to snowblowers - there are reasons for single stage and reasons for 2 stage. Most people I know have at least one of each unless they have no concrete to speak of. A single stage unit is light in weight and tends to do a faster and closer to the concrete job on snows up to about 8 inches. 2 stage works better for heavy slushy snows qand deep snows and for "street plow" chunks. single stage you push (with "help propel" blade assistance) - while 2 stage units have wheel propelled systems.

But in general - relax - you'll learn to enjoy the winter changes soon enough :)

P.S. There's always someone with deeper snow - just like there's always someone with bigger fish :) You should have pretty good conditions where you're going.


White Lightening