Stock Tires Great in Snow

[Wicked]

I had to drive to Boston's Logan Airport in yesterdays blizzard. Spinouts all over the road and I have never felt so confident in a 4WD vehicle.

I am new here, just bought the truck on five days ago.

A few thoughts,
A couple of times when crossing the slush lines (while changing lanes) the VSA lit up. (I think that means the computer had decided to control the power to each wheel)

When crossing those slushy piles it gets a little noisy as the sluch splashes under the truck, has anyone else noiced this?

This truck can make you feel like Superman, passing snow plows is not generally recomended but, when done properly you leave the traffic jam behind you.

Does this truck have a down side? I may have to buy another for my wife!

Finally, my question about tires, I would like to save the winter tires for winter and get summer tires for summer. The reason is that I drive hard and would like to keep really good tires for the winter when they are needed. I dont want to wear out perfectly good winter tires by driving them hard in the summer.

I guess I'd like to here from those of you who feel the same way about tires.

[jhedges]

I agree the Michelin tires are awesome in the snow. The only downside to them might be they have a tendency to hydroplane. So keep that in the back of your mind.

[k757]

Originally Posted by Wicked

A few thoughts,
A couple of times when crossing the slush lines (while changing lanes) the VSA lit up. (I think that means the computer had decided to control the power to each wheel)

Does this truck have a down side? I may have to buy another for my wife!

One thing to note, as this happened to me yesterday. If in a completely slippery situation (starting in heavy slush, for example) and you floor it to get going, you may not go anywhere. The VSA lights up and you are barely moving at all. Some call it a safety feature, some call it a dangerous situation.... just be aware, it does happen. The solution is simple, push the VSA button to disable the system, then your wheels will start spinning.

Huh, dangerous, how so? well, when you started to pull out in traffic, you had plenty of time, but when the truck delays (some call it bogged down) in getting you going, now the oncoming traffic is much closer. The VSA system is doing what it is supposed to do (stop wheel spin), but frustrating and scary just the same. It is manageable, but the situation does happen.

Originally Posted by Wicked

When crossing those slushy piles it gets a little noisy as the sluch splashes under the truck, has anyone else noiced this?

You need to hear it when "stuff" rings off of the Westin tube steps. It'll wake you up from a sleep! I call it a Westin safety feature, since the truck is quiet to begin with, the Westins are telling me that I'm going through some stuff

[Powdaze]

I have been extremely happy with - and somewhat surprised by - the stock tires and snow performance. The RL handles great in the snow and slush. Even better than I expected. The truck is solid, planted, and displays a lot of grip and control in the snow. Thumbs up here!

[brich]

Originally Posted by Wicked

I had to drive to Boston's Logan Airport in yesterdays blizzard. Spinouts all over the road and I have never felt so confident in a 4WD vehicle.

Hey Wicked, fun drive eh? I had to drive home from Cambridge up the the North Shore for my commute home. The highway was mostly a wet slush. Traffic was a crawl so I decided to take the long way home. Took all back roads. No traffic and the road conditions were awful... When I finally did get home, I decided I should go back out to get gas for the snow blower. Yup, took the back roads. Although not invincible in bad wintery conditions, it is just amazing how much I enjoy running the Ridge in these conditions. For years I never wanted to drive in snow. But now, ha, bring it!!