Story and photos by Budd Stanley
1 of 8
Budd Stanley
Side slopes can be tricky, this Jeep has adjustable air springs allowing it to lean into the hill for more grip. Playing with tire pressure can simulate this.
2 of 8
Budd Stanley
The bigger and wider the tire, the more floatation they will give your rig.
3 of 8
Budd Stanley
Running single digit air pressures is common, some even go down to 3 or 4 psi, however beadlocks are a good idea if you go that low.
4 of 8
Budd Stanley
Long hills should be taken slow, short hills… have at ‘er.
5 of 8
Budd Stanley
Watch for cornices and wear your seatbelt, but above all, enjoy the snow.
6 of 8
Budd Stanley
7 of 8
Budd Stanley
8 of 8
Budd Stanley
The temperature seems to drop a lot quicker now when the sun sinks out of sight, the air is much more crisp and dew is starting to form on the grass in the morning. Guess what people, winter is coming whether you like it or not. At the time of writing (10 Sept), Alberta has even experienced its first major snow fall (35cm worth), and we’re not even out of summer yet.
For some, this means it’s time to winterize the 4WD and prepare it for a long winters hibernation, yet for others, they are just starting to wake their rigs for the deep snows to come. For us, with a fresh dump of snow, our eye’s light up and we can’t wait to get out and play. It is a completely different way to experience and drive the same trails we’ve enjoyed all summer.
So, for those who might be thinking of giving snow wheeling a try, there are several important points and driving techniques one should consider before venturing out into the unknown. For this very reason we went to one of the most experienced snow wheelers we know to get his advice on wheeling in the winter.
Jón Baldur Þorbjörnsson (last name pronunciation, “Thor-beyorn-son”) has been driving his 4WD (a Land Rover Defender 110, soon to take ownership of a VDJ76 70-series Land Cruiser) onto the glaciers of Iceland for over 20-years. He has completed numerous expeditions over many of Europe’s largest glaciers and has led many demanding winter tours, such as the “Iceland Winter Trophy.“
Jón is educated as a mechanic in Iceland, followed by automotive engineering training in Munich Germany. Matching his mechanical knowledge and love for the outdoors, he founded Isafold Travel, a tour operator that specializes in off-road excursions in Iceland in 1997, as well as the sister company ISAK, a 4WD rental company in 2007. We talked to Jón to get his top tips for driving in the snow, but first, he let us know how to prepare for a winter tour.
Tiptop shape
Ensure that your 4WD is in good working order, which means all standard (and even non standard) maintenance has been completed before venturing out into the snow. If there is a little gremlin playing havoc with your rig, get it sorted, you really don’t want to be left out in the deep stuff with a broken rig. Driving in deep snow can also stress many parts (drivetrain, suspension and cooling) much more than regular summer wheeling, so ensure these systems can handle an abusive day in the snow.
The right stuff
It goes without saying that the bigger the footprint you can make with your tires, the better you will be able to stay up on top of the snow and push your way forward. For that you need high flotation tires with air pressures sitting in the single digits. Lockers front and rear are also very important, but remember with larger tires, strengthening of mechanicals down the line may be required with the additional stresses.
Be prepared
Snow wheeling comes with its own new set of dangers when venturing off into a winter wonderland. Ensure that you bring all the proper clothing food and recovery equipment that you will need to get yourself back to civilization in one piece. See the sidebar for a good list of equipment you will want in your vehicle.
Driving Tips
Staying on top of the situation
Deflate the tires as much as possible to create the largest footprint, this allows the vehicle to “float” on top of the snow, or at least as high as possible. Even out the weight distribution of the vehicle so it not front or rear heavy, this helps to stop plowing or dragging the rear-end. Always make slow motions, use as little torque as possible to gain highly valuable momentum. Rough or jerky driving will spin the tires and cause the vehicle to sink.
How to tackle steep hills
For longer hills you want to attack them just like you would in the dirt, as slowly as needed with all differentials locked. Short hills you can usually attack with a little more power. Things get tricky going downhill; take it slow and easy so you don’t gain any momentum that could start you slipping. Think of an 18-wheeler going down steep hills, they are in high gear and traveling as fast as a snail. Be diligently on the lookout for cornices (drifts of snow with non supportable terrain underneath) that might be hidden in a whiteout.
How to prevent side slippage
Side slipping can be a nerve racking and dangerous event. If you find yourself on a cambered trail with a dangerous situation on the low side, there are two things you can do. One, you can deflate the hillside tires (or pump up on the down hill side); this helps the vehicle lean into the slope aiding in traction. Two, it also helps to shovel a track for the hillside wheels. Depending on the weight of the snow, this gives you a bit of a rut for the tire to hang onto.
Know your snow
In powder, the snow is very light so fast driving and full power will be needed to manage momentum and help the vehicle from sinking deeper. Remember to wear seatbelts, as you never know what is just below the surface, or in the event where the vehicle rolls over. In wet snow, reference “Staying on top of the situation.”
Dealing with crevasses
It is not so much of an issue here in Canada as most glaciers are in parks and therefore off limits to 4WD’s, however the Icelanders flock to many of their glaciers come winter. Whenever you get massive ice caps moving slowly down a mountainside, cracks or crevasses will open up due to changes in the terrain under them, some being as deep as the glacier is tall. It is the biggest danger for snow wheelers and must be dealt with accordingly. Drivers should only drive where they know there is no danger of crevasses, where the surface is even and not steep. If you must venture into a crevasse area, keep to flat snow; any long impressions in the snow can be a sign of a crevasse. Finally, always stay buckled up and don‘t leave the vehicle without being tied to it in critical conditions. But ideally, just stay away from crevasses.
Keeping clear sight
One of the biggest issues when driving in winter conditions is snow icing to the windshield, breaking wipers and obstructing vital vision. While it may not be as comfortable, turn the off heater and drive with the same temperature inside the vehicle as outside. The snow won’t melt to ice on the outside of the windshield and you won’t get such a shock if you need to spend time out of the truck.
It’s a team sport
Wheeling in the winter can get real serious, real fast, so always have at least two vehicles on any tour that takes you away from residential streets. Remember, that even if you get stuck only 5 km from town, that is a 5 km hike through deep snow, in frigid temperatures when days are short. At the same time, Jón also likes to keep groups small to keep everything more organized and friendly.
Common sense
It is extremely important to note that all of the techniques mentioned are skills that can aid passage through tricky situations and are not guaranteed to work in dangerous situations. A wheelers best piece of equipment is their common sense. This is the biggest tip we can give to drivers looking to venture out into the snow. If you are uncomfortable on the trail or in the direction you are heading, or if obstacles ahead pose a distinct danger to either you or your vehicle, choose to turn around or back out of the situation.
SIDEBAR:
What to have in your cab
Wheeling in deep snow has its drawbacks. Your chances of getting stuck and even breaking are far greater than in the summer, so you will want to ensure you have vital equipment on hand when needed.
- Shovel – Goes without saying.
- Tarp – To lie on when working on vehicle, works as a barrier between your clothes and wet snow.
- Lots of recovery gear – tow ropes, shackles, chains, kinetic ropes and a hi-lift will all find a way of getting used in the snow.
- Extra clothes – If you do get wet, a second or third set of dry clothes keep hypothermia away.
- Blankets – the more warmth you have the better.
- Food and water – make sure you have a couple days worth just in case
- GPS and communications are always helpful toys.