best smaller 4 x 4 for deep snow? - Page 3

Smokey · #61 12-10-2013, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1899b

I just don't like the 3.8l mini van engine. I always loved the 4.0 straight 6 engines. The 3.8 we currently have is a dog with 33's on it....

The 3.6 Penstar hauls some ars though. My Jeep Sport does 0-60 in like 6 seconds. The 3.8 was a dog. Hopefully the 3.6 is not a lemon.

buzzard · #62 12-10-2013, 06:41 PM

This is what my daughter uses.

ali#1 · #63 12-10-2013, 07:45 PM

I have a early 90's chev 4x4. But I'm thinking of upgrading for next winter to a mid 2000's Tahoe or suburban. Easier to pack kids around and I still kinda have a truck.

Elkhunt · #64 12-10-2013, 09:22 PM

I think almost any regular car can go through incredible amounts of snow with a set of good winter tires. Add a set of chains to your recovery kit with some knowledge of how to use them and you will likely not need to buy a 4x4 to drive on regular roads around Edmonton.

I think I read you currently own a toyota car. If you currently own a toyota car you will appreciate the features on a toyota all wheel drive or 4x4 vehicle.

I have owned a Ford F250 - manual 4x4, a Dodge Colt Vista - manual 4x4, a Toyota Rav4 - manual all wheel drive, a Suzuki Grand Vitara - manual 4x4, & currently own a Toyota Tacoma - manual 4x4. I have slowly gravitated to the Japanese made products.

Funny, I thought I was the only person who liked the Lada Niva & after owning three models over the yrs, I agree with all you say below about their mechanical issues & amazing capabilities. Sadly they are not practical to own in Canada any longer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwm1273

Not sure of your price range, but the best little 4x4 for deep snow I know of is a Lada Niva, and the heater works good too. Unfortunately they don't import them in anymore, and they are harder to find than hen's teeth now, and unless you are mechanically inclined, a pain to keep running.

Jeep Cherokees are not too bad either, and better on the highway. I would look for a vehicle with a longer wheelbase if you will be driving much on the highway. Lots around for nearly any price range.

We have a long wheelbase trailblazer that seats 7, and it is pretty good in the snow, but it is a hog on gas.

I have heard lots of good things about the Suzuki XL7, and it is relatively large for a small 4x4. I had a Samurai, and it was an awesome 4x4, but terrible on the highway. I nearly rolled it on a wet off-ramp due to the short wheelbase.

sns2 · #65 07-26-2015, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1899b

4 door Jeep Wrangler JK. Great in the snow and good cargo room for 3 whitetail plus all the gear....

This is one of the best pics ever!

Arty · #66 07-26-2015, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JB_AOL

That REALLY depends on the depth of snow, and what the base is.

While in theory, yes thinner taller tire is best only when there is something for it to dig down to. IE, if the snow is less than a 1' and there's a solid base, they work great. If the snow is deeper than a foot, you'll just end up sitting on your frame or axles, spinning tires.

Basically snow can act like sand, and thin tires on sand are useless, as there is no base. Floatation CAN be a good thing, but for most conditions YES, thinner is better.

Pretty much. Wider deep-lug offroad tires, 4x4, and a good set of chains will get you through some very deep snow. With a little weight in the box I can get through 3' snow cover with that setup.

The only deeper snow I've gotten through with skinny tires & no chains was out on the west coast decades ago. On a crushed-rock road in a long ford 1-ton with 460 engine & manual-lock 4x4. And 5 roller-reamers in the box. Pushed snow up to the radiator for 10 miles.