I registered to get some information on how to make my new 2011 4x2 v6 6speed frontier a little bit more snow friendly for when I have to drive to visit my folks in Reno. The donner pass was easy in my last car ( a 2003 subaru forester) with snow tires. I've never driven a truck in the snow, but I'm hoping that with the VSD (stability/traction), some sand back on the rear axle and a good set of chains, I'd be ok in driving the snow plowed roads? ( Although ice is going to be scary).. How much does VSD help fishtailing in the rwd pickups?
I had so much confidence in my sub with the snow, but I gave it to my parents as they are retired where it snows. It never snows here, so I couldn't justify shelling out for the 4x4 in order to drive up to the folks 2-3 times a year.
Welcome. You should be fine with tire chains, weight over the rear axle, and common sense. My truck didn't come with VSD, so I have no experience with it. Some people seem to like the VSD, and others hate it and turn it off.
I'm a really safe driver, and I normally plan my trips and leave only on days where there is no falling snow. This sometimes can't be helped.
I'm thinking about carrying cables and chains. Cables in case I need extra traction but still need to drive 25-35 mph. Chains if I get caught in a large snow fall, where driving 15-25 is appropriate.
does the stability control help with fishtailing as much as the consumer reviews say that it does? Ive read that it is the most important saftey feature since "seatbelts". I'm sure there are some naysayers, just as there are with seatbelts ( that crowd that claims they kill more than they save).
lastly, how much "weight" is needed on the rear axle? Will a couple of suitcases be enough? If I add a leer camper cap will that count?
sorry for such a long post. I need to hit all the angles of "reason" before I make a trip. better safe than sorry
When I purchased my truck in 10', it was my first truck and I too was curious to see how well it handled in the snow because I frequently go snowboarding and you often choose to drive when it snowing for obvious reasons. Although my truck is 4X4, I rarely use it in the snow, unless I'm wheeling. I didn't even bother to put weight in the back and I was really impressed with how the truck handles.
The first two winters I even had the stock tires and remember several times when I went up the canyon when the roads were totally covered and I never felt out of control. I think VDC helps out quite a bit because it takes power away from the engine when you start slipping. Some people hate it because it totally boggs you down when if you gun it and peel out because it takes all the power away, but I've found that you know when you wanna play around in your truck and that little button is really easy to push and turn it off.
I made a trip out to visit a buddy and spend a weekend boarding in Boulder CO, and on the way there were signs for like a few hundred miles before we got to the mountains saying that all vehicles required chains. I didn't have any and stopped and purchased some just to be safe. I never put them on, or put it in 4X4 and never felt unsafe. I really think this truck drives excellent in the snow!
__________________ 2010 Pro-4X Luxury CrewCab
Lift: Bilstein 5100/ TJM HD coilover combo, AAL rear and 1.5" DIY BL
Tires: 285/75/16 Goodyear Duratracs
Performance: K&N CAI, Bully Dog GT Tuner
Interior: Weathertech floor mats, Viper 5704 Remote Start and Alarm
Armor: Custom Rock Sliders
Exterior: Lots of character from offroading
When I purchased my truck in 10', it was my first truck and I too was curious to see how well it handled in the snow because I frequently go snowboarding and you often choose to drive when it snowing for obvious reasons. Although my truck is 4X4, I rarely use it in the snow, unless I'm wheeling. I didn't even bother to put weight in the back and I was really impressed with how the truck handles.
The first two winters I even had the stock tires and remember several times when I went up the canyon when the roads were totally covered and I never felt out of control. I think VDC helps out quite a bit because it takes power away from the engine when you start slipping. Some people hate it because it totally boggs you down when if you gun it and peel out because it takes all the power away, but I've found that you know when you wanna play around in your truck and that little button is really easy to push and turn it off.
I made a trip out to visit a buddy and spend a weekend boarding in Boulder CO, and on the way there were signs for like a few hundred miles before we got to the mountains saying that all vehicles required chains. I didn't have any and stopped and purchased some just to be safe. I never put them on, or put it in 4X4 and never felt unsafe. I really think this truck drives excellent in the snow!
I have not used 4x4 once this winter. I am very surprised and pleased how much traction the truck has in 4x2 and how good the stock BF Goodrich all-seasons do in the snow.
lastly, how much "weight" is needed on the rear axle? Will a couple of suitcases be enough? If I add a leer camper cap will that count?
A cap will make a slight difference, but the weight needs to be right over the rear axle to really be effective. I've found 150 lbs or so to be enough to make a difference. I also wouldn't say the extra weight is really "needed"...I don't always have it back there. But the back end does feel a little more stable when there is some extra weight.
Cap is about 150#, will help, but I would add another 150# in addition to luggage giving you about 400#. Most important is your tires to be M&S or Snowflake. I wouldn't use chains unless HP requires. Take it slow and keep long, long distance from other drivers that screw up - avoid groups of cars, trucks. Been driving in snow/ice of Montana for 40 years and biggest fear and most trouble is always caused by others making dumb decisions, usually too fast or too slow.
Don't forget to keep the gas tank full. That will help add weight over the rear axle. I purchased two 80 lbs water proof sandbags from Lowe's store and carry those over my rear axle. I use a 2x6 board to keep them from sliding forward towards the cab. The standard drop in liner has a recepticle to hold the board in place. I just have a 4 cylinder so the two bags and a full gas tank give me a near perfect 50/50 front to rear weight distribution and it really does improve my handling of the truck. You should take 09eq's advice and add another 150 lbs as your V6 places more weight over the front axle.
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'08 Frontier, 4 cylinder, A/C, cruise control, manual 5 spd, radio/cd, with CREE LED back up lights from JLC
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