Topic of the Month

Fall is here. For most, it's the end of the wheeling season. For some it's just a just when you bust out the Carharrt's and down mittens.

What are you going to do?

Things we should hit:

Winter prep.
technique
safety - frostbite and hypothermia & how to avoid them
and of course - pics!



And in case you didn't know, this is a redo of a previous TOTW: Winter Wheeling (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76328).

Luckily where I am at it does not get very cold in the winter. I would say though that the most important thing to first check is the coolant/Antifreeze. Since a lot of people, including my self, have a rig that just sits there untill they are ready to go wheeling, the antifreeze better be ready for some cold nights in between runs.
I would also change the engine oil. It is bad enough that clean oil thickens when it gets real cold but dirty oil thickens even more.

dont forget we may want to cover tow rigs breifly too..... nothing like letting a Diesel sit for a weekend in sub freezing temps with no block heater.

For that as well as other reasons i put a remote start on my truck that also has a sentinal(sp) feature. You can set it to fire up at a set temp. it will bring the truck up to op temp then shut down. that way the truck wont freez up on ya.

but back to the wheeln rigs.....

extra clothes, sleeping bag, fleece and wool gloves/mittens, waterproof matches

No tips, just pics:flipoff2:

From last year
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/beyer05/Chandler/Chandler1-28-05021.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/beyer05/Chandler/Chandler1-28-05020.jpg

Gortex Boots!!!

Winter sucks... the chics cover up :flipoff2:

Topic of the Month

Fall is here. For most, it's the end of the wheeling season. For some it's just a just when you bust out the Carharrt's and down mittens.

What are you going to do?

Things we should hit:

Winter prep.
technique
safety - frostbite and hypothermia & how to avoid them
and of course - pics!
nd in case you didn't know, this is a redo of a previous TOTW: Winter Wheeling (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76328).

Winter Prep:
1. Make sure all surfaces of bare metal have been properly painted to ensure you don't start next summer wtih a rust bucket.
2. If you have a top make sure it's not leaking or has cracked windows(plastic).
3. If you are in VERY cold climates switch oil.

Driving Technique
1. For snow don't dig holes, as soon as you start to spin and are not moving don't continue on the gas digging yourself to the frame.
2. Don't be on / off the gas with a detroit or spool unless you like sliding side to side a lot more than you need too.
3. Allow yourself 3x as much room to stop in the snow and ice as you would normaly need.
4. Momentum is key.
5. Stay to the inside of the hill, and if your tires suck at sidehilling be very afraid of snowy sidehills with cliffs.

Safety
1. Always bring enough water to stay the night. You are more likely to get stuck in the snow and not have anyone around compared to tons of people on the trail to help.
2. Like above you should bring enough food and an extra change of clothes. If room permits you should just toss in a tent and sleeping bag.
3. ALWAYS HAVE BLANKETS JUST IN CASE! If you don't have room for the aboe toss in some wool or wool/poly blankets.
4. Dress apropriately. Don't go up to the snow in shorts because you wil be in your rig all day... dress in pants and pack snow clothes jsut in case you have to do outside repairs. (Just in case... I MEAN WHEN YOU DO!)
5. Bring a tow strap, in fact bring a couple!
6. A winch is good but don't use it to plow you through snow, properly dig out a little before winching in deep snow.
7. Bring a shovel! Not only can you dig out you can make a snow cave or snow screens to block the wind.

That's all that pops into my head now :)

Some pics from 03.
http://4x4shots.com/albums/userpics/10002/normal_3.jpg


http://4x4shots.com/albums/userpics/10002/normal_R0011266.JPG

cpole of quick things that come to mind:

vehicle prep:
synthetic fluid in entire drivetrain.
cooling system up to spec, slow speed is hard on cooling even if it's cold.
skidplates that offer air space for tranny(if auto) would be a good idea so snow can't pack around tranny cause extra heat.

other tips:
carry enough supplies to spend the night or a few days
atleast one shovel, chains wouldn't hurt although I've never used them,
long tow strap, so if you get in a drift the yank vehicle can be on solid ground,

driving:
if it's super deep hammering down tend sto get you stuck real quick, I usually drive super slow, if tires start to slip apply brakes to regain traction, locked is not always best, tires as low as you can go.

probably some more stuff, oh yeah pics..

snow is probably 3 feet deep in first pic, in second around 4-5.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=208634&stc=1&d=1128376548

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=208632&stc=1&d=1128376548

Generally anyone travelling in severe cold weather should have a basic cold weather survival pack in their vehicle. This is even more important when you're hell and gone from civilization.

Maybe I'm overly concerned with my feet, but nothing can ruin an otherwise good day outdoors in cold weather like cold wet feet.
Pack plenty of warms socks - Again, cold/wet feet suck. Wool does a better job of wicking moisture away than cotton. I ususally pack at least two extra pairs for each day. If you have stinky feet - pack more. Nothing like putting wet socks over the heater vents and filling the cab with foot funk.

If you're gonna break ice when you step out of the vehicle, or you're boots aren't exactly water proof - pack an extra pair of boots too.

I park the Jeep and drive a snow cat... oh wait winter tech,is more about prepairdness than anything else. always go with a buddy and make sure you have the barest basic of a shovel and a sack or bucket full of gravel.

Chains make awesome snow wheeling even more fun. You can get used tractor trailer chains or dump truck chains and cut them down or make them bigger to fit.

A winch is a HUGE plus since your gonna get stuck at some point. Learn to use a pit and dead man anchor since there might not be any trees.

The obvious warm clothes, extra food, good boots, a way to build a fire (not your Bic)

Sipe your mud tires for the road trip to the trail.

Once your stuck and breaking out the shovel. Take your time work for a little while warm up shed clothes move at like its going to take all day. You will be hopefully suprised when your done that you didn't have a coranary while digging the monsterous hole to get of.

Track pack... That means if you plan on parking your rig or stopping anywhere DON'T doit with a first making a few passes forward reverse works great or circles your call but pack the snow down. Packed snow offers greater support than fresh unpacked snow.

Here is a dicey bit of advice snice it very dependeant on the snow. Take a bag of Solar Salt, with you. Soalr salt can be used to freaze the snow into a more firm surface for either getting out or working under the jeep or just plain walking around in camp. It melts the top layer slightly and the snow freazes it back to form a firm surface. Trust me it works, I work in a Ski area.

Don't be afraid to walk out.

Bring a CB or HAM radio that works.

Several pairs of Gloves is the best bet over super super high tech water proof gloves sine they will all get wet at some point. I use Cheap insulated Kinkos at work and seal them with snow seal, when they get wet I put on another pair.

A sheat of cardboard or a blanket or something to lay on and help prevent loosing bolts and other parts will help you tremendously if you have a break down.

here is post from last year @ Mt. Hood........full time lockers can get dangerous, especally on narrow snowmobile trails, that is quite the ledge:D




http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=313168

We wheel year 'round, not just a few runs in the summer...

mb

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/RARECJ8/DSCN2830.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/RARECJ8/DSCN2832.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/RARECJ8/DSCN2906.jpg

http://www.members.shaw.ca/jeeper/IMG_1664bw.jpg
http://www.members.shaw.ca/jeeper/winter%20trail.jpg
http://www.members.shaw.ca/jeeper/4104.jpg
http://www.members.shaw.ca/jeeper/3.jpg

I dont have a lot of trail tips but as for the cold in the winter i would have to say:

- Plenty of socks (already overed) thick ones with a more tight fitting underneath
- A primus (outdoor heating device with a butane can people use in hiking or outdoorsy activities)
- A good ol army poncho


the last two are used in extreme ase together, if your wet or frozen stiff sit on a log with the primus between your legs and over up with the poncho. Turn the primus on as high as you like, youll be dry and warm in about 5-10 min.


-extra set of clothing
- boot savers, there gortex overs that go over any pair of booths to keep em dry...


Basially go to mountain climbing supplie stores they an give you all you need for advice.

We don't get the snow here in GA that y'all do, but it can get cold at times.

Not to sound :rainbow: or anything, but pantyhose style stockings(thin nylon) work wonders when worn underneath wool socks. Shoot, they even help under wet cotton stocks. They wick the moisture away, and help hold the heat in. Mmmm.. .toasty warm. :D :cool2:

thats is gay lol i dont rear anything cotton if it gets wet u will be cold. use synthetic fibers or wool that way if u are wet u will still be warm. down is nice until you get it wet then it loses all insulating properties.

DRew

What heaters swap nicely into YJ/CJ? (running a small block Chev, but that probably won't matter much) Gotta keep the kids warm :D (and me)

Just a reminder for those of us that see the -10's and -30's... Even if your rig sits out for one night.....




-If you have more water than radiator fluid in you're cooling system, get it out now! Before the real cold stuff gets here. Don't ask me how I know.

watch out for holes :flipoff2:

http://fourdice4x4.com/photos/albums/rolo/Snow_Run_05_5_sized.jpg

Just a reminder for those of us that see the -10's and -30's... Even if your rig sits out for one night.....




-If you have more water than radiator fluid in you're cooling system, get it out now! Before the real cold stuff gets here. Don't ask me how I know.

<inmyyoopervoice> Ya, eh, we went down Baraga eh and got da fireworks on da Reservation. Den me and Taito Pinenen went and got some Vollworths, pasties, and PBRs den went up to Taito's Uncle's huntin camp in South Range..... Its gotta nice sauna too eh. We gots up der, and it snowed 6 feet off the breakers and got so cold it crusted over. Well Taito had PBR in his radiator from when it overheated in Tapiola, and dat PBR froze up in da Chebby & cracked his block sometin good eh..... </inmyyoopervoice>

The only place I have ever lived where it got so cold that machinery ceases to function. Even when I plugged my CJ in, it was so cold that every fluid was solid. Ran 0-30, and it was like snot. We had a -60 windchill for 5 days one winter, and it is eerily quiet outside, because sound can't even travel when it is that cold.....

God I miss da UP

<inmyyoopervoice> Ya, eh, we went down Baraga eh and got da fireworks on da Reservation. Den me and Taito Pinenen went and got some Vollworths, pasties, and PBRs den went up to Taito's Uncle's huntin camp in South Range..... Its gotta nice sauna too eh. We gots up der, and it snowed 6 feet off the breakers and got so cold it crusted over. Well Taito had PBR in his radiator from when it overheated in Tapiola, and dat PBR froze up in da Chebby & cracked his block sometin good eh..... </inmyyoopervoice>

The only place I have ever lived where it got so cold that machinery ceases to function. Even when I plugged my CJ in, it was so cold that every fluid was solid. Ran 0-30, and it was like snot. We had a -60 windchill for 5 days one winter, and it is eerily quiet outside, because sound can't even travel when it is that cold.....

God I miss da UP


LMAO:laughing: :laughing: So true. You have obviosly spent time up here. ME. ain't much better:grinpimp: Couple years ago -40 out and nothin' ran. Had to put the spark plugs on the stove..............

Oh dang, y'all are makin' me feel cold just talkin' like that! :laughing:

We use those cheap handwarmers with the gray sticks that burn. Small, light, last 8hrs +/-. I have a little pouch/case for mine that i can hang around my neck inside my jacket. Make good sleeping bag warmers too. LED headlamps are great too, hands free light and batteries last forever.

i luv winter