2 wheel drive truck on the ice

[catflisher]

I just got a gmc sierra with rear wheel drive...I'm used to driving a front wheeler on the ice..I got stuck for a while last week on Chisago..Lucky I had a couple sand bags in the back..How can I make it easier? Will the snow on the ice now make it a better go? I've got good tires, and about 280lbs. on the axle..Just add onother 4 bags?? I want to hit a smaller lake that probably won't have anyone out there to help if I get stuck, altho there is a good path going out to where i want to fish...Any ideas?...thanks in advance

[hunter101]

I dont know if there is a good way to make it easier, Chains maybe, but they are a PITA. I got a rear wheel drive truck i drive for work, but i take a 4WD or 4 wheeler when i go fishing. I dont think the snow will make it easier, probably worse id think. just stay on a good path and walk from there. good luck

[Bottle Fish]

With all the snow DON'T EVEN TRY with a 2 wheel drive you will get stuck almost guaranteed. I was in a 4 wheel drive this weekend and almost got stuck.

[bassphish2005]

Stay on the packed ice roads/or walk.....there is nothing wrong with a two wheel drive pick up,you just have to know your limitations?

[AvonAngler]

You just have to pick your battles. I too have a two wheel drive truck and I take it out on the ice all the time. I have not been stuck yet, but I make sure I stay on existing roads. If I need to get off the beaten path, I park in a place that has been packed down and walk. The worst thing you could get into would be deeper snow or drifts, you just won't be able to get anywhere with the light back end.

[catflisher]

actually, I was planning on going out wednesday, and by then alot of the snow should be sinking..I went by the lake today, and the snow didn't look too deep..It's up by Taylors Falls...I definatly wouldn't try forging thu a drift or anything..Might just have to go thru a bit to turn around..

[Bottle Fish]

Like everyone else is saying though. If you do go out stay on the path and if you go off of it keep your speed up. When you want to stop just make a circle and stop in the path you just made. Remember speed is key.

[TravP]

I've been out every day after the snow with a front wheel drive car. Its easier for me to get around by getting off the roads because the car isnt wide enough to stay in the ruts made by trucks.

[croixflats]

I drive a two wheel truck and have had no problems.

Like Bottle fish says create a track you can stay on before you stop so you can start on a track. Momentum is your friend not necessarily speed. If you do find youself stuck or spinning just back up on the track you created start off slow without spinning the tires to get your momentum going again.

The snow isnt realy that deep around there and with this warm weather we are going to get, like you say. the snow will pack down.

[zamboni]

I had a 2 door convertible Geo Tracker (remember those?) that first year I got into ice fishing. I got stuck big time one day, I had some sand bags in the back end. I ended up cracking one open and dumping sand under the 4 tires to get some traction. Took while, but got her out. Wasn't fun

[Phred52]

Back in '77 or '78, I got stuck in a sudden ice storm on a lake with a long (1.5 block) 'unimproved access', ~ 2 AM. I still believe... to this day that I burned off over 1/2 of the rear tires that morning trying to get up that access. After that incident, and still today, EVERY fall, I pack a set of ice chains in the truck. Oddly enough...I haven't had to use them, but I have the security of knowing they're there. 'Cheap insurance'! Phred52

[Hafnutz]

I used to have a 2wd truck and I used it a lot on the ice. Be sure to carry a tow strap or chain in case you do get stuck. I know I used mine a couple times. You can always lay the chain under your tire and sometimes that will help to get out also. A bag or two of sand you spread around with your shovel can help too.

[Pickelfarmer]

I used to have a 2wd truck and I used it a lot on the ice. Be sure to carry a tow strap or chain in case you do get stuck. I know I used mine a couple times. You can always lay the chain under your tire and sometimes that will help to get out also. A bag or two of sand you spread around with your shovel can help too.

Bottom line.... Why would you buy a 2wd ??? I've been pulled out with a 4x4 and I own a 4x4. If you want to get on the lake with a 2 wd then you better have a friend on stand by to pull you out... I have a Friend that has pulled me out many times and I know he hates it but he has helped me alot . Unless you got someone thats got your back, you better watch it...

[bassphish2005]

too bad you dont still have that Tracker,I would buy it!!!! I am looking for a project to play around with?

[norm25]

My Grandfather always told me four wheel drive just gets you farther into it before you get stuck. Smart words...In other words know your vehicles limitations before you drive in.

[bassphish2005]

amen,I own a 1 ton 4x4,and I tell people if it every gets stuck,put a flag on it.....it's cooked!

[Surface Tension]

Know your limitations. Move the weight from the axle to the rear most part of the truck, you've just increased the 280 lb load of effectiveness by leverage. You took weight off the front end and put on the rear axel.

Don't spin your tires. If you loss momentum take your foot off the gas and let the truck stop on its own, then back out without spinning your ties. Now take another run at it without spinning your tires. Spin your tires and you'll dig a hole, melt snow and ice and makes things slick.

If you do get stuck but can mover a few inches, your not stuck yet. Get out and shovel then use reverse and forward, stopping and holding the trucks progress with your brake, if done right those inches become feet, don't spin your tires.

Can't move at all, get out and shovel. Plastic shovels are no good. You need a steel shovel or a grain shovel.

If you didn't spin your tires and dig a hole it won't be bad. If your frame is hung up. well you'll have to get the weight off the frame and back onto the tires. That sand might come in handy after you've shoveled out a path for your tires.

Chains aren't convenient to put on, but getting stuck isn't convenient either. Really it doesn't take that long to put on chains, about as long as it takes to load up a sled or wheeler and a lot less then shoveling out a truck. If you have a 3/4 ton truck I'd put the chains on for sure. Huge difference traction wise between a 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton. One of those differences is tires and tires pressure. Another is frame and body twist. A 1/2 will twist keeping even tire contact on an uneven surface.

[shizzy]

even though I have good tires, limited slip rear and a few bags of sand in the bed of my truck I prefer to just park and walk.

I guess I never put much thought in to keeping a set of chains in the truck for "just in case"

[dirtking]

With the advise from above and some experience you'll do ok... You need to learn to drive a two wheel drive vehicle and you'll learn a bunch of tricks.... I once had a blazer and I could let the clutch out and the wheels would spin at the perfect speed. I'd get out and rock it back and forth and once it got out it would just sputter and chug along till I hopped back in!

[gusdawgg01]

I had a plymoth turismo front wheel drive pso. got stuck but luckily we had a bag of pretzels. Yes I said bag of pretzels, crushed them up, under the front tire, and eventually off the lake. It did pose a problem tho, at the time my wife was pragnet and beleive me she wanted those pretzels!!

[Tyler23]

i wouldnt even dare going out there if theres any snow. if you got a 4wheeler? use that if u get that stuck it wouldnt be that bad. if you get that truck stuck you might be there awhile even if the fish are biting and isnt that what your there for?

[MN Shutterbug]

The best traction enhancer I've found is ashes. If you burn wood, or know someone that does, bring a pail of the ashes along. The ashes will give you traction on smooth ice and won't go flying if the tires start to spin. The ashes will really cling to the tires.

[south_metro_fish]

I have been driving my front wheel drive Buick Century out on the lake all year and have not had any problems. I have drove it through the 4" of slush and water, I have drove it in deep snow numerous times including last Thursday night and Saturday. The only time I came close to getting stuck was when there was no snow after the thaw and it all froze over again. I got one of my back tires over an old frozen hole, but I let it sit for a wile and was able to get it off with no problem. So I am not to worried, like every one else said keep your momentum and don't spin your tires.

[ASMOLEY]

I think I would take a front wheel drive car over a rear wheel drive truck any day. With the exception of ground clearance a front wheel drive car will go through a lot of snow! If you really want to drive a 2 wheel drive truck on the ice I would pick up a nice set of chains as mentioned before. It will take you an extra 15min to put them on but could save you hours with the shovel .

[Tyler23]

personally living in minnesota i would never own a truck thats not 4x4. with the economey the way it is you can pick up a early 90's 4x4 pickup for really cheap. i saw someone driving a late model camaro on lake washington this year? he was nuts