WINTER DRIVING

[AlpineKid74]

And how the ABS reacts to that driving method.
I'm sure a lot of reported experience is prior to ABS, or 4 wheel ABS.

Slow snow braking as many have been commenting on really doesn't throw the weight onto the front tires like it would when dry.

And in snow if the rear starts to slide the ABS should stop the braking there - really just throwing more requirement to the front, which at that point may start to slide too - so the stopping distance just increased with ABS kicking in.
But if the front is gripping due to better tires, better hope in a straight line or that rear is coming around with ABS probably not even allowing the brakes to engage back there, or so little it doesn't matter.

Slow winter stopping where the rear could actually help more, does benefit from good grip.
And the lack of grip on the front (if only snow tires on the back) might prevent getting into trouble due to lack of traction for getting up to high speed too fast.

There was a video I saw many years ago where they tested all of this in the snow with AWD and FWD and where the snow tires went, and what kind of driving helped and hurt in each case.
I'll have to try to find it.
Because the driving style sure did make a difference.
I recall sedans though, so van with high center of gravity could likely be different.

And non-snow driving with non-snow tires wasn't the focus of video.

When the 2025 Maverick gets here the Van is going to be gone, I hope. Then somebody else can be concerned with that.
Do not remember having a problem with the ABS & rear brakes locking up. But then again, I drive as if I have 80K loaded carhauler. Try to stop way before I have too.

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[topgun/goose]

The LT type tires have a stiffer sidewall, right? That would make for a stiffer ride and feel the road more.

What tires are you looking at getting, curious.

They can hold more air which can stiffen them up but you can also run them lower on air in poor traction situations which makes them longer, sort of like mini snow shoes. I have gotten used to using TOYO LT tires on my Jeep and also a F150 FX4 I owned for 5 years. Depending on size you get they can be pretty heavy, I think in the size we would need for our trucks the weight will be ok and the traction they provide will be awesome. They offer a mud tread or more of an all terrain type tread. We have lots of clay type soil around here which the Mud type tread really works well with. However if you drive on packed as opposed to loose snow then the All Terrain tread works better, they have more sipes.

 

[Beach Buggy]

Okay, okay. I should spring for all four. Now, do I get the Michelins or the Blizzaks?

I have the Blizzaks WS90's and I just put them on my Mustang this year as well. I have never had an issue here in Michigan with Blizzaks.

 

[ShadowBlack XL440]

Now there is some snow on the ground I am wondering how the Mav Hybrid is handling the snowy conditions ? I am in AZ until mid December, will pick up my truck in Montana and drive back home to Alberta , do I need to put weights in the box for better traction all around or does the Mav have enough weight with the batteries ?

Just for those unaware, the HV Hybrid BATTERY is only the size of a suitcase and weighs approximately 60 pounds. It is placed under the passenger side rear seat. I have more weight from tools under the back seat than in the Hybrid battery. I do agree that some extra weight in the bed would help for cornering. Slippery mode does help reduce the electric motor instant torque on slippery take offs.

 

[Fcarl]

Now there is some snow on the ground I am wondering how the Mav Hybrid is handling the snowy conditions ? I am in AZ until mid December, will pick up my truck in Montana and drive back home to Alberta , do I need to put weights in the box for better traction all around or does the Mav have enough weight with the batteries ?

Back in South Alberta where it is cold and snowy, streets are slick as highways have icy patches , my Mav with FWD performs very well in these conditions, as for the Continental tires are all season and are doing a fine job !

 

[NedF]

I live in BC and I have my fingers crossed hoping we don't even see any snow this year. I plan on retiring this October, so if I can make it through this winter on the Continentals I most likely will not need better All Seasons until these tires need replacing. My mechanic thew a set of Bravo H/T-770's on my SUV a few years back and I was very impressed with the traction (although it was an AWD) so I will probably get a set for the truck when needed.

I do keep a set of diamond snow chains in my truck just in case (I have had them for over 20 years, and they have never been used).

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