WINTER DRIVING

[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 ?

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[MM Mav]

@Fcarl You don't need or want weight in the bed given the hybrid, which your profile indicates you have, is FWD.

 

[Master Blaster]

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 ?

Weight in the bed is a trick to improve traction on RWD trucks, not the Mav. Even AWD is FWD until the computer detects slipping and engages the back axles. FWD is much more capable on snow and ice that RWD or 4WD.

 

[AlsMaverick]

Weight in the bed is a trick to improve traction on RWD trucks, not the Mav. Even AWD is FWD until the computer detects slipping and engages the back axles. FWD is much more capable on snow and ice that RWD or 4WD.

AWD uses front and rear driving when accelerating from a stop. When in slippery mode it uses front and rear drive ANYTIME you accelerate.

 

[Junglejim]

Don't add weight!! Invest in a second set of rims & good winters (if you have room) before coming back to AB. The Continentals aren't good, worst case swap out the rubber. We got a big dump this past week. Try using slippery mode as well.

 

[jasonojordan]

As others have touched on.

Weight in the bed is only for RWD trucks. The Mav is not one. FWD will work better in the winter conditions then RWD. Some quality winter tires if you have the space are best case scenario for the truck.

 

[James K]

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 ?

Those who added that FWD doesn't need weight in the rear are mostly correct. With RWD vehicles there is a traction improvement. However, a well balanced vehicle is better handling in dry or slippery conditions but the improvement would hardly justify the effort. Tires are the magic pill for winter driving. Funny story here. Back in 1978 I bought a Ford Fiesta and couldn't wait for winter figuring I'd be the hero of the road. Well, Ford put 70K Michelons on that car which were as hard as rocks. It was and still is the scariest winter car I ever drove. On the other hand, I had a 1976 BMW 2002 with near perfect balance and the same tires. That car scored above reasonable for winter driving (though it was RWD and a bit heavier). I eventually got snows for the Fiesta and it was night and day. So for the last 40 years it has been snow tires for me in the winter and I only worry about the people on the road who don't have snows.

 

[SLINGSHOT]

The main ingredient for safe winter driving is a rectal craniotomy (pull your head out of your ass).
Try putting you cell phone there instead.

NAH. Talk with one hand, drive with the other and HAMMER DOWN.

 

[AlpineKid74]

The main ingredient for safe winter driving is a rectal craniotomy (pull your head out of your ass).
Try putting you cell phone there instead.

NAH. Talk with one hand, drive with the other and HAMMER DOWN.

YES, put the phone down.
Turn the headlights on, that means turn the headlight switch to ON, not auto.
Let other drivers know where you are.
If the headlights are not on, then the taillights are not on.
I want to see you as I am gaining on you in the snow storm.
And stay in your own lane.
Know your road, be it 2-lane or expressway.

 

[Meeka]

As others have touched on.

Weight in the bed is only for RWD trucks. The Mav is not one. FWD will work better in the winter conditions then RWD. Some quality winter tires if you have the space are best case scenario for the truck.

Disagree, weight over the 2 rear wheels in fwd, awd, and rwd will help in cornering in snowy conditions. Wife’s Honda is fwd and she insists on some weight in back cause it does help.

 

[AlpineKid74]

Disagree, weight over the 2 rear wheels in fwd, awd, and rwd will help in cornering in snowy conditions. Wife’s Honda is fwd and she insists on some weight in back cause it does help.

80# over the rear axle helps in my Grand Caravan believe it or not.

 

[oysterville]

Drive like your brakes suck and like everyone around you is a toddler.

 

[jasonojordan]

Disagree, weight over the 2 rear wheels in fwd, awd, and rwd will help in cornering in snowy conditions. Wife’s Honda is fwd and she insists on some weight in back cause it does help.

If the rear of the car is really light and likes to slide around then sure maybe. But does not help with braking/traction.

 

[Camdak]

Drive like your brakes suck and like everyone around you is a toddler.

Well said! A pick up is lighter in the back so why would an AWD, FWD, or RWD not benefit from a little extra weight above rear ‘axle’? Helped me for many years.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

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 ?

FWIW, the HV battery in the Maverick Hybrid is a fraction of the size & weight of a full electric vehicle battery, probably something like 60 or 70 times smaller.

Your FWD truck should do fine in snow, assuming you have purchased tires suitable for the task. The stock Continentals basically suck.

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