Super VXer
I've had Nokian Vaativa's on mine for the past two years, 40,000 miles and look brank new. We had a rare 18 inches of snow in the Vancouver/Portland area last winter and the tires were awesome! I had absolutely no issues with snow or ice, could go anywhere I wanted to. I'll definately stick with them.
Super VXer
I find the VX has a very archaic ABS system and it doesn't stop at all well in low traction conditions. I remember the first weekend i had the VX it snowed alot and i litterally skidded across a pedestrian crossing at about 3 mph !!! thankfully the pedestrian didnt walk out!
Speed Thrills, Boredom Kills!!
Super VXer
It is more about the driver than the tire. Snow ghets packed when driven on and it creates heat. This melts the snow which then refreezes and trns to ice. No matter what tires you have you will slide on ice.
Super VXer
My suggestion would be:
1. add 3" lift
2. 33x12.50 AT tires (severe weather rated) on rims with 'offset from hell'
Even MTs would be OK but really only for deep snow.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Put a smiley after you say that Bub.
Super VXer
Tires technology improved dramatically the last 15/20 years & becomed more reliable with better designs & safety.
And because of those facts drivers feels more confident in challenging nature where it concerns speed/traction & grip over different weather conditions but sometimes we forgets that as every human-made product it has its limitations which we continuosly refrain to respect that border.
Common sense is the best tool against icy roads because snow always have the upper hand in the game no matter how well your tires can perform out there.
Dakar was just the begining.
Super VXer
Originally Posted by tom4bren
My suggestion would be:
1. add 3" lift
2. 33x12.50 AT tires (severe weather rated) on rims with 'offset from hell'
Even MTs would be OK but really only for deep snow.
Not trying to be a smart ***, but how would a 3" lift help in the snow/ice?
Super VXer
You can go through deeper snow......
Super VXer
Squeeze in 33x12.50's without a lift & you can drive in str8 lines real good ... not much else.
I was just trying to get him to think 'big picture'.
Super VXer
^
I'll second that comment!
It really is more about the experience of the driver in bad snow / ice conditions than the tires, IMHO.
Driving home 200 miles in a blizzard when I first got the Dragon, there were no traction problems, even at freeway speeds in feet of powder.
I did, however, manage to spin it a few times when pushing it hard on snowy / icy roads when pushing the limits of good sense and testing the VX's capabilities.
From my experience, the short wheelbase really is not our friend in these conditions.
In general, no sharp turns and no hard braking.
Of the two, my Dragon was more forgiving with hard braking as opposed to sharp turns in the worst case scenarios.
That being said, I really like the Nitto Terra's I have, but you should be fine with just about any quality M/T tire out there. Just remember you can get any vehicle squirrley if you are not paying attention and in too much of a hurry on the bad days.....
Best,
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
I have a Sith sense....I see Darth people...
Super VXer
The only time I have slid in my VX is when trying to stop going down hill. Twice I complete slid into the intersection. I don't know if my driving skills had anything to do with it. It was like the instant I touched the brake pedal, I was floating. Even when going only 25mph or so, on the downgrade, there ain't nuthin' to stop you.
Now, flat land snow driving is different. I definitely think traction and driving skills are important.
In general, I think a wider stance with a higher center of gravity is going to help reduce sliding, especially with meaty tires. I can't wait to see how the Trooper does this winter.
Bart
Super VXer
"In general, I think a wider stance with a higher center of gravity is going to help reduce sliding, especially with meaty tires."
FINALLY ... the 'offset from hell' is justified
Super VXer
Having grown up in that area of NC and visited my family there many, many, many times since, I feel some level of obligation to state the obvious - just take vacation when it snows, because it'll only cost you a day or two once every few years. As others have said, it's just as likely that a lack of snow driving experience was the culprit. That's no knock against you - I have no idea what I'm doing either, and there's no way I could ever have as much experience as people who've been driving in it every winter for years. I just try not to drive unless I have to, or as was the case when I was on a business trip to Lake Tahoe last winter, let a co-worker from Ohio do it.
Maybe saying that means I need to turn in my man card, but until I find enormous amounts of free time, plentiful snow, and a large open parking lot (none of which occur naturally in my area) to practice, I figure it's better to be safe than sorry.
Super VXer
Ya hafta remember too that there are different kinds of snow.
hardpack isn't too bad
slushy isn't too bad
wet snow on cold ground is BAAAD
snow & ice together = stay home
Super VXer
smart man... if you dont know how to do it... DONT...
its all about practicing with your car and knowing what it can and cant do
very very very very true
"Do Not Seek Praise. Seek Criticism."
"If You Can't Solve A Problem, It's Because You're Playing By The Rules."
"The Perosn Who Doesn't Make Mistakes Is Unlikely To Make Anything."
-Paul Arden
Super VXer
and my tire worries are hoping they do not melt I am from PA and spent several years in VT as well. It was VT where I purchased the VX and can vouch for its abilities. I am in the newspaper biz and several times I had to go out and assist peope working for me delivering papers when we had 2 feet of snow overnight.
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