Newbie to RWD and Ice/Snow, any suggestions??

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Overdrive

True, too.

I really don't think 50 lbs or less is going to upset the car that much (it's basically like carrying your kid in the back seat), but I do get your point, TCoat. There's a limit to everything.

No it would be like carrying your kid in the trunk. The effect of the extra weigh gets amplified as you move further back. Especially if it is behind the wheels.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Overdrive

While that's actually pretty great, this is pretty much begging for an obligatory YMMV. For every one of you, there's another dozen people who find a way to get stuck.

Oh of course! I stopped and helped push two AWDs out of my way just a couple of weeks ago. I am just saying that these things are a tank in the snow. Odds are if you are going to get stuck having that extra weight in the back isn't going to prevent it anyway so why risk the balance on the wet, icy, slippery roads for a marginal improvement in traction in the deep snow? Which conditions do most drive in the majority of the winter anyway?

[phrosty]

Was not recommending adding weight, just carrying a shovel. I bring a foldable e-tool with me just in case. So far in the ~4.5yr of owning the car I've not been stuck either. Only used the shovel once to help dig out an SUV who's AWD all-seasons didn't save him

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by phrosty

Was not recommending adding weight, just carrying a shovel. I bring a foldable e-tool with me just in case. So far in the ~4.5yr of owning the car I've not been stuck either. Only used the shovel once to help dig out an SUV who's AWD all-seasons didn't save him

I know you weren't! The weight part was form the prior comments. I have a shovel as well but it is still in it's wrapper.

[Overdrive]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

No it would be like carrying your kid in the trunk. The effect of the extra weigh gets amplified as you move further back. Especially if it is behind the wheels.

The weight movement is only the thickness of the back seat cushion if you place it as far forward in the trunk as it can go. Again, ain't much.

Or drop the seats and lay it on that.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Overdrive

The weight movement is only the thickness of the back seat cushion if you place it as far forward in the trunk as it can go. Again, ain't much.

Or drop the seats and lay it on that.

Or simply don't carry weight around for a minuscule improvement in traction for the 5% of driving time it is needed.

Although 50 pounds isn't likely to throw the balance off by much more either really.

Not a big fan of the idea of large unsecured objects sitting behind me at any point really.

[Overdrive]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Not a big fan of the idea of large unsecured objects sitting behind me at any point really.

Agreed. Hence, trunk lol. It's by no means a requirement, as we know the car can crawl along just fine with just snow tires, but I don't think it's something someone can't do for fear of some wild pendulous effect like having a few hundred pounds of engine behind your axle (a la 911) would get you.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Overdrive

Agreed. Hence, trunk lol. It's by no means a requirement, as we know the car can crawl along just fine with just snow tires, but I don't think it's something someone can't do for fear of some wild pendulous effect like having a few hundred pounds of engine behind your axle (a la 911) would get you.

Listening to some of the guys talk about driving in the snow on here I think they need to maintain as much control as they can get.

[flyboy]

My reason for keeping the wheels in the car is because, I do not have a corner (space) to store the tires. Maybe I can store two tires, but will have to check. I don't live in the same city as my car, that why. But was no reason to add weight. I think car is pretty well balanced, wouldn't need weight specially if you have dedicated winter tires. But as you all mentioned a fold-able shovel wouldn't be a bad idea. I guess I will find a spot to keep the tires for the time being. Thanks for the feedback

[rkaywhodat]

I personally would just pay the $50 or whatever dollars to the dealership or any place that stores winter tires. Having my car not smell like rubber to me alone is worth the small expense and the safety and convenience of having more room is even more of a reason to do it.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[Overdrive]

Originally Posted by flyboy

My reason for keeping the wheels in the car is because, I do not have a corner (space) to store the tires. Maybe I can store two tires, but will have to check. I don't live in the same city as my car, that why. But was no reason to add weight. I think car is pretty well balanced, wouldn't need weight specially if you have dedicated winter tires. But as you all mentioned a fold-able shovel wouldn't be a bad idea. I guess I will find a spot to keep the tires for the time being. Thanks for the feedback

Why not rent a small storage unit, bring a few cardboard boxes with you, and place the tires on top of those so they're off the ground? It should be pretty inexpensive.

Also, unless you really don't have any space at all for storage, you could look into one of those wall mounted tire racks from....Tire Rack

[flyboy]

Ill look into it. Thanks overdrive.

[Overdrive]

Here's my stock wheels and tires in my basement. I'm sure if you had even something as small as a 3x5 storage space, you'll have plenty of room to store the wheels in two stacks.

[flyboy]

Thanks overdrive, I did find a small storage space in the place where I stay for few days when I am in the city. I will be moving the tires there and as you showed in the pictures, I had the same idea, wrap it up in trash bags (the tire shop wrapped it up good in strong plastic too).

I guess the box is to keep the moisture away between ground and tires. Thanks for sharing.