Chains and AWD......

[mustanglover32]

So my adventure into the mountains last weekend didn't go exactly as planned. Long story short, due to some unforeseen circumstances, I had to pull over to the side of the road. The area I pulled over onto was relatively flat, but there was about 1- 1 1/2 feet of snow. This didn't really concern me because I had pulled off the side of the road several times already and didn't have any problems. My EX of course only has all-season tires that are M+S rated.
At this point I became stuck, and was not able to get my EX moving. I tried moving some of the snow from around the tires which helped a little. I was also able to get a single tire chain on the passenger rear tire, which also helped. Me being the idiot I am, got very close to getting my EX out, I was able to move about 2-3 feet front and back, but I gunned it and my tire chain flew off and I slid down into a ditch. In the end a CALTRANS guy had to pull me out. Suffice to say I was not happy with my AWD system (which proved all but useless in this situation) and my inexperience with getting vehicles out of the snow.
I have learned a few lessons, but I also have a few questions.

Questions about my EX:
Is my EX AWD in reverse also? (I only witnessed the rear tires spinning in R)
Once a wheel starts to slip, does all the power transfer to that spinning tire vs the other one?
Is the rear end posi trac or limited slip?
Is the power distribution split 50/50 front or something else?
Is there a situation with my AWD system where at least one of the front or one of the back tires should not be spinning? For example, would it be normal if in D there was only the rear tires spinning or a single rear tire spinning and neither of the front tires were spinning?
Concerning the use of tire chains with AWD vehicles, is it ok to use chains on the rear axle only or do you need to have chains on all 4 wheels?
Is the AWD for my EX even designed to work with chains on all 4 tires (in other words could it damage it somehow?)

Anyone have any helpful tips for getting your self unstuck from the snow?
Any tips aside from using a winch; which we all know is useless if you don't have a sturdy anchor point.

 

[Mbrooks420]

The AWD split is around 30-70 rear. It's AWD forward and in reverse. One front tire should always being spinning, the one with less traction. You should have a limited slip in the rear. They only recommend chains in the rear due to lower clearance in the front. If going slow enough to avoid chain slap I see no problem using them on all four tires, but wouldn't expect using just one to damage anything. Sounds like it's time for some more aggressive winter tires. The best way to get unstuck from snow,lacking another vehicle or self recovery gear, is with a shovel. I also have tracks that are metal, and unfold, that you stick under the tires. Very effective in snow.

 

[reserved50]

minimum chains on rear with good snows on all 4 (all 4 tires HAVE TO HAVE EQUAL wear and same tread and size) . Have your limited slip differential clutch packs in the rear rebuilt, there is a trick to rebuilding them "tighter" and restacking the clutch packs using more friction material, quiz a few driveline shops and you'll find some that know how to do this. I am assuming you have a 5.0 with AWD.

Im sure if you had people on either side of the truck at least one front tire was spinning also if they watched?

 

[mustanglover32]

Thanks for the replies; I will look into getting my differential rebuilt. I'm not sure if one of the tires on the other side was spinning or not; wish I had looked now. Yes I do have the 5.0 AWD.

I found this website that talked about the use of only one set of chains:
http://www.4x4abc.com/ML320/ml_chains.html

Found this little gem also, emergency tire chains, might get you unstuck if you can't get a full size tire chain on your tire:
http://tirechain.com/emergency_strap_on-suv-lighttruck.htm
Or throw a second set on your wheel so you have two.

Very informative, I also didn't know about automatic tire chains, but I do now:
http://www.onspot.com/
Here's the video: http://www.onspot.com/marketing_broadband_2.wvx

I guess my last question is about tire sizes. Everyone knows that skinny tires work better in the snow than wider tires, but what if I am going to put chains on regardless, would a wide set of chains be better than a skinny pair?

Also does any body have any tips pulling a travel trailer in the snow, despite my encounter last time, I am probably going to take it next time. Should I put chains on the trailer?

Thanks,
David

 

[Mbrooks420]

I don't think just chaining up the rear is a terrible idea. I don't know how much chain fling you can have before you start eating up your fender liners. Maybe a set of less aggressive cable style chains for the front. Most of the school buses here have the auto chain thing under them. I recommend the diamond pattern chain for deep hilly snow. How big is the travel trailer? Does it have brakes? I've never saw chains on a trailer, but have seen studded winter tires on a few

 

[Millertime1987]

How much tread is left on your tires? I ask cause a foot of snow is nothing for a vehicle with AWD. I would also recommend all terrain tires if not winter ones the more aggressive tread makes a world of difference.

 

[mustanglover32]

The travel trailer, or the one I am looking at upgrading to, is less than 25 feet long and should weigh less than 4K. So it will be on the smaller size, and will not have electric brakes. I'm just imagining me going down a hill, encountering a turn, trying to brake a little and the trailer swinging around on me. Maybe it won't if it's not a very steep turn, but I know that 18 wheelers put them on the back for a reason.

As far as my tires go, they suck; they were put on there 1 week before I bought it (so they are still fairly new.) The lady offered to replace them for free since they were bald. Problem is they are off brand and totally undersized for my Explorer. They are 235/75/16!!! The stock tire size on my EX is 265/75/16!!! They are all season but are not the tire to have in a winter environment. I know that skinny tires do better than wider tires in snow, but I think 235 is a little to skinny.

 

[HahnsB2]

Is the rear end posi trac or limited slip?

Posi and LS are 2 different words that mean the same thing...

 

[reserved50]

Check the door tag on the driver door jamb under AXLE? to make sure it has limited slip (its coded), if not a shop would also have to swap in a limited slip differential carrier for a little etxra $$. On mine I left it as it is (slightly worn), due to the fact it helps keep the rear from sliding out/over steering, but it also reduces traction if one rear tire breaks loose. Any AWD Exploder should have minimum one rear tire and one front tire rotating in the worst conditions, from the factory.
I would rather run chains on 4 worn summer tires than have 4 good snows, you can get any size tire you want but keep it the same height as stock/revolutions per mile to avoid altering the speedometer readout and fender clearance. Chains on the trailer doesnt sound like a bad idea to keep it from jack knifing I guess.

Bottom line is get chains for every tire, that would be the quickest and cheapest solution, unless you have some plan to run in 2feet deep snow

 

[mustanglover32]

I would have to agree also, four chains would be the best way to go, just to avoid any problems. Probably scope some out for the trailer also.

Thanks for answering all my questions again fellas.

V/R,
David

 

[CAHUNTERMAN]

Chains on a trailer will only help if the trailer has brakes, in fact they are required on trailers over a certain size while chain control is in effect here in CA. I wouldn't pull a 4k trailer in the snow without brakes and chains on the trailer!

 

[mustanglover32]

Chains on a trailer will only help if the trailer has brakes, in fact they are required on trailers over a certain size while chain control is in effect here in CA. I wouldn't pull a 4k trailer in the snow without brakes and chains on the trailer!

Thanks, that was the info I was looking for; looks like I'm in the market for an electric brake controller now. My wife is going to kill me when I show her the price tag for all the parts I need after I get my tax return back!

Oh, I believe, that the chains would help with lateral stability; keep it from swinging around on you, but you are correct brakes are better than no brakes!

 

[CAHUNTERMAN]

Yeah, I hear you on the cost of all the accessories and parts!! It can sure add up fast. If you want a good brake controller take a look at the Tekonsha Prodigy. I have had a number of controllers in my tow vehicles and this one is by far the best.