stuck in snow

nemoaz said:
I'm not seeing a tow strap in here and that is the FIRST thing I put in my truck and van. Maybe they think the average idiot citizen isn't capable.

I'm new to the Michigan UP, but locals here have recommended a grate or kitty litter for traction.

The rest of the list looks like good stuff.
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Most people don't even know where to hook up to. I know this guy who has a mustang got stuck, some other guy came to help, guess where did they hooked up the strap? They hooked up to the tie rod, you can see where this is going.
 
I was waiting for fog light or front spoiler. But the tie rod gets a pretty good :) also.
 
x39: Glad to see that someone has good taste ;)

as for the tow strap, I think that goes without saying (along with tyre-chains and snow shovel).
Now, if you really don't want to get stuck in the snow, get yourself an old WV Beetle...


-jontok
 
"get yourself an old WV Beetle..."

That's no joke! When I lived in Idaho, my 1970 super beetle was the best winter car. Of course a tow chain, coleman stove and shovel were always in the trunk. I never carried water in winter because with the coleman it was too easy to melt a pot of snow.
 
No joke. Bugs and busses go like gangbusters in the snow due to their weight being all in the rear over the drive axles. But earlier FWD were excellent also, 80s model hatchbacks like the Escort or Rabbit. Newer FWD's often have more balance. Better for handling, but worse for snow.
 
All great advice. White out conditions are very serious. Just getting out of the car/truck to walk to the back and you can get lost. Keep a decent length of rope/twine in the cabin so you can tie it to the door handle and your self. That way if you have to leave the vehicle to get something from the trunk or check the tires etc.... you will not loose connection to the vehicle. People have been found dead just a few feet from their cars.
 
Talking with an old Yooper last night. He's spent all his life either here or in Alaska. Thinks this area has mild weather.

His first comment about us non-Yooper idiots attempting to drive in the snow was that a large portion of the wrecks are caused by people cleaning off about 12 inches of windshield then trying to drive.

So.... don't forget a good snow scraper.
 
chickenrunner said:
You've been more fortunate than me. A good method of testing the tolerance level of a plastic bottle is to fill it with water. Wrap it in a solid plastic bag and place it in your freezer for several days to make sure it's absolutely frozen solid. If it's not broken in any way, you've found your bottle.
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I'm not trying to be smart with you, but I have left plenty of regular, from the store, bottled waters in my truck during freezing temps and I have yet had one burst. They will flex when they freeze, but that is about it.
 
nemoaz said:
His first comment about us non-Yooper idiots attempting to drive in the snow was that a large portion of the wrecks are caused by people cleaning off about 12 inches of windshield then trying to drive. .
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AARRGGGH! Don't even get me started on the people who do that! Having spent the overwhelming majority of my life in states that get significant snow fall, this is one of my pet peaves. In my view, the penalty for not properly clearing the windshield of your vehicle should be on par with that for drunk driving.
 
how about going to work when its obvious that the city is running for the record fender-bender morning rush? I feel bad for Calgary EMS every time we get snow. you'd think that people that live with snow would know either how to drive or stay home. my fave is watching 4X4s run down the median thinking that they will be able to turn and go back up the ditch to the road..... before the concrete partition..... oops, sliding further down the slope, can still make it..... and there goes the chrome. one down, several thousand to go.
 
I feel we should separate between standard equipment for an arctic environment and survival equipment to be used if you're unfortunate enough to be caught in a blizzard while crossing a Norwegian mountain pass.
Standard equipment, that any thinking driver should have in his trunk, in addition to a tool box, spare tire, tire iron, starting cables, rope, first aid kit, extra gas, etc. include the following:
snow spade
a couple of ice scrapers
a snow brush
snow chains
a solid bag filled with coarse sand or even better, gravel.
With this equipment, you should be able to handle most situations. If you're planning on crossing a mountain pass in January, then add my survival box.
 
I keep a packed Bergen in the boot of my car, anyway, & in winter, I iusually chuck a big, thick waterproof Timberland jacket in there (Im gonna add a sleeping bag!).
I carry one of those folding E-tools but again in winter, often chuck a snow shovel with a cut down handle & a bag of grit in there, too.
 
I'd say pack a cold weather sleeping-bag or bag-combo(you can choose a low-end one which are insulated enough but generally pretty heavy but that's not a problem since it is stored in your car, surplus USGI combo would fit that role perfectly), and maybe candles, or stove, some food... Add stuff like some books, candy, maybe music, that may help ease the wait particularly if waiting with anxious persons. With enough insulation you can last almost indefinitly.
Then, once the worst part is behind you, stuff for signaling and getting away.
 
bladeNUT82 said:
Hello,
The other day, my wife to be, asked me what would i do if we got stuck in a whiteout and the car didn't work, say we ran out of gas in the middle of a bad snow storm. Being that we live in Michigan, and its almost winter time, I have been thinking about this question myself. So I was wondering, what you would do?
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honk the horn untill someone comes or call 911
 
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