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2025 GMC Acadia ReviewSnow Wheeling
Tall suspensions and big tires help carry these off-roaders through snow-covered trails every year. Learn more about snow wheeling!Tall suspensions and big tires help carry these off-roaders through snow-covered trails every year. Learn more about snow wheeling!
What is Snow Wheeling?
When the snow hits, the roadways slow down and some people avoid driving altogether if they can. You’d think the same happens out on the four-wheeling trails, but there are some off-road enthusiasts that push their builds to take on the snow drifted path. Snow wheeling is where a group of highly modified 4×4 vehicles travel together over snow covered trails to enjoy the challenges winter brings. The low traction, deep snow, and somewhat uncertain terrain beneath the powder makes for an interesting and unique experience. Let’s get into what makes a great snow wheeler and what to know if you go out snow wheeling this winter.
How Do You Make a Snow Wheeler?
Ideal vehicles for snow wheeling are off-road focused, 4×4 trucks or SUVs. Some of the most common vehicles used for snow wheeling include the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Cherokee, Toyota Tacoma, and the Chevy K5 Blazer. You can choose whatever you like for your own snow wheeler, but just be sure you have these key components that’ll help you out on the snowy trails. You need easy access tow points, a 4×4 drivetrain, and your vehicle must be able to install a substantial lift kit for additional ground clearance and room for some big tires.
Speaking of big tires, snow wheelers typically utilize wideset 40-inch or taller snow tires with deep treads. These specialized tires help aid in traction and provide more height off the ground. The higher these vehicles sit, the easier it is to cruise through snow without plowing your own snow hill at the front bumper. It’s important to air down these big tires like you would while out rock climbing. A more rigid tire has a harder time grabbing traction and is much narrower which can lead to the vehicle more easily getting stuck. Aired down tires create more surface area on the ground and gets more of the tire tread against the ground so that it has more of a chance to gain traction in the snow.
Now, there are some that may install snow tracks at the expense of ride height too. These tank-like treads replace your typical wheel and tire set up and help transform the vehicle into a virtually unstoppable snow crawler. Tracks are practical, but part of the snow wheeling excitement comes from getting stuck and helping your fellow enthusiast out on the trail. So, most prefer the big tire setup as it takes more skill to conquer a snowy, off-road trail. Plus, it’s easier to transition to a more traditional off-road set up once the snow thaws in the spring.
Snow Wheeling is a Group Effort – Stay Safe
As I mentioned, you’re bound to get stuck while snow wheeling. It’s possible to even tip your vehicle with the uneven surfaces beneath deep snow drifts and while traveling up steep hills. This means it’s a necessity to go with a group and never alone. Individual snow wheelers can prove that their 4×4 is the best by conquering the trails with ease, but the real reward is keeping the group together and helping get everyone, even the lesser prepared vehicles, to the end of the excursion.
Groups going out snow wheeling should make sure to stock themselves with extra tools, shovels, traction boards, winches, tow straps, tree saver, satellite GPS, radios, flares, first aid kit, heated blankets, water, and some food. You need a lot of that equipment to get yourself or others pulled out of the snow when they get stuck or rolled, while the rest is for just in case the whole group gets into a tough situation and must hold out until they can get rescued.
You’ll also be spending a lot of time outside your vehicle while out snow wheeling, so dress appropriately. Warm coats, snow pants, snow boots, gloves, hat, and a scarf or face mask are a must. It also pays to be weather aware and plan accordingly with your snow wheeling group. You don’t want to wander off the route because of low visibility from blizzarding snow. Although, some adventure seekers go out of their way to camp in blizzard conditions with their overland rig. I, however, wouldn’t recommend it – especially if you’re just starting out.
Some Tips Before You Go Snow Wheeling
Whatever your 4×4 vehicle of choice happens to be, go out and enjoy a little snow wheeling this winter. While you’re out enjoying the winter nature, keep the trails themselves in mind as you push yourself over the snow-covered path. You should be mindful of where you’re driving and try to stay as close to the trail as possible. Be respectful of the local wildlife that may be about. These animals may not be used to vehicles or people – so keep your distance, stay in your vehicle, and don’t go trying to get a selfie.
Keep yourself in 4-Low and at a steady speed. Don’t resort to full power plowing through the trail as this could have you sliding at a bend in the path, tipping from an unforeseen incline, or burying yourself into a deep snow drift. Spinning the wheels isn’t going to get you anywhere if you get stuck either, so use your equipment and the other vehicles that are with you to your advantage. Being towed out is nothing to be ashamed of. Better to get the help than to dig yourself further into a hole.
Most importantly, stay safe and have fun with your group of off-road enthusiasts out there. Keep in mind that this hobby isn’t a race to the finish, it’s a team-building effort between friends and machines as you all take on mother nature. If you want some inspiration on what vehicles might be best for snow, check out our other articles on the Best 2024 Cars for Snow and The Best Used SUVs for Winter Under $30,000. We’ve also got an article that covered the ultimate snow wheelers out there – Arctic Trucks.
