Need advise. Another winter driving question.

9th, gives you more control if you do spin. jmo

 

You'll have better traction at the lower RPM, however, you should try to run at the higher RPM so that if/when you break traction you just lift off the throttle a bit and you will get it back. If you are running at a low RPM and break traction you will have to downshift and that may cause traction/control issues that you won't have by just letting out the throttle. When approaching a hill, I find it's best to hit the hill at a higher RPM and then slowly release the throttle as you ascend the hill and this will prevent the tires from breaking loose. You do have to be familiar with the truck and it's capabilities AND be able to read the hill because you don't want to find that you need to downshift once the engine is down to 800RPM or so. If the hill is such that you will need to downshift you want to do it when the new gear will put you in the 1600 RPM range so you can let out the throttle a bit and prevent slippage right away, then continue to let the throttle out slowly as you climb as before. The key, whether climbing or flat is to read the road well ahead so you can slowly reduce RPM if necessary all the way to a lug, but know that if you don't have the power for it, downshift before getting to that point. I'm not sure I was able to articulate what I'm getting at, it's something that you need to experience then you will get the feel for it.

 

If you are comfy that's great, but what's the difference to your drives whether in 10th at 1000 or in 9th at 13-1400 (Depending on RPM difference between gears) if the speed is the same?

 

Really not much diffrence in RPMs in snow or dry....Take it easy,SLOW DOWN & dont make any sudden moves steering,shifting or braking...It will take twice as far to stop which you probably already know...

 

The difference is the power being applied to them and their propensity to breaking traction.

 

This doesn't relate to the question.

 

9th and go a little slower until you get out of the speed zone and can get back up to a faster speed.

 

It relates EXACTLY to the question. If you are going 45 MPH and the engine is running at an RPM that is producing 400HP and you cross a surface with slightly less grip, the engine will over power the drives and cause a break in traction and the wheels will spin. If OTOH, you are driving 45 MPH and the engine is running at an RPM that is only producing 250hp, when you cross a surface with slightly less grip, the engine may not be putting enough power to the drives to cause them to break loose so you maintain traction and therefore control.

 

And this is why I drive for myself. those big companies are idiots for not having these. The other thing the canadian drivers (well experienced snow, ice mountain drivers in my opinion) dont tell ya is that a lot of them use different tires in the winter vs summer but they have good sound advice. I have driven a lot up there too so I know the respect they deserve