Techniques for getting over the Mountain.

Ole container hauler probably crosses that pass 12+ times a week 52 weeks a year. Yea he just knows the road and conditions well enough.

Same with me. Chain up takes 15 minutes bust over the hill then 5-6 minutes to chain down. Set of singles on the rear drive lock the interaxle and front diff and rock over the hill. You just gotta know your rig and how to read the snow conditions. And like Mr @TripleSix said have momentum built up and keep her wound up. Ive seen the slow methodical types start to spin out in front of me going up the hill and I just check mirrors, change lanes, keep her wrapped up and motor on around. Heck pulled steven's pass (hwy 2) one morning at 5am last year when snoqualmie was closed barefoot when they had chains required and didnt even skip a beat. Jackwagon snow plows where plowing the traction off the road and turning it into a skating rink. 20* with a couple inches of nice powder snow to grab on and they where turning it into smooth compact snow. Idiots.

 

Stay at low RPM just make sure you have enough momentum to get over that hill or downshift. Hi RPM will get you spin

 

Found a decent How To video.

 

It would seem that others reverse what you do. Hi rpm is key. Low rpm spins.

 

Low rpm is the last thing you want to do when going up an icy grade.....especially with these new engines that kick out all their torque low in the rpm band. Unless i suppose you are trying to accelerate up the icy grade? More power to you if that's the case..


High rpm and steady as she goes....easy does it....be thankful once at the bottom again you didn't almost make your pants brown because you thought you may start sliding backwards uncontrollably....one of my biggest fears..

 

Experience. My cousin is coming up on 3 million miles. Routinely drives through WTF lake effect white outs from Pittsburgh to Buffalo. Goes 50+ in the worst conditions.
I think about 90% is feel, the other 10 is knowing your equipment.

 

A lot, too, is just plain good luck or bad luck being in effect any given day. But there is no denying, the faster you run on snow/ice, the more good luck you absolutely need, IN ADDITION TO lots of seasoned skills and senses.

 

I’ve found in my brief 6 years of truckin , high rpm’s work better when pulling a hill in the snow. Low rpm will make you spin.