RWD Only in Snow

[hellohithere]

Does anyone have experience with a RWD Expedition in snow conditions? Considering a road trip to Denver in March with my RWD Expedition. It has Michelin Defender LTX M/S and tow package. Any experiences or insight are appreciated!

 

[stavesacre03]

I've lived in CO since 1993. I've also had LTX M/S tires on several of my vehicles. They are decent, but are certainly no match for snow tires. March is the snowiest month of the year in Denver but it's usually one or two big storms that happen in the spring. You could have 70 degree temps or you could have a blizzard. You might want to bring chains just to be safe. Also, be aware of the I-70 chain laws in case you travel to the mountains. https://www.codot.gov/travel/colorado-chain-law

 

[hellohithere]

I've lived in CO since 1993. I've also had LTX M/S tires on several of my vehicles. They are decent, but are certainly no match for snow tires. March is the snowiest month of the year in Denver but it's usually one or two big storms that happen in the spring. You could have 70 degree temps or you could have a blizzard. You might want to bring chains just to be safe. Also, be aware of the I-70 chain laws in case you travel to the mountains. https://www.codot.gov/travel/colorado-chain-law

Thank you for the link and advice! From your experience, would RWD with M/S tires and snow chains be sufficient or is it unusual and not recommended?

 

[stavesacre03]

I would say that plenty of people live year round in Denver with RWD and probably something less than good M/S tires like yours. You would probably be OK for your visit, and taking it slow and putting extra weight in the back would help in the event of a big storm. And with luck, you'll have great weather on your trip. Being prepared for anything is most important and it sounds like you are on it!

 

[scottdm]

I've messed around in the snow with my Nokian snow tires on in RWD before engaging 4Auto. You can get around, but you have to be more deliberate about starting off on a grade in snow with light throttle inputs. You also don't want to engage your rear locker if so equipped since both rear wheels will spin and the crown of the road will slide your rear end into the ditch.

 

[dlcorbett]

The expy I had was rwd and we had it in de where it would snow on occasion. I would have my wife drive it when it snowed and had it put it in snow mode. No issues. She even got a speeding ticket driving it in the snow(red light cam).

 

[JasonH]

I drove my RWD Expedition in Northern New Mexico in light snow. It performed well in New Mexico and in the Snow/Sleet we encountered in NW Texas on the way home. We have three peak AT tires on it. A dedicated snow tire would perform even better.

 

[lurch]

Are you going into the mountains or staying in the metro area? In town the weather is pretty mild most of the time with the occasional snowstorm, you should be fine just avoid driving on the day of a storm or buy chains if snow is forecasted and you need to drive every day. If you are going into the mountains buy a set of chains.

 

[Rob6805]

They make a RWD Expedition?

 

[hellohithere]

Are you going into the mountains or staying in the metro area? In town the weather is pretty mild most of the time with the occasional snowstorm, you should be fine just avoid driving on the day of a storm or buy chains if snow is forecasted and you need to drive every day. If you are going into the mountains buy a set of chains.

Planning to do Denver for a few days and the rest of the week in Vail. I'm looking at purchasing the "Security Chain Company SZ451 Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain" on Amazon. Does anyone have any experience with these or have any recommendations on snow chains that work well with the 22" OEM Expedition wheels?

 

[hellohithere]

They make a RWD Expedition?

Haha RWD is probably more common in the south! More than half of the Platinum Expeditions in Houston were only RWD when I was shopping and very rarely saw a 4WD with the tow package. I still regret not waiting for a 4WD Max with bench middle row.

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

With chains you can manage. The state police here ran the Vics (with chains) loooong after most other PDs stopped and we get a fair bit of snow on twisty country roads that often don't get plowed. Without, I wouldn't.

 

[Anerbe]

Haha RWD is probably more common in the south! More than half of the Platinum Expeditions in Houston were only RWD when I was shopping and very rarely saw a 4WD with the tow package. I still regret not waiting for a 4WD Max with bench middle row.

Lol that unicorn spec - platinum bench trailer tow

 

[hellohithere]

Lol that unicorn spec - platinum bench trailer tow

Is it really a unicorn spec? Makes sense now. I waited months searching for one of those every day and they were nowhere to be found within a three state radius.

 

[TX-EXPMAX]

Yep, I was in the same boat. I wanted a 4WD Max Platinum with Tow and bench seat. Couldn't find one in the timeframe I was looking either. The other half overruled me on the bench seat and i've got the captains chairs instead.

 

[GlennSullivan]

Does your 2WD Expy have limited slip or open differential? Limited slip makes a world of difference with 2WD vehicles in snow or mud. My 4x4 Tahoe has LS and goes fairly well in light to medium snow in 2WD mode, the 4x4 EXPY, which does not have limited slip does not like snow in 2WD mode.

 

[hellohithere]

Does your 2WD Expy have limited slip or open differential? Limited slip makes a world of difference with 2WD vehicles in snow or mud. My 4x4 Tahoe has LS and goes fairly well in light to medium snow in 2WD mode, the 4x4 EXPY, which does not have limited slip does not like snow in 2WD mode.

I'm not sure if I have a limited slip. I have the tow package but it doesn't mention anything about an LSD. I also don't have any kind of LSD button. Do you know how I could check?

 

[wakeboarder]

I'm not sure if I have a limited slip. I have the tow package but it doesn't mention anything about an LSD. I also don't have any kind of LSD button. Do you know how I could check?

I’m pretty sure the 2018’s and 2019’s are the same on this aspect. All 2019’s have the ELSD if they have the trailer tow package.

 

[JExpedition07]

I live on a Great Lake in the Northeast. I drive 99.99% of the year in 2WD including winter. Rarely use my 4WD. Same tires. You are fine lol. Had to use 4x4 Low once in the last 365 days to get through a 3 foot snow bank.

 

[mrhager]

Provided you are staying in denver you will be fine. If your are headed to the mountains watch the weather. Most heavier vehicles with good tires will do fine