Snow tips

[ColoGrizguy]

Hey GC!

I've been riding for about 10 years, this is my first Grizzly. I wanted to share my success in riding in snow, snow pack, and this may even apply to mud at times. However, we don't have a lot of mud holes and that sort of stuff in Colorado, so I'm not sure if this applies to mud or not.

Say you are out riding in the spring and there is about 3 - 4 feet of snow, but the trails have the ATV tire impression going down them. All winter, the trails were frozen, and the ATV is actually on top of a foot or so of frozen snow. Now, that snow is becoming thawed, and your quad can sink in it pretty easy. If you stay on the machine, it will just sink much faster, and your sitting on your belly and all 4 tires are spinning.

I have had success numerous times in snow getting off the ATV, standing in the 2 feet of snow, leave it in low, and just hit the gas and walk along side the machine, and it stays on top and just scoots along. If I get on the machine, and start to scoot along, it sinks. I'll do this until I get to a little better spot or sometimes off a slope, and then get back on and let 'er rip.

If you are finding you are stuck in even fresh snow, say 24'' or so, and able to move it back and forth a little, consider getting off and pushing it a little and you will be surprised how well they move with you off them. I've taken my Griz out 3 times so far this month, and every ride, I've had to do this, and its save me a ton of time.

Post up if you have tips in the snow as well. LOCKERS make a big difference for me as well in the snow.

[Gusman]

This is so true. Much easier to walk in the snow than dig it all day.

Great advice ColoGrizguy!

[10 point hunter]

Great tips, I usually have it in deep snow a couple times a year when I'm hunting. I also noticed as good as my ITP Mud Lites are the original Duns would work better to keep me above the snow instead of sinking with the more agressive ML. Thank you Mr.Warn. Ride Safe

[adu2001]

Good info.It's the same for mud and steep ditches.Getting off helps a lot,but then it's hard to keep up with the machine

[Yamabeast]

Good info. I know this, but it never pops into my head until I'm stuck. One thing I've learned about snow....Use the front dif locker to back out, not to get stuck.

[ColoGrizguy]

Originally Posted by Yamabeast

Good info. I know this, but it never pops into my head until I'm stuck. One thing I've learned about snow....Use the front dif locker to back out, not to get stuck.

I learned the hard way myself. Sometimes, you can get frustrated pretty quick and just floor it, and sink it. Better to just get off lol or lock it up, back out.

[cjr]

im only 15 but me and my grizzly 660 2002 i just hit the throutal and rock it side to side really hard and i always get through it i havent gotten stuck since i was 9 and im still going strong and if that dont work for u get some meater tires get the itp teracross or itp 589s

[blum]

First thing you do when riding snow is let the air out of your tires. Pull the cores out and when the air stops coming out put your foot on the tire and push. Then put the core back in. As far as walking beside your bike three years ago we broke a new trail down this ridge and found we could not get to where we thought we would, so we had to walk our bikes out in about three feet of snow for two and ahalf miles. Needless to say we were wore out by the time we got back to the top. It also helps to have wides all the way around, low clutch engagement, and throttle control.

[ColoGrizguy]

Originally Posted by blum

First thing you do when riding snow is let the air out of your tires. Pull the cores out and when the air stops coming out put your foot on the tire and push. Then put the core back in.

Excessive. I don't agree with crippling the machine, once you do those procedures, game over unless you have a pump. I've been in 4 feet of snow, and griz did fine and I didn't touch the air pressure. Put it in low, and be EASY on the throttle, man up, walk next to it. I've had mine crawl up 12+ inches and be on top of the snow that was 30+ inches deep. I jumped off mine and been up to my waist and it stays on top. 5lb a tire, not needed to drain it.

Best thing you can do is drink water and keep yourself under control. Being stuck is a challenge, its a mind game, don't fall for it and freak out. The mountains will win in that game, no debate.

[freebird1977]

Thanks for the tips. Hope I can remember them when needed.

[Niskibum]

Originally Posted by ColoGrizguy

Excessive. I don't agree with crippling the machine, once you do those procedures, game over unless you have a pump. I've been in 4 feet of snow, and griz did fine and I didn't touch the air pressure.

No offense ColoGrizguy, but Blum is right on this one. First off, snow conditions vary greatly, and change in a matter of hours. The 4 feet of snow you rode on top of yesterday may bury you today. Keeping that in mind, we ride at normal pressure (when we aren't on tracks) until we have to fight it too much, then we drop air. Dropping from 5lbs to 1lb is a night and day difference, dropping from 1lb to 1/2lb is night and day again. Pulling the cores, going to ambient air, then putting the cores back in will allow you to go places you will never touch with full tires. You also have to do it again as you gain elevation, as the pressure in your tires will change. Tire choice is also a huge factor, as some don't air down as well and are too agressive.

We always carry air pumps, summer and winter. If you have to patch a tire and you don't have a pump then it really is "game over".

[ColoGrizguy]

Originally Posted by Niskibum

No offense ColoGrizguy, but Blum is right on this one. First off, snow conditions vary greatly, and change in a matter of hours. The 4 feet of snow you rode on top of yesterday may bury you today.
We always carry air pumps, summer and winter. If you have to patch a tire and you don't have a pump then it really is "game over".

None taken!

Variables, always so many it seems. I don't have a pump yet, I've seen tons of them that plug into the 12V. I'm in the process of getting a cargo container and acquiring my supplies for it. A pump is on the lists, so is a tire repair kit!

I'll have that in my mind one day when I'm stuck in snow and not making progress, and I'll air down.

[Niskibum]

Thanks for taking that the right way ColoGrizguy, and having a great attitude.

I have found that all your really need for a repair kit is a pump, the little forked tool for putting plugs in, and a bunch of plugs. I have put as many as 8 plugs in one hole, and that tire kept going for a couple years before I upgraded. I have the Slime pump, it works well and comes in a nice case that protects it, but I also have a 5$ WallMarche special in the garage that has worked for about 5 years now that I don't have to dig out every time.

Give the airing down a try sometime and you will be amazed, but try to do it before you get stuck.