Snow wheeling the big heavy 80

[Apounder]

So I run with a lot of Toyota trucks, tacomas, and old runners, so for snow duty in an 80 the question is will my heavy weight be a crippling factor in the 2-3 feet of snow we often look for up in the high elevation of Washington state? I have done some snow work with the truck but nothing much, normally ride with a friend in a pickup, what I did notice when I took the cruiser up some less severe snow 6-14inches, was that it LOVES to slide sideways near any slight off camber, and in this state that means off the side of a mountain! So I guess my question is, does the landcruiser have a disadvantage because of its weight, or was the snow I had it in just a poor make up and I should not worry about going up in the deep stuff with the lightweights?

 

[bwakeling]

I found 37's in deep snow makes a world of difference. I tend to just break through and grab the bottom and plow through. We get A LOT of snow in the mountains around Alberta.

 

[retrofive]

Weight for sure. The wet snow we get here the cruiser likes to just sink in. Last few times I dropped the tires to 12 and that wasn't enough. Ended up going down to 8. Some tires like to do the side slide more than others as well. We will try to blaze trail as far as possible, but most days the 80's in the group end up with 4 chains on. (2-3ft of snow type depth)

 

[Apounder]

I found 37's in deep snow makes a world of difference. I tend to just break through and grab the bottom and plow through. We get A LOT of snow in the mountains around Alberta.

I'm curious to the similarity of our snow down here, I see so much snow wheeling in Canada and it always looks more grippy! Haha

 

[Apounder]

Weight for sure. The wet snow we get here the cruiser likes to just sink in. Last few times I dropped the tires to 12 and that wasn't enough. Ended up going down to 8. Some tires like to do the side slide more than others as well. We will try to blaze trail as far as possible, but most days the 80's in the group end up with 4 chains on. (2-3ft of snow type depth)

Thanks for the input! That's what I was afraid of.. Needing chains.. My hope is that being on 40s is enough to make up for the weight but maybe I will need a set of 42iroks for the deep stuff! So with chains in assuming no airing down?

 

[retrofive]

Thanks for the input! That's what I was afraid of.. Needing chains.. My hope is that being on 40s is enough to make up for the weight but maybe I will need a set of 42iroks for the deep stuff! So with chains in assuming no airing down?

No we are already aired down and once to the point of needing chains we just slap them on.

 

[retrofive]

For fun (my buddy's 80. Almost same build as mine)

 

[retrofive]

35's, J lift.

 

[IanB]

For fun (my buddy's 80. Almost same build as mine)
View attachment 1157529 View attachment 1157530

Your buddy is into geocaching it would appear? Damn that's a lot of snow!

 

[retrofive]

Your buddy is into geocaching it would appear? Damn that's a lot of snow!

Yes. He is @TOY350 here on 'mud

 

[Apounder]

Now that's the kind of snow im talking about!!! Dig it! Idk how I'd find chains for 40s haha

 

[LandCruisinMy93]

@Apounder I too run 40's. Haven't had the chance to run in deep snow, only 12-16". I just air mine down to 4-6 psi and it floats quite well. I have noticed I get more side slide in off camber sand conditions OP. Our overall weight isn't so much the problem as is the fact cruisers are tall in stock form and any off camber exacerbates our top heavy tendencies.

 

[jcardona1]

Now that's the kind of snow im talking about!!! Dig it! Idk how I'd find chains for 40s haha

These guys carry chains for all tires sizes I believe Snow Tire Chains - TireChains.com

 

[scottryana]

Back in Idaho we would just cut down semi chains.

 

[danthman114]

snow plow?

 

[retrofive]

snow plow?

Nah......

 

[Apounder]

These guys carry chains for all tires sizes I believe Snow Tire Chains - TireChains.com

Thank you sir!

 

[Apounder]

@Apounder I too run 40's. Haven't had the chance to run in deep snow, only 12-16". I just air mine down to 4-6 psi and it floats quite well. I have noticed I get more side slide in off camber sand conditions OP. Our overall weight isn't so much the problem as is the fact cruisers are tall in stock form and any off camber exacerbates our top heavy tendencies.

Have you ran the Toyos that low without beadlocks? I've only gone to 9

 

[beachboyy]

This thread is exactly what I have been wondering. Bought my cruiser in the spring after the snow and built it in the spring. Snow is just now starting to fall here in central Oregon and that means its time it get out and fine some snow wheeling!! Being so heavy I am just wondering how its gonna go.

I also had the same question on how low I can air down with my 37x12.5 on a 8" wide wheel. I am not currently running bead locks.

For fun (my buddy's 80. Almost same build as mine)
View attachment 1157529 View attachment 1157530

This pic makes me excited!!

 

[AMMO]

If your going to run chains get the ladder V bars...

I have a bunch of pics someplace...

Truth be told the 80 is a heavy gal, she will sink no matter what so you may as well accept it and go for sheer digging / paddle power in deep snow.

Otherwise no matter what you will sink to your frame in the cascade concrete. I've gone down to 3- 5 lbs with dual Beadlocks.

-A