So I have a 2000 Ford Ranger V6 3.0L with 2WD and an auto tranny. I am taking a trip up to the mountain to go snowboarding and this is my first time driving this truck, or any rear wheel drive vehicle into the snow. What should I watch out for and how can I assist the truck in getting more traction and being safer? I've heard that small pick-ups like this are horrible in snow, has anyone had any experiences or can give any tips at all? Thanks

Put some weight in the back over the axle about 400 pounds will be good

pack a shovel with u

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now, probably a stupid question, but where do i get 400 pounds? I've heard of sandbags and using the snow that's there. where can i get sandbags, or do you have a better alternative?

Lol I have a 2wd Sonoma, it still goes great in the snow. Like STL said pack a shovel and get some sand bags in the back. You also might want to get chains if you are going to get off the beaten track. Drive slow, brake gradually, don't tailgate. Pump the brakes if you are sliding on the ice, even with abs you'll slide on ice. Oh and gradual acceleration, or you just spin and we all laugh at you lol

Also take an orange safety vest in case you have to get out of the vehicle. The better people can see you the safer you'll be.

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97 Ranger - 4.0 V6 auto, 4wd, 31x10.5x15s Wild Country XTX Sport All Terrains, Warn locking hubs, Pioneer deck with iPod attachment, Snugtop Topper, K&N filter, scan gauge II, Hella 500 Lights, More parts coming, waiting for the paycheck to get bigger!

Truck built in loving memory of Norm Howard
Outcast Racing
PNW Crew!!!
Afterhours Clan!!

Home Depot, Lowes, your local Ace, any place that sells hardware generally. You can get the sand for kids sand boxs. Usually comes in a tube. Or yes you can use snow, I've done that but I don't think its as effective as sand, plus you can pour some of the sand out to get a little extra traction if you need to.

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97 Ranger - 4.0 V6 auto, 4wd, 31x10.5x15s Wild Country XTX Sport All Terrains, Warn locking hubs, Pioneer deck with iPod attachment, Snugtop Topper, K&N filter, scan gauge II, Hella 500 Lights, More parts coming, waiting for the paycheck to get bigger!

Truck built in loving memory of Norm Howard
Outcast Racing
PNW Crew!!!
Afterhours Clan!!

Sandbags or blocks can be found at hardware stores... I used sandbags my first year in the snow but haven't since... I've also always had 4wd so no advice.. sorry... pack chains though...

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2008 XLT 4x4 - GRABBER ORANGE - 4.0 V6 - 5 spd
PNW CREW

anything. got a buddy with some firewood or cinder blocks. its really does help too dude... But mostly put your focus on your driving.... maybe using 2 hands instead of one...and increase your breaking distance....
My old 2wd truck was horrible and scary in the snow...but its possible.. member tp pump your brakes, never lock em up, or youll keep snowboarding in your truck until you hit something! lol

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98 XLT 3.0 4x4
4.10's
K&N Intake
Smoked Altezza tails
2" T-Bar Crank
03 headlights/grill
3" Body Lift
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3840375
Jэʀsэy ʀᴧɴɢэʀ сʀэW

Go slow and take your time.

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'86 Ford Ranger Super Cab 4x4
2.9 V-6
6in Suspension lift
500 watt JL audio amp
Rockford Fosgate 10" sub
Kenwood kdcx492 head unit
New Holland Red

ya dude don't do it unless you have weight in the bed. you might as well pay 60 bucks or so for sand or something than killing yourself... im serious to. good luck and hope you make it to your beautiful skiing resort.

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2003 FX4 Off Road- 4.0L V6
fav. mod- cab clearance lights
-torsion bars maxed-

May seem like common sense but don't use cruise control cause if you hit a patch of ice it won't be fun. 2x the distance between you and other vehicles. Drive cautiously and you'll be fine!

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2008 F-150 Supercrew Lariat 4x4, 5.4L.
2007 Ranger Supercab FX4, 4.0L, Accident mod done in December, 2012, totalled.
1998 Ranger Reg. Cab, 3.Slow. Sold, then totalled.

You can buy bags of salt too but some people dont like salt because if the bag rips the salt can eat up tour bed pretty quick

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1993 Ford Ranger XLT, 4.0, auto, 4x4
No mods yet...

x1000000000000

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1996 Ford Ranger STX 4x4 4.0L
1983 Honda Shadow VT750C

My 2wd drives fine in the snow but sucks on ice. I usually put about 250 LB in the bed near the tailgate. I use work-out weights, just because its convenient.

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[FONT="Fixedsys"]2001 Ford Ranger Edge
Nerf Bars
12" JL W1
JL V2 Slash class D amp
Kenwood Head Unit
Cobra CB Radio/ W PA
Cobra Radar Detector (Cord hidden
in the roof)
HID Headlights + LED Eyebrows
And of course my NRA sticker and CSA Battle Flag
5% Window Tint[/FONT]

Thanks guys for all the replies. I really appreciate. I've driven in the snow plenty of times, but only with 4WD and never needing chains so its great to know all of this stuff.

One more question though, I went to Wal-mart to buy some chains, figured they had them cheapest, and they had my tire size 225/70R15 on both "Passenger Chains" and "Truck Chains". So I was unsure which one to buy. the Passenger chains were $35 and the truck chains were $60. Same brand and everything. What's the difference? Is the Ranger light enough to just use passenger chains because it says it fits my tire size. Sorry for the noob question, I live and CA and just never have the need for chains.

Definantly bring the shovel and added weight, but you also will want the chains just in case. I would get some road flares and a bright shirt or something to tie to your antenna if stuck in a potentially harmful spot. And dont forget to check the pressure on your spare tire and all the appropriate tools needed for changing the tire, along with a little bit of food and water in case your stuck overnight (Its not fun). And dont forget a fully charged cell phone!