How to Drive a 2WD Truck in Winter

In our modern era, we have front-wheel-drive pickups (and AWD trucks) like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. For the sake of this article, I’ll limit things to RWD and 4WD.

According to the folks over at Car and Driver, a RWD truck will often be lighter and more fuel-efficient than a pickup with 4WD. Additionally, you’ll likely shell out less cash because these vehicles are seen as less capable and, ultimately, less desirable. And although I can’t claim to tow on a daily basis, these trucks often come with better towing capacity.

Understanding RWD Challenges in Winter

RWD trucks have the engine's weight at the front, with power delivered to the rear wheels. This setup can lead to reduced traction on slippery surfaces, making them more prone to fishtailing or losing control compared to front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) pickups. Despite these challenges, with proper preparation and cautious driving, you can navigate winter roads safely.

In the case of my 2015 Colorado, I added 240 pounds of sandbags from Home Depot to handle winter 2024. And for the most part, I faced little issue, even when driving on icy roads. Places like Home Depot, ACE Hardware, and your local hardware shop will probably sell you a 60-pound sandbag for less than $6 USD.

How Can You Prepare a Truck to Drive in Snow?

• Add Weight to the Rear: One effective way to improve traction is by adding weight to the rear of the truck. This can be done by placing sandbags, cinder blocks, or bags of dirt in the truck bed. The added weight helps the rear tires grip the road better, reducing the risk of spinning out.

• Invest in Winter Tires: Winter tires are crucial for RWD vehicles in snowy conditions. They are made from a softer rubber compound and have deeper treads, which provide a better grip on snow and ice. You may also need to use tire chains in some regions, so it's important to check local regulations. While in my home base of Kansas City, winter tires might not make sense, getting these specialized set of shoes is probably worth it in a place like Minnesota or Colorado.

How Do You Drive a Truck in Snow?

• Practice in Safe Environments: Before venturing onto busy roads, practice driving your RWD truck in a safe, open area like an empty parking lot. This helps you become familiar with how your vehicle handles in snow and ice, allowing you to practice maneuvers like turning and stopping safely.

• Drive Slowly and Steadily: Reduce your speed to give yourself more time to react to slippery conditions. Accelerate gradually to avoid losing traction, and approach turns and intersections with caution.

• Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Increase your following distance to six to ten seconds to give yourself ample time to stop. This is especially important because stopping distances are longer on icy roads. The last thing you want is an embarrassing skid into an intersection, or worse, wrecking your truck or fellow travelers.

• Brake Gently: Avoid slamming on the brakes. Instead, brake gently and early to prevent skidding. If you start to slide, steer into the skid and gently accelerate to regain control. Growing up in rural Kansas, my dad gracefully taught me this skill and it is certainly worth learning.

Staying Calm and Prepared

• Stay Calm: Keeping a calm demeanor is crucial. Panic can lead to overcorrection and loss of control. If you feel the truck starting to slide, remain calm and make smooth, controlled adjustments to the steering and pedals.

• Avoid Aggressive Maneuvers: Sudden movements, such as sharp turns or rapid acceleration, can cause the rear wheels to lose grip. Drive smoothly and avoid making abrupt changes in direction.

Additional Considerations

• Check the Weather and Plan Ahead: Before setting out, check the weather forecast and road conditions. If conditions are severe, consider delaying your trip until roads are safer.

• Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for winter driving. This includes checking the brakes, ensuring the windshield wipers are functional, and keeping the windshield washer fluid topped up. I recommend adding special washer fluid engineered to handle freezing temperatures to ensure your windshield stays clear. 

• Monitor Tire Pressure: As temperatures change, so can your truck's tire pressure. You'll want to check the PSI at least once every two weeks depending on weather. Inflation does tend to drop in cold weather, so be sure you consult with your owner's manual on where your tire pressure should be in winter.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, no matter what you are behind the wheel of, always drive the road conditions. Despite what some may say, I have first-hand experience driving many RWD vehicles in the snow, including my daily Colorado 6MT. 

While in many cases 4WD is the ideal drivetrain to have in a truck, with proper preparation and driving skills, rear-wheel-drive can do just fine in winter. But remember that you might have to take some extra steps to get to where you are going safely.