AWD or bust? or Wiener?

I ran awd Astros my whole career except for this last year I went bigger and have rwd. I have lived in the NW most of my life and always had 4x4 or awd so driving with rwd isss.... not fun. Yes I even had snowtires.. (didn't notice a difference at all)
Last season wasn't bad and I got cable chains for the couple of days we had of snow and they work awesome!

Does anyone run no chains and rwd?

Should I just get a awd astro and just run it when it dumps?

Am I just being a wiener?

WIENER!!!  Just kidding. I am in the Northeast (Delaware, Maryland, PA). Always used full size Ford or Chevy RWD without chains. Haven't gotten stuck yet.... I thought it only rains in the Great Northwest.

You get used to what you have, be it a tool or a vehicle. You were used to AWD, so RWD would feel unsafe in comparison, but once you get used to the RWD, it will just feel normal. I have driven RWD since 1983 and have never had a problem...no chains either. Just carry plenty of weight over the real axle, use good tires with softer compound and good sipes/kerfs, brake early, and RELAX.

That last one is the one people struggle with the most.

There's no denying the performance of 4WD in the snow or ice. Nothing performs better. It just depends on how much snow and ice you get in the winter as to what your needs really are. I used to live in Alaska where the winters are long (4WD a real plus), and now I live in North Carolina where we get maybe a day or two (RWD makes more sense).
Look at how much work you do in good conditions and how much you do in bad conditions and make the best decision for you.

You already got 2 vans now Charlie?

I actually thought about sharing the same thing there sir. I started out using a retired ambulance for my business when it was a haz-mat company and it had those traction chains. Pretty slick system and worked really well, but during the dry times it often dragged on the cement and threw sparks everytwhere.

Might want to give Green Diamond tires a try for winter traction. I normally find that brand all over Colorado. They claim to be the best on ice.

Charlie

why not look into an AWD express?


both my truckmounts were RWD
the weight from fresh water tanks sure help[img][/img]

http://www.autosock.us/

http://greendiamondtire.com/

Wow all great suggestions!
Terry you found some cool stuff!
Joe Ive had two van since the end of my first month .. The Astro blew up so I had to get another van ASAP so I just got the Ford. I will be getting another engine in it looks like next summer.

The residential streets end up looking exactly like that video Dustin put up.. crazy. I have crazy hills here too.
I just realized that last year I didn't have my fresh water tank, diesel heater, etc set up yet. So all that extra weight should help. I did find a awd Express locally .. its out of my price range for now, though I will admit I want one bad! Those Green Diamond tires are very interesting, I have studded tires already for winter but those are going to be the next ones I get no doubt! I can't believe how inexpensive they are, looks like they take used tires and re mold them, and add the rock stuff, thats awesome!
I think Im just going to throw a cable chain on the rear wheel and call it good. I might change my mind tomorrow .. we will see

There is no substitute for AWD/4WD, and the peace of mind and confidence it gives you as you watch a big weather system heading your way.

All other ideas sound great until your azz is stuck...........Don't be a stuck weiner... 

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