OMG: Took my truck ice skiing - almost rolled, died
Coming down South Park Canyon in Death Valley two days ago, I turned a left corner and whoosh, I was suddenly no longer on dirt trails: my FJC was having it's first experience of ice skating. About a 20ft length section of tight and steep downhill was covered with very hard and surprisingly uniform ice. I'd entered at angle, and this angle worsened despite turning aggressively in to the slide. Eventually, the vehicle came to rest wedged between the canyon wall (back) and a stand of trees (front). The trees prevented a roughly 6-8ft drop. "Fight or flight" had not drained when I first tried to back out of the stuck. In low, low reverse, I tried to back out, but looked back forlorn at my tire spinning happily on the ice. "Ah, heck" - it would have been a bad 10 mile hike for help. Hadn't seen anyone else on the trail all day. As my hormones drained and higher brain function returned, it finally occurred to me that my truck had full rear AND front locking diffs. "Wonder if that would help?" Sure enough, 27-point turn later and the nose was headed back down hill. Small additional slide on the remaining ice and then back to driving on dirt again. That's the longest out-of-control slide I've had and the closest I've come to fearing rolling. Phew.
The dreaded "ice hill of death" in South Park Canyon:
Re: OMG: Took my truck ice skiing - almost rolled, died
In a semi-related story I once got stuck in a 4X2 Dodge pick up with a Hemi on level ice covering a left turn lane on a busy road. Talk about emabarassing, at least I wasn't blocking traffic, all I needed was a six inch tug to get going. Too much torque and wide street tires was a recipe for disaster. I even had limitted slip in the rear end. Talk about lame. I am glad that will never happen again with the FJ!
Re: OMG: Took my truck ice skiing - almost rolled, died
Hello Mir;
Thanks for the story, it was like a mini thriller! I am glad you're OK though and came out of this smelling like a "rose". I would like to know a little bit more on the theory behind why front and rear locking diffs are able to get you out of this sticky situation.
No, I am not being sarcastic, I am asking a genuine question: If I understand it correctly, the locking diffs will allow both tires on an axle to spin in unison (while de-activating A-Trac). If so, how does locking a diff allow for more traction when all 4 wheels are on ice?
Please remember that I ask because I am 1) new to off-roading, 2) only have rear locking diff (weirdo me ), and 3) have locked my rear diff only once with no noticeable difference in traction (on a rutted steep uphill).
Re: OMG: Took my truck ice skiing - almost rolled, died
Glad you're okay Mir. Ice sucks.
I carry chains just because of where I live and have to chain up regularly go get home. Your story makes it doubly worthwhile to me as the road is unseasonably icy this year. I think we've only been above freezing here at the house once in the past month. Can't imagine there's much call for chains in your parts though.
Re: OMG: Took my truck ice skiing - almost rolled, died
Quote:
GoISU previously said:
In a semi-related story I once got stuck in a 4X2 Dodge pick up with a Hemi on level ice covering a left turn lane on a busy road. Talk about emabarassing, at least I wasn't blocking traffic, all I needed was a six inch tug to get going. Too much torque and wide street tires was a recipe for disaster. I even had limitted slip in the rear end. Talk about lame. I am glad that will never happen again with the FJ!
Take those Bull "things" off the D$$%e and hang them on the FJ.
), and 3) have locked my rear diff only once with no noticeable difference in traction (on a rutted steep uphill).
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