1 = 2 for sufficiently stupid values of 2

[mellowtigger]

I learned in 2010 that "2-wheel drive" actually means "1-wheel drive". My pickup delivers power from the engine to only the back, right-side wheel. That limitation is why it handles poorly on slick roads and needs weight in the bed to help it gain traction with its 1 powered wheel.

That limitation is also why I try to get snow shoveled off of the driveway as fast as possible because after even 1 vehicle drives on fresh snow, it's compacted down to ice. That ice is not only difficult to remove (before thaw), but the ice also makes it difficult for me to get in/out of the short driveway with its uphill "curb" near the alley. The ice stays (usually) from November through March, so it's important to remove it quickly after it falls.

We've recently had several days of above-freezing weather. All of the plowed/shoveled areas were clear of any remaining snow. All of the snow banks were still there, of course. On Sunday, the Twin Cities area received anywhere from 6-18 inches of snow depending on which city you were in. I think we got about 7 inches here, although the wind spread it around from 1 to 12 inches deep.

I've finished shoveling, and the snow bank in the back patio area is now nearly back up to the roof again. I'm also done showering and dressing, so it's time to drive in to work (late).  Yes, we still have to work today, even on this national holiday.

Comments

question

[kroyd.livejournal.com]

I don't deal with such weather conditions, but I was just wondering if sprinkling gravel in the tire tracks would allow tires to grip the surface better.

Re: question

[litch.livejournal.com]

not really, the gravel tends to just get pushed deeper into the snow/ice until you get a smooth surface with gravel behind it

Re: question

[mellowtigger]

Yes, it works briefly, but it does eventually just work its way down below the surface where it helps.

[snousle.livejournal.com]

What you have is probably an open differential. Both wheels get torque under ordinary circumstances, but if one wheel slips the other one loses torque. It can be replaced with a "positrac" differential that will ensure that both wheels get torque, but it costs a bit.

[mellowtigger]

Hrmmm, good to know about. I won't be spending money to upgrade my truck, but it will be something to think about if/when I ever need another vehicle.

[pi3832.livejournal.com]

Better than a limited-slip differential ("Positraction" is trademarked) is a locking rear differential. Essentially you flip a switch and the rear differential locks, and you don't get that "one wheel spinning" thing. You can probably get an after-market version put on your truck.

The down side (in addition to the price) is that most of the time you really, really want the rear wheels to be able to rotate at different rates. Consider the relative circumference of two concentric circles. Then imagine the path your rear tires would take if you drove in a circle.

Anyway, also available these days is "Electronic Traction Control." It essentially uses the same technology as ABS to limit the difference in rpm from wheel to wheel. It is, in terms of buying a different vehicle, probably your best bet.

In the mean time, if you get stuck with just one wheel spinning, try putting your parking brake on a little. By adding some drag to the spinning wheel, you might be able to get the other wheel to move a little.

Better yet, move south. I'm about to get up and turn on my AC for a bit.

[mellowtigger]

Better yet, move south.

No need. Global warming is bringing the south up here rather sooner than expected, actually.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=climate-change-extends-allergy-season

[litch.livejournal.com]

one of the great dirty tricks is to dump a couple 5 gallon jugs of water on somone's unshoveled drive a few hours before they get up

[mellowtigger]

Ack!