Driving on the ice... 4wd or not?

[JasonUpstate]

Being that my blazer's 4WD currently aint working I'm wondering if it would be silly to take her on the ice? I've never driven on the ice before... What do you think? Do you find that you need 4wd when on the ice?

[archbishop]

im sure if theres snow pack and enough weight in the back youd be ok but make sure other fishermen are around to push just in case

[Basshuntah]

4wd is pretty handy when you hit those soft spots out there, stuff that looks hard can be like a 4ft drift, easy to bog down in, but it ain't necessary.

[ice fishNH]

I found out today - as long as you have a packed trail to ride on you don't need 4wd.  I drove my ford windstar van out about a mile on Newfound Lake today and didn't have a problem (other than the van not starting when it was time to leave - but that is another story).  My buddy also drove out his GMC Jimmy 4wd, and drove all over the place in 2wd without a problem (about 6" of snow on ice).  I wouldn't have drove the van out though without the security of having a 4wd vehicle along to help in case I did get stuck.

[rob-s]

 i used to drive my car on the ice all the time, sideways @ 40 mph
 depends on the ice/snow conditions on the lake.
 also the vehicle,  some trucks get stuck on a banana peel.
  got chainz?

[Chucker]

Took my Scooby out on George yesterday.  AWD wasn't needed out there, but was handy popping through the stuff at the edge to get back off.

[Polar]

4WD is not important as long as your on a main trail thats packed.If you get yourself in a situation that you need 4WD and don't have it your SOL.Make sure you have a radio and a cell phone.

[cohcycles]

ice fishNH where were you on Newfound? I was near pikes point today and yesterday and all I caught were some cusk. Did you go on the ice near where the tournament board was? I had to use 4wd to get out because of a snowdrift at the bottom of a ramp.

[ice fishNH]

cohocycles - we went on out at the Hebron Town beach.  I was a bit skeptical about going out in the van, but as I was sitting in the lot waiting for a buddy to show up I saw about a half dozen cars going out on the ice, so I figured I would be fine.  Never spun once, and was able to get back off the ice with no problem as the path was relatively flat getting off and well packed. 

[PERCH_INC.]

You need 4WD if there is snow on the ice!!     

[archbishop]

depends on the snow and how much weight in the back of the vehicle 

[stumper]

definetly depends on the vehicle.my jeep laredo gets around in 2wd great.


stump

[TJG]

Feel free to add to this:

Shovel - to dig out of the snow
sandbag - weight and to get traction, under your tires
carpet - also in case you get down to sheer ice
tow rope or chain - to be pulled out
jumper cables, spare fan/surpanten belt, tools, tape
spare oil and antifreeze, flares, air horn & whistle, flash light
coffee can with waterproof matches and candles, rope,
heat blanket, food, water, warm clothing, compass, map.

[archbishop]

and a big flask for when all that fails

[fozsey]

Feel free to add to this:

Shovel - to dig out of the snow
sandbag - weight and to get traction, under your tires
carpet - also in case you get down to sheer ice
tow rope or chain - to be pulled out
jumper cables, spare fan/surpanten belt, tools, tape
spare oil and antifreeze, flares, air horn & whistle, flash light
coffee can with waterproof matches and candles, rope,
heat blanket, food, water, warm clothing, compass, map.

1/2 Gallon of Wild Turkey or other approiate beverage (beer freezes) 
Camera to take pictures of your buddy after the Wild Turkey is gone

[stumper]

(beer freezes)


only if you dont drink it fast enough.and then you can warm it in the coffee can to thaw it.



stump