Snow Driving

[Azusateach]

Before I begin, let me preface my question with this: I’m a So. CA kid and have VERY limited experience driving in snow, so please be kind. ?

My niece is getting married on February 27 in Yosemite at the Valley Chapel. While I’ve been to the Valley dozens of times I’ve never gone during the middle of the winter. I have a 2023 OBX and am aware of the various GOAT modes, but I know I’m going to have to carry cables as well. The Valley is just over 3000’, but getting into it requires climbing to close to 6000’, and we could hit a bit of snow.

What do I need to know about using the GOAT mode and cables, and what kind of cables would you all recommend?

Thanks for your help!

Thanks!

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[Mark S.]

Your owner's manual includes the following regarding snow chains:

 

[Tigger]

I understand your concern as you are not used to driving in snow but I would not be overly concerned. First, this vehicle is great in snow and as someone who drives in a lot of snow, I’ve never taken it out of normal mode. Just slowdown if you feel a bit nervous and you’ll be fine. Second, I’d highly recommend no cables/chains (edit: ignore as many have said cables are required) as it sounds like you will be on well-traveled roads. If concerned, you could get tires with better snow traction but that’d be too much for this one trip (and honestly, I drive in feet of snow here with the regular tires). Lastly, I will say that driving in snow is something most of us learned even before we got a license. That is, our parents did it and we asked questions, etc. Thus, it might be a good idea to watch some instructional videos. It might show you something that you’ve never thought about.

 

[cprcubed]

I would check the weather and road conditions before (and during your trip). I'm assuming you normally take Hwy 41 through Oakhurst and Wawona? Hwy 140 through Merced/Mariposa/El Portal will not have quite the elevation change, but will also be a bit longer. I've always had good luck with this particular type/brand of chain (various 2wd vehicles): Peerless | Super Z6®
Spent 28 years driving in the Tehachapi mountains at 4100 ft elevation. Cheers!

 

[Wotan]

I would check the weather and road conditions before (and during your trip). I'm assuming you normally take Hwy 41 through Oakhurst and Wawona? Hwy 140 through Merced/Mariposa/El Portal will not have quite the elevation change, but will also be a bit longer. I've always had good luck with this particular type/brand of chain (various 2wd vehicles): Peerless | Super Z6®
Spent 28 years driving in the Tehachapi mountains at 4100 ft elevation. Cheers!

Before I begin, let me preface my question with this: I’m a So. CA kid and have VERY limited experience driving in snow, so please be kind. ?

My niece is getting married on February 27 in Yosemite at the Valley Chapel. While I’ve been to the Valley dozens of times I’ve never gone during the middle of the winter. I have a 2023 OBX and am aware of the various GOAT modes, but I know I’m going to have to carry cables as well. The Valley is just over 3000’, but getting into it requires climbing to close to 6000’, and we could hit a bit of snow.

What do I need to know about using the GOAT mode and cables, and what kind of cables would you all recommend?

Thanks for your help!

Thanks!

Here are the cables I bought for my Bronco Sport:

https://www.etrailer.com/Tire-Chains/Titan-Chain/TC729DC.html

As you probable know you required to carry chains or cables into Yosemite during the Winter.
Make sure you order the correct size for your tires. You will need cables for all four tires that means buying two sets. Also put them on at home so you will know how to do it in case you need them. I prefer to use HWY 140 to enter Yosemite in Winter. I am going to Yosemite in early March. I hope you have taken advantage of the special offer to Yosemite Lodge or the Ahwahnee.

https://www.travelyosemite.com/special-offers/specials-packages/lodging/

 

[Azusateach]

Wotan, you say to use 2 sets, but the owner’s manual says to put them on the front only. Is this a requirement of getting into Yosemite, and is there somewhere that I can confirm it?

I don’t intend to use them if I don’t have to and will return them if they don’t get used. I can count on maybe 3 fingers the number of times I’ve driven in the snow in my 50+ years of driving and don’t anticipate having to do it again. ? As I mentioned, the ONLY reason I’m going to Yosemite in February is that my niece is getting married. But it’s a bucket list trip to visit the Valley in the winter so I’m taking advantage of the wedding by staying an extra day. And yes, we’ve got a nice deal staying at Yosemite Lodge.

 

[Wotan]

Wotan, you say to use 2 sets, but the owner’s manual says to put them on the front only. Is this a requirement of getting into Yosemite, and is there somewhere that I can confirm it?

I don’t intend to use them if I don’t have to and will return them if they don’t get used. I can count on maybe 3 fingers the number of times I’ve driven in the snow in my 50+ years of driving and don’t anticipate having to do it again. ? As I mentioned, the ONLY reason I’m going to Yosemite in February is that my niece is getting married. But it’s a bucket list trip to visit the Valley in the winter so I’m taking advantage of the wedding by staying an extra day. And yes, we’ve got a nice deal staying at Yosemite Lodge.

If the owners manual says the front, the go by that. I went by the video that on the link for the cables. I have been in snow a lot over the years and have the cables for both my Bronco Sport and GMC Sierra. I wonder if one can just rent cables for one trip to meet your needs.

 

[Mark S.]

The owner's manual prohibits use of chains/cables if your Bronco Sport is fitted with 235/65R17 tires.

 

[CrashBend]

Before I begin, let me preface my question with this: I’m a So. CA kid and have VERY limited experience driving in snow, so please be kind. ?

My niece is getting married on February 27 in Yosemite at the Valley Chapel. While I’ve been to the Valley dozens of times I’ve never gone during the middle of the winter. I have a 2023 OBX and am aware of the various GOAT modes, but I know I’m going to have to carry cables as well. The Valley is just over 3000’, but getting into it requires climbing to close to 6000’, and we could hit a bit of snow.

What do I need to know about using the GOAT mode and cables, and what kind of cables would you all recommend?

Thanks for your help!

Thanks!

Here is an alternative you might consider.

 

[TryingHard]

Before I begin, let me preface my question with this: I’m a So. CA kid and have VERY limited experience driving in snow, so please be kind. ?

My niece is getting married on February 27 in Yosemite at the Valley Chapel. While I’ve been to the Valley dozens of times I’ve never gone during the middle of the winter. I have a 2023 OBX and am aware of the various GOAT modes, but I know I’m going to have to carry cables as well. The Valley is just over 3000’, but getting into it requires climbing to close to 6000’, and we could hit a bit of snow.

What do I need to know about using the GOAT mode and cables, and what kind of cables would you all recommend?

Thanks for your help!

Thanks!

Before I begin, let me preface my question with this: I’m a So. CA kid and have VERY limited experience driving in snow, so please be kind. ?

My niece is getting married on February 27 in Yosemite at the Valley Chapel. While I’ve been to the Valley dozens of times I’ve never gone during the middle of the winter. I have a 2023 OBX and am aware of the various GOAT modes, but I know I’m going to have to carry cables as well. The Valley is just over 3000’, but getting into it requires climbing to close to 6000’, and we could hit a bit of snow.

What do I need to know about using the GOAT mode and cables, and what kind of cables would you all recommend?

Thanks for your help!

Thanks!

Hi there. I live in Winnipeg Canada and we can get a lot of snow here and cold temperatures down to - 40'C. This is my first winter with my Bronco Sport Outer Banks but I would put it in slippery mode and don't mistake it for an 4x4. It's not. Drive to conditions and always be prepared and you should be just fine.

 

[Azusateach]

The owner's manual prohibits use of chains/cables if your Bronco Sport is fitted with 235/65R17 tires.

Thanks. I should be fine. Went to the local auto shop and it appears that I can buy them and return them if I don’t use them.

 

[Mark S.]

Thanks. I should be fine. Went to the local auto shop and it appears that I can buy them and return them if I don’t use them.

I was mainly responding to @Wotan who appears to own a Badlands. Many Badlands came with the larger tires from the factory.

 

[Mwittke5857]

I've driven through an honest 2+ feet of snow thus far in Western NY this year in my BB without needing chains or cables (?) Normal mode works just fine for me. Then again, I bought tires specifically for this condition as well as the various muddy trails and wash-outs I venture through in the spring and fall months. I wouldn't be overly concerned in your situation (i.e. paved/traveled roads) with a decent all season tire.

 

[Mark S.]

I've driven through an honest 2+ feet of snow thus far in Western NY this year in my BB without needing chains or cables (?) Normal mode works just fine for me.

Did almost the entire Tennessee Off-Roadeo in Normal mode. It's wicked smaht.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

I’m with @Tigger and @Mwittke5857 with what goat to use. I just leave it in normal and drive appropriately. No fast starts or stops. If you have a heavy foot, you can use slippery mode which reduces throttle input significantly. I’m not a fan but then my wife seems to think I’m a control freak anyways so there’s always that. I would also recommend the 140 route into Yosemite.

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