Freshman in 2015

[WeedKillinCat]

If you don't get a block heater, at least have a great battery, tune the engine up and use synthetic engine oil. I have used Mobil 1 and Rotella T-6 in my rigs for quite a while. It will make it easier to crank it over.

[Cat Grad]

If you don't get a block heater, at least have a great battery, tune the engine up and use synthetic engine oil. I have used Mobil 1 and Rotella T-6 in my rigs for quite a while. It will make it easier to crank it over.

+1000

[TIrwin24]

I wouldn't necessarily say that 4x4 isn't required. There were many times that conditions warranted the use of 4 wheel drive while I was in Bozeman, especially if you're wanting to go to Big Sky or Bridger Bowl.

If you're wanting a guaranteed good vehicle for the environment, get a Toyota SUV or Truck, you can't go wrong

[Cat Grad]

I wouldn't necessarily say that 4x4 isn't required. There were many times that conditions warranted the use of 4 wheel drive while I was in Bozeman, especially if you're wanting to go to Big Sky or Bridger Bowl.

If you're wanting a guaranteed good vehicle for the environment, get a Toyota SUV or Truck, you can't go wrong

Buy a U.S. government owned company...

[LongTimeCatFan]

Hate to admit it, but you can't beat a Subaru Outback on ice, and I drive a 3/4 ton diesel 4x4

[TIrwin24]

I had a '96 4Runner and that thing was and still is one of my favorite vehicles. Handled the snow like a champ and was an offroad beast.

I calculate that I drove the trip between Bozeman and Bellingham, WA in that car somewhere around 20 times during my time living in Montana and never had an incident.

[Cat Grad]

I had a '96 4Runner and that thing was and still is one of my favorite vehicles. Handled the snow like a champ and was an offroad beast.

I calculate that I drove the trip between Bozeman and Bellingham, WA in that car somewhere around 20 times during my time living in Montana and never had an incident.

Just out of curiosity. I have a son who is kind of into snowboarding and I've told him in a couple of years when he's done with what I'd call a bunny hill, Big Mountain, compared to Bridger Bowl, how would you rate the areas between Leavenworth and Oak Harbor? The Highway 20 road? I usually spend a few weeks out there during the steelhead and salmon runs visiting my retired squid relatives but it'd be worth it this time of year as he's already getting like I used to be complaining about how long the time is on the lift lines.

[TIrwin24]

I had a '96 4Runner and that thing was and still is one of my favorite vehicles. Handled the snow like a champ and was an offroad beast.

I calculate that I drove the trip between Bozeman and Bellingham, WA in that car somewhere around 20 times during my time living in Montana and never had an incident.

Just out of curiosity. I have a son who is kind of into snowboarding and I've told him in a couple of years when he's done with what I'd call a bunny hill, Big Mountain, compared to Bridger Bowl, how would you rate the areas between Leavenworth and Oak Harbor? The Highway 20 road? I usually spend a few weeks out there during the steelhead and salmon runs visiting my retired squid relatives but it'd be worth it this time of year as he's already getting like I used to be complaining about how long the time is on the lift lines.

I grew up skiing at Steven's Pass (30 miles from Leavenworth), Mt. Baker (1 hour from Bellingham), Whistler (3 hours north of Bellingham) and Sun Peaks (5 hours north of Bellingham).

The best bang for your buck would be Mt. Baker in my opinion. Lots of back country terrain but unfortunately the snow here just doesn't compare to anything in Montana.

Steven's Pass is a good time and they offer night skiing, plus being so close to Leavenworth, a tourist weekend is always a fun time there. I was just in Leavenworth this last weekend and the amounts of snowfall that they're getting right now is pretty substantial.

If you can make it, Whistler or Sun Peaks comes at the top of my recommendation list. If you're wanting more of a family environment, huge amounts of skiing area and super dry snow, go to Sun Peaks. In my opinion it is the best skiing you can get in the Pacific Northwest and there's nobody there (they all go to Whistler instead).

[Cat Grad]

I had a '96 4Runner and that thing was and still is one of my favorite vehicles. Handled the snow like a champ and was an offroad beast.

I calculate that I drove the trip between Bozeman and Bellingham, WA in that car somewhere around 20 times during my time living in Montana and never had an incident.

Just out of curiosity. I have a son who is kind of into snowboarding and I've told him in a couple of years when he's done with what I'd call a bunny hill, Big Mountain, compared to Bridger Bowl, how would you rate the areas between Leavenworth and Oak Harbor? The Highway 20 road? I usually spend a few weeks out there during the steelhead and salmon runs visiting my retired squid relatives but it'd be worth it this time of year as he's already getting like I used to be complaining about how long the time is on the lift lines.

I grew up skiing at Steven's Pass (30 miles from Leavenworth), Mt. Baker (1 hour from Bellingham), Whistler (3 hours north of Bellingham) and Sun Peaks (5 hours north of Bellingham).

The best bang for your buck would be Mt. Baker in my opinion. Lots of back country terrain but unfortunately the snow here just doesn't compare to anything in Montana.

Steven's Pass is a good time and they offer night skiing, plus being so close to Leavenworth, a tourist weekend is always a fun time there. I was just in Leavenworth this last weekend and the amounts of snowfall that they're getting right now is pretty substantial.

If you can make it, Whistler or Sun Peaks comes at the top of my recommendation list. If you're wanting more of a family environment, huge amounts of skiing area and super dry snow, go to Sun Peaks. In my opinion it is the best skiing you can get in the Pacific Northwest and there's nobody there (they all go to Whistler instead).

Hey, thanks for the advice. I really enjoy the drive over Stevens unless I'm pulling my trailer and then I feel like all I'm doing is riding the brakes. I like Leavenworth as it reminds me of a larger version of Helen, Georgia.

As I belong to 1000 Trails Campgrounds, we usually stay in Mt. Vernon and drive to Oak Harbor. There's a lot to be said about living in a state without a state income tax...

[TIrwin24]

There's a lot to be said about living in a state without a state income tax...

Amen brotha.

[BigBruceBaker]

I had a '96 4Runner and that thing was and still is one of my favorite vehicles. Handled the snow like a champ and was an offroad beast.

I calculate that I drove the trip between Bozeman and Bellingham, WA in that car somewhere around 20 times during my time living in Montana and never had an incident.

Hippie


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bobcat99]

The biggest investment that I did for myself while in Bozeman was to gain my Montana residency.

It saved me huge amounts of money on college tuition (I paid for myself), and it was relatively easy to do. Definitely look into it.

Having the ability to opt out of sales tax in other states is pretty nice as well.

Another cost saving move would be to register and license your son's vehicle in Montana. If you get a used Tahoe or Yukon at CarMax for instance, over 11 years old you get permanent license plates. Plus, as TIrwin pointed out, you avoid your state sales tax. Several of my neighbors fly to St Louis or Dallas for their new vehicles rather than put up with local dealers. One less thing to worry about while your kid is off in school miles away. My own experience having had kids in school all the way from Moscow, Idaho to Charleston, SC and Statesboro, GA at the same time the little things wore me out worrying about. Still a pain getting proof of insurance in their glove compartment.

The oldest I still have to follow up on continually fixing his screw ups and he's almost 44 (I think). Still acts like he's 25 and still thinks he knows everything and the third one is obviously going to be my professional student bouncing back and forth from school to school. College of Charleston and Baylor are expensive and you're getting a very inexpensive education for your son.

So, just for the peace of mind from a parental aspect and even though he may wind up with one of our "big city" Montana kids as a roommate, I'd still get him outfitted for farm and ranch lifestyles as MSU is a land grant school. There's a pretty good chance he will have a ranch kid as a roommate. I've got cousins who go back and forth rodeoing still but for the most part, just get the extra stuff, throw it in the back of the rig and if they never use it, okay.

You really are delusional. I was one of those Montana kids that came from a farm, and I never had the majority of the stuff you're listing. Also, there aren't that many farm and ranch kids at MSU. There's a lot of hippies taking horticulture to learn how to grow weed organically, but not too many farm and ranch kids anymore. The chances of this kid getting one as a roommate are pretty slim, tbh.

And don't get him outfitted for the farm and ranch lifestyle if he doesn't enjoy it, or doesn't want that lifestyle. The kids who actually enjoy that lifestyle? They'll notice if it's all for show, and that really won't be doing the kid any favors.

[wbtfg]

This has turned in to a really strange thread.

[grizzh8r]

My son will be entering MSU next Fall. He's received an academic scholarship and when he visited, loved the University. We are from Texas and not used to a cold environment. Besides new clothes, what else would he need to survive? I've been told we need an engine block heater. Any tips/advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

I agree with most of what is posted here, but will add my 2 cents worth - pardon my longwindedness!

The advent of modern fuel injection systems mean block heaters are not as necessary on today's newer vehicles. That said, block heaters are a good investment and do make engine starting easier by increasing the internal temperature of engine components. This is important, as most engine wear occurs at startup when all of the oil has drained back down into the sump. At subzero temperatures, oil is more viscous and can act more like honey than oil, which delays the travel of oil to critical engine components (camshafts, lifters, valve guides and crank bearings). However, most new vehicles now use lower viscosity oils (5W and even some 0W) as standard oils, which has made this less of a problem.

In my opinion, unless his vehicle is carburated, uses 10W or 15W oil or perhaps is an older diesel pickup (pre-2002 or so), he shouldn't need a block heater. One thing you can do is make sure his battery is at or above the Cold Cranking Amp rating of the factory-recommended battery, and make sure it is relatively new - most auto parts stores will test them for free. This will ensure his engine should start no matter how cold it is outside. One thing he can do is start his vehicle well in advance of driving it anywhere and let the engine oil warm up a bit and get everything lubricated. This is just good practice for anyone, let alone warm-weather imports!

In Montana, we can get snow storms as early as the middle of October, and spring squalls as late as the middle of April. Unlike most of the rest of the state that gets chinook winds (adiabatic compression heating http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinook_wind) that either blow the snow away or melt it off, Bozeman is a relatively wind-free locale and snow sticks around most of the winter, so sidestreets commonly stay snowpacked or icy for days on end until a path gets beaten down or the sun burns through to the pavement and drys it up. Considering he'll be here most of that time, good tires can make all the difference in winter driving conditions. I would advise against just getting all-season tires - get good snow tires. The are specifically built out of softer rubber compounds and are siped to grip snow and ice better at colder temperatures. Treadwear in the summer is compromised as a result, but many people just buy an extra set of steel rims for their winter tires and switch them out. Studded snow tires can help with winter traction even more, but if he's going to be driving back to Texas in May, they're probably not a good idea. FYI, studs are allowed in Montana from October 15th thru May 15th. Run studded tires anytime in between May and October and you're likely get pulled over. Police and Highway Patrolmen have good ears and if they hear studs, they will pull you over and ticket you.

As far as vehicles are concerned, AWD or 4WD vehicles can make winter driving much easier, but you can get by with a 2WD vehicle, again provided you have good tires. FWD's work OK, as they are pulling the vehicle and leaving a track for the rear tires to follow. RWD vehicles are a bit of a different story, as they push you through and the non-powered front tires can be a hindrance to forward momentum. They can also fishtail much easier, especially those with light rear ends (like full-sized long bed pickup trucks). People with experience driving them in winter conditions can get around fine, but I would advise against it for your son. The best winter car I've ever driven was a 2000 Subaru Impreza Outback Sportwagon. The combination of the manual transmission, true symmetrical AWD, and Hankook iPike snow tires made that thing almost unstoppable. The only drawback was the limited ground clearance to get over drifts, either natural or snowplow made ones. Of course, given enough speed, you can blast through them, if you know what's on the other side.

A few things that are good to have in the vehicle for winter driving, regardless of vehicle type:

Lightweight, collapsible square-nose shovel - handy for digging out if you get stuck or high-centered on a drift
Bag of Kitty litter or sand - again, helpful for traction under a stuck vehicle. Also helpful in larger quantities as added weight in RWD vehicles (pickups)
Nylon tow strap - get the braided kind with steel hooks. These stretch slightly when pulled taut and act like a rubber band, which is easier on you, both vehicles, and can slingshot the stuck vehicle out, provided another motorist stops to help.

Lifesavers:

A medium sized duffel bag with a set of winter clothes (snowpants & coat or snowsuit), pair of snow boots, insulated gloves/mittens, winter hat and a wool blanket - if you get stuck wearing slacks and tennis shoes and have to dig out, this stuff comes in handy. Also you might have to hike a ways to find help. In the event of being stranded, you stand a much better chance of survival. This stuff doesn't have to be new, just warm and functional. Buy when you get to Bozeman. Between the Goodwill, Salvation Army, Play it Again Sports, Second Wind Sports, etc. you should be able to outfit him with everything (including the duffel) for $50 or so.

Not only are these items good to have if you're stuck, but if you run into someone else who is stuck, you may be able to help them out.

Winter Driving Tips:

Slow down, increase following distance, prepare to stop sooner than normal - pretty simple, though it can frustrate other drivers with more winter driving experience and better equipped vehicles (like me - I admit it I get winter driving road rage all the time, but then again I'm in a 4WD pickup with studded snows all the way around...)

Don't drive in overdrive or use cruise - no matter the vehicle, overdrive causes the driven tires to freewheel and if on slick roads, there's increased risk of spinning out. Cruise will exacerbate this condition and take your attention off the road if you have to turn it off while your tires are busy spinning out. Especially dangerous in RWD vehicles, again due to the likelihood of fishtailing.

If you come upon a drift at lower speeds (in-town or on county roads), maintain your speed or even slightly accelerate. The added momentum ensures you'll bust through it. Just make sure you are positive you can continue on once you get through it - ya know, the old "look before you leap" adage. Obviously, good judgement is always necessary. If the drift is high enough that it may damage the vehicle, you've got to weight the potential consequences of attempting to bust through said drift. They can be soft, hard packed, have frozen solid tops and soft centers and can also contain chunks of hardened snow and/or ice, depending on weather conditions.

If you're stuck and don't have any of the above items to help you get unstuck, take the floor mats out and place them under the driving tires in the direction that seems to be the easiest to get out. I've personally done this in a pinch when I ran across someone stuck crossways with a FWD car in a ice rutted, slick sidestreet here in BiIlings. Worked like a charm.

If you get stuck, don't keep spinning your wheels if you're not moving one way or the other. This only serves to dig you deeper in trouble. Should you reach solid ground as a result of the spinning, it only serves to makes the ground underneath the tires get icy, creating less traction.

Hope this helps, and we welcome your son to MSU. I my completely biased opinion, he chose wisely!

[grizzh8r]

Hate to admit it, but you can't beat a Subaru Outback on ice, and I drive a 3/4 ton diesel 4x4

Same here. Especially one with a manual tranny. The ability to feather the clutch so that you slow down while maintaining traction on all 4 tires and not stopping the rotation of the tires is a beeeeutiful thing. I miss my Subi...

[Cat Grad]

My son will be entering MSU next Fall. He's received an academic scholarship and when he visited, loved the University. We are from Texas and not used to a cold environment. Besides new clothes, what else would he need to survive? I've been told we need an engine block heater. Any tips/advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

I agree with most of what is posted here, but will add my 2 cents worth - pardon my longwindedness!

The advent of modern fuel injection systems mean block heaters are not as necessary on today's newer vehicles. That said, block heaters are a good investment and do make engine starting easier by increasing the internal temperature of engine components. This is important, as most engine wear occurs at startup when all of the oil has drained back down into the sump. At subzero temperatures, oil is more viscous and can act more like honey than oil, which delays the travel of oil to critical engine components (camshafts, lifters, valve guides and crank bearings). However, most new vehicles now use lower viscosity oils (5W and even some 0W) as standard oils, which has made this less of a problem.

In my opinion, unless his vehicle is carburated, uses 10W or 15W oil or perhaps is an older diesel pickup (pre-2002 or so), he shouldn't need a block heater. One thing you can do is make sure his battery is at or above the Cold Cranking Amp rating of the factory-recommended battery, and make sure it is relatively new - most auto parts stores will test them for free. This will ensure his engine should start no matter how cold it is outside. One thing he can do is start his vehicle well in advance of driving it anywhere and let the engine oil warm up a bit and get everything lubricated. This is just good practice for anyone, let alone warm-weather imports!

In Montana, we can get snow storms as early as the middle of October, and spring squalls as late as the middle of April. Unlike most of the rest of the state that gets chinook winds (adiabatic compression heating http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinook_wind) that either blow the snow away or melt it off, Bozeman is a relatively wind-free locale and snow sticks around most of the winter, so sidestreets commonly stay snowpacked or icy for days on end until a path gets beaten down or the sun burns through to the pavement and drys it up. Considering he'll be here most of that time, good tires can make all the difference in winter driving conditions. I would advise against just getting all-season tires - get good snow tires. The are specifically built out of softer rubber compounds and are siped to grip snow and ice better at colder temperatures. Treadwear in the summer is compromised as a result, but many people just buy an extra set of steel rims for their winter tires and switch them out. Studded snow tires can help with winter traction even more, but if he's going to be driving back to Texas in May, they're probably not a good idea. FYI, studs are allowed in Montana from October 15th thru May 15th. Run studded tires anytime in between May and October and you're likely get pulled over. Police and Highway Patrolmen have good ears and if they hear studs, they will pull you over and ticket you.

As far as vehicles are concerned, AWD or 4WD vehicles can make winter driving much easier, but you can get by with a 2WD vehicle, again provided you have good tires. FWD's work OK, as they are pulling the vehicle and leaving a track for the rear tires to follow. RWD vehicles are a bit of a different story, as they push you through and the non-powered front tires can be a hindrance to forward momentum. They can also fishtail much easier, especially those with light rear ends (like full-sized long bed pickup trucks). People with experience driving them in winter conditions can get around fine, but I would advise against it for your son. The best winter car I've ever driven was a 2000 Subaru Impreza Outback Sportwagon. The combination of the manual transmission, true symmetrical AWD, and Hankook iPike snow tires made that thing almost unstoppable. The only drawback was the limited ground clearance to get over drifts, either natural or snowplow made ones. Of course, given enough speed, you can blast through them, if you know what's on the other side.

A few things that are good to have in the vehicle for winter driving, regardless of vehicle type:

Lightweight, collapsible square-nose shovel - handy for digging out if you get stuck or high-centered on a drift
Bag of Kitty litter or sand - again, helpful for traction under a stuck vehicle. Also helpful in larger quantities as added weight in RWD vehicles (pickups)
Nylon tow strap - get the braided kind with steel hooks. These stretch slightly when pulled taut and act like a rubber band, which is easier on you, both vehicles, and can slingshot the stuck vehicle out, provided another motorist stops to help.

Lifesavers:

A medium sized duffel bag with a set of winter clothes (snowpants & coat or snowsuit), pair of snow boots, insulated gloves/mittens, winter hat and a wool blanket - if you get stuck wearing slacks and tennis shoes and have to dig out, this stuff comes in handy. Also you might have to hike a ways to find help. In the event of being stranded, you stand a much better chance of survival. This stuff doesn't have to be new, just warm and functional. Buy when you get to Bozeman. Between the Goodwill, Salvation Army, Play it Again Sports, Second Wind Sports, etc. you should be able to outfit him with everything (including the duffel) for $50 or so.

Not only are these items good to have if you're stuck, but if you run into someone else who is stuck, you may be able to help them out.

Winter Driving Tips:

Slow down, increase following distance, prepare to stop sooner than normal - pretty simple, though it can frustrate other drivers with more winter driving experience and better equipped vehicles (like me - I admit it I get winter driving road rage all the time, but then again I'm in a 4WD pickup with studded snows all the way around...)

Don't drive in overdrive or use cruise - no matter the vehicle, overdrive causes the driven tires to freewheel and if on slick roads, there's increased risk of spinning out. Cruise will exacerbate this condition and take your attention off the road if you have to turn it off while your tires are busy spinning out. Especially dangerous in RWD vehicles, again due to the likelihood of fishtailing.

If you come upon a drift at lower speeds (in-town or on county roads), maintain your speed or even slightly accelerate. The added momentum ensures you'll bust through it. Just make sure you are positive you can continue on once you get through it - ya know, the old "look before you leap" adage. Obviously, good judgement is always necessary. If the drift is high enough that it may damage the vehicle, you've got to weight the potential consequences of attempting to bust through said drift. They can be soft, hard packed, have frozen solid tops and soft centers and can also contain chunks of hardened snow and/or ice, depending on weather conditions.

If you're stuck and don't have any of the above items to help you get unstuck, take the floor mats out and place them under the driving tires in the direction that seems to be the easiest to get out. I've personally done this in a pinch when I ran across someone stuck crossways with a FWD car in a ice rutted, slick sidestreet here in BiIlings. Worked like a charm.

If you get stuck, don't keep spinning your wheels if you're not moving one way or the other. This only serves to dig you deeper in trouble. Should you reach solid ground as a result of the spinning, it only serves to makes the ground underneath the tires get icy, creating less traction.

Hope this helps, and we welcome your son to MSU. I my completely biased opinion, he chose wisely!

This is a great post. Just throw the stuff in duffel bag and hope he doesn't get into a position that he has to use it.

[Futurecatdad]

He'll be bringing a Subaru Tribeca. He's excited about it cold,but we have to get him prepared... Clothing wise.

[Cledus]

He'll be bringing a Subaru Tribeca. He's excited about it cold,but we have to get him prepared... Clothing wise.

I have lots of base layers that I can't live without in the winter. I usually wear long johns from December to April or so.

I actually do not own a parka and have not used one since high school, which has been more than 20 years now. I just like to layer up and wear one of those North Face-style windbreakers over a hoodie.

A winter hat lined with fur and a scarf are also essential winter gear for me. I prefer leather hats over knit because the leather keeps the wind out. Or, you could just get one of those Under Armour beanies and pair it with a knit hat. And keeping your neck warm goes a long way towards keeping your entire body warm.

For footwear, I prefer waterproof, light weight hikers. I'll wear normal athletic socks, but if it's cold out I put wool socks over dress socks or athletic socks. It's nice to always have a spare pair of shoes or boots with you, because if you get enough snow on anything it's waterproof for long.

Just let your son know that however cold he thinks it can get, it can get colder. As long as he has some common sense he'll be fine.

[TIrwin24]

In Montana, we can get snow storms as early as the middle of October, and spring squalls as late as the middle of April.

Back in 2008, it snowed once in June. Rode my longboard to class, in shorts and a t-shirt, started snowing at noon, and by 2-3pm there was 2-3" of snow on the ground.

Made for a cold walk home

[WeedKillinCat]

In Montana, we can get snow storms as early as the middle of October, and spring squalls as late as the middle of April.

Back in 2008, it snowed once in June. Rode my longboard to class, in shorts and a t-shirt, started snowing at noon, and by 2-3pm there was 2-3" of snow on the ground.

Made for a cold walk home

I remember the first day of classes in August 1992, it snowed like 8 inches.....