Towing in cold wintry weather

[John Berger]

I was born and raised in NJ and also lived in Pennsylvania for a time. Additionally I spent time in Washington, DC. I have driven in snow and ice and freezing rain and know what cold weather is like, the sub-zero stuff and such. I've never towed in that weather and I may have the opportunity next January when we plan on traveling North for a wedding. Are bumps in the road harder on the towed vehicle? I don't winterize down this way. It just doesn't get cold enough for any great length of time to justify doing that? Should I travel that way. What are some things to look out for once I set up camp in that type of weather?

 

[swampfox]

There are a number of things and it depends on how far north you

have to go.

1. Make sure you add some Power Service or other additive to your fuel when you leave Georgia and keep adding it as you travel north. Southern fuel is not winterized to the extent it is up here.

2. Make sure your windshield washer fluid is good for the temps you expect to encounter. Nothing's worse than having your windshield washer fluid freeze up when you need it.

3. Make sure your trailer (if thats what your towing) is winterized.

Most of the plumbing on recreational vehicles is plastic and will burst if it freezes up.

4. Plan on the towed vehicle getting really dirty(snow, slush, dirt, etc).

5. Finally, yes, the bumps are harder in cold weather but more importantly you need to worry about (possibly) chunks of ice hitting the underside of your trailer/5th wheel

 

[AKDrifter]

If you are towing in snow/ ice conditions, trailer brakes are are great. If you got them, test them to make sure they work well before you need them. Keeps everything in line, most of the time.

 

[klenger]

Don't tow in ice or snow with cruise control on. I almost lost it on Wolf Creek Pass in CO when the cruise demanded more speed and the rear wheels broke loose. I slowed down, engaged 4WD, and disconnected cruise and everything was OK after that.

 

[AKDrifter]

Good point klenger! Had that happened to me a couple of times and scared me to death! Did'nt need coffee or pepsi for hours to stay awake after that.



Seemed like the one time it happened, the cruise automaticly shut down or something. Or maby it was me just punching my foot inadvertantly toward the brake. I don't know and don't care to simulate that again to find out. Scary