Towing in the snow

[SlyBones]

Gonna have to take the 26' TT out this thanksgiving for a 1200mi RT, trip that will take me thru several mountain areas. Possibility of having snow on the road.



Any pointers, tips, etc?

 

[Boldt's Wagon]

If you can sit out a storm, do it. Time your drive so you cross passes at 1 - 2 PM for the best chance of bare and wet, not frozen.

 

[fkovalski]

Not sure of your route, but the Colorado Dept. of Transpotation (CDOT) road condition number is: 303. 639. 1111

 

[Bob Horrell]

I used to tow horse trailers all the time in the snow in Colorado. The biggest problem is going down hill and braking without the trailer causing you to jacknife. The best solution is to use chains on one set of trailer wheels. Regular tire chains won't work that well because the trailer can still slip sideways. The best chains are the ones that have an X pattern across the tread. These really work well and do an excellent job of keeping the trailer straight when braking on slick snow or ice.

 

[klenger]

Go slow and don't use cruise control anywhere near ice.



Wolf Creek Pass CO, Mar 02

 

[DavidC]

Be very careful with bridges,overpasses etc. When I came across northern Texas last January I was following a few cars and semi's at about 55 when we came upon a overpass the truck went to the right and the 32' 5th wheel to the left. Not exactly the way I would like to look at Texas landscape, anyway a slight turn of the wheel and everything straightened out luckily. The rest of the ride was at 30mph at overpasses. I had to throw those jeans and under wear away

 

[Steve Campbell]

Watch the tires of the rigs you meet....

If you are driving on "white" roads and their tire treads are coming up white, traction is pretty good. If you are in that same situation and their treads are coming up black... ... . it is SLICK



On snow covered roads that are heavily traveled (condition #2 above)... ... the best traction is where few tracks are made; virgin snow and all of the sand has been pushed out there.



Give yourself more room..... be a defensive driver.



Run on the top half of the fuel tank.



There are other things... . but the temp needs to be colder to talk about them.

 

[sheldon]

Remember to plan and anticipate any braking and be real easy applying the brakes. Your truck may have antilock brakes but your trailer will not. Locked brakes on your trailer will cause it to slide and push your truck around. I had a thrilling ride a few years ago pulling a rented car trailer with my brothers car on it coming down the Sierras. The surge brakes were either on or off with no in-between. The trailer tried to chase me a couple of times. Had to creep down the downhill sections to keep it from doing me in.

 

[Whitmore]

slick roads

No sudden moves

No cruise control

No jake brake

 

[GeneA]

Not only what has been said--many places have a chain law and when it goes in effect it includes not only chains on the driving wheels but on a set of trailer wheels as well ( for braking).

 

[pathaymond]

being from Upstate newyork some years ago and doing alot of equipment delivery in alot of nasty road conditions the best I could tell you is remain very acute to your situation and never ever panic when you are confronted with a situation leave room as best you can and all moves are very slow and patient. would I do that kind of driving now NO WAY good luck Patrick

 

[SOOT]

Originally posted by GeneA

Not only what has been said--many places have a chain law.

Atleast in Wyoming if you don't have chains you just have to have aggressive tires or snow tires wether studded or not.