valhalla360
No paticular place.
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SpeakEasy wrote:Wait it out if you can. Why increase your risk so substantially unless you have to?
-Speak
Doesn't always work out but if possible, this would be my first option.
After that, make sure everything is in good working order and take it nice and slow. 80 miles isn't that far, so going slow won't taking you 10hr.
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ford truck guy
Pennsylvania
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If you MUS go, go with caution...
That said, it's not a bad idea to keep an eye on the shoulder.... I've found that if the roads get glazed over from that wet/heavy stuff being packed that it is much better traction on the shoulder with some depth and LESS ICE....Just adjust speed accordingly
Heck, many years ago we had a wicked ICE storm after about 8" of snow.... It took me 3 hours to make the 15 minute drive to work, I made it by the driving shoulders and front grassy areas of folks yards... just dodged mailboxes is all...
Me-Her-the kids
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4x4ord
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Click
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PA12DRVR
Back in God's Country
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Having just (10 minutes ago) completed a 95 mile trip to Los Anchorage with boat (not RV) in tow, I'd second what everyone has said and would emphasize:
- Slow is your friend, but if there's a part of the road that is straight, level, and consistent conditions, don't go 35 in a 65 mph zone....right or wrong, other drivers anticipate something below the speed limit, not 50% or less.
- Back off on the gain on the trailer.
- Plan on stopping at every light you hit. If you don't have to stop, less harm caused by a slow passage on green than a panic out-of-control slide on yellow or red.
- I don't believe in cable chains. Never had much success with them and would recommend (as above) diamond / V-Bar / Pewag chain chains if you'll be routinely driving on packed snow, ice, deep snow etc. That being said, make sure any chains are properly tensioned so that you don't get chain lash slapping your tow vehicle or trailer.
- If the lanes in the road are packed snow (or ice), don't hesitate to use the shoulder for stopping. The difference in drag of even a couple inches of fresh snow vs. black ice is noticeable.
- Watch out for the idjits driving other vehicles.
CRL
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SpeakEasy
Western New York
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As to the idea of using the shoulder - if you know the road and can trust that it really is only a couple inches lower than the road surface, then yes, use it.
However - I have gotten stuck once because the surface of unplowed snow on the shoulder was equal in height to the road surface, concealing the fact that the shoulder was 6" or more lower than the road surface. YIKES!
-Speak
It's just Mrs. SpeakEasy and me now (empty-nesters). But we can choose from among 7 grandchildren to drag along with us!
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time2roll
Southern California
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SpeakEasy wrote:As to the idea of using the shoulder - if you know the road and can trust that it really is only a couple inches lower than the road surface, then yes, use it.
However - I have gotten stuck once because the surface of unplowed snow on the shoulder was equal in height to the road surface, concealing the fact that the shoulder was 6" or more lower than the road surface. YIKES!
-Speak +1
I pulled onto the shoulder as to change drivers at 3am. Looked innocent enough. Slid gently down about 12 feet. Took close to 45 minutes to get back up on the road. Luckily a trucker stopped to help. At least at the end I was wide awake and continued driving the last four hours. Would have needed a tow truck or some recovery gear if I was towing.
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blt2ski
Kirkland, Wa
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I'm going to SWAG, we will not ever find out what happened, ie did he pull the trailer, or not! He has 241 posts since he joined in 2006. Other than less than one post a day, I can't see when his last log in was to know if he has even looked logged in.
Would be kind of nice to know how he did or did not fair.
A LOT of good suggestions by folks too.
Marty
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dedmiston
Coast to Coast
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His last login was yesterday morning.
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RickLight
Washington
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Regardless of OP, I say thanks for the pointers.
We're experienced towing and live well north, but rarely tow in significant snow. I hope I remember it all when the time comes.
Rick,
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JRscooby
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Old driver told me a trick over half century ago, that a lot of disaster happens when it is cold, dark, and the pavement has been wet all day.
KEEP A WINDOW OPEN to hear tires splash! That sound starting to change is first indication black ice is forming.
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