So I have a 2003 Dodge Ram cummins 4X with good Toyo AT tires. I am pulling a 32' triple axel toy hauler weighing about 11K. I'm in Oregon going up about 4,000' to HooDoo ski resort. Just curious if others have done much towing in snow? I have never pulled this unit in the snow and just wonder what I am up against. Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated.

It's the coming down that can get tricky.. Normally the rig will just push on the truck and the transmission can hold back the weight, but if it's slippery, having that weight pushing and relying only on traction on the road can be exciting.

If the roads are slick, it's going to be a white knuckle experience on the descent.

I'd add extra weight to the truck bed if you can. I make sure my 100+ gallon fuel tank in the back of my truck is full when hauling the enclosed snowmachine trailer during the winter. It's usually not the driving on the road part that's a problem, it's the sometimes finding a place to park that hasn't been plowed yet, or it snows heavily after you've parked.Bill

So if the road has snow and I am sure some ice with sand if I chain up will it make a difference? I am mostly worried about the decent as the trailer outweighs the truck. I don't have to take the toy hauler up but I see others there that are just a little smaller. I was thinking I could just use the trailer brake to come down the hill for the most part but I can't feel the brakes working and if it started sliding I think I would be in a lot of trouble. How about chains on the trailer to give it some bite on braking?

Carry chains for the truck and trailer. Both are required when the signs are up. I like to use the spider bungees too (Les Schabs carries them) because tight chains let you drive faster without causing damage.I don't brake any different in the snow than on pavement other than allowing more distance. I'm not sure using the trailer brakes alone is a good idea since you're lessening your braking power and number of wheels with traction, plus your trailer doesn't have ABS.

Taking the toy hauler up to the ski resort? Any problems?

23 Replies

Trackrig
Explorer II
Jan 10, 2016
I'd add extra weight to the truck bed if you can. I make sure my 100+ gallon fuel tank in the back of my truck is full when hauling the enclosed snowmachine trailer during the winter. It's usually not the driving on the road part that's a problem, it's the sometimes finding a place to park that hasn't been plowed yet, or it snows heavily after you've parked.

Bill
trail-explorer
Explorer
Jan 10, 2016
If the roads are slick, it's going to be a white knuckle experience on the descent.
Artum_Snowbird
Explorer
Jan 10, 2016
It's the coming down that can get tricky.. Normally the rig will just push on the truck and the transmission can hold back the weight, but if it's slippery, having that weight pushing and relying only on traction on the road can be exciting.

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Taking the toy hauler up to the ski resort? Any problems?

23 Replies

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