truck and trailer total loss due to black ice

harry and thea wrote:
So it's been almost 3 weeks since we totaled our truck and fifth wheel. We were an hour from home enroute to Florida from Hamilton, Ontario when we hit black ice, lost control, went down an embankment and ended up jackknifed but upright in the ditch against a row of small trees. Thea and I were shook up but totally unscathed and we are grateful to God for his protection. The highway seemed good although it looked maybe slightly wet. It was eight am, i was doing about 105 kph(65 mph) and the temperature was -10 C(14 Fah) We later found out that about 10 km ahead of us was another truck and fifth wheel in the ditch.
My purpose for this post is two fold.
First as a warning to other campers as it was only the two fifth wheels in the ditch.
Secondly I'd like opinions as to what I could have done differently.
One thing for sure, if the road is even remotely suspect, I will slow right down.
Will applying the trailer brake manually help to straighten the rig out?
Will having the truck in 4 wheel drive help? I have always been under the impression that 4 wheel drive is harmful to the drive train on dry pavement. Would it be damaging on a straight highway if black ice is possible?
Would appreciate feedback. We have bought another trailer and are in the process of buying another truck. So not giving up on rving yet. Still hope to get to Florida this winter.

First off, glad you're both OK. "Stuff" can be replaced; people can't. That said, I'm not sure I'd've been driving even close to that speed in those temps, but I'm a desert rat who's not driven too much in those conditions. I drive 65 max, anyway, and prefer 60 for longer legs. On using 4wd, I =would= if I knew that there were spots of ice, snow or very wet roadway, but it would be very judicious. My '02 D'max manual =specifically= states that 4wd is not to be used on dry pavement, which very much disappointed me. My 2500HD doesn't have the "auto" feature that my old 1500 did, so it's either on or off, and I was very used to being able to just leave my truck in 4wd while driving in spotty weather conditions. Your '09 may have been different. It's definitely something to look into for your next truck.

Lyle