truck and trailer total loss due to black ice
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 embankmen...
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A lot has been said on this post, I will share my $0.02 worth! My first experience with black ice was when I was 16, and driving my Dads new Oldsmobile home. Coming down a small hill at 20MPH, I hit black ice, being inexperianced I hit the breaks and spun into a ditch! I was accused of speeding, but did not think 20 was actually speeding. I have since learned never jam on the breaks and steer into the skid.
As far as the Four wheel drive issue. Older four wheel drive you should not. Drive on dry paved roads. As explained, in those older units, the front diff, locked and the steering wheels would rub hard against the pavement putting a lot of stress on the components. Newer, four wheel drives have two options, either high, or low. Four wheel high, is like AWD, in that all four wheels are turning, but the front Differential performs exactly as the rear one and eliminates the stress'. In four wheel low, it locks the front differential, and both front wheels are applying load. That is where you will have problems unless on loose pavement. But as mentioned, on black ice weather in 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive would not make a difference!
As far as the Four wheel drive issue. Older four wheel drive you should not. Drive on dry paved roads. As explained, in those older units, the front diff, locked and the steering wheels would rub hard against the pavement putting a lot of stress on the components. Newer, four wheel drives have two options, either high, or low. Four wheel high, is like AWD, in that all four wheels are turning, but the front Differential performs exactly as the rear one and eliminates the stress'. In four wheel low, it locks the front differential, and both front wheels are applying load. That is where you will have problems unless on loose pavement. But as mentioned, on black ice weather in 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive would not make a difference!
