Moving from SC to MA in winter with small TT
I will be moving to MA from SC early to mid December. Even though I'm lusting after a Winnebego Minnie, I have a 16' 2013 Starcraft AR-one and am pulling it with a Chevy Silverado. I'm not very experi...
Forum Discussion
From a snowmobiler who tows all winter long in New England 15 years :
There are a few things to do first , but you can do it.
I would tow it but winterize it and motel it, so you do not have to do it on the road. Use it to eat or sleep at rest areas because you will have a furnace for heat. This will offset motel costs .
Take a southern route where non snow covered roads are less likely.
As you get into north country, in case of a heavy snowfall, plan ahead to spend an extra night somewhere, until the roads get plowed. The major roads will be cleared to tow in a relatively short period of time.
As said, a 12 hr one-way drive can be done from PA., which is the way I go. Professional weather people can sometimes actually predict somewhat accurate weather , a day in advance.
BY-pass Wash.D.C. and NYC .
I use , RT 81 north from VA. to PA. and cut east on rt 84 ( Scranton) to rt 91 north in Hartford, Conn.
#1. prior to departing on this trip. Make sure you are hitched up 100% correct by taking wheel well height measurements, as far as weight distribution is concerned. Do a search or ask here , if you have any doubts on how to do this.
Towing on a possible snow covered road requires you to have enough rear tongue weight on your rear axle of your truck in order to maintain proper rear wheel traction. Winter tower's get into trouble when a lightweight rear truck axle swings out losing traction and causing the rig to jackknife. Make sure your brake controller is working so you can manually apply the TT brakes if you have to.
#2. My friends and I that tow all use 'winter tires' like Blizzaks .
Do yourself a favor and outfit your truck with FOUR new tires if you plan to live and drive in New England, you are going to use and need them . Border patrol, Fish and Game and first responder vehicles run them on their vehicles in Northern NY, VT, NH and Maine.
Do a google search to review brands and decide . They make a difference keeping traction on ice and snow but you need to have them on all 4 wheels. Think about doing this prior to departing in case you encounter snow and ice.
If you have room to transport them, you could always keep the tires you are using now as your summer tires.
There are a few things to do first , but you can do it.
I would tow it but winterize it and motel it, so you do not have to do it on the road. Use it to eat or sleep at rest areas because you will have a furnace for heat. This will offset motel costs .
Take a southern route where non snow covered roads are less likely.
As you get into north country, in case of a heavy snowfall, plan ahead to spend an extra night somewhere, until the roads get plowed. The major roads will be cleared to tow in a relatively short period of time.
As said, a 12 hr one-way drive can be done from PA., which is the way I go. Professional weather people can sometimes actually predict somewhat accurate weather , a day in advance.
BY-pass Wash.D.C. and NYC .
I use , RT 81 north from VA. to PA. and cut east on rt 84 ( Scranton) to rt 91 north in Hartford, Conn.
#1. prior to departing on this trip. Make sure you are hitched up 100% correct by taking wheel well height measurements, as far as weight distribution is concerned. Do a search or ask here , if you have any doubts on how to do this.
Towing on a possible snow covered road requires you to have enough rear tongue weight on your rear axle of your truck in order to maintain proper rear wheel traction. Winter tower's get into trouble when a lightweight rear truck axle swings out losing traction and causing the rig to jackknife. Make sure your brake controller is working so you can manually apply the TT brakes if you have to.
#2. My friends and I that tow all use 'winter tires' like Blizzaks .
Do yourself a favor and outfit your truck with FOUR new tires if you plan to live and drive in New England, you are going to use and need them . Border patrol, Fish and Game and first responder vehicles run them on their vehicles in Northern NY, VT, NH and Maine.
Do a google search to review brands and decide . They make a difference keeping traction on ice and snow but you need to have them on all 4 wheels. Think about doing this prior to departing in case you encounter snow and ice.
If you have room to transport them, you could always keep the tires you are using now as your summer tires.
