Equal-i-zer recommends removing the bars on rough roads or going through dips or ditches to prevent undue strain on the brackets. The manual doesn't say anything about limited traction. A large part of what the WD feature does is put weight back on the front axle which maintains steering response. A significantly unweighted front axle can create very dangerous, "float" which, I would think, would be most obvious in conditions of limited traction.I have towed in rain and snow with the bars in place and never had any problem with loss of traction with the front wheels.