Towing in slick conditions

You may need to adjust brake controller settings. It can be tough to modulate gently to avoid lockup on slick surface

I try not to tow when chains for the TV and TT are necessary but when I do it’s SLOW and CAREFUL. Not too worried about me but those chainless speeders are nuts.

I used to tow over Santiam Pass twice a weekend (commuting home when I was building one of the Facebook buildings).

Santiam Pass is well maintained. So is the 126. Highway 20 is not. It's the lowest priority, so if there's an incident on 22, they'll defer snow clearing on 20.

If there's an incident on 126, I'd recommend going all the way north to 22 rather than taking the 20 "shortcut", especially if you haven't towed over it in good weather. It's steeper, and has nearly 20 miles of slow speed corners.

They do patrol Santiam pass for chains violations, so if the signs are up, definitely chain up. It's unfortunately a necessity, because of the number of out-of-state truckers who ignore the signs.

rhagfo wrote:
If from Cottage Grove is it safe to assume headed over Santiam Pass? I think that is the highest commonly used pass in the state about 4,500’ or so. It can get pretty bad at times, just watch “Trip Check” and plan according.

Headed for Sisters, so it'll be via 126/Santiam. My kids have a 5 day Ski race camp up at Hoodoo ski area :)

If from Cottage Grove is it safe to assume headed over Santiam Pass? I think that is the highest commonly used pass in the state about 4,500’ or so. It can get pretty bad at times, just watch “Trip Check” and plan according.

Slow and steady arrives safely.

Practice putting on your truck and trailer chains home before you head out

Have you done a "search" of this site yet? I seem to remember a discussion of this last year and a lot of folks from Colorado, Idaho and Utah chimed in with good advice.

Good luck,
Teach