Looking for snow advice - POSITIVE COMMENTS ONLY

[fallonator22]

Positive comments only because my last thread in regard to us being noobs and questions about propane got a lot of condescending answers.


OK - we are in southern Texas, looking to go to southern (Durango) Colorado for the christmas holiday. My question is about driving in the snow. Obviously in Texas you don't run into that problem. This is our first winter in the rig and would like to take it somewhere we can have a white christmas, but are a tad hesitant with driving it. Has regular street tires, as does the truck. It is a 40'6" sandpiper, and we have had no issues pulling so far, but in regular weather, or rain.

Any suggestions, comments, or advice from your own experience would be appreciated!

[Lwiddis]

Trying to be positive...you'll need chains for the TV and TT. You'll need to dry run putting on the chains in your driveway...no need to simulate rain, snow, sleet, wind and cold for this practice experience. Drive slow...no, slower. Interesting that it doesn't snow in Texas.

[darsben1]

MY question is how many TOTAL miles do you have towing. That affects my answer about towing in snow

[Sam_Spade]

fallonator22 wrote:
Positive comments only .............

OK, this is positively a bad idea.

Unless you "stay loose" with your schedule so that you can re-route or cancel if there is going to be fresh snow along your route.

You positively should NOT be driving that rig when the roads are snow and ice covered, especially given your limited experience.

The truth isn't always positive.

[GordonThree]

It's been my experience towing in snow isn't bad. The bad parts come after. The over zealous road crews polish remaining snow into a nice slick ice, and don't salt or sand it.

Late Dec 2015 I was in Los Alamos, hoping to move East along I40. However ABQ had received several feet of snow overnight and I 40 was closed. Worse yet portions of I 40 was closed because of flooding in Texas and Oklahoma.

So I took I 25 up to Denver and then no issues on I 80 East towards home.

I 25 around Co Springs was white knuckle at times. They were not requiring chain at the time. The real danger was a mix of very timid drivers stopping in the expressway and testosterone filled drivers on a mission to pass at any cost.

My trailer is tiny compared to yours. I don't think I would have to fortitude to take something with such mass out to play on the ice with the mix of drivers around the greater Denver area.

[WNYBob]

If you Ave never driven in snow. Stop at the first snow covered parking lot, like a Wal-Mart. Drive around making turns and stopping.

Big note is DO NOT turn while breaking, jack-knifing is almost a sure thing.
Also don't over drive your ability to break to a stop!

Good luck, take it slow and careful!

[kerrlakeRoo]

While the weather can be a fickle partner to dance with, and forcasters are about as trustworthy as a used car salesman, I would say to take advantage of your mobility.
Travel into Alburquerque should be fairly secure, if you need to stay a few days to give yourself a window of time to take the 4 hr drive (in normal conditions) north. and then select what day to travel north to Durango according to weather and road conditions. And if you dont feel secure with the 5er, you can stop and just go with the truck or select another destination.
I would carry the associated equipment, chains, extra propane etc to allow some added security, but you went mobile for a reason, and you wont learn without doing some new things, just be cautious with it.

[time2roll]

Test fit your tire chains before you go. Need a set for the primary drive axle and one trailer axle. I use link chains on my truck and the light cable chains on the trailer. These would just be in case you get into an unexpected storm. Generally you would wait for the roads to be cleared before you roll. Go slow and enjoy the white Christmas.

Check your propane early each day as some places close early. I have been low and hoping to make the night when all propane was closed by 6PM because the guy that does it was gone for the day.

Your water supply hose may freeze overnight so just fill the tank and disconnect the hose.

Your slide top may accumulate snow and turn to ice that should be removed before you bring it in. If you can bring the slide in you could avoid the hassle.

Most likely you will have no issues and a great time.

[coolmom42]

4x4ord wrote:
If you have no experience driving in snow I would recommend you not learn with a 40' trailer in tow. Even for someone with experience, towing a trailer on slippery roads can be challenging.

I agree.

This is a good time to fly in and get a room somewhere if you want to see snow.

[4x4ord]

If you have no experience driving in snow I would recommend you not learn with a 40' trailer in tow. Even for someone with experience, towing a trailer on slippery roads can be challenging.

[donn0128]

You will need chains for the truck, and in some states you will also need chains for the trailer. In Oregon for instance drag chains (chains on trailer tires) are required on trailers when chains are required. Thats for starters. How you handle the cold weather and freezing water lines is another totally different discussion.

[ksg5000]

Can't help you with the driving as I don't own a TT - but the last time I was in Durango during December it got down to about 11 degrees at night. If your TT isn't setup for winter those temps might present a significant challenge - might present a challenge even if your rig is setup for winter.

[downtheroad]

Take tire chains and be ready for a possible slow trip and some weather and road delays...
Otherwise, have a good trip.