Driving a Class C in the Snow

[Mbylone]

I see a lot of posts about camping in the snow. I am not worried about that as we outfitted our rig with the tank heaters and thermal windows. I am more afraid of driving in the snow, not sure what to expect. I am not talking about ice as no one should be driving in ice conditions. But handling on snow packed roads - are you more or less prone to slipping than in other vehicles? May sound stupid, just worried. Do you do anything different other than be cautious? Are there situations you definitely avoid? I am a newbie, so be kind. 🙂

[Tvov]

garyhaupt wrote:
Peoples advise and views sure differ on this topic. And I don't mean to question anyone's abilities, but to say that there is no difference between the operation of a large heavy truck and a car is so far out to lunch as to be fearful. They either have no experience at all and are just making stuff up, or they have absolutely no awareness and are a danger.

There is a HUGE difference and a driver needs to develop their driving skills. Taking a corner at speed in snow and ice will have it in the ditch, quite easily. And yes, stopping distances are incredible. Not just a little wee bit. Even just making a turn into a parking lot can be treacherous if taken at speed...you'll just glide right into the curb, especially if you have your foot on the brake. These things are just bricks on wheels. They do NOT drive like cars or SUV's.

I'd encourage anyone/everyone to get out and learn how to operate safely in snow and ice. Be sure to have the right tires too...not just the highball tires that many have on. Yes..all 6.



Gary Haupt

I think everyone is saying pretty much the same thing as you are, but maybe not quite as well explained... take it slow and easy, be careful, and learn how to drive in the snow.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

Mbylone wrote:


Your post has renewed my faith. I have always felt comfortable to drive in the snow. I am conservative in general when the roads are anything but dry, so I will take the MH in the next snow around the neighborhood and get a feel for how it handles. Thanks!

You're welcome!! Let's face it - ALL of us who have RVs and live in the snowy north and wish to take a vacation where it's warmer - HAVE to drive in snow/ice/yuck. Yeah - the road salt will make the undersides rust quicker - but in all fairness, NOTHING created rust (for our Class C) as fast as camping at an oceanfront RV park along the Gulf...LOL!! When you get back home, rinse everything the best you can; and I've been using "Rust Converter" with a paintbrush over these last 10 years on spots that pop up, and it does a good job of stopping the spread of the rust.

Also - having driven just about every kind of car/truck, etc in snow: the longer the wheelbase, the better it handles. The squirreliest was our Jeep Wrangler until it was in 4WD. The Class C just lumbers along...LOL!!

Have fun!

[garyhaupt]

Peoples advise and views sure differ on this topic. And I don't mean to question anyone's abilities, but to say that there is no difference between the operation of a large heavy truck and a car is so far out to lunch as to be fearful. They either have no experience at all and are just making stuff up, or they have absolutely no awareness and are a danger.

There is a HUGE difference and a driver needs to develop their driving skills. Taking a corner at speed in snow and ice will have it in the ditch, quite easily. And yes, stopping distances are incredible. Not just a little wee bit. Even just making a turn into a parking lot can be treacherous if taken at speed...you'll just glide right into the curb, especially if you have your foot on the brake. These things are just bricks on wheels. They do NOT drive like cars or SUV's.

I'd encourage anyone/everyone to get out and learn how to operate safely in snow and ice. Be sure to have the right tires too...not just the highball tires that many have on. Yes..all 6.



Gary Haupt

[Mbylone]

Deb and Ed M wrote:
Assuming you are a competent driver of a car in snow, the Class C is no different, except that you need more space to stop. We've driven through deep drifts and on 4" thick ice. Not that we wanted to..... but weather happens. The nice thing about RVs is that they're tall, and if driving slightly below the speed limit feels right due to conditions, you can't see the impatient idiot behind you flipping you off. And if you arent comfortable driving under the conditions, pull into a parking lot and wait for conditions to improve.

Lots of people use their RVs for winter vacations in snow country.

Your post has renewed my faith. I have always felt comfortable to drive in the snow. I am conservative in general when the roads are anything but dry, so I will take the MH in the next snow around the neighborhood and get a feel for how it handles. Thanks!

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

Assuming you are a competent driver of a car in snow, the Class C is no different, except that you need more space to stop. We've driven through deep drifts and on 4" thick ice. Not that we wanted to..... but weather happens. The nice thing about RVs is that they're tall, and if driving slightly below the speed limit feels right due to conditions, you can't see the impatient idiot behind you flipping you off. And if you arent comfortable driving under the conditions, pull into a parking lot and wait for conditions to improve.

Lots of people use their RVs for winter vacations in snow country.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

One of the scary things is that it is harder (much harder) to stop than to accelerate. There is nothing more white knuckle than applying the brakes or turning the steering wheel and having absolutely nada happen.

It is best to "test" every so often--to make sure that you are still in control of the vehicle. Cruise control is NOT recommended.

[Mbylone]

Thanks everyone. I think I will stick to travel after the roads have been cleared and plan to stay put until then. I guess I need to think I spent the extra money for camping in the cold,,,not the snow. :).

[rjstractor]

I will second what Ron says, traction is amazingly good. You have 2/3 of your weight over the drive wheels. I will add that with that much mass you are in big trouble if it gets away from you, and it's going to be tough to get it unstuck if you get stuck.

[garyhaupt]

Like driving in some sketchy places...it does come down to driver skill-set and comfort level. A suggestion was made to find a parking lot and give'r? That's a good plan. Gives some idea of what to expect. But..expect the unexpected. Driving a large vehicle in snow/ice is not for the faint of heart. Unlike driving in some conditions, snow/ice is not just on the road..it's everywhere and often shoulders are no longer shoulders, but hills and wide spots one could pull off into are now full of snow. Or trucks.


I enjoy it..but I have done lots of it and am pretty comfortable. Having said that...parts of my body get all clenched up when facing an oncoming vehicle that is speeding and slipping.


Gary Haupt

[TyroneandGladys]

Just as going down a grade use your transmission and engine to help you break and use the brakes as little as possible. Example would be if you are driving at 30 you might stay in second gear so as soon as you let up on the accelerator you are slowing however be gentle in accelerating while in a lower gear.

[ronfisherman]

Driving of a Class C in snow is very good. Tires are loaded with weight of MH. Biggest problem is stopping. Especially if towing. I avoid driving in snow/ice conditions.
The next problem you will have is under chassis items rotting away from the salt applied to roads to melt ice and snow. Most RV's were not made to be driven on salt covered roads.

[Moderator]

Moved from Lifestyle

[noteven]

Go find a big snow covered flat parking lot and learn to steer with the throttle and palm the wheel and how far you will eventually travel as the ABS cycles frantically when you brake.

You are less prone to loss of traction than lighter vehicles because of the weight per sq in of tire. EXCEPT in wet snow conditions that packs into ice under the tires. Think luxury appointed toboggan.

On cold dry snow-pack you can motor right along. Tires last a long time when only used on snow covered roads 🙂

[BuckBarker]

If you have never driven a dually in the snow or ice you will be in for quite a surprise. Duallys generally float on top instead of digging in for traction. Have you ever noticed that guys that plow lots generally have narrow single tires on the back? They get much better traction than wide tires or duallys.