Would you drive in the snow?

[holstein13]

I am supposed to travel to Panguitch, UT tomorrow to stay at the KOA there. Unfortunately, they are expecting 1-3 inches of snow. It looks like temperatures will be above freezing most of the day.

I'm driving a 45 foot, tag axle motorhome weighing 45,000 pounds and towing a 6,500 pound Ford F-150 behind me. My route would take me across I-70 and down SR 89.

The question is, should I chance it? Or should I wait until Saturday to travel? Has anyone driven in the snow when temps are above freezing?

[Tom_Barb]

What is UT's laws on carrying chains?


http://www.udot.utah.gov/main/f?p=100:pg:0:::1:T,V:1673,64441

[rk911]

only if i had skis for the MH tires. wait till Sat.

[holstein13]

Busskipper wrote:
Couple of things stand out - One FLORIDA - You are asking the Question - In my book stay put.

With the right driver the Coach can and will handle it but - with no experience You should stay Parked.

I've done Rabbit Ears Pass and Berthoud Pass in 6-8" and it was not fun, Eisenhower tunnel with 6-9 going East and Sunny on the other side. So it can be done but ....... On both occasions I need to not get snowed in for a week as both storms were north of 16" when all was finished.

You are in Utah and the weather will likely only be cool for a few days.

Just chill and be glad you are in the house.

BOL,

Although I'm not, technically, in a house, I'm inclined to heed your advice. This is not a time for bravado and what would I do at a snowy campground anyway? Even if I do get there in one piece, I'd likely sit at the park until the next day.

I pretty much live my life away from the snow and the last time I accidently drove through a minor snow flurry with the coach in New Mexico last year, I was white knuckled the whole way. I'm retired and in no hurry. Perhaps discretion is truly the better part of valor.

I'll check the weather forecast when I get up tomorrow morning and if it hasn't cleared, I'm staying put. I've already alerted my current campground and they have blocked off my site for one more night.

[Tom_Barb]

Ductape wrote:
I have and I'm sure I will again.

X2,, we spent two days this last trip in 1-3" of snow, no big deal. simply watch your tracks, see if the big heavy coach is leaving wet tracks, if you are the coach is going thru the snow to the road.

http://www.udot.utah.gov/main/f?p=100:pg:0:::1:T,V:1673,64441

[dave17352]

1 to 3 in above freezing temps usually means a little slush on the roads. My only consideration would be the slop on your nice rig. Danger factor would not be a issue. JMHO

[obgraham]

Just went through there last week. Spring is in full force. US 89 is a good road.

Daytime temps are all well above freezing, maybe some evening or night time snow, but the amounts are not great, and it is going to melt.

I'd go and not worry about it. If it turns out worse than forecast, pull over, crank up the heat, and play some cribbage.

[time2roll]

1" to 3" ??? Are you kidding? Just go for it.

[Busskipper]

holstein13 wrote:
I am supposed to travel to Panguitch, UT tomorrow to stay at the KOA there. Unfortunately, they are expecting 1-3 inches of snow. It looks like temperatures will be above freezing most of the day.

I'm driving a 45 foot, tag axle motorhome weighing 45,000 pounds and towing a 6,500 pound Ford F-150 behind me. My route would take me across I-70 and down SR 89.

The question is, should I chance it? Or should I wait until Saturday to travel? Has anyone driven in the snow when temps are above freezing?

Couple of things stand out - One FLORIDA - You are asking the Question - In my book stay put.

With the right driver the Coach can and will handle it but - with no experience You should stay Parked.

I've done Rabbit Ears Pass and Berthoud Pass in 6-8" and it was not fun, Eisenhower tunnel with 6-9 going East and Sunny on the other side. So it can be done but ....... On both occasions I need to not get snowed in for a week as both storms were north of 16" when all was finished.

You are in Utah and the weather will likely only be cool for a few days.

Just chill and be glad you are in the house.

BOL,

[Mr_Mark1]

Looking at the weather forecast for Panguitch, UT, it won't last long. I think you'll probably be OK. We traveled in very cold weather mid December in NM and AZ where the low was near 8 degrees.

The freeways were clear but the RV park had snow on the roads... no problem.

Stay warm and safe.

MM.

[2lazy4U]

I just left Moab this morning because of high winds. It was windy all the way back to Colorado, and I was glad I wasn't pulling a trailer or driving anything with a high profile. I think the forecast for most of Utah tomorrow is windy. If you add that to possibly slick roads and poor visibility, it's a no brainer to wait.

[DSDP_Don]

You're not talking about that much snow and a major highway. My guess would be you will only see some snow on the side of the road. Now if it was snowing as I was driving and it was piling up on the road to the point that wasn't melting as fast as it was coming down, then I would get off the road.

[creeper]

Been there done that many times. No big deal. They are pretty much large trucks after all. But, I'm originally from NY and don't lose my mind at the first site of the white stuff.

[is_it_friday_ye]

I have pulled the trailer through quite a bit of snow and ice. But, I'm used to it where I live. I prefer not to do it with the new trailer because of all the damage that the salt causes. The frame on the trailer we just traded in had surface rust everywhere from just a couple trips in the winter.

[kalynzoo]

No, for me No, if you have to ask I would say No.

[fairway2002]

I just got stuck driving in it this past weekend. Drove ok. I did spin tires one time. Rig did not move side to side at all. After that I kept tag up until I hit 3 or fourth gear. Turned tag on manual. Had down for slow stopping. I would never do it again. I was more concerned about salt. Took hours washing chase.