Cold Weather Towing

[tgwright]

I am a new trailer owner. I have a 2015 Ram 2500 and an Open Range 3x 427BHS(41ft).
I am headed up through South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana and on down through Washington to Colorado in December/January.
I have lived up north for a while, but have never driven a rig like this in cold weather/snow.
Can anyone offer any driving tips for how to deal with snow and bad weather?

Thanks!

Tim

[newman_fulltime]

My rule of thumb no traveling in the mountains at night.To many wildlife crossing and on roads

[time2roll]

tgwright wrote:
Thoughts on chains for the truck tires?
Chains for the trailer tires?

If allowed or required at any point carry chains.
Test fit before you go. Generally you need a set for the primary drive axle and one trailer axle. I prefer link chains on my truck and just use cables on the trailer.

BTW go slow and leave lots of space to stop. Wait a day or two after a big storm before you roll.

[cheteckie]

wind can cause a lot of problems. It can blow snow across roads and create slippery conditions.

[korbe]

In the winter months, my 4x4 truck will have mud & snows and studs for the ice. I will have some "white knuckle" driving each winter - and that's without a trailer. Good luck.

[tgwright]

We have about 9 months to spend on the road and due to some family obligations, the route is what it is.

Where do I start looking at what chains to get? I've never owned a set.

Thanks for the help so far!

[Old-Biscuit]

Chains on truck drive wheels and chains on rear trailer tires.

WHY the northern State tour during DEC/JAN :H

[2oldman]

Are you a glutton for punishment?

Chains are required all over the place in those states. Probably trailer too.

[SouthpawHD]

Snow and ice can certainly cause the trailer to want to get sideways on you. So driving slower and with extreme caution can help mitigate this.

Do not make sudden movements when driving on snow or ice as this can also cause the trailer to be unpredictable.

If it is snowing that bad, just get off the road might just be the best.

And salt will cause some frame rust and such, so wash it thoroughly when you have a chance.

[tgwright]

Thoughts on chains for the truck tires?
Chains for the trailer tires?

[_tpc_]

Snow and bad weather? I would say don't do it would be the best tip I could offer other than go slower, much much slower.

I think in bad weather/snow months you have really be on the ball about the weather. 30 mph gusting snow with freezing rain? Stay at home or park somewhere. Clear sunny skys with freshly cleaned roads and little wind? Better.

With those large trailers on slick roads with wind, it probably won't take much to ruin a trip.

[Jack_Diane_Free]

If clear and dry...tow. If snow and ice stay put until clear and dry.

[Executive45]

tgwright wrote:

Can anyone offer any driving tips for how to deal with snow and bad weather?

Thanks!

Tim

Realizing it's not very helpful, I'll be the first to offer this "tip".

Drive only in States that begin with Ariz or Fla. :B...Dennis

[Calicajun]

Be interested in hearing some cold weather towing tips too. We have the same truck and tow a 31.5 foot TT up to Klamath Falls, OR a ® we are planning to go Bach there this Christmas.