Towing in the snow

[CR_CRUISER]

I have to tow my 27'fifth wheel about 80 miles tomorrow. It's calling for 6-8" of snow today and tomorrow. Any tips or tricks?
I have a GMC Sierra 4X4 with good winter tires. I do have cable chains.
Thanks in advance.

[4x4ord]

Click

[ford_truck_guy]

If you MUS go, go with caution...

That said, it's not a bad idea to keep an eye on the shoulder.... I've found that if the roads get glazed over from that wet/heavy stuff being packed that it is much better traction on the shoulder with some depth and LESS ICE....Just adjust speed accordingly

Heck, many years ago we had a wicked ICE storm after about 8" of snow.... It took me 3 hours to make the 15 minute drive to work, I made it by the driving shoulders and front grassy areas of folks yards... just dodged mailboxes is all...

[valhalla360]

SpeakEasy wrote:
Wait it out if you can. Why increase your risk so substantially unless you have to?

-Speak

Doesn't always work out but if possible, this would be my first option.

After that, make sure everything is in good working order and take it nice and slow. 80 miles isn't that far, so going slow won't taking you 10hr.

[blt2ski]

If roads are clear like Jerry's picture it's not too bad....black ice or equal is not fun.
Down hill on compact snow is not fun either. But with chains on truck and trailer is not an issue. I've come down some 10-15% grades that way with just one hand on the wheel doing 15-20 mph.
Uphill is not too bad, until you lose traction. Yes that can happen with 4wd even.
I prefer chain chains I've cables unless on steer axle. The diamond chains are better and easier yet to install. Get the non SAE for the truck, best for trailer. But the SAE ones work on the trailer. SAE is low clearance, 3.5mm chain, non SAE is 4.5 mm chain size.

Marty

[MFL]

^Good tip on backing off gain.
If towing in actual deep snow 12"s or more for many miles, I've had the trailer hubs fill with snow, freeze, and no working trailer brakes on a 27' enclosed sled trailer. Check them, before you NEED them.



Downhills in the mts are the worst, if there is any black ice on the road. Slow down, again, test trailer brakes, before your life depends on them.

Jerry

[ssthrd]

Oh and check your brake controller gain. You might have to back it off a touch or two.

[ssthrd]

^^ What they said.

Roads right now are a sheet of ice under snow. Very slippery.

I have about a thousand pounds of sand in burlap bags in the box and ahead of the rear axle to put weight on both rear and front which is probably overkill, but works good. Takes longer to stop, but traction is good.

If you have a 2500/3500 with Duramax and exhaust brake, and the roads are slippery, don't switch the brake on. It could cause the rear axle to lock up which could be fun if you like that sort of thing. I use lower gears and brake early with a light foot.

Campbell River public works yard entrance is off of Merecroft at Dogwood. Sand and bags are free--u-fill, so you will need a shovel if you decide to get some.

If you are going 80 miles south, you should be fine tomorrow on Island Hwy. North might be a different story.

Check the cameras here.

[SpeakEasy]

Wait it out if you can. Why increase your risk so substantially unless you have to?

-Speak

[time2roll]

Slow and steady. Leave tons of space to stop. Investigate local chain requirements.

[blt2ski]

If you have snow covered roads, lots of grades, use a set of chains on the rear of the truck, and one set on trailer axles.vive preferred the front on a tandem myself.
If its slushy, or wet roads, be cautious, drive slower than you might normally.
Either condition, give you and others around you some room driving stopping etc

Marty

[Grit_dog]

And given your location, it will be greasy wet snow/ice, the slipperiest kind (which surely you already know) and being on Vancouver Island presumably you’ll get the additional benefit of dodging all the non snow drivin Vancouverites.
I had better luck driving in Dallas and N Texas during a 100 year snow event with a defective rwd hi performance rental car with a locked up front wheel, than the average snow day in the lane of chitty drivers, the wet side of the PNW…lol.

[Grit_dog]

It’s just like driving in the snow normally except with a trailer, which I’d assume you’re experienced at. If you’re not, and since you’re asking for tips, then you should stay home. It will help your insurance rates and anyone driving near you.