Driving in Snow

[VT Wanderer]

We are headed south this weekend from VT to FL. The predictions are for snow on our starting day in VT. Although I live with 6 months of driving in snow here in the north land, I have never taken my 27 ft. AS out in a full snowstorm. Any suggestions from people "in the know"???

[Len n Jeanne]

We live in snow country, as well. On a recent trip to the Mojave desert, we just kept our studded snow tires on the whole time, as we are returning prior to the dates when states require their removal. Thankfully we didn't encounter snow, coming or going. But it did snow in Utah while we were staying for a few days in Moab. You'd be heading into states that may have a winter tire exclusion after April 1. We allowed extra time for both trips as it's better just to hole up somewhere snug and wait for the snow to pass. Maybe you can drive in the stuff towing a trailer, but we'd rather not.

[mandolindave]

I am a person " in the NO ", certainly not a person " in the snow ". To me, it's not worth the risk, or stress. You would have to drive slowly, anyway.

Up north, the road crews are quick to clear the roads. This time of year, it will get cleared quickly. Wait it out.

Heck, I have had traction issues on wet grass.

[dkottum]

We will never tow on snow or ice again unless our lives depended on it, fine until something goes wrong, you have to turn or stop suddenly.

Some equipment is better than others. Tires matter. If you have a weight distribution hitch where you can loosen the amount sway friction on the bars without reducing w.d. or a Hensley/ProPride design, and drive slower it may help.

And if they are salting the roads and you're driving through the salty water/slush it can and probably will start corrosion issues on your Airstream shell and frame.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Wait 'til it melts...it's April after all.

Bob

[hhendrix]

Only do it you have to. I've been caught in snow storms in Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona, and Oklahoma. Go slow or not at all. Some states even require tire chains on the trailer. Downhill braking is the worst. Dual axles track better than singles. Watch the weather reports closely and if you can, just spend an extra day and wait it out.

[sb55]

We are just the opposite! We were headed back to Vermont and heard about the snow. We are now in Virginia trying wait it out south of the snow line. We have to get back by Wednesday and hope the snow cooperates.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by VT Wanderer

We are headed south this weekend from VT to FL. The predictions are for snow on our starting day in VT. Although I live with 6 months of driving in snow here in the north land, I have never taken my 27 ft. AS out in a full snowstorm. Any suggestions from people "in the know"???

Agree with most of the previous posts -- don't tow in snow unless you HAVE to due to an urgent situation. Think of your 27-foot trailer as a giant sail sliding on an ice rink which is starting to tilt out of level, or being blown by a side wind of 30-40 knots.

The transition from "control" to "no control" could be instantaneous and irreversible.

Maybe be ready to leave if the conditions warrant, but also be happy to stay, and remain healthy and safe -- with an undamaged trailer.

Good luck!

[paiceman]

I would hold fast until the snow melts if it even sticks to the road surface.

[tjdonahoe]

I don't want any salt on my trailer......

[GoWhereTowed]

Don't take the chance!!!