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Mcwey · 09-23-2013, 07:27 PM

In another thread we asked for info on camping in Yellowstone and received
a ton of great information! "Thanks to All"
So we could sure run into snow this time of year (Snowing here in CO today)
we would appreciate suggestions on how to handle the possible snowy road conditions with the Airstream?

Thanks for any help.
Monty & Glenrose

idroba · 09-23-2013, 07:35 PM

Go very slow, and if possible, stop for the night....lol. Seriously, it is never fun to tow any trailer in the snow, Airstream, SOB, horse, or utility. Sure, it can be done but take it slow and if possible, don't.

Worst situation I ever got into in snow was being trapped on the interstate in the Salt Lake City area in a snowstorm. The fools around me never slowed down a bit, just slid off the road, crashed etc. I had a 25' AS behind my Suburban. I could not go too slow, as that would be an object they had to pass, could not really get off as there was no local place that I knew of to stop and the on and off ramps were worse than the main pavement. I made it, but am not at all interested in repeating any such experience.

Everonica · 09-23-2013, 08:13 PM

Oh, sadly, in my newness and optimism I have honestly never even taken a moment to consider snow! I've been so wrapped up in so many other details, I'd quite overlooked the fact that Wisconsin and Northern Illinois can get quite nasty, and quite nasty is right around the corner.... I, too, would love any snow/sleet/ice tips from seasoned travelers. Also wondering if anyone has advice on what to expect or handle when traveling on a two lane and passing a fast moving semi. Many times, especially in windy conditions, my Yukon Denali XL seemed to get pushed by the "woosh". Wondering what will happen if this occurs while towing my AS?

TG Twinkie · 09-23-2013, 08:53 PM

I am planning a trip in late November early December thru the high plains of Colorado. I will be taking the generator and extra fuel in case we run into extreme weather.
I have years of experience driving and towing in snow. One never gets comfortable in those conditions.
Especially there are those around who think they are in control.
Drive slow and go easy on the brakes. Avoid any quick maneuvers.
Travel Safe

tkb2041 · 09-23-2013, 10:32 PM

Yes I am also heading to Yellowstone from California in early October. My TV is a F-250 4X4 and I have chains for it, but not for the AS. Am I required to have chains on my AS in snow conditions? Would cables be adequate for the AS? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

tkb2041

interstateflyer · 09-23-2013, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkb2041

Yes I am also heading to Yellowstone from California in early October. My TV is a F-250 4X4 and I have chains for it, but not for the AS. Am I required to have chains on my AS in snow conditions? Would cables be adequate for the AS? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

tkb2041

I'm not sure that you can put chains on an AS. Anyone done it?

idroba · 09-23-2013, 11:11 PM

If conditions needed chains on my Airstream, I would park it.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 09-24-2013, 12:30 AM

Hi, I have towed several times in snow and on ice; It wasn't planned, but just happened. I don't carry tire chains and my tow vehicle is only two wheel drive. If you can handle it, drive fairly slow and turn down the setting on your brake controller. Too much braking will cause you to slide all over the place. For most people, it might be better to stay put until the road gets plowed.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 09-24-2013, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idroba

If conditions needed chains on my Airstream, I would park it.

Hi, chains are required on trailers in Oregon.

Phoenix · 09-24-2013, 02:06 AM

Not sure about other models, but there is not enough clearance in the wheel wells to install chains on our 2005, 19-foot Bambi. We have 16-inch wheels and LT tires, but the clearance was only 1/2-inch more with the OEM GYMs and 15-inch wheels (i.e., still not enough clearance). My opinion: If chains are needed, we are camping in the wrong spot.

We have several friends and family members that were long-haul truckers during their earlier careers; and all have said that if chains were needed, they parked their rigs and waited for the weather and roads to clear.

If I absolutely had to tow in snow, I'd put snow tires on our Bambi; studded snow tires, if driving in icy conditions.

Protagonist · 09-24-2013, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phoenix

Not sure about other models, but there is not enough clearance in the wheel wells to install chains on our 2005, 19-foot Bambi. We have 16-inch wheels and LT tires, but the clearance was only 1/2-inch more with the OEM GYMs and 15-inch wheels (i.e., still not enough clearance).

Thule makes some chains that may fit; they're designed for wheelwells with limited clearance.
Clamp Onto Tire Tire Chains | etrailer.com
Not that I need chains where I live…

Bluto · 09-24-2013, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phoenix

Not sure about other models, but there is not enough clearance in the wheel wells to install chains on our 2005, 19-foot Bambi. We have 16-inch wheels and LT tires, but the clearance was only 1/2-inch more with the OEM GYMs and 15-inch wheels (i.e., still not enough clearance). My opinion: If chains are needed, we are camping in the wrong spot.

We have several friends and family members that were long-haul truckers during their earlier careers; and all have said that if chains were needed, they parked their rigs and waited for the weather and roads to clear.

If I absolutely had to tow in snow, I'd put snow tires on our Bambi; studded snow tires, if driving in icy conditions.

Studded snow tires, what a great idea! Sure beats struggling with chains.

mefly2 · 09-24-2013, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkb2041

Yes I am also heading to Yellowstone from California in early October. My TV is a F-250 4X4 and I have chains for it, but not for the AS. Am I required to have chains on my AS in snow conditions? Would cables be adequate for the AS? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

tkb2041

Around here in VERY snowy / icy conditions, chains are only required on the tow vehicle; signage put up for those conditions is very explicit. AFAIK the same holds for ID and WA but better to hear from members in those states.
Unless you have an emergency need to tow your AS in snow/ice conditions, I would go as the above recommended and park until the storm recedes. However, we often park on 3-4" of ice in the spring around here.

mandolindave · 09-24-2013, 11:21 AM

" These people simply DON'T know how to drive in the snow!!!!! "

My method is to watch the weather reports. If the weatherman lies and it starts to snow....I drive as if I have no brakes. SLOW enough to roll to a stop. Try not to brake if on a curve. STOP at the first place you can.

WOW....just thought about ABS. The trailer brakes are powered when the brakes lights are activated. The trailer brakes could lock up, because they are not in the ABS loop.

AND, is it fun to camp in the snow????? I have never seen a ski resort with a campground........ just saying. Is a motel and a bottle of " soda ", cheaper than your deductible? Oh I forgot, I am the wimp who doesn't like to tow when it is RAINING!!!!

wahoonc · 09-24-2013, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluto

Studded snow tires, what a great idea! Sure beats struggling with chains.

Check the legality of studded tires...

Me? I would wait it out in the comfort of my AS somewhere.

Aaron

mandolindave · 09-24-2013, 11:37 AM

I was driving through Wyoming, from Denver to the Badlands, with no trailer, when the snow started to build up. I stopped at a motel with a bar, and cafe. The desk clerk commended me for being one of the smart ones. They said that drivers were always driving off the road due to white out conditions. Supposedly the flat lands get windy, and the snow blows and snow drifts occur.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 09-24-2013, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandolindave

WOW....just thought about ABS. The trailer brakes are powered when the brakes lights are activated. The trailer brakes could lock up, because they are not in the ABS loop.

Hi, this is exactly why I said to turn your brake controller down.

Len n Jeanne · 09-24-2013, 11:33 PM

We've towed our (winterized) Bambi in winter weather, from BC to southern Utah and separately to Death Valley, CA; but thankfully avoided actually driving in snow storms. We don't have special tires on it, but we take the sorts of precautions most people take daily in snow country.

We have beefy snow tires on the truck (4WD), as well as weight (usually sand bags) plus a shovel in the back of the truck. We check weather forecasts religiously, with weather maps and weather cams if available. We plan our route to avoid the higher passes and longer stretches away from settlements. For us that means taking I-84, vs. I-15 and I-90 through Montana; even though it's somewhat longer. We would do a north-south route in Nevada in summer, but not in winter as the distances between towns are so far. Plan extra time so that if you need to slow down or park for hours, you don't miss a reservation or your people-visits. We don't drive at night.

We wear or at least have handy the clothes we would need for the outdoor weather (like snow boots) not the indoor truck temperature in case of a quick exit or a break-down far from anywhere.

I agree that if you need tire chains, this isn't the sort of weather to be driving in. Assuming the Interstates are even open.

A real problem is black ice-- you can't see it till it nails you. Sometimes fog as well, notably around SLC. Ground blizzard is a real problem in Wyoming-- it can be sunny overhead but a white-out at eye-level. Hence all those snow fences. I guess they help some.

We tend to keep our speeds at or under 60 mph, regardless.

Phoenix · 09-25-2013, 03:30 AM

Re: "The trailer brakes could lock up, because they are not in the ABS loop."

Since the older model Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller we have has accelerometers and is proportional, wouldn't the trailer brakes be very lightly applied on ice and snow, with the trailer brake voltage proportional to the deceleration forces?

I have driven short distances (50-100 miles) on packed snow, and had to make emergency stops; and our Bambi brakes didn't seem to lock up. I even have summer highway tread tires on our Airstream.

See additional comments in this thread:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...ml#post1115125

mandolindave · 09-25-2013, 03:58 AM

My head exploded trying to understand the Prodigy. AND I HAVE ONE. ha ha
But....." lightly applying brakes"....is not how I was instructed to use ABS brakes. I was told to " STAND " on them and DON"T pump them ( during an emergency situation ) I think I was told pumping ABS actually turns off ABS and defaults to regular brakes Please correct me if I am wrong.

Hey Buddy, don't confuse me, I am not as smart as you look....ha ha