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01-03-2025, 02:19 PM
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#1
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4 Rivet Member 
2023 27' Globetrotter
Williamsburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 465
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Winter Towing Question
I pulled my '23 GT27 to Jackson Center before Christmas, and unfortunately the work took longer than I hoped for, so I returned home without the rig for the Christmas Holidays, and am now set to pick it up next week. The weather is going to be very cold, and there will have been some snow on I64 in mountainous area around Beckley, WV (I'm in Virginia). Right now, it looks like there won't be any precipitation for about 4 days prior and during my return, just cold. I'm concerned ice may be a factor, although the interstates are treated. I'm hoping for dry roads, and not a lot of sand or salt, but concerned nevertheless. I'd appreciate any tips regarding my hitch (equalizer with anti-sway), TV (Ford F-250 KR) and possible suggestions on setting my brake controller. Hate to tow this time of year, but don't want to leave it at Jackson Center all winter. Again, I'm anticipating dry but cold roads. Thanks.
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01-04-2025, 06:07 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master 
2015 30' Classic
Decatur
, Illinois
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 767
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Slick roads are not your friend, avoid them at all costs. We got caught in the brutal cold front last year, in the Hill Country of Texas, the temps were going to plunge and there was a good chance of freezing rain. We left a day early to avoid the risk, but still woke up to a light freezing drizzle, causing the roadway to become covered in thin film of ice. Four wheel drive, traveled very slowly and finally reached lower elevation where the temp was above freezing. I would not want to do that again, ever. If it is just brutal cold, we've pulled plenty of times in those conditions, make sure you're winterized before you head out. Watch the weather forecast like your life depends on it.
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01-07-2025, 07:39 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master 
2024 23' International
South of Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 887
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I hope people don't use their 4WD system on hard surfaces, it will damage the drivetrain, unless theres been a big change in 4x4 design that I'm unaware of...... Nevermind having a second live axle up front is not helpful unless your getting un-stuck from somewhere and can cause the front end to slide.
To the OP, I might drop a digit or two on my trailer brake controller. I would say to be very careful on off and on ramps and dont carry a lot of speed into corners. And I mean when you are turning left or right, not just turning on the highway. Jackknife is your worst case. And I would think most likely on an offramp while braking.
Don't brake excessively while turning, or at all. Something will give.
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01-07-2025, 08:16 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master 
2017 28' International
Jim Falls
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,446
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I recently drove back from Minneapolis Airstream in November with snow on the road. It was mostly wet snow. Temps in the 20’s. I had no problem. I did get off the interstate and drove on a 2 lane road with a lot less traffic. This allowed me to drive slower without being pushed. Traffic is not your friend in my opinion. But well travelled roads are since those will be the first cleared and better maintained
I would agree that if it is icy avoid that at all costs. As to adjusting the gain, I would be hesitant. If your trailer doesn’t have a enough gain it will push you and could cause you to lose control if you hit a slick patch. I would do some research on that before you do that. i would be more apt to say get the absolute correct gain set.
The biggest issue was the trailer was an absolute mess when I got home. Washed and waxed immediately. Expect treated roads. Expect to do major cleaning on the outside.
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01-08-2025, 07:43 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master 
2015 30' Classic
Decatur
, Illinois
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 767
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JJTX
I hope people don't use their 4WD system on hard surfaces, it will damage the drivetrain, unless theres been a big change in 4x4 design that I'm unaware of...... Nevermind having a second live axle up front is not helpful unless your getting un-stuck from somewhere and can cause the front end to slide.
To the OP, I might drop a digit or two on my trailer brake controller. I would say to be very careful on off and on ramps and dont carry a lot of speed into corners. And I mean when you are turning left or right, not just turning on the highway. Jackknife is your worst case. And I would think most likely on an offramp while braking.
Don't brake excessively while turning, or at all. Something will give.
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First of all, my background with 4 wheel drive trucks is extensive. Owned, used, needed them for over 50 years. I never said to use it on hard surfaces, but two things, you're not going to tear anything up going in a straight line (just your fuel mileage), and a person should engage it every once in awhile to keep everything lubricated and free. Braking is your worst possible scenario, that will cause your vehicle to travel in the direction you are heading, 4 wheel drive can save you if you know what you are doing. The best advice that I gave, was to avoid icy roads at all costs, stopping is the problem.
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01-08-2025, 10:53 AM
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#6
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4 Rivet Member 
2023 27' Globetrotter
Williamsburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 465
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Thanks for the inputs. Have decided to wait until all roads between me and JC are above freezing. Caution wins this one.
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01-12-2025, 10:16 AM
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#7
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Winemaker
2022 25' Flying Cloud
Avila Beach
, California
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 247
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In Dec. of last year I was heading into Yosemite Vally and it had been snowing like crazy. There was ~2ft of snow on the road. At the entrance to the park was park a fellow towing a 28ft AS with chains. He was towing with Ram 3/4 ton truck. In any case two days later I saw him in the Valley camped at the campground. So...perhaps chains might be one way to mitigate the risk?
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01-12-2025, 10:18 AM
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#8
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1 Rivet Member 
2024 27' Globetrotter
Albuquerque
, NM
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JJTX
I hope people don't use their 4WD system on hard surfaces, it will damage the drivetrain, unless theres been a big change in 4x4 design that I'm unaware of...... Nevermind having a second live axle up front is not helpful unless your getting un-stuck from somewhere and can cause the front end to slide.
To the OP, I might drop a digit or two on my trailer brake controller. I would say to be very careful on off and on ramps and dont carry a lot of speed into corners. And I mean when you are turning left or right, not just turning on the highway. Jackknife is your worst case. And I would think most likely on an offramp while braking.
Don't brake excessively while turning, or at all. Something will give.
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Clearly, there's been a change. You won't hurt your drive train. The new ones are designed for that.
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01-12-2025, 10:34 AM
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#9
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2 Rivet Member 
2017 23' Flying Cloud
Waukesha
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 56
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Winter Towing Question
We’ve driven through ice and snow several times and the coach has handled beautifully, as long as we were cautious. The biggest issue for me was the lingering damage caused by salt and other ice-melt chemicals that are dumped on the roads, particularly in the midwest and further east. It gets into EVERYTHING, and many times I didn’t notice the rust until I happened to be looking into something underneath or some easily missed areas.
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01-12-2025, 11:24 AM
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#10
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19’ Bambi Flying Cloud
2017 19' Flying Cloud
Airstream Coach - Other
Husqvarnia
, Husqvarnia
Join Date: Feb 2024
Posts: 783
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ibosket
We’ve driven through ice and snow several times and the coach has handled beautifully, as long as we were cautious. The biggest issue for me was the lingering damage caused by salt and other ice-melt chemicals that are dumped on the roads, particularly in the midwest and further east. It gets into EVERYTHING, and many times I didn’t notice the rust until I happened to be looking into something underneath or some easily missed areas.
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This is by far the bigger issue, imo. If I was in the OP’s place, I would arrange to store the trailer at JC for the winter to prevent exposure to road-treatments. Retrieve it in March or early April after a few big spring rains. Merely dodging snowy weather won’t help much, given the roads have loads of residual treatments even between storms.
And yes, most modern 4WD/AWD systems can be engaged on dry pavement without any harm.
__________________
2017 Bambi 19 Flying Cloud
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01-12-2025, 12:23 PM
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#11
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4 Rivet Member 
2023 27' Globetrotter
Williamsburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 465
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BikeCamper
This is by far the bigger issue, imo. If I was in the OP’s place, I would arrange to store the trailer at JC for the winter to prevent exposure to road-treatments. Retrieve it in March or early April after a few big spring rains. Merely dodging snowy weather won’t help much, given the roads have loads of residual treatments even between storms.
And yes, most modern 4WD/AWD systems can be engaged on dry pavement without any harm.
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Thanks. Agree there is danger of residual treatment on the roads being a problem. Am waiting on a long period of dry weather, which might take until March. Also, intend to have our rig washed at Blue Beacon when we get back home.
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01-12-2025, 12:30 PM
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#12
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2 Rivet Member 
Currently Looking...
Clovis
, California
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 56
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JJTX:
Big changes the past several years for the big three. Many models feature a "4x4 auto" setting that allows for use on both dry and slick roads. The front axle only connects when the traction control system senses slippage. (You can also select "4x4 Hi" and 4x4 Low.)
4x4 auto worked well on my '17 and '20 Ram 1500s. I lived in the Sierras and it was great driving on roads that had patches of snow intermixed with dry. My current F350 has that feature also but I haven't had to use it much here in Utah.
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01-12-2025, 01:41 PM
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#13
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4 Rivet Member 
2021 25' Flying Cloud
Fredericktown
, Ohio
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 416
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Waiting until the roads are clear is probably a smart move. Everything thing else has been covered. Based on personal experience, we would recommend a nice pressure wash of your rig, when you get home, to get the road salt "dust" off.
__________________
Todd Mizer 
2021 25' FBT Flying Cloud
Ford F-250 6.7L
WBCCI #6826
We have Year-Round Courtesy Parking.
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01-12-2025, 05:16 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master 
1988 32' Excella
Robbinsville
, New Jersey
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 3,632
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blahargoue
JJTX:
Big changes the past several years for the big three. Many models feature a "4x4 auto" setting that allows for use on both dry and slick roads. The front axle only connects when the traction control system senses slippage. (You can also select "4x4 Hi" and 4x4 Low.)
4x4 auto worked well on my '17 and '20 Ram 1500s. I lived in the Sierras and it was great driving on roads that had patches of snow intermixed with dry. My current F350 has that feature also but I haven't had to use it much here in Utah.
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My family had a couple of '02 Chevy's with that. Over twenty years ago isn't exactly new.
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01-12-2025, 06:34 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master 

2012 31' Classic
Golden Valley
, Arizona
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 575
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Avoid icy roads.
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01-12-2025, 09:00 PM
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#16
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3 Rivet Member 

2022 23' Flying Cloud
Watsontown
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 149
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mejess1964
Clearly, there's been a change. You won't hurt your drive train. The new ones are designed for that.
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Interesting. I thought all vehicles were AWD now, not 4WD. I remember my grandfather's old Willies Jeep - we had to go out to the hubs and turn something to lock into 4WD.
Our Subarus had a lever to put them in 4WD and it was finicky. And it did not like hard dry pavement in 4WD.
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01-13-2025, 02:43 AM
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#17
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4 Rivet Member 
2020 25' Globetrotter
Hillsdale
, New York
Join Date: Oct 2021
Posts: 338
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AWD and true 4WD are not the same systems.
SPP
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01-13-2025, 09:48 AM
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#18
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Rivet Master 

2021 30' Flying Cloud
Airstream - Other
Airstream - Other
Lady Lake
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,336
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Salt
Just my feelings,
Some will tow in it.
But after our new trailer was delivered to us in December from Airstream rusted and pitted. I will never again put my trailer on a highway with corrosive ice melt.
I would leave it In the JC lot until the weather cleared.
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