[VAC] Re: winter towing

[Patrick Ewing <pre52@xxxxxxx>]

Hello Scott,

There has been some very good advise on driving on slippery roads,
.............. the best being to just stay off the road if at all possible.

However if one happens to for some reason get stuck out on the road and needs to
continue on until a safe haven can be attained I have some additional tips. I've
driven many thousands of miles in snow both solo and with trailer in tow. At
times the conditions were extreemly severe to say the least.

1) ....... Never make ANY sudden changes be it in turning, accelerating or
stopping. That truck driver that took several miles to slow down did the right
thing and he was very fortunate that he had the space to do so.

2) ....... Drive for the conditions which should be slowly. Leave more stopping
distance.

3) ....... When in very slippery conditions use only the trailer brakes. This
will help keep the rig from jack knifing. I've gone over mountain passes and was
the very last rig through because of severe conditions. It's been so slick that
one couldn't walk on the road for it being too slick. One time it was with a
short wheel base pickup towing a 35 foot Traveleze RV. I would only use the hand
activated controller brake for the trailer and stayed off the truck's brakes.
Before even letting up on the throttle at a low speed I'd carefully apply by
hand the trailer's brake to keep things moving straight.

4) ........ If you have an automatic transmission it helps to place it in
neutral when you need to slow down so you won't be having to over come the
engine torque while stopping. This helps greatly solo as well.

5) ....... Strong winds & ice with a trailer in tow is simply put, ............
DEADLY. Find the nearest off ramp and safely pull over and ride it out if at all
possible. One might want full propane tanks on the trailer to stay warm by the
heater.

I cringe when I think about a vintage Airstream being towed in severe
conditions. Even with a good driver there are a lot of "risk takers" out there
on the roads. They drive poorly even in good conditions on dry pavement. Then
there is the issue of, .............. gasp!!, ................. ROAD SALT !!
..................... If you ever have to tow your unit through salt conditions
please wash well, wheel wells & under belly included, as soon as possible.

Hope all of you have a terrific holiday season!
Pat