Winter Towing Tips
The winter towing season is a time to pack your gear, load up the family, and pull your travel trailer to wherever you desire. However, pulling a travel trailer in snow can be a tricky (and sometimes even risky) proposition. But, rest assured. With these winter towing tips you’ll be an expert at towing in winter in no time!
Winter towing tip #1: Prepare
You’ve checked the weather reports, planned out your trip (including rest stops), and put together a great winter towing set up for your vehicle. Now it’s time to follow the 7 Ps to prepare for a successful season of winter towing.
When it comes to getting ready to tow in snow or icy conditions, it’s all about the weight. Obviously, you not only need to know how much your vehicle is capable of towing, you also need to be sure how much your travel trailer or boat weighs when fully loaded. Moreover, proper weight distribution is never more important than when towing in snow and ice.
Another useful tip to help you prepare for winter towing is to ensure you have installed a quality sway control system. No one wants to experience vehicle sway when driving their family down the highway with a fully loaded trailer in tow!
Winter towing tip #2: Practice
The first time you drive on snow or ice is an unforgettable experience. As your wheels leave the certainty of the asphalt behind and begin to slip and slide, you will no doubt feel your heart rate quicken! This is even truer if you happen to be pulling a trailer. To avoid towing in snow and icy conditions becoming a nightmare experience, it’s important to practice first.
For instance, the first time you fit snow chains on your vehicle or trailer should not be right before you encounter an icy section of road on your travels. Learn how to correctly fit snow chains at home first before leaving on your winter towing journey.
Winter towing tip #3: Pack appropriately
Freezing conditions can wreak havoc upon your engine. Diesel has a tendency to change consistency at very low temperatures and can lead to serious engine malfunction. A great option is to pack a special winter fuel additive, to prevent the problems associated with gelling. Furthermore, packing emergency gear such as a shovel and vehicle recovery device is essential.
Winter weather can turn on a dime. In an instant you can go from driving in light snow to ploughing through blizzard conditions. Ensuring everyone’s safety must be your top priority. That’s why it is also a good idea to take plenty of warm clothing, blankets and enough food for a few days. Doing so will prevent you from getting caught short on your winter towing expedition.
Having a great winter towing set up and ensuring your tongue weight is balanced is important. However, what matters most is your winter towing preparedness. If you aren’t confident behind the wheel when it comes to towing in snow and icy conditions then you can become a danger to everyone in your vehicle plus all other road users. Follow these winter towing tips and have a successful trip!
