RV Winter Driving Tips
10-25-2017
Author: in The Road Less Traveled
Not all "snow birds" fly south for the winter. For some, it is a magical time of the year that offers a range of activities and adventures. Unfortunately, the very conditions that make the colder months enjoyable are the same ones that make driving potentially dangerous. Although it can be tricky, it can be done. Here are a few tips to keep you and your rig safe on hazardous roads whether you’re pulling a trailer or driving a motorhome.
Get the Right Tires
This means for everything you're driving and pulling down the road. Even if you rarely equip your regular vehicle with good quality snow tires, it's a good idea to upgrade your RV's. If you're towing a fifth wheel or camper, you should have appropriate seasonal tires installed on both. If either the vehicle or trailer begins to slide, you run the risk of losing control of both, which is when a minor inconvenience can turn into a major setback.
Check Your Levels
Cold weather can play havoc on any battery. It's a good idea to make sure all your batteries — including "house" batteries — are in good condition and well-charged before heading out. No one wants to wind up stalled, stranded, and without heat.
You also should probably fill up on fuel and propane in case you have to run your generator for heat.
Gear Up
Did you check state regulations? Many require tire chains—particularly on trailers—during inclement weather. Regardless, it's better to have them and not need them than it is to need them and not have them.
Make sure you have a basic emergency kit including a traction aid (if you forego the chains), flares, and reflective triangles. Pack plenty of bottled water (in case your water lines freeze), accessible food, and warm clothes or blankets within easy reach. It's best to prepare for the worst.
Wear Appropriate Clothes
For that matter, dress appropriately for the season while traveling. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust how warm you are, as needed, by removing or adding clothes throughout the trip. Thermal clothing like Under Armour and a quilted vest adds warmth without bulk for comfort and maneuverability.
Drive Cautiously
The roads may appear just fine but this can be deceiving. Wet roads that are just beginning to freeze, "black ice," and bridges—which tend to ice earlier than the surrounding areas—make caution a must.
Even if you have plenty of winter weather driving experience, remember that driving a motorhome is completely different. Most are rear-wheel drive rather than front-wheel with much of the weight over the front wheels (unless you have a diesel-pusher), which makes traction and control an issue. If you're towing a trailer, on the other hand, you're pulling a lot of weight. Slamming on the brakes could cause you to jack-knife if the trailer starts to slide.
So, go slow, leave lots of room between you and the vehicle in front of you, and slow down earlier than you would otherwise before turning or stopping.
Avoid Night Driving
Driving on snow or ice is tricky enough; it's best to avoid doing it at night. Plan your trip to accommodate the slower traveling and have an overnight destination that you can easily reach at least half an hour before sundown.
Sometimes, however, it can't be helped. Be advised: light reflects off snow and especially ice. So, if you do drive at night, use your low beams.
In Conclusion
Lastly, if your rig is equipped with automatic brakes or brake controllers, double-check your manual to make sure they’re meant to be used in snowy conditions. If at any time, you’re feeling nervous or unsafe, stop. There's no reason to tempt fate. It's better to show up behind schedule than not at all. So, pack a snow scraper, stay safe, and have fun!
Get the Right Tires
This means for everything you're driving and pulling down the road. Even if you rarely equip your regular vehicle with good quality snow tires, it's a good idea to upgrade your RV's. If you're towing a fifth wheel or camper, you should have appropriate seasonal tires installed on both. If either the vehicle or trailer begins to slide, you run the risk of losing control of both, which is when a minor inconvenience can turn into a major setback.
Related Read: Protect Your Exterior and Tires with These Top Tips
Then, before winter excursions, check the tire pressure and lug nut torque; both of which can greatly affect your driving.Check Your Levels
Cold weather can play havoc on any battery. It's a good idea to make sure all your batteries — including "house" batteries — are in good condition and well-charged before heading out. No one wants to wind up stalled, stranded, and without heat.
You also should probably fill up on fuel and propane in case you have to run your generator for heat.
Gear Up
Did you check state regulations? Many require tire chains—particularly on trailers—during inclement weather. Regardless, it's better to have them and not need them than it is to need them and not have them.
Make sure you have a basic emergency kit including a traction aid (if you forego the chains), flares, and reflective triangles. Pack plenty of bottled water (in case your water lines freeze), accessible food, and warm clothes or blankets within easy reach. It's best to prepare for the worst.
Wear Appropriate Clothes
For that matter, dress appropriately for the season while traveling. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust how warm you are, as needed, by removing or adding clothes throughout the trip. Thermal clothing like Under Armour and a quilted vest adds warmth without bulk for comfort and maneuverability.
Related Read: Workamping at the Sugar Beet Harvest: What to Wear
Drive Cautiously
The roads may appear just fine but this can be deceiving. Wet roads that are just beginning to freeze, "black ice," and bridges—which tend to ice earlier than the surrounding areas—make caution a must.
Even if you have plenty of winter weather driving experience, remember that driving a motorhome is completely different. Most are rear-wheel drive rather than front-wheel with much of the weight over the front wheels (unless you have a diesel-pusher), which makes traction and control an issue. If you're towing a trailer, on the other hand, you're pulling a lot of weight. Slamming on the brakes could cause you to jack-knife if the trailer starts to slide.
So, go slow, leave lots of room between you and the vehicle in front of you, and slow down earlier than you would otherwise before turning or stopping.
Avoid Night Driving
Driving on snow or ice is tricky enough; it's best to avoid doing it at night. Plan your trip to accommodate the slower traveling and have an overnight destination that you can easily reach at least half an hour before sundown.
Sometimes, however, it can't be helped. Be advised: light reflects off snow and especially ice. So, if you do drive at night, use your low beams.
In Conclusion
Lastly, if your rig is equipped with automatic brakes or brake controllers, double-check your manual to make sure they’re meant to be used in snowy conditions. If at any time, you’re feeling nervous or unsafe, stop. There's no reason to tempt fate. It's better to show up behind schedule than not at all. So, pack a snow scraper, stay safe, and have fun!
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Author: Carrie Todd
