RVing in Bad Weather Conditions

As snowflakes start to fall and winter extends its icy grip from coast to coast, now is the time to prepare yourself for RVing in Bad Weather Conditions. Winter driving can scare the best drivers out there and winter driving in a big rig can cause grey hairs and white knuckles for many of us, even those with years of experience behind the wheel. Hitting the road in the winter can be worth the risk - potential bad weather means empty campgrounds and fewer traffic jams awaiting those brave enough to go for it. With the right preparation and a few general precautions, you and your RV can make the most of this cold and quiet time of year.

Tires

The first thing to address when considering driving in any poor weather situation is the quality and condition of your RV tires. Where the rubber meets the road is probably the most important starting point to insure proper traction and control of your rig. Even the best drivers in the world cannot stop a vehicle quickly on snow-packed roads with bald tires. Before attempting any wet or winter driving, check your tires. If they are badly or irregularly worn, it might be time for a replacement. If tire threads are visible or there is any major damage to the sidewall, replace those tires immediately! The weight of your RV is on your side for helping with traction but good tires with decent tread will hopefully keep the spin outs and skid stops from happening. RV snow tires aren’t necessary unless you plan on driving to Alaska in the winter, but a decent to great set of radials will make an enormous difference in your driving experience and are a necessary expense for safety concerns.

A few recommended tire varieties:

Goodyear Unisteel

Michelin XPS Rib

Bridgestone Duravis M700

Related Read: RV Tires: Selection and Care

Brakes

Good brakes are utterly important in stopping your RV in the event of an emergency and are a crucial aspect of overall RV safety. If you don’t know the current status of your brakes, have a mechanic check them out before embarking on any long journey. Worn out brakes can be trouble in normal weather but compound the issue with a bad rain or snow storm and there is a recipe for trouble. RV braking systems are usually comprised of disc brakes, drum brakes, air brakes, or a combination of these. Disc brakes wear out but their health and status can be checked visually. Drum brakes should be checked by a mechanic as the wheel usually needs to be removed to diagnose. Air brakes have a process that should be followed and checked before each trip - check out this quick checklist for more.

If towing a trailer or another vehicle behind your RV, you will also have a trailer brake to throw into the mix. These often are installed on either side of the steering wheel and consist of a small unit with a lever or button that is press or moved to engage the trailer brake. In snowy conditions, this brake can be your best friend. By engaging the trailer brake you can slow down your entire rig without slamming on the main brakes and causing your RV and trailer to slide out of control. Trailer brakes are a must have if you plan on towing and are another safety feature that can improve control of your rig.

A few favorite trailer brake systems:

Tekonsha P3

Draw-Tite 20191 I-Stop IQ

Hopkins Reliance

Chains

If you plan on tackling any serious winter weather conditions in your RV, you must include a set of snow chains onboard. With any luck you’ll never need to use them, but if you do, they can be a lifesaver when stuck or stranded. Almost all RVs are rear-wheel drive so one pair of chains is enough to get traction in a terrible situation. Chains can take some practice putting on if you’ve never attempted the task before so practicing in your driveway or at the campground before the weather turns south is highly recommended. Make sure to get a set that fit the tires you have installed and stow them in a location that is easy to access quickly. Never drive with chains on in dry road conditions as it can ruin your tires and other parts of the vehicle.

Adverse Weather Driving Tips

Good quality brakes and new tires will help you to stop your RV as fast and safely as possible but there are a few techniques to apply when braking in any slick or wet road condition. If you are trying to stop an RV quickly in the snow, DO NOT slam on the brakes. This applies to any vehicle but a larger vehicle is much harder to correct in the event of a slide. Pump the brakes to slow the vehicle down in adverse conditions. A hard brake will almost certainly cause the rig to slide and lose control. Also be sure to gear the vehicle down and allow the transmission to keep the vehicle at a slow and in control speed. The less you rely on the brakes, the more in control of the rig you will be.

Related Read: Staying Safe When the Rain Comes Down or Weather Turns Severe

Spend the time getting familiar with your trailer brake system. This is a tool that not only allows you to control the braking of the trailer, but also can be a crucial tool in navigating slick and slippery conditions. Note that with a trailer behind an RV, you have at least 2 more tires (often more!) that can slip and/or lose traction. By utilizing the trailer brake, you can prevent potential jack-knife situations.

Above all, be alert, use caution, and make safety your top priority. If a nasty storm is moving in on the weekend of your trip, consider delaying until conditions improve. If the mountain pass up ahead looks more like the Matterhorn than a highway, consider getting a hotel for the night to wait it out until the sun reappears. Basic safety precautions give you a leg up but often the best method to navigate a slippery situation is to avoid it altogether.